Amongst much fanfare, Olympus has unveiled its new vision for the future of its compact camera range. Announcing a mammoth nine new product launches, the company hosted a press conference at Hamburg?s historic Planetarium to illustrate its new motto ? ‘see no boundaries’.
New names to look out for include mju additions, the 725, 730, 740, 750 and 1000. This latter camera is Olympus? first foray into the world of 10MP compacts, joining the likes of HP, Casio and Pentax who have all this year rolled out compacts with identical megapixel power. The camera also features a 3x zoom lens, maximum ISO6400 and digital image stabilisation, all encased in the familiar style conscious mju design. Further new line highlights include the shock and waterproof 7MP mju725, the image stabilised mju740 and 750, in addition to the 730 which features an enlarged 3-inch LCD display.
Hoping to make a big impact in the FE range are new FE190, FE170 and FE180 compacts. Heading up this new line-up is the FE200, which features an improved optical design. The ultra-compact, metal-clad camera features a 5x zoom lens that offers not only improved zoom, but also enhanced wide-angle capabilities with an equivalent focal range of 28-140mm. A 6MP CCD is complemented by 10 scene modes and no-nonsense ?one button, one function? controls.
The metal-encased FE190 meanwhile is looking to make a splash thanks to its 18.5mm slim design. A lifestyle camera in more ways than one, the model offers an entry level price tag in exchange for a 6MP CCD, 3x optical zoom lens and the one button, one function design concept.
The FE170 and FE180 represent near identical additions, both offering 6MP, 2.5inch LCD screens and 3x optical zoom. The FE180 additionally comes complete with a metal-fronted body and movie mode with sound. The FE170 has movie mode without soundtrack, but will present the option of an optional water resistant outdoor case.
Olympus? creative SP range also receives a boost in the form of the 10x optical zoom SP-510 UZ. The 7.1MP camera features Olympus? own BrightCapture Technology that enables a maximum ISO4000 in 3MP resolution mode. As well as full manual exposure controls, 21 pre-defined scene modes are offered in addition to a 2.5Inch LCD.
All the cameras will arrive in stores in time for Christmas, visit www.olympus.co.uk for full details.