Six New Olympus Digicams

August 23, 2006: Olympus will add six new digicams to its line-up in the next two months, offering an attractive range of prices and functionality levels plus some handy new features to help users take better pictures.
Top of the range is the Mju-1000, which boasts a 7.18 x 5.32mm 10-megapixel sensor and 3x optical zoom lens as well as 20 selectable Scene Program modes. The 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel, high-definition LCD monitor features a new “Nightproof” Bright Capture function, which boosts display brightness to make it easy to frame shots in low light. In addition, the Mju-100 has a new “Nightproof” function that allows ISO settings to be boosted to 6400, offering the highest sensitivity currently available in a digicams. This allows faster shutter speeds to be used, minimising the risk of blurring due to subject movement or camera shake. The camera’s AF system can also operate in low light without requiring an AF-assist lamp.
An additional anti-blur function is a new “Shakeproof” button on the back of the camera that engages a gyro sensor to detect camera shake and applies image processing to correct the problem. It also selects a higher ISO setting at the same time. The Mju-1000 also comes with a “Perfect Fix” button corrects problems like camera shake, underexposure caused by backlighting, and red-eye in camera, either individually or simultaneously. Other features include in-camera brightness adjustment, frame composition, calendar creation and basic editing plus burst shooting at 3.6 frames/second. The Mju-1000 is due for release in October and will retail for $649.

The Mju 750 and Mju 740 are similar slimline digicams that feature a 7.1-megapixel CCD sensor and 5x optical zoom lens. Due to go on sale in September, both models are only 24.3mm thick and include built-in guides to make it easy to use the camera’s controls without having to refer to an instruction manual. The 2.5-inch LCD monitor has the same “Nightproof” functions as the Mju-1000, along with three special Scene Modes that boost sensitivity up to ISO 2500. The Mju 750 (RRP $599) includes CCD-shift optical image stabilisation, while the Mju-740 (RRP $499) does not.

Sought-after successor to the Tough 720SW, the Tough 725SW (RRP $599) is now even tougher, offering underwater shooting up to five metres. Shockproof and Waterproof, it is also resistant to damage by sand and dust, making it an ideal camera to take to the beach. A new Underwater Snap mode has been added to the available Scene Program modes, along with “Nightproof” capabilities and an extended battery life.

“Shakeproof” technologies have also been added to the new SP-510UZ model (RRP $499), which goes on sale in October and features a 10x optical zoom lens and 7.1-megapixel CCD sensor. Sensitivity settings on this model can be boosted to ISO 4000, allowing users to shoot with faster shutter speeds, thereby minimising blurring. A new addition is “finezoom” functionality, which allows users to achieve up to 15x magnification at 3MP output for making snapshot-sized prints. Noise-reduction circuitry allows shots to be taken without flash in dimly-lit situations. Proprietary power-saving design allows up to 630 shots to be taken with the supplied AAA alkaline batteries.

At entry level, the slimline FE-200 (RRP $399) combines point-and-shoot simplicity with a 6-megapixel sensor and 5x optical zoom lens. The lens has a maximum angle of view equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm camera, making it easy to take indoor shots and photograph large groups of people or scenic views. The FE-200 also includes Olympus’ “Shakeproof” anti-blur mode, sensitivity settings up to ISO 400 and a 2.5-inch LCD monitor. It goes on sale in early September.
Full product details can be found at www.olympusimaging.com.au. Phone 1300 659 678 for stockist information.