Olympus has launched a new high-end superzoom, accompanied by six other compact camera announcements.

The SP-565 UZ is the latest superzoom from the manufacturer, and combines a compact body with a massive focal range. The 20x optical zoom covers a range of 26-520mm in equivalent terms and is supported by dual image stabilisation.

The camera features full manual control, but also offers common shooting aids such as face detection and shadow adjustment technology. The model is also compatible with an optional teleconverter, delivering a focal length equivalent of 4420mm in equivalent terms, and Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless flash units. The SP-565 UZ will have a RRP of £359.99

The superzoom is joined in release by the latest in Olympus?s ?lifeproof? range ? the mju 1050 SW. Boasting the now-familiar proofing capabilities (-10c cold-, 3m water- and 1.5m shock-proof), the model now features a new TAP control interface and manual-sliding lens cover, and has an RRP of £259.99.

The 1050 SW is not the only new model in the mju series ? Olympus also debuted the mju 1040 and mju 1060. Both models are firmly placed in the style area of the compact market, with the compact mju 1040 boasting 10MP, 3x optical zoom and 2.7in LCD, and the mju 1060 sporting a slightly more impressive 3in LCD, 7x optical zoom and the same 10MP sensor. The models will retail at £149.99 and £259.99 for the mju 1040 and 1060 respectively.

Finishing up the Olympus releases are three new models in the consumer-orientated FE range ? the FE-20, FE-360 and FE-370. Both the FE-20 and FE-360 come complete with 8MP and 3x optical zoom, along with face detection and digital image stabilisation, whilst the FE-370 packs in a 5x optical zoom.

For full release dates and specification, visit www.olympus.co.uk