Digital Camera News and Reviews

Olympus E-520 DSLR

Olympus has announced that they are starting photography classes in America. The classes are for beginner and intermediate users of their DSLR cameras, the E-520, E-420 and E-30.
The classes will be held in six cities across America; Atlanta, New York, Toronto, Chicago, San Francisco and Denver, and include subjects such as Aperture, Shutter Speed, Exposure and Metering.

Press release:
Olympus Helps New Shooters Move To The Head Of The Class

Consumers Will Learn Essential Photography Skills from the Pros This Spring

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 21, 2009 – Olympus launches new photography classes for beginner and intermediate users of Olympus E-System digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. Kicking off in February, the classes are designed for consumers who purchased or received cameras during the holidays and are interested in learning about the art and science of photography. The half-day courses will be held at six locations throughout North America. Olympus Technical Representatives, experts in photography and Olympus products, will lead the sessions and help attendees elevate their picture-taking abilities to the next level.

“Olympus cameras expand the frontiers of photography by combining great portability and high performance,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Our highly portable, feature-packed DSLRs, like the E-420 and E-520, enable consumers to take their cameras more places – and not leave them at home. This coupled with their growing photography skills will translate into capturing even more exciting images of their journeys.”

Each class will be taught using one of Olympus’ popular consumer DSLRs, like the E-420, E-520 and E-30, and will be tailored to the attendees, helping them to maximize their new camera’s performance and feature set. While the classes will focus on key aspects and features of E-System products, consumers will also learn vital elements of photography, including Aperture, Shutter Speed, Exposure and Metering, to name a few.

The Olympus Photography Classes are scheduled[1] for the following locations:

February 21: Atlanta
February 22: New York
March 28: Toronto
March 28: Chicago
April 25: San Francisco
May 2: Denver

For a complete schedule, registration information and contact details visit www.getolympus.com/DSLRevents. A small fee will cover a series of lectures and hands-on training lasting a half-day, and all classes will require an Olympus E-System camera for participation.

The Olympus E-System is designed with revolutionary features that expand the frontiers of digital photography. Based on the Four Thirds Standard, Olympus offers 100 percent digital lenses for edge-to-edge sharpness in a durable yet portable design. Olympus pioneered Full-Time Live View, Dust Reduction and other technologies for DSLRs, leading where others have followed. Proof that Olympus enables consumers to capture it all.

Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 35-100mm f/2.0

DIWA Labs has tested the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 35-100mm f/2.0 lens. This lens is a part of the high grade lens series from Olympus and it has an impressive f/2.0 across the zoom range.
The tests of the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 35-100mm f/2.0 lens were done on the professional Olympus E-3 DSLR camera body.

DIWA Labs states that this Olympus lens is an excellent optical performer.
Read all the tests of the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 35-100mm f/2.0 lens here.
The tests done by DIWA Labs are very technical so you need to read their test guide to understand the test results.

Olympus Stylus-550WP

Olympus has announced an affordable digital camera than be used under water down to 3 meters. The camera is called Olympus Stylus-550WP and several in-camera effects.
Some key features for the Olympus Stylus-550WP:
-Water resistant down to 3 meters
-10 megapixel sensor
-3x optical zoom lens (38-114 mm)
-2.5″ LCD screen
-Perfect Shot Preview
-Perfect fix for in-camera retouching
-Intelligent Auto mode.

The Olympus Stylus-550WP will be available from February 2009 for about $200.

Press release:
Olympus Stylus-550WP Offers Waterproof Point-Dunk-And-Shoot Fun

The Perfect Digital Compact Camera for Fun in the Sun with 10 Megapixels, Intelligent Auto Mode, Face Detection and More

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 7, 2009 – Olympus, the company that introduced shockproof/waterproof cameras to mass consumers in 2006, announces the new STYLUS-550WP. Thanks to waterproofing technology adopted from Olympus’ Stylus® Tough series cameras, the new Stylus waterproof camera is optimized for consumers who want to take stunning images of their aquatic adventures, making it the perfect pool companion.

“In a recent study of consumers considering the purchase of a new digital camera, they overwhelmingly selected weatherproofing as a desired feature,” said Tomoko Matsunaga, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The new STYLUS-550WP camera borrows technology that was originally developed for our Stylus Tough cameras, and meets the needs of those consumers who want to take pictures under water or in the rain without paying for other rugged features they may not need.”

Point-Dunk-and-Shoot Camera
Olympus continues to develop new products that encourage consumers to capture brilliant images in some of the world’s most challenging environments and situations. The STYLUS-550WP can go where other cameras fear to tread and can perform as well under water as it does on land because of its slim lightweight, aluminum exterior that is sealed from the elements by interior rubber gaskets and O-rings. The STYLUS-550WP can be submerged up to 10 feet under water, and the inclusion of an underwater scene mode makes it ideal for taking photos while snorkeling, in the pool, or riding the waterslide.

Intelligent Auto Thinks for You
In or out of the water, you won’t miss the shot thanks to Intelligent Auto Mode. It automatically identifies what you are shooting (i.e. Portrait, Night + Portrait, Landscape, Macro and Sports) and adjusts the camera’s settings to capture the best quality results. First-time users can dive into this quick and hassle-free feature that does the thinking for them and produces incredible images.

Can’t Hide with Face Detection!
Portrait and group shots make family reunions live beyond the short event, and with Face Detection you’ll capture even the shyest relatives. The new camera detects up to three faces within the frame and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure to capture sharp, brilliant portraits and group shots. With the waterproof STYLUS-550WP, you’ll capture amazing photos even if your next family reunion is at a water park!

Versatile Memory
All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture CardTM media. Starting with products available in August 2008, they also accept microSD memory cards to capture images. The STYLUS-550WP offers the flexibility to use either xD-Picture Card or microSD memory cards, which is just one more advantage of Olympus point-and-shoot cameras.

Freeze that Splash with Digital Image Stabilization
The fast motion of moving sea life or paddling swimmers could easily cause blurry images. Digital Image Stabilization freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds to help prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject, resulting in crystal-clear snaps.

Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing
While it can’t remove the red from your eyes caused by too much chlorine in the water, the STYLUS-550WP offers Red-Eye Fix as well as other in-camera editing features such as Shadow Adjustment Edit, resizing and cropping, so you can edit photos right in the camera. With the Perfect Fix function, multiple editing features can be applied at once, so what you see on the 2.5-inch LCD will look amazing when you show it to your friends in the hot tub.

Mix and Match with Practical and Fashionable Accessories
The STYLUS-550WP comes in an attractive black body reminiscent of a scuba diving wetsuit; it is also available in aqua blue. Olympus also offers a number of optional accessories for the STYLUS-550WP so shooting in the water can be more fun and exciting. Highly visible floating wrist straps free users’ hands when swimming or chasing the next big wave. A stylish silicone skin protects the camera from scratches. Durable, sporty neoprene cases are perfect for active or outdoor expeditions. Additionally, new carabineer straps available in blue and black attach directly to the camera and can be hooked to a bag, swimming suit or hiking shorts.

OLYMPUS Master 2 Software
OLYMPUS Master 2 Software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are easily organized by folders or albums and searchable by date in Calendar view. A direct link makes uploading your images and videos to YouTube™ easier than ever. Additionally, with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee™ Theater Pack to create professional quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates. Additionally, create scrapbooks, greeting cards and other fun prints using the optional ArcSoft® Print Creations plug-in.

Availability
The STYLUS-550WP will be available in February 2009. It includes a wrist strap, camera WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-42B) & Charger (LI-41C), MASD-1 (microSD Adapter), manual, warranty card and OLYMPUS Master 2 software (CD-ROM).

U.S. Pricing
STYLUS-550WP Estimated Street Price: $199.99 (U.S.)

Olympus Stylus-9000 / mju 9000

Olympus has announced yet another digital camera today. This time it is the Stylus-9000 (called mju 9000 in Europe) digital camera that yields a 10x optical zoom lens (compared to 7x on the Stylus-7000).

Some key features for the Olympus Stylus-9000 / mju 9000:
-12 megapixel sensor
-10x optical zoom lens (28-280mm)
-2.7″ LCD screen
-Dual image stabilization

The Olympus Stylus-9000 / mju 9000 will be available from February 2009 for about $349.99.

Press release:
Beautiful cameras for beautiful photographs

Power and elegance combined

London, 7 January 2009 – The popular Olympus µ series is once again setting the standard for cameras that combine graceful design with practical innovative features. Confirming Olympus’ status as the leading developer of opto-digital technology, the new models feature compact optical zooms, with magnifications ranging from 5x in the µ-5000, 7x in the µ-7000, to an incredible 10x in the µ-9000. All three cameras feature 12 Megapixel CCDs and a host of features that guarantee brilliant results, including Dual Image Stabilisation to reduce the effect of camera shake, and a remarkable Beauty Mode that smoothes out the completions of people, knocking years of their age! With sleek metal bodies in a range of colours, the Olympus µ-5000 will be available at the end of January, while the µ-9000 and µ-7000 in stores mid February 2009.

µ-9000
Hidden inside its super-slim metal body the µ-9000 has a wide 10x optical zoom (28-280mm*) that’s powerful enough to capture wide, open landscapes and then zoom in to closely scrutinise details on the horizon. Of course the µ-9000 is great for photographing people too. Face Detection Technology identifies up to three human faces in a photo, then focuses and sets the exposure so that they look their best, and the wide viewing angles of the bright 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD make framing photos easy even in bright sunlight and at awkward angles. The µ-9000 will be available in Midnight Black and Royal Blue versions.

As with the other two new additions to the “classic” µ series, the µ-9000 includes Dual Image Stabilisation. This reduces blur caused by camera shake by minutely adjusting the position of their 12 Megapixel CCDs to compensate for inadvertent camera movement, and uses higher ISO values to ensure faster shutter speeds.

µ-7000
The µ-7000 is the happy choice for photographers who like taking photos of their family and friends. Its versatile 7x optical zoom (37-260mm*) is great for group shots and portraits and with Advanced Face Detection, up to 16 faces can be automatically identified in single photo. For the happiest results of all though, select Smile Shot and the µ-7000 will even detect when subjects are smiling and take the photo at just the right moment. A huge 7.6cm/3.0” HyperCrystal II LCD makes framing photos a doddle and allows everyone to see their picture at the same time. The µ-7000 comes in three colours: Starry Silver, Midnight Black and Ocean Blue.

µ-5000
With its 5x optical zoom (36-180mm*), the µ-5000 is the perfect choice for flexible, high-performance photography. In common with the µ-9000 and µ-7000, this stylish camera has Perfect Shot Preview which allows changes to various settings to be viewed next to one another in a multi-frame window on the 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD, so a comparison can be made and the best option selected before the photo is taken. The µ-5000 also has Perfect Fix; this handy function corrects red-eyes and dark shadowy areas in photos that have already been taken. The ultra-slim µ-5000 is available in a choice of Metal Magenta, Atlantic Blue or Midnight Black.

People will love having their photos taken by these sleek and sexy cameras, as µ-9000, µ-7000 and µ-5000 all feature a new Beauty Mode that smoothes out imperfections in the subject’s skin as the photo is taken, for a flawless-looking complexion that knocks years off their age.

The new models have a number of other common features too, including Intelligent Auto Mode, which automatically identifies which of five often-encountered types of scenes the photo being taken matches. In-Camera Panorama Mode is also included so that sequential photos can be combined in-camera to create dramatic wide panorama photographs.

Handling and navigation on the new cameras is easy thanks to illuminated buttons and all models are compatible with xD-Picture Cards and microSD Cards**. The Olympus µ-5000 will be on sale from the end of January, while the µ-9000 and µ-7000 will become available in mid February 2009.

The Olympus µ-9000 – main features:

* Extra slim 10x wide optical zoom (28-280mm*) in a compact metal body to capture landscapes through to exciting close-ups
* Avoids blur thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation (combines mechanical and digital image stabiliser)
* The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto Mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
* 12 Megapixels to make prints up to poster-size
* 6.9cm/2.7″ HyperCrystal III LCD for best ever preview even in brilliant sunlight and at extreme angles (230,000 dots)
* Face Detection for perfectly focused and exposed faces. In combination with Shadow Adjustment Technology other main parts of the picture are also correctly exposed.
* TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
* Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps) xD-Picture Card and microSD Card** compatible

The Olympus µ-7000 – main features:

* Exceptional 7x optical zoom (37-260mm*) in a compact metal body to capture landscapes through to exciting close-ups
* Avoids blur thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation (combines mechanical and digital image stabiliser)
* High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI™) technology incorporated for viewing images in high definition on HDMI TVs
* 7.6cm/3.0” HyperCrystal II LCD for excellent preview even in bright sunlight and at extreme angles (230,000 dots)
* 12 Megapixels to make prints up to poster-size
* The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto Mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
* Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces. In combination with Shadow Adjustment Technology other main parts of the picture are also correctly exposed.
* TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
* Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
* xD-Picture Card and microSD Card**compatible

The Olympus µ-5000 – main features:

* Excellent 5x optical zoom (36-180mm*) in a smart metallic body to capture landscapes through to exciting close-ups
* Avoids blur thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation (combines mechanical and digital image stabiliser)
* The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto Mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
* 12 Megapixels to make prints up to poster-size
* Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces. In combination with Shadow Adjustment Technology other main parts of the picture are also correctly exposed.
* 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD with a bright display even in bright sunlight and at extreme angles (230,000 dots)
* TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
* Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
* xD-Picture Card and microSD Card** compatible