Digital Photography Blog: Digital Camera Reviews, Ratings, News, Tips and Tutorials.
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DP Review has reviewed the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W7 and writes - 'So then, the W7 is a camera that offers excellent performance, solid handling and very good image quality in an easy to use, well-built package. It may not be as pocketable as cameras like the P200, and it's certainly no head-turner, but it does offer excellent value for money (being up to $100 less expensive than some competitors), and has a certain charm (if you find aluminum bricks charming).'
Read more about the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W7
Get a price on the Sony - DSC-W7 Cyber-shot Digital Camera
PC Mag reviews the Samsung Digimax U-CA 5 which they can only rate as a 'fair' camera. They write - 'We can't quibble with the 5.1MP Samsung Digimax U-CA 5's $250 price tag, but when it comes to features and performance, the camera disappoints. The resolution is in the 4MP range, the menus are clunky, and we noticed a good deal of shutter lag during testing. The market is crowded with consumer cameras vying for your money, and most of them are better than this one.'
Steve's Digicams reviews the Samsung Digimax UCA5 and writes - 'Ergonomics are good. The controls are well placed and the menu system was easy to navigate. Its 1.8-inch LCD is used for shot composition, image review, and displays the onscreen menus. Outdoors it works well with few angles that reflect the sun. When shooting in dim lighting, the display does not “gain up” to aid in framing. However, the AF-assist lamp does help by illuminating your subject for a brief moment.
Shooting performance was good for a camera in this class. From power up to first image captured measured approx. 3.8 seconds. Shutter lag when pre-focused was about 2/10 of a second and 7/10 of a second including autofocus. The shot to shot delay averaged approx. 1.7 seconds between frames without using the flash and from 2.5 to 4 seconds with the flash, depending on subject distance. Using the Continuous capture mode, I was able to capture 7 frames in approx. 4.7 seconds. The LCD goes blank when shooting in this mode, which makes following moving subjects next to impossible. All tests were done using a Transcend 60x 512MB SD card, with the LCD on, quality/size set at 5M/Super Fine, image review off, and all other settings at default (unless otherwise noted.) Times may vary dependent on lighting conditions, camera settings, media, etc.'
Get the Latest Price on the Samsung U-CA5
Ricoh have just released a press release teaser of a new GR digital camera - built in the style of their popular GR film cameras. Here's what they announce:
'On September 13 RICOH will announce the arrival of a new Super High Imaging Quality compact digital camera. This exceptional camera will be the digital version of the well-known GR analog camera series.
The GR1 was first launched in October 96. Thereafter followed the GR1s, GR10, GR21 and GR1V. Although using 28mm and 21mm wide angle lenses, the quality was such that images were sharp right up to the edge; in fact a special L-mount version of the 28mm GR lens was made and rated highly by specialist reviews. As a result these cameras became popular with professional photographers and enthusiasts the world over. This is a response to a request from loyal GR serices customers.'
We're not sure if this is the same digital camera that is rumored to be coming from Ricoh under the Ricoh Caplio R3 name or not.
Get the Latest Price on the Ricoh GR DigitalCompare prices on the Ricoh GR Digital
CNET Reviews the Nikon D50 DSLR and writes - 'Bargain-hunting digital-SLR consumers will find a few features missing from the D70s's array, including a 1/8,000-second top shutter speed, a depth-of-field preview, and a second command dial; also, the kit lens has about 25 percent less telephoto reach: 27mm to 82.5mm vs. 27mm to 105mm (35mm-camera equivalent). But improved image-processing algorithms give the junior Nikon SLR better noise characteristics at ISO settings up to 1600 and offer gentler treatment of highlights. Budding shutterbugs looking for fast operation coupled with useful features such as a robust burst mode, accurate exposure metering, and iTTL electronic flash control (both internal and external) will find a lot to like about this budget digital SLR contender.'
Read more about the Nikon D50 DSLR
Buy the Nikon D50 DSLRThere is another interesting spin on the Digital Camera vs Camera phone debate today with an IDC survey arguing that camera phones are a 'gateway' product which create rather than eliminate digital camera users.
The study finds that 30% of camera phone owners plan on purchasing a digital camera after being introduced to digital photography through using their phone.
Technorati Tags: Camera Phone
The Olympus Stylus 600 (also known as the Olympus Mju Digital 600) is a 6 megapixel digital camera with a 3x Optical Zoom and 2.5inch LCD screen. It features the TruePic TURBO processor and weatherproof casing.
The Olympus Stylus comes in navy blue, ruby red, or silver and has a number of inbuilt features for editing photos such as red eye repair and brightness control. It will retail for $300 (USD) and will hit stores in September of 2005.
Get the Latest Price and/or order the Olympus Mju Digital 600
PhotographyBLOG reviews the Olympus Mju Digital 600 (also known as the Olympus Stylus 600) and writes - 'the Olympus Mju Digital 600 is a purely point and shoot digital camera which offers a mixture of good looks, numerous scene modes and great playback features to entice the novice user. The Album, Calendar and Title options all help to make this camera more fun. The Olympus Mju Digital 600 is pocketable, quick to react, has a great 2.5 inch LCD screen, and is fairly easy to use.'
Steves Digicams reviews the Olympus Stylus 600 and writes - 'The Stylus 600 is yet another weather-resistant model from Olympus this year, offering some very appealing features like a 6-megapixel CCD imager, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5-inch LCD, etc. This versatile consumer model is aimed toward the user who likes the ability to just point and shoot, no matter what the weather conditions are. Its Program mode is fully automatic with more advanced settings for ISO, White balance, Metering and more. You can also choose from one of 24 scene-specific modes that are programmed for a multitude of different shooting conditions.'
Photoxels has posted a review of the Olympus Stylus 600 and writes - 'The Olympus Stylus 600 Digital is well designed, fast in operations and the all-weather feature means that you can use it most anywhere. Improvement suggestion: image quality gives results that are good enough for most snapshooters, but more advanced photographers would prefer at least one quality level up. The LCD gain up feature is easily the best we've seen and its many Scene Modes make it point-and-shoot simple to use.'
Imaging Resource reviews the Olympus Stylus 600 and writes - 'As the latest in that company's "Stylus" line of compact digital cameras, the 6-Mp, 3x-zoom Olympus Stylus 600 Digital is to my mind one of the best Stylus Digital models to date. Its body design is trim and compact, with a button-based interface simpler than that found on earlier models. It offers the same water resistance that makes the rest of the Stylus line so practical for go-anywhere photography, and sports a big, beautiful 2.5-inch LCD monitor to view your photos on. While the LCD on the Stylus 600 does much better than average in bright sunlight, and offers a wider than average viewing angle, I do wish that Olympus had kept an optical viewfinder for low light shooting. That quibble aside, the Olympus Stylus 600 is a very capable, highly portable point shoot camera, with good image quality, a better than average lens, and a unique help system that won't leave you stranded.'
Premium Size 2.5-Inch LCD, 6-Megapixel CCD, and All-Weather Design with New Features and Functions
Defined by all-weather durability and stylish ergonomic design, the Olympus Stylus series of digital cameras are among the most popular point-and-shoot cameras in history. The new Stylus 600 continues this tradition, adding advanced performance and enhanced usability with the new Bright Capture Technology for improved low light photography and the inclusion of a premium size 2.5-inch LCD, as well as the TruePic TURBO Image Processor for high image quality and fast response time, 26 shooting modes for versatility, a built-in Help Guide for on-the-fly instruction, and a 6.0-megapixel image sensor for high-resolution large format prints.
“Over the years, Stylus cameras have come to enjoy a legacy as the best selling point-and-shoot camera in history,” said Tomoko Matsunaga, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The Stylus 600 continues the Stylus tradition of all-weather durability and stylish compact design, adding new features for added performance and enhanced usability.”
All-Weather Durability
Typically water and photography are a bad combination, limiting your outdoor photography options when rain, snow or sea are involved. But the compact, all-weather Stylus 600 can go virtually anywhere you can. The body construction is durable and lightweight with rubber gaskets throughout the interior to ensure that rain, sleet, snow won’t get in the way of great photos.
Bright Capture Technology for Low-Light Photography
There are times when you want to photograph subjects in low light without having to use a flash – such as when trying to capture the softness and warmth of a candlelit dinner, or natural skin tones in subdued lighting. Olympus’ new Bright Capture Technology makes it possible to clearly compose subjects on the LCD, and with high sensitivity options (up to ISO 1600) and an enhanced auto-focus, even action photos can be captured in low levels of ambient light.
2.5-Inch Premium Size LCD
With the large 2.5-inch LCD, the Stylus 600 is a veritable walking photo album! The large LCD makes it easier to see clear images when composing shots, which you can then gather your friends around to review in vivid detail without having to download to a computer.
6.0-Megapixel Image Sensor for Large-Format Prints
The 6.0-megapixel CCD image sensor delivers super high-quality images that are consistently sharp and vivid even in large-format prints.
High Quality Olympus Lens Elements
Olympus photos are known worldwide for sharp, vibrant image quality. This is achieved through a number of key technologies, such as Olympus’ new high-refractive-index aspherical lens elements, designed specifically for digital cameras. The lens provides the equivalent of 35 to 105mm focal length, f3.1– f5.2 in 35mm photography, with 15x combined total zoom (3x optical and 5x digital) to bring the action closer, and a Super Macro Mode that captures details as nuanced as the iridescent petals of a flower, from as close as 2.8 inches.
Style and Ergonomics
The Stylus 600 is defined by high-performance, durability and style. In addition to the all-weather construction that made the Stylus famous, the Stylus 600 features clean lines and smooth, rounded edges that make it comfortable to hold and easy to handle. At a compact size of 3.8“ (W) x 2.2” (H) x 1.0“ (D) the camera fits snugly into a pocket and won’t crowd a backpack. The stainless steel lens barrier tucks away inside the camera body with a snap when powered on, and protects the lens with an impenetrable seal when closed.
TruePic TURBO for High-Speed Response
Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO Image Processor enhances image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback. TruePic TURBOTM enables the Stylus 600 to capture information from all 6.0 million pixels with pixel ”micro-smoothing“ that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos, even at lower resolutions. The fast startup of less than one second and nearly instant shutter release time ensures a high-speed response so you are always ready to take great pictures.
26 Selectable Shooting Modes
The Stylus 600 makes it easy to capture great images in a variety of lighting situations with 24 pre-programmed scene modes, such as Night Scene, Indoor Portrait or Cuisine Mode. And with its QuickTime® Movie Mode, the Stylus 600 can record movies of any length, limited only by the size of the internal memory or xD-Picture Card in the camera.
Help Guide for Added Ease-of-Use
With the new Help Guide function, the Stylus 600 makes every last one of its features accessible, even to novice users. By simply pressing the Guide button on the back of the camera, users can access brief descriptions of each of the camera’s functions and scene modes.
PictBridge Enabled – No Computer Necessary!
The power of PictBridge technology enables photos to be printed directly from the Stylus 600 to any PictBridge-enabled printer without using a computer. And the new one-touch printing button makes printing a single-step process. Printing and sharing images has never been easier!
In-camera Editing
With in-camera editing features such as Red-Eye Fix, image composition with the option to add a built-in frame or text, and color brightness or saturation adjustments, users can edit photos on the fly – no longer do you have to tool around with computers and editing software for simple image touch-ups!
Underwater Photography
The new PT-029 underwater housing is created specially for the Stylus 600 – so you can take your camera with you on your underwater excursions. The large 2.5-inch LCD, compact body size and three underwater scene modes make it the perfect camera to take along diving. And with the new Bright Capture Technology you’ll be able to easily preview images on the LCD even in the darkness of under water.
Easy USB Auto-Connect
Connecting the Stylus 600 to a computer is easy with the USB Auto-Connect feature, which connects directly via USB 2.0 cable and requires no software.
OLYMPUS Master Software
OLYMPUS Master software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are searchable by date or keyword in the Calendar View. And with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye reduction, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away.
Availability
The Stylus 600 will be available in September 2005. It includes: Wrist Strap, Camera WIN/Mac USB Cable, Video cable, Li-12B Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery and Charger, Quick Start Guide, Basic Instruction Manual, Warranty Card, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software, and Camera Advanced manual.
U.S. Pricing
Stylus 600 Estimated Street Price: $299.99 (U.S.)
The Olympus SP-310 is a 7.1 megapixel digital camera that features a 2.5inch LCD and 3x Optical Zoom. It also has 25 megabytes of internal memory, xD Picture Card, USB 2.0 connectivity and 30 shooting modes.
The Olympus SP-310 will retail for $349.99 and should appear in stores in October of 2005.
Order an Olympus SP-310 today.
Olympus Announces Launch Of New Sp-series Digital Cameras Designed To Deliver Performance And Creative Control
New SP-310 and SP-350 Offers Advanced Manual Controls, 30 Shooting Modes and a Large 2.5-Inch Premium Size LCD
With the release of two new SP-series digital cameras, the 7.0-megapixel SP-310 and the 8.o-megapixel SP-350, Olympus introduces state-of-the-art specialized features that enable photographers of all skill levels to express their creative vision. Both cameras offer the option of either manual settings for creative control or 30 selectable shooting modes for convenience and ease-of-use, along with optional add-on accessory lenses, an optional underwater housing, and a large, easy-to-view 2.5-inch premium size LCD. The SP-310 and SP-350 are highly versatile cameras, powerful enough to satisfy the creative needs of the advanced user, and expansive enough to grow as users develop their talent.
“With the new SP-series digital cameras, Olympus offers a selection of cameras that are specifically designed for users with a variety of needs and photography skills,” said John McGuire, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The SP-310 and SP-350 each offer users the versatility of an advanced fully-featured camera and an easy-to-use point-and-shoot in one compact unit.”
High Resolution Image Sensor for Large-Format Prints
The SP-310 features a high resolution 7.0-megapixel CCD image sensor, and the SP-350 features an even higher resolution 8.0-megapixel CCD, to deliver super high-quality images that are consistently sharp and vivid even in large-format prints.
2.5-Inch Premium Size LCD
Composing and reviewing images is far easier when you don’t have to squint. The 115,000-pixel anti-glare LCD enables you to view images in large and vivid detail. What’s more, you don’t have to download and print images each time you want to share them – you can treat your friends and family to a slide show right on the back of your camera. With the large 2.5-inch LCD, the SP-310 and SP-350 are veritable walking photo albums!
PictBridge Enabled – No Computer Necessary!
The power of PictBridge technology enables photos to be printed directly from the camera to any PictBridge-enabled printer without using a computer. And the new one-touch printing button makes printing a single-step process. Printing and sharing images has never been easier!
Manual Settings for Added Creative Control
The addition of manual Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes gives users versatility and control for optimal performance in any situation. Users can express their creative vision – adjusting the f-stop for detailed portraits with softened backgrounds, or slowing the exposure speed to create the blurred effect of motion.
30 Selectable Shooting Modes
The SP-310 and SP-350 make it easy to capture great images in a variety of lighting situations with 24 pre-programmed scene modes, such as Night Scene, Indoor Portrait or Cuisine Mode. And with its QuickTime® Movie Mode, the cameras can record movies of any length, limited only by the size of the internal memory or xD-Picture Card in the camera.
Accessory Lenses & Flashes for Expanded Capabilities
Olympus’ SP-series cameras feature a threaded barrel, which enables easy attachment of add-on wide angle or telephoto conversion lenses for even more creative control. Compatible accessory lenses include the WCON-07F wide angle lens, which enables a wider field of view for shooting skylines, landscapes or group shots, and the TCON-17F telephoto conversion lens, which extends the camera’s magnification capability by 1.7 times for bringing subjects dramatically closer, great for shooting sports events, concerts or wildlife.
The SP-350 also has a hot shoe for external flashes, providing additional versatility for more advanced shots when difficult lighting is an issue.
TruePic TURBO for High-Speed Response
Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO Image Processor enhances image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback. TruePic TURBOTM enable the cameras to capture information with pixel “micro-smoothing” that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos, even at lower resolutions. The fast startup of less than one second and nearly instant shutter release time ensures a high-speed response so you are always ready to take great pictures.
High Quality Olympus Lens Elements
Olympus photos are known worldwide for sharp, vibrant image quality. This is achieved through a number of key technologies, such as Olympus’ new high-refractive-index aspherical lens elements, designed specifically for digital cameras. The lens provides the equivalent of 38 to 114mm focal length, f2.8 – f4.9 in 35mm photography, with 15x combined total zoom (3x optical and 5x digital) to bring the action closer, and a Super Macro Mode that captures details as nuanced as the iridescent petals of a flower, from as close as 2 cm.
In-camera Editing
With in-camera editing features such as Red-Eye Fix, color brightness and saturation adjustments, users can edit photos on the fly – no longer do you have to tool around with computers and editing software for simple image touch-ups!
Style and Ergonomics
With the new SP-series cameras, Olympus returns to the traditional, compact appearance of its traditional range-finder cameras. At a compact size of just 3.9“ W x 2.6” H x 1.4“ D and less than 7 ounces, tucks away easily into a pocket or backpack. The addition of an ergonomic grip makes it easy to hold with one hand, for capturing those photo ops when you are, literally, on the run.
Underwater Photography
The new PT-030 underwater housing is created specially for the SP-310/SP-350 cameras – so you can take your camera with you on your underwater excursions. The large 2.5-inch premium size LCD, compact body size and three underwater scene modes make it the perfect camera to take along diving.
Easy USB Auto-Connect
Connecting the camera to a computer is easy with the USB Auto-Connect feature, which connects directly via USB 2.0 cable and requires no software.
OLYMPUS Master Software
OLYMPUS Master software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are searchable by date or keyword in the Calendar View. And with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye reduction, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away.
Availability
The SP-310 and SP-350 will be available in October 2005. Each includes: Wrist Strap, Camera WIN/Mac USB Cable, Video cable, 2 AA batteries, Quick Start Guide, Basic Instruction Manual, Warranty Card, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software, and Camera Advanced manual.
U.S. Pricing
SP-310 Estimated Street Price: $349.99 (U.S.)
SP-350 Estimated Street Price: $399.99 (U.S.)
DP Review has reviewed the Olympus SP-310 and gives it a rating of 'recommended. They write - 'The SP-310 is perhaps a camera that deserves more attention than it has so far received - it offers a comprehensive feature set at a remarkably low price in an easy to use and well put together package. Yes, the JPEG output suffers from the same over-sharpening artefacts as the recently-reviewed Stylus 800, but to a significantly lesser degree, and certainly not in a way that will adversely affect prints. And of course in mitigation SP-310 also offers the advantage of raw capture to those with the patience to wait 10 seconds between shots and to fine tune the conversion.'
Steves Digicams reviews the Olympus SP-310 and recommends - 'When we first saw the specs of this model, it looked very appealing. And we loved its ergonomics, image quality, and versatile exposure modes. However the poor shooting performance and short battery life really brings it down and it is very hard for us to recommend this model. We feel the shooting performance suffers due to the very slow recording media (xD-picture card.)'
Imaging Resource has a great review of the Olympus SP-310 Digital Camera where they write - 'The 7.1-megapixel, 3x-zoom Olympus SP-310 is an excellent performer where it counts: printed image quality. It has a wealth of features in a surprisingly compact body; and though it's not the most attractive design (in our eyes, anyway) you'll start to like it right away when you shoot with it. Featuring a full range of exposure control, in addition to 24 preset Scene modes, the SP-310 caters to a large audience. Novices will appreciate the availability of pure point-and-shoot operation, while more experienced users will enjoy the option of full manual exposure control. A large 2.5-inch LCD monitor provides accurate framing, and a great place to view pictures, with a real-image optical viewfinder available to save battery power, a feature disappearing from most digicams with a large LCD. Though the camera's Auto white balance setting tends toward a warmer color cast, overall color is generally pretty good, and exposure is usually about right. (It does tend to produce contrasty images under harsh lighting though.) Though the slow shutter lag numbers could have been better, the printed image quality of the SP-310 really surprised us, and it's an excellent bargain at the roughly $250 street price it's selling for as of this review date in mid-April, 2006.'
The Olympus SP-350 is a 8 megapixel digital camera that features a 2.5inch LCD and 3x Optical Zoom. It also has 25 megabytes of internal memory, xD Picture Card, USB 2.0 connectivity and 30 shooting modes.
The Olympus SP-350 will retail for $399.99 and shoul dappear in stores in October of 2005.
Order the Olympus SP-350 today.
Trusted Reviews has reviewed the Olympus SP-350 and writes - 'It doesn’t have the performance or picture quality to be the compact semi-pro model that it pretends to be, and it does have a few significant flaws, but nonetheless the Olympus SP-350 is a decent camera, with very good build quality and handling, excellent high-ISO noise control and a useful range of photographic controls and extra features.'
Cameras.co.uk reviews the Olympus SP 350 and writes - 'The Olympus SP 350 is an advanced digital camera at a very reasonable price. The camera is absolutely packed with features and I like the way the camera handles in general. On the whole photos are incredibly sharp with strong colours. Unfortunately the camera struggled badly in my shutter lag test though. If it wasn't for the shutter lag issue I would be tempted to keep this camera for myself.
CNET Reviews the Olympus SP-350 and writes - 'The smart-looking, matte-black, 8-megapixel Olympus SP-350 is one of three cameras that launched Olympus's SP line; the other two are its 7-megapixel twin, the SP-310, and the 6-megapixel, 10X-zoom SP-500 UZ. The Barbie-size SP-350 is not only one of the most affordable 8-megapixel cameras on the market but also one of the smallest. Its 24 scene modes will appeal to snapshooters, while enthusiasts will appreciate this pocketful's manual controls, raw-capture and custom settings, and optional conversion lenses, external flash, and underwater housing. Once you get past those attractions, however, you're left with relatively mediocre performance and photos. '
DCRP reviews the Olympus SP-350 and writes - 'I have mixed feelings about the Olympus SP-350. While I like the design, features, and photo quality, the camera always felt sluggish when I was using it. While I'm not asking for D-SLRs speeds, it would've been nice if the camera was at least as responsive as other cameras in its class. The SP-350 gets my recommendation, but with the footnote "not the best camera if you want to take or view pictures quickly".'
Steves Digicams reviews the Olympus SP-350 and writes - 'Image quality was actually quite good for an 8-megapixel consumer model. The majority of our outdoor samples were sharp and well exposed, but I did see some noticeable edge blurring, like image noise, which can only be seen when viewing images at 100% and is very unlikely to be seen in any of your prints. Speaking of noise, I found levels were average at lower ISO speeds, noticeably increasing at ISO 200 and 400. Like many Olympus models, the SP-350's white balance and exposure systems work very well, with the Auto WB setting producing accurate color temperatures in a variety of lighting conditions. I was especially pleased with all of our outdoor people shots when using its dedicated Portrait scene mode. Our samples were tach sharp, well exposed, and showed true skin tones.'
Imaging Resource reviews the Olympus SP-350 Digital Camera and recommends - 'The 8.0-megapixel, 3x-zoom Olympus SP-350 is an excellent performer where it counts: printed image quality. It has a wealth of features in a surprisingly compact body; and though it's not the most attractive design you'll start to like it right away when you shoot with it. Featuring a full range of exposure control, in addition to 24 preset Scene modes, the SP-350 caters to a large audience. Novices will appreciate the availability of point-and-shoot control, while more experienced users will enjoy the availability of full manual exposure control. A large 2.5-inch LCD monitor provides accurate framing, and a great place to view pictures, with a real-image optical viewfinder available to save battery power, a feature disappearing from most digicams with a large LCD. Though the camera's Auto white balance setting tends toward a warmer color cast, overall color is generally pretty good, and exposure about right (though high contrast under harsh lighting). Though the slow shutter lag and image transfer times could have been better, the printed image quality of the SP-350 really surprised us.'
Get the latest price on the Olympus SP-350
New SP-310 and SP-350 Offers Advanced Manual Controls, 30 Shooting Modes and a Large 2.5-Inch Premium Size LCD
With the release of two new SP-series digital cameras, the 7.0-megapixel SP-310 and the 8.o-megapixel SP-350, Olympus introduces state-of-the-art specialized features that enable photographers of all skill levels to express their creative vision. Both cameras offer the option of either manual settings for creative control or 30 selectable shooting modes for convenience and ease-of-use, along with optional add-on accessory lenses, an optional underwater housing, and a large, easy-to-view 2.5-inch premium size LCD. The SP-310 and SP-350 are highly versatile cameras, powerful enough to satisfy the creative needs of the advanced user, and expansive enough to grow as users develop their talent.
“With the new SP-series digital cameras, Olympus offers a selection of cameras that are specifically designed for users with a variety of needs and photography skills,” said John McGuire, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The SP-310 and SP-350 each offer users the versatility of an advanced fully-featured camera and an easy-to-use point-and-shoot in one compact unit.”
High Resolution Image Sensor for Large-Format Prints
The SP-310 features a high resolution 7.0-megapixel CCD image sensor, and the SP-350 features an even higher resolution 8.0-megapixel CCD, to deliver super high-quality images that are consistently sharp and vivid even in large-format prints.
2.5-Inch Premium Size LCD
Composing and reviewing images is far easier when you don’t have to squint. The 115,000-pixel anti-glare LCD enables you to view images in large and vivid detail. What’s more, you don’t have to download and print images each time you want to share them – you can treat your friends and family to a slide show right on the back of your camera. With the large 2.5-inch LCD, the SP-310 and SP-350 are veritable walking photo albums!
PictBridge Enabled – No Computer Necessary!
The power of PictBridge technology enables photos to be printed directly from the camera to any PictBridge-enabled printer without using a computer. And the new one-touch printing button makes printing a single-step process. Printing and sharing images has never been easier!
Manual Settings for Added Creative Control
The addition of manual Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes gives users versatility and control for optimal performance in any situation. Users can express their creative vision – adjusting the f-stop for detailed portraits with softened backgrounds, or slowing the exposure speed to create the blurred effect of motion.
30 Selectable Shooting Modes
The SP-310 and SP-350 make it easy to capture great images in a variety of lighting situations with 24 pre-programmed scene modes, such as Night Scene, Indoor Portrait or Cuisine Mode. And with its QuickTime® Movie Mode, the cameras can record movies of any length, limited only by the size of the internal memory or xD-Picture Card in the camera.
Accessory Lenses & Flashes for Expanded Capabilities
Olympus’ SP-series cameras feature a threaded barrel, which enables easy attachment of add-on wide angle or telephoto conversion lenses for even more creative control. Compatible accessory lenses include the WCON-07F wide angle lens, which enables a wider field of view for shooting skylines, landscapes or group shots, and the TCON-17F telephoto conversion lens, which extends the camera’s magnification capability by 1.7 times for bringing subjects dramatically closer, great for shooting sports events, concerts or wildlife.
The SP-350 also has a hot shoe for external flashes, providing additional versatility for more advanced shots when difficult lighting is an issue.
TruePic TURBO for High-Speed Response
Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO Image Processor enhances image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback. TruePic TURBOTM enable the cameras to capture information with pixel “micro-smoothing” that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos, even at lower resolutions. The fast startup of less than one second and nearly instant shutter release time ensures a high-speed response so you are always ready to take great pictures.
High Quality Olympus Lens Elements
Olympus photos are known worldwide for sharp, vibrant image quality. This is achieved through a number of key technologies, such as Olympus’ new high-refractive-index aspherical lens elements, designed specifically for digital cameras. The lens provides the equivalent of 38 to 114mm focal length, f2.8 – f4.9 in 35mm photography, with 15x combined total zoom (3x optical and 5x digital) to bring the action closer, and a Super Macro Mode that captures details as nuanced as the iridescent petals of a flower, from as close as 2 cm.
In-camera Editing
With in-camera editing features such as Red-Eye Fix, color brightness and saturation adjustments, users can edit photos on the fly – no longer do you have to tool around with computers and editing software for simple image touch-ups!
Style and Ergonomics
With the new SP-series cameras, Olympus returns to the traditional, compact appearance of its traditional range-finder cameras. At a compact size of just 3.9“ W x 2.6” H x 1.4“ D and less than 7 ounces, tucks away easily into a pocket or backpack. The addition of an ergonomic grip makes it easy to hold with one hand, for capturing those photo ops when you are, literally, on the run.
Underwater Photography
The new PT-030 underwater housing is created specially for the SP-310/SP-350 cameras – so you can take your camera with you on your underwater excursions. The large 2.5-inch premium size LCD, compact body size and three underwater scene modes make it the perfect camera to take along diving.
Easy USB Auto-Connect
Connecting the camera to a computer is easy with the USB Auto-Connect feature, which connects directly via USB 2.0 cable and requires no software.
OLYMPUS Master Software
OLYMPUS Master software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are searchable by date or keyword in the Calendar View. And with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye reduction, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away.
Availability
The SP-310 and SP-350 will be available in October 2005. Each includes: Wrist Strap, Camera WIN/Mac USB Cable, Video cable, 2 AA batteries, Quick Start Guide, Basic Instruction Manual, Warranty Card, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software, and Camera Advanced manual.
U.S. Pricing
SP-310 Estimated Street Price: $349.99 (U.S.)
SP-350 Estimated Street Price: $399.99 (U.S.)
The Olympus SP-500 is a 6 megapixel digital camera with a large 10x Optical Zoom and 2.5inch LCD. It is aimed at the more serious photographer than some of their other new cameras announced today with a number of manual controls built in.
The SP500 features xD-Picture Card, USB 2.0, 10 megabytes of internal memory and PictBridge printing connectivity.
The Olympus SP500 will retail for around $380 and should be in stores in October 2005.
Get the latest price and/or order an Olympus SP-500 Ultra Zoom 6MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom
Olympus Launches Latest Ultra Zoom Digital Camera And Demonstrates The Versatility Of New SP-series
New SP-500 UZ Ultra Zoom Offers Powerful 10X Optical Zoom, Large 2.5-Inch Premium Size LCD, 6-Megapixel CCD and Advanced Manual Controls
With the release of its eagerly awaited new ultra zoom digital camera, the SP-500 UZ, Olympus pleases advanced and amateur-level camera aficionados alike. The powerful 10x optical zoom provides users with the focal range to capture stunning close-up shots. Designed with a large, easy-to-view 2.5-inch premium size LCD, both manual and automatic settings and optional add-on accessory lenses, the SP-500 UZ is a highly versatile camera, powerful enough to satisfy the creative needs of the advanced user, and expansive enough to grow as users develop their talent.
“The SP-series cameras are designed to offer an all-in-one camera solution for photographers of all skill levels,” said John McGuire, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The beauty of the SP-500 UZ ultra zoom digital camera is that it packs a wealth of manual and automatic features and an incredible focal range into a compact, light-weight body design.”
Ultra Zoom
Thanks to years of experience crafting Ultra Zoom digital cameras, Olympus is able to deliver a superior designed-to-be-digital 10x optical zoom lens (38mm – 380mm equivalent in 35mm photography) to bring the action closer. The bright, high quality optical system is comprised of eleven elements arranged in seven groups and includes two aspherical lenses, plus an extra-dispersion (ED) glass element typically found exclusively in pro-level SLR cameras.
6.0-Megapixel Image Sensor for Large-Format Prints
The 6.0-megapixel CCD image sensor delivers super high-quality images that are consistently sharp and vivid even in large-format prints.
2.5-Inch Premium Size LCD
Composing and reviewing images is far easier when you don’t have to squint. The 115,000-pixel anti-glare LCD enables you to view images in large and vivid detail. What’s more, you don’t have to download and print images each time you want to share them – you can treat your friends and family to a slide show right on the back of your camera. With the large 2.5-inch LCD, the SP-500 UZ is a veritable walking photo album!
PictBridge Enabled – No Computer Necessary!
The power of PictBridge technology enables photos to be printed directly from the SP-500 UZ to any PictBridge-enabled printer without using a computer. And the new one-touch printing button makes printing a single-step process. Printing and sharing images has never been easier!
Manual Settings for Added Creative Control
The addition of manual Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes gives users versatility and control for optimal performance in any situation. Users can express their creative vision – adjusting the f-stop for detailed portraits with softened backgrounds, or slowing the exposure speed to create the blurred effect of motion.
27 Selectable Shooting Modes
The SP-500 UZ makes it easy to capture great images in a variety of lighting situations with 21 pre-programmed scene modes, such as Night Scene, Indoor Portrait or Cuisine Mode. And with its QuickTime® Movie Mode, the SP-500 UZ can record movies of any length, limited only by the size of the internal memory or xD-Picture Card in the camera.
Accessory Lenses for Expanded Capabilities
The SP-500 UZ features a threaded barrel, which enables easy attachment of add-on wide angle or telephoto conversion lenses for even more creative control. Compatible accessory lenses include the WCON-07 and WCON-08 wide angle lenses, which enable a wider field of view for shooting skylines, landscapes or group shots, and the TCON-17 telephoto conversion lens, which extends the camera’s magnification capability to a 17x optical zoom for bringing subjects dramatically closer, great for shooting sports events, concerts or wildlife.
TruePic TURBO for High-Speed Response
Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO Image Processor enhances image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback. TruePic TURBOTM enables the SP-500 UZ to capture information from all 6.0 million pixels with pixel “micro-smoothing” that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos, even at lower resolutions. The fast startup of less than one second and nearly instant shutter release time ensures a high-speed response so you are always ready to take great pictures.
High Quality Olympus Lens Elements
Olympus photos are known worldwide for sharp, vibrant image quality. This is achieved through a number of key technologies, such as Olympus’ new high-refractive-index aspherical lens elements, designed specifically for digital cameras. The lens provides the equivalent of 38 to 114mm focal length, f2.8 – f4.9 in 35mm photography, with 15x combined total zoom (3x optical and 5x digital) to bring the action closer, and a Super Macro Mode that captures details as nuanced as the iridescent petals of a flower, from as close as 2 cm.
In-camera Editing
With in-camera editing features such as Red-Eye Fix, color brightness and saturation adjustments, users can edit photos on the fly – no longer do you have to tool around with computers and editing software for simple image touch-ups!
Style and Ergonomics
With the SP-500 UZ, Olympus returns to the traditional, compact appearance of its traditional range-finder cameras. At a compact size of just 4.2“ W x 2.9” H x 2.8“ L and only 10.1 ounces, the camera tucks away easily into a pocket or backpack. The addition of an ergonomic grip makes it easy to hold with one hand, for capturing those photo ops when you are, literally, on the run.
Easy USB Auto-Connect
Connecting the SP-500 UZ to a computer is easy with the USB Auto-Connect feature, which connects directly via USB 2.0 cable and requires no software.
OLYMPUS Master Software
OLYMPUS Master software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are searchable by date or keyword in the Calendar View. And with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye reduction, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away.
Availability
The SP-500 UZ will be available in October 2005. It includes: Wrist Strap, Camera WIN/Mac USB Cable, Video cable, 4 AA batteries, Quick Start Guide, Basic Instruction Manual, Warranty Card, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software, and Camera Advanced manual.
U.S. Pricing
SP-500 UZ Estimated Street Price: $379.99 (U.S.)
Megapixel have reviewed the Olympus SP-500 and write - 'The marketplace for mid-range digital cameras is incredibly competitive, and manufacturers have to be both creative and generous while being cost conscious in order to attract consumers. If one considers its technical specifications, the Olympus SP-500 UZ, a relatively compact and light camera, is positioned at a very reasonable price point. This is a model that is clearly designed to appeal to consumers that value a powerful zoom more than the highest resolution currently available.'
Digital Camera Info reviews the Olympus SP-500 and writes - 'The Olympus SP-500 UZ has a cheap plastic body but includes a lot of nice features and manual functionality at a very reasonable $379 price. With 6 megapixels, this digital camera has a complete set of recording modes: manual, priority, automatic, movie, and an extensive list of 21 scene modes. These are complemented by the Olympus ED 10x optical zoom lens that works in the movie mode as well as the still image recording modes. '
PC World reviews the Olympus SP-500 Ultra Zoom and writes - 'The biggest thing about the Olympus SP-500 Ultra Zoom is the lens: It's an impressive 10X model that is significantly longer than those on most point-and-shoot cameras. However, it has no type of image stabilization, so this long zoom can be a mixed blessing. It lets you get close to the action, but in anything other than bright sunlight you may end up with blurry pictures because the long zoom amplifies camera shake, especially with long shutter times.'
Photoxels reviews the Olympus SP-500 UZ and writes - 'This is a full featured digital camera, and the range of settings are tremendous for someone who wants to learn and grow in photography: Program AE, Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority, full Manual, RAW+JPEG, exposure bracketing, 15 sec. long shutter speed plus Bulb, Selective AF Frame, live Histogram, etc.... The Olympus SP-500 UZ is well designed, enjoyable to use and very easy to get good pictures with. More importantly to the serious amateur photographer, the wide range of features means that this fine digital camera will take a long time to outgrow.'
DCRP reviews the Olympus SP-500 Ultra Zoom digital camera and writes - 'The SP-500 offers features for both the beginner and enthusiast. For the beginners there are plenty of scene modes to choose from. There's an available light mode that tries to do what Fuji's "Real Photo Technology" cameras can do, but those cameras do a better job than the SP-500. Power users will enjoy the full manual controls on the camera, white balance controls, and customizable menus and buttons. The camera supports the RAW image format, and Olympus' bundled software does a good job of working with the files. The SP-500's continuous shooting and movie modes were lacking, though....The SP-500UZ is an average camera in a sea of really good ones. While I'd say that it's "okay to buy" the SP-500, there are many other cameras in this category that offer better performance, photo quality, and features (including image stabilization).'
Steves Digicams review the Olympus SP-500 UltraZoom and write - 'with great image quality, good performance, a versatile and powerful zoom range, and a multitude of exposure modes, the Olympus SP500UZ is quite the compact "super zoom". It will make an excellent choice for any consumer in the market for a 6-megapixel digicam that has plenty of telephoto capabilities. With an average retail cost of about $379, it offers an outstanding value and is sure to be one of Olympus' more popular models this year.'
DP Review has comprehensively reviewed the Olympus SP-500UZ digital camera and gives it a rating of 'above average' writing - 'Ultimately, the SP-500UZ is a perfectly good camera, and one with some very nifty tricks up its sleeve, but unless you rarely use the long end of the zoom or are happy carrying a tripod with you at all times, the lack of image stabilization negates most of the benefits of such a big zoom range. It's not because of any really serious faults that we can't really recommend this camera, it's just that in the face of such stiff competition from so many other models it simply can't hold its own, which is a real pity given the heritage Olympus has in the 'ultra zoom' market, and how promising the SP-500UZ looks on paper.'
DigiCamReview has posted a review of the Olympus SP-500 Ultra Zoom in which they give it a rating of 7.5 out of 10 and write - 'The Olympus SP-500 Ultra Zoom is an appealing digital camera, it feels very comfortable in hand, and produces very pleasing (saturated) colours, with generally low noise. The screen and electronic viewfinder let the camera down due to the screens low resolution, and the electronic viewfinders small size. This camera is easy to use (in auto mode) especially with the built in help guide, although it offers a mixed bag with regards to camera speed. The camera offers good battery life, with very good controls and good build quality. I would recommend this camera to people who want greater creative control that normal, however I'd recommend trying out the camera and comparing with other brands before purchase, especially those with image stabilisation. If you can live without image stabilisation, and aren't interested in recording videos then this is well worth considering, especially if you find the vibrant colours, numerous features, and ease of use, appealing.'
Lets Go Digital reviews the Olympus SP-500 and writes - 'By the end of the trial period, the Olympus SP-500 UZ had made a mixed impression on me. The image quality and functionality was convincing enough, but it is just a fact that the specifications of contemporary Megazoom cameras are more extensive than ever. The Olympus SP-500 UZ misses several features found elsewhere, the worst being the lack of an optical image stabiliser. For the time being, the Olympus SP-500 UZ is an all-round digital camera, and if it is priced considerably lower that its competitors, it will be a perfect find for an experienced photographer in search of a second camera or a compact version of their digital reflex camera. Starters will be less convinced and will probably look around to see what the competition has to offer.'
The Olympus FE-120 is a six megapixel (CCD) entry level digital camera with a 3x Optical Zoom lens and 1.8 inch LCD. It measures 106 x 56 x 36mm and weighs 140 grams. it also features a 'TruePic TURBO' image processor for faster processing, shutter lag etc.
It will hit stores in September of 2005 and will retail for around $230 (USD).
Learn more about the Olympus FE-120 from the following media release from Olympus announcing it and two other cameras in the 'FE' line.
Get a Price on and/or order the Olympus FE-120 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
CNET Reviews has reviewed the Olympus FE-120 and writes - 'The Olympus FE-120 is otherwise stuffed with me-too features, including a modest 3X optical zoom, a 1.8-inch LCD that tends to wash out in bright sunlight, and 14MB of internal memory augmented by a 32MB xD-Picture Card. Easy to operate because it doesn't give you much to adjust, the FE-120 provides 19 shooting modes, macro capabilities that zoom down to within an inch of your subject, and a robust continuous-shooting mode that can capture 20 full-resolution images at a 1.1fps clip. Autofocus performance is poor, however, and motion-picture resolution is limited to 320x240 pixels. Even so, priced only $30 to $50 more than its 4-and 5-megapixel stablemates, the Olympus FE-100 and FE-110, this top-end version is easily the most desirable of the bunch.'
DigiCamReview has a review of the Olympus FE-120 X700 and writes - 'The Olympus FE-120 / X700 is a compact 6 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens and is excellent value for money, however, even more impressive is that the camera produces good to very good results, with good quality pictures with good colour and detail. The camera is consistantly able to focus, even in low-light although slow focusing may put some people off - the high success rate should compensate for the delays. The huge number of scene modes make this already easy to use camera even easier to use, and help achieve very good results. The Olympus FE-120 / X700 is definitely a bargain, and is definitely recommended for those looking for an easy to use point and shoot camera capable of making large prints.'
Steves Digicams reviews the Olympus FE-120 Zoom and writes - 'Image quality was average for a 6-megapixel entry-level model. The majority of our sample photos were sharp and showed pleasing color saturation. However, there was visible edge softness on several of our images, especially along the left hand side of the frame. The 3x optical zoom lens offers flexibility in composing your shots with a focal range of approx. 38 - 114mm (35mm equivalent.) As usual, it shows average amounts of barrel distortion and pincushioning at the wide angle and telephoto extremes, respectively. Sensitivity is fully automatic and ranges from 50 - 320. I found it typically used an ISO speed of 80 outdoors and 100 - 200 indoors. Noise is noticeable even at ISO 100, but you have to be viewing an image at 100% to see this and it's very unlikely you'll see anything in your typical 4x6-inch print.... Olympus' FE-120 may not be our first pick for a consumer looking for an easy to use point-n-shoot digital camera. However it is the best "FE" series model we have tested thus far (2/2006), offering good image quality and much better shooting performance over its predecessors. With 6- megapixels, you have plenty of resolution to create high-quality 13x19-inch prints.'
PCWorld has posted a review of the Olympus FE-120 and writes - 'You might assume that a budget camera like the $230 (as of 2/6/06) Olympus FE-120 takes subpar photos. But you'd be wrong: In our tests this 6-megapixel unit delivered very attractive photos, earning top points from our jury of reviewers, who were impressed with the accurate colors and spot-on exposure of its images. The jurors' only complaint was that the images lacked sharpness, with some high-contrast edges and fine details having a blurry, indistinct appearance.'
New “FE” Line of Cameras Have Built-in Help Guide, Easy Printing, “One Touch” Operation, Pre-Set Shooting Modes for Every Situation
Olympus just flattened the digital photography learning curve today with the introduction of its new easy-to-use FE Series digital cameras. The FE-100, FE-110 and FE-120 are 4.0-, 5.0- and 6.0-megapixel models that pack more than just high resolution into compact and light bodies – they take the work out of digital photography so you can focus on having fun. The cameras feature a built-in Help Guide so you don’t have to consult a manual; easy printing directly to a printer; an uncomplicated “One Touch” design with separate buttons for shooting, playing back and erasing digital images; several scene modes to get the right effect in any setting, and more.
“Our new FE Series cameras are all about effortless picture taking,” said Naoki Tai, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Beginner photographers are searching for a way to bring subjects closer, easily print large print sizes, and get great-looking results in a range of situations without having to work hard. The FE cameras give them all of these benefits and a whole lot more.”
Built-in Help Guide for Easy Operation
The cameras’ simple menus incorporate a new Help Guide with images and brief descriptions of frequently used functions and shooting mode to help users determine the settings best suited to their shooting situation and purpose without having to stop to consult a printed manual.
Easy Printing without Computer
With the power of PictBridge technology, photos can be printed directly from the camera to any PictBridge-enabled printer, such as the Olympus P-11 Digital Photo Printer, without using a computer. Printing and sharing images has never been easier, and the P-11’s photo lab-quality dye-sublimation printing produces archival-quality prints in rich color.
One Touch Design – Quick and Easy Access with Individual Buttons
The FE Series cameras feature an easy-to-use “One Touch” design with individual buttons for shooting, reviewing and deleting images conveniently located on the body of the cameras so that frequently used functions can be easily accessed. Macro mode, Flash mode and a self-timer are located on an arrow pad at your fingertips for quick use while setting up the perfect composition.
Pre-Set Shooting Modes Makes It Easy to Capture Great Images
The inclusion of shooting modes accessed via a rotating dial and menu button on the back of the camera, makes it easy to capture great images in a variety of lighting situations, such as Sunset, Portrait, and Night Scene. A QuickTime® Movie mode enables users to create short movies of events that can be emailed to family and friends. And a new frame integration function enables users to select various colorful, decorative borders for favorite pictures to print or email to friends.
Superior Picture Quality with No Effort
The 2.8x optical zoom lens of the FE-100 and FE-110 cameras is a 6.2 – 17.4mm (38 – 106mm equivalent in 35mm photography) that combines with a 4x digital zoom to deliver a total 11x zoom, so virtually no photo opportunity is out of reach. The high-resolution CCD image sensors of the FE Series cameras capture your images in all their detail, and then enable you to print them without loss of clarity. The cameras produce high-quality prints that can be cropped and enlarged to 11 x 14 inches and larger.
Simple Connection to PC
Connecting any FE Series camera to a computer is easy with the USB Auto Connect feature, which connects the camera directly via USB 2.0 cable and requires no software.
OLYMPUS Master Software Makes It Simple to Arrange Your Pictures.
OLYMPUS Master software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are searchable by date or keyword in the Calendar View. With one-click editing tools, such as red-eye reduction, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates and other user services are just a mouse-click away.
Get Even More Features with FE-120
For those who want the same key features of the FE-100 and FE-110 as described above, plus a little bit more, Olympus has built the FE-120 with higher resolution, Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO Image Processor that enhances image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback, plus 19 scene modes, the ability to add special frames to prints, a 1.8-inch LCD, and a 3x optical zoom lens (38-114mm equivalent in 35mm photography f2.8 – f4.9) that combines with a 4x digital zoom to deliver a total 12x zoom.
Availability
The FE-100, 110 and 120 will be available in September 2005.
The FE-100/110 include: 16MB xD-Picture Card (FE-110 only), (2) AA Alkaline Batteries, USB Cable (Win/Mac), Video Cable, Wrist Strap, Quick Start Guide, Basic Instruction Manual, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software and Advanced Instruction Manual, Warranty Card.
The FE-120 includes: 32MB xD-Picture Card, (2) AA Alkaline Batteries, USB Cable (Win/Mac), Wrist Strap, Quick Start Guide, Quick Reference Guide, Basic Instruction Manual, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software and Advanced Instruction Manual, Warranty Card.
U.S. Pricing
FE-100 Estimated Street Price: $149.99 (U.S.)
FE-110 Estimated Street Price: $199.99 (U.S.)
FE-120 Estimated Street Price: $229.99 (U.S.)
The Olympus FE-100 is a five megapixel (CCD) entry level digital camera with a 2.8x Optical Zoom lens and 1.5inch 130,000 pixel LCD. It measures 87.5 x 62.5 x 38.5mm and weighs 140 grams.
It will hit stores in September of 2005 and will retail for around $$200 (USD).
Learn more about the Olympus FE-110 from the following media release from Olympus announcing it and two other cameras in the 'FE' line.
Get a Price on and/or order the Olympus FE-110 5MP Digital Camera with 2.8x Optical Zoom
Olympus Debuts New “easy And Fun” Digital Camera Series Designed For Effortless Photography
New “FE” Line of Cameras Have Built-in Help Guide, Easy Printing, “One Touch” Operation, Pre-Set Shooting Modes for Every Situation.Olympus just flattened the digital photography learning curve today with the introduction of its new easy-to-use FE Series digital cameras. The FE-100, FE-110 and FE-120 are 4.0-, 5.0- and 6.0-megapixel models that pack more than just high resolution into compact and light bodies – they take the work out of digital photography so you can focus on having fun. The cameras feature a built-in Help Guide so you don’t have to consult a manual; easy printing directly to a printer; an uncomplicated “One Touch” design with separate buttons for shooting, playing back and erasing digital images; several scene modes to get the right effect in any setting, and more.
“Our new FE Series cameras are all about effortless picture taking,” said Naoki Tai, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Beginner photographers are searching for a way to bring subjects closer, easily print large print sizes, and get great-looking results in a range of situations without having to work hard. The FE cameras give them all of these benefits and a whole lot more.”
Built-in Help Guide for Easy Operation
The cameras’ simple menus incorporate a new Help Guide with images and brief descriptions of frequently used functions and shooting mode to help users determine the settings best suited to their shooting situation and purpose without having to stop to consult a printed manual.
Easy Printing without Computer
With the power of PictBridge technology, photos can be printed directly from the camera to any PictBridge-enabled printer, such as the Olympus P-11 Digital Photo Printer, without using a computer. Printing and sharing images has never been easier, and the P-11’s photo lab-quality dye-sublimation printing produces archival-quality prints in rich color.
One Touch Design – Quick and Easy Access with Individual Buttons
The FE Series cameras feature an easy-to-use “One Touch” design with individual buttons for shooting, reviewing and deleting images conveniently located on the body of the cameras so that frequently used functions can be easily accessed. Macro mode, Flash mode and a self-timer are located on an arrow pad at your fingertips for quick use while setting up the perfect composition.
Pre-Set Shooting Modes Makes It Easy to Capture Great Images
The inclusion of shooting modes accessed via a rotating dial and menu button on the back of the camera, makes it easy to capture great images in a variety of lighting situations, such as Sunset, Portrait, and Night Scene. A QuickTime® Movie mode enables users to create short movies of events that can be emailed to family and friends. And a new frame integration function enables users to select various colorful, decorative borders for favorite pictures to print or email to friends.
Superior Picture Quality with No Effort
The 2.8x optical zoom lens of the FE-100 and FE-110 cameras is a 6.2 – 17.4mm (38 – 106mm equivalent in 35mm photography) that combines with a 4x digital zoom to deliver a total 11x zoom, so virtually no photo opportunity is out of reach. The high-resolution CCD image sensors of the FE Series cameras capture your images in all their detail, and then enable you to print them without loss of clarity. The cameras produce high-quality prints that can be cropped and enlarged to 11 x 14 inches and larger.
Simple Connection to PC
Connecting any FE Series camera to a computer is easy with the USB Auto Connect feature, which connects the camera directly via USB 2.0 cable and requires no software.
OLYMPUS Master Software Makes It Simple to Arrange Your Pictures.
OLYMPUS Master software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are searchable by date or keyword in the Calendar View. With one-click editing tools, such as red-eye reduction, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates and other user services are just a mouse-click away.
Get Even More Features with FE-120
For those who want the same key features of the FE-100 and FE-110 as described above, plus a little bit more, Olympus has built the FE-120 with higher resolution, Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO Image Processor that enhances image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback, plus 19 scene modes, the ability to add special frames to prints, a 1.8-inch LCD, and a 3x optical zoom lens (38-114mm equivalent in 35mm photography f2.8 – f4.9) that combines with a 4x digital zoom to deliver a total 12x zoom.
Availability
The FE-100, 110 and 120 will be available in September 2005.
The FE-100/110 include: 16MB xD-Picture Card (FE-110 only), (2) AA Alkaline Batteries, USB Cable (Win/Mac), Video Cable, Wrist Strap, Quick Start Guide, Basic Instruction Manual, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software and Advanced Instruction Manual, Warranty Card.
The FE-120 includes: 32MB xD-Picture Card, (2) AA Alkaline Batteries, USB Cable (Win/Mac), Wrist Strap, Quick Start Guide, Quick Reference Guide, Basic Instruction Manual, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software and Advanced Instruction Manual, Warranty Card.
U.S. Pricing
FE-100 Estimated Street Price: $149.99 (U.S.)
FE-110 Estimated Street Price: $199.99 (U.S.)
FE-120 Estimated Street Price: $229.99 (U.S.)
Steves Digicams reviews the Olympus FE-110 Zoom and writes - 'Shooting performance was a little disappointing. Power up to first image captured was about 4 seconds. Shutter lag, the delay between depressing the shutter button and capturing the image, measured 2/10 of a second when pre-focused and 1.0 seconds including autofocus. When capturing a sequence of images, the shot to shot delay averaged about 6.1 seconds without the flash and 8.6 - 10 seconds with flash, depending on the distance to the subject. These times are excessive due to the fact that you can not turn off image preview, which lasts for about 4 to 5 seconds. Our tests were done using an Olympus 512MB xD- Picture card, SHQ quality, Program Auto mode, flash off, and all other settings at default (unless otherwise noted.) Times may vary depending on lighting conditions, camera settings, photographer response, media, etc.'
Photoxels reviews the Olympus FE-110 and writes - 'The Olympus FE-110 is an entry-level digital camera for those most particularly interested only in an affordable snapshooter. If you are into photography, and want to learn and grow in it, the Olympus FE-110 does not have the features or image quality you need for that. But if you are looking for an affordable present for a young child or an easy-to-use point-and-shoot for someone who wants to use it for their blogs, we would recommend that you look into the Olympus FE-110 instead of a "no-name" brand. Besides getting Olympus support, you would also get a quality Olympus lens, a well-built body, easy menu structure and peace of mind.'
Imaging Resource has reviewed the Olympus FE-110 where they write - 'The 5.0-megapixel Olympus FE-110 is a bare-bones, entry-level digital camera well-suited for travel snapshots. Its body design is relatively compact, with very few external controls. Offering automatic exposure control and only a couple of exposure options, the FE-110 handles average bright shooting conditions well, though its Night Scene mode should be fine for standard nighttime photography in urban environments. Color is a little too saturated and warm for my taste, and the camera tends toward high contrast, with limited shadow detail. But if you're looking for an inexpensive digital camera to throw in a backpack and record a trip, the FE-110 may be up your alley. Its price point is low enough that you won't lose too much sleep if it falls over the side of a boat or your two-year-old covers it in peanut butter. While it's not a Dave's Pick, the FE-110 may be of interest to novice users uninterested in learning too much about digital photography.'
The Olympus FE-100 is a four megapixel (CCD) entry level digital camera with a 2.8x Optical Zoom lens and 1.5inch LCD. It measures 87.5 x 62.5 x 38.5mm and weighs 140 grams.
It will hit stores in September of 2005 and will retail for around $150 (USD).
Learn more about the Olympus FE-100 from the following media release from Olympus announcing it and two other cameras in the 'FE' line.
Get a Price on and/or order the Olympus FE-100 4MP Digital Camera with 2.8x Optical Zoom
Steves Digicams reviews the Olympus FE-100 Zoom digital camera and writes - 'the Olympus FE-100 will make a great camera for the consumer who needs a very affordable model with good image quality, but doesn't necessarily need to be able to capture images at blazing fast speeds or record high-quality video. Its 4-megapixel SHQ images can create beautiful prints up to 8x10-inches. Not bad at all for $149 or under! Like the features of this camera, but want more resolution? Be sure to check out its 5-megapixel brother the FE-110 that can be purchased for about $50 more.'
CNET Reviews has reviewed the Olympus FE-100 and writes - 'The Olympus FE-100's image quality was only adequate; if resolution is important to you, consider spending a few dollars more for the 5-megapixel FE-110 or splurging on the superior FE-120. Still, this model produced surprisingly good exposures, and in our test photos, defects such as JPEG artifacts, a touch of noise at higher ISOs, and a little color fringing weren't objectionable in smaller prints.'
Cameras.co.uk has written a review of the Olympus FE-100 where they conclude - 'The Olympus FE-100 is excellent when it comes to ease of use. If you are looking for a digital camera that is relatively inexpensive and will be used almost exclusively outdoors then it could be a camera worth considering. You do need to take into account the issue of shutter lag though. If you would also like to take indoor picture or pictures in lowlight in general then you are advised to look elsewhere.'
Olympus Debuts New “easy And Fun” Digital Camera Series Designed For Effortless Photography
New “FE” Line of Cameras Have Built-in Help Guide, Easy Printing, “One Touch” Operation, Pre-Set Shooting Modes for Every Situation
Olympus just flattened the digital photography learning curve today with the introduction of its new easy-to-use FE Series digital cameras. The FE-100, FE-110 and FE-120 are 4.0-, 5.0- and 6.0-megapixel models that pack more than just high resolution into compact and light bodies – they take the work out of digital photography so you can focus on having fun. The cameras feature a built-in Help Guide so you don’t have to consult a manual; easy printing directly to a printer; an uncomplicated “One Touch” design with separate buttons for shooting, playing back and erasing digital images; several scene modes to get the right effect in any setting, and more.
“Our new FE Series cameras are all about effortless picture taking,” said Naoki Tai, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Beginner photographers are searching for a way to bring subjects closer, easily print large print sizes, and get great-looking results in a range of situations without having to work hard. The FE cameras give them all of these benefits and a whole lot more.”
Built-in Help Guide for Easy Operation
The cameras’ simple menus incorporate a new Help Guide with images and brief descriptions of frequently used functions and shooting mode to help users determine the settings best suited to their shooting situation and purpose without having to stop to consult a printed manual.
Easy Printing without Computer
With the power of PictBridge technology, photos can be printed directly from the camera to any PictBridge-enabled printer, such as the Olympus P-11 Digital Photo Printer, without using a computer. Printing and sharing images has never been easier, and the P-11’s photo lab-quality dye-sublimation printing produces archival-quality prints in rich color.
One Touch Design – Quick and Easy Access with Individual Buttons
The FE Series cameras feature an easy-to-use “One Touch” design with individual buttons for shooting, reviewing and deleting images conveniently located on the body of the cameras so that frequently used functions can be easily accessed. Macro mode, Flash mode and a self-timer are located on an arrow pad at your fingertips for quick use while setting up the perfect composition.
Pre-Set Shooting Modes Makes It Easy to Capture Great Images
The inclusion of shooting modes accessed via a rotating dial and menu button on the back of the camera, makes it easy to capture great images in a variety of lighting situations, such as Sunset, Portrait, and Night Scene. A QuickTime® Movie mode enables users to create short movies of events that can be emailed to family and friends. And a new frame integration function enables users to select various colorful, decorative borders for favorite pictures to print or email to friends.
Superior Picture Quality with No Effort
The 2.8x optical zoom lens of the FE-100 and FE-110 cameras is a 6.2 – 17.4mm (38 – 106mm equivalent in 35mm photography) that combines with a 4x digital zoom to deliver a total 11x zoom, so virtually no photo opportunity is out of reach. The high-resolution CCD image sensors of the FE Series cameras capture your images in all their detail, and then enable you to print them without loss of clarity. The cameras produce high-quality prints that can be cropped and enlarged to 11 x 14 inches and larger.
Simple Connection to PC
Connecting any FE Series camera to a computer is easy with the USB Auto Connect feature, which connects the camera directly via USB 2.0 cable and requires no software.
OLYMPUS Master Software Makes It Simple to Arrange Your Pictures.
OLYMPUS Master software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are searchable by date or keyword in the Calendar View. With one-click editing tools, such as red-eye reduction, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates and other user services are just a mouse-click away.
Get Even More Features with FE-120
For those who want the same key features of the FE-100 and FE-110 as described above, plus a little bit more, Olympus has built the FE-120 with higher resolution, Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO Image Processor that enhances image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback, plus 19 scene modes, the ability to add special frames to prints, a 1.8-inch LCD, and a 3x optical zoom lens (38-114mm equivalent in 35mm photography f2.8 – f4.9) that combines with a 4x digital zoom to deliver a total 12x zoom.
Availability
The FE-100, 110 and 120 will be available in September 2005.
The FE-100/110 include: 16MB xD-Picture Card (FE-110 only), (2) AA Alkaline Batteries, USB Cable (Win/Mac), Video Cable, Wrist Strap, Quick Start Guide, Basic Instruction Manual, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software and Advanced Instruction Manual, Warranty Card.
The FE-120 includes: 32MB xD-Picture Card, (2) AA Alkaline Batteries, USB Cable (Win/Mac), Wrist Strap, Quick Start Guide, Quick Reference Guide, Basic Instruction Manual, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software and Advanced Instruction Manual, Warranty Card.
U.S. Pricing
FE-100 Estimated Street Price: $149.99 (U.S.)
FE-110 Estimated Street Price: $199.99 (U.S.)
FE-120 Estimated Street Price: $229.99 (U.S.)
Pocket Lint reviews the Canon Powershot S2 IS digital camera and writes - 'The Canon Powershot S2 IS provides a superb range of features and great handling abilities in a relatively small package and gives more than adequate results at a resolution that is ample for prints up to and over A3 in size. Even with Canon’s recently announced avalanche of new cameras, it still sits neatly in the range providing an enthusiast level of performance and specification at nearly half the price.'
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Digicam Review has a review of the Sony Cybershot DSC-W7 and writes - 'The 7 megapixel Sony Cybershot W7 is a good digital camera. The easy to use camera is capable of good results, however you may have to work with the image(s) to get the best out of them - for example to produce sharper images, or alter exposure etc. The camera gives you a lot of control through manual settings, but is equally suited to beginners. The macro mode is good. The camera is very good value for money at around £235, and whilst the camera is good, due to the slight image quality issues I had with the W7 (soft, exposure, white balance, blown highlights) I would be much happier recommending the Fuji FinePix F10 to my friends and family over this camera. '
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Lets Go Digital has a hands on preview/review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9500 (also known as the S9000) and writes - “Although the sample I have worked with is a pre-production model, and our conclusions are based on this fact, I am positively surprised about the quality of the high resolution images, especially the ISO 200 and 400 ones. Shooting under sometimes difficult conditions with contrast of black and pure white details none of the images were taken by any ”noise surprise“. The strength of the Super CCD HR is able to establish itself by delivering impressive low noise values...”
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Digital Camera Resource Page reviews the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5 and writes - 'In terms of features, the DSC-T5 is point-and-shoot. There are several scene modes, though I wish slower shutter speeds were available. The camera offers a VGA movie mode that can record video until the memory card is full. Do note that for the highest quality movies you must purchase a Memory Stick Pro Duo card -- regular MS Duo cards and the internal memory will not work.
Camera performance is impressive. The T5 starts up quickly, focuses quickly, and there's no shutter lag. Low light focusing is good thanks to t he camera's AF-assist lamp. Battery life has been improved since earlier T-series models, as well. Photo quality is good, though the T5 has the same “image fuzziness” as other cameras that use this lens design. Redeye will also be a problem. Speaking of flash photos, the T5's flash is quite weak -- a side-by-side with the Canon SD550 that I had with me showed a very noticeable difference in flash range.'
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