Balko Photo

Olympus is expanding its rugged outdoor camera line with two new additions: the 8-megapixel Stylus 850 SW and the 10.1-megapixel Olympus Stylus 1030 SW.

Along with increased resolution, the new Olympus Stylus 1030 SW has a wider lens, a larger and improved HyperCrystal II LCD display, is still waterproof to 33 feet, and can take a fall of 6 feet.

For those who love to capture the unforgettable scuba diving moments, this camera includes 4 underwater scene modes. In fact this camera seems to be quite a catch for the outdoorsy person - from snorkeling to mountain biking to skiing. Its rugged design can take what you dish out in the desert or mountains or oceans.

The new wide 3.6x optical zoom lens is equivalent to a 28-102mm zoom in the 35mm format. The wide angle lens is just what the outdoor person wants too.

The 850 SW

Just like its big brother (1030 SW) the Stylus 850 SW performs in all types of terrain and weather. It still performs when the temperature dips well below freezing (14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius) — is dustproof and comes in a rainbow of colors:  blue, yellow, pink, black and silver.

The 10-megapixel Olympus E-3 digital SLR features Four-Thirds System compatibility, a dual-axis swivel 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel Live View LCD, and in-body mechanical image stabilization, which provides optical image stabilization regardless of the lens used. Image stabilization modes include all-around stabilization and vertical-only stabilization for panning. The camera also features an optical viewfinder with a 100 percent field of view. According to Olympus, the E-3 offers the best autofocus performance of any digital SLR when paired with their new Zuiko Digital 12-60mm f/2.8-4 Supersonic Wave Drive lens.

The E-3 includes an 11-point AF system, a 5 fps continuous shooting mode for a maximum of 16 RAW frames or a variable number of JPEG frames, and a shutter speed range of 60-1/8000 sec. The camera’s Live View LCD offers an angle of view of 170 degrees and a magnification factor of 5, 7 or 10 times, allowing the photographer to check focus and exposure before capturing an image. The screen’s dual-axis swivel mechanism provides 360-degree flexibility. The camera is compatible with several accessories including the Olympus HLD-4 battery holder, BLM-1 Lithium Ion batteries, and new FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes. Flash output settings can be controlled through the camera’s menus when using the FL-50R wireless flash. The Olympus E-3 digital SLR is available with a MSRP of $1699. PopPhoto

Olympus has finally announced their long-awaited flagship DSLR camera, the E-3. Billed as a pure pro camera, the Olympus E-3 is really more comparable to the cameras by Olympus’s competitors that we’ve been categorizing as semi-pro, such as the Pentax K10D, Canon 40D, and Nikon D200. Whatever you call it though, there’s no question that the new E-3 represents a sizable leap forward in technology and sophistication for the Olympus SLR line.

Built on a magnesium alloy frame the Olympus E-3 feels solid, and is sealed against dust and splashes. Connections include a USB 2.0 high-speed jack, an AC power jack, video out, remote control, and an x-sync terminal. The introduction also includes five new optics and two new flashes that can be remote controlled from the Olympus E-3’s onboard flash in three groups. A new battery grip works with the E-3 to double capacity, and duplicate key controls for vertical shooting.

The E-3 is exactly the camera Olympus needs to break into this prosumer SLR market, which is already dominated by Canon and Nikon, with Pentax, Sony, and Panasonic starting to fill in the gaps. Expected to retail for about $1,700, the Olympus E-3 is slated to ship in November 2007. Imaging Resource

Get it at Amazon! Olympus Evolt E-3 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Mechanical Image Stabilization (Body Only)

The Olympus E-3 is the much awaited successor to the E-1. Unveiled in Korea, we have to wait in the US for an October 17th press release. Probably will be shipping in November (along with the Nikon D300) and create a madhouse holiday shopping season.

No real details to report, but the rumormills are grinding out details….which say it will be a 10 megapixel version with an articulating LCD screen, dust reduction system, Liveview, in-body image stabilization (like the E-510), five frames per second and 11 point autofocus.

Here are some of the features you can expect:

• 10 MP with greatly improved high-ISO performance
• In-body IS that Olympus claims will surpass any yet seen (it claims up to 5 stops)
• Pop-up flash with wide-angle coverage
• Articulated LCD with live view
• Wireless flash control
• Sensor dust-reduction (as on E-1)
• Improved AF that Olympus says will be appreciably faster than the D200 or 30D
• 100%, 1.15X viewfinder with –3 to +1 diopter
• Splash- and dust-resistant body construction (as good as E-1)

Also, there are four new Supersonic Wave lenses planned and a compact 2X converter. The lenses include a 14–35mm ƒ/2 that will be available next Spring and a 12–60mm ƒ/2.8–4 due in October.

(Despite the “pro” label, Olympus expects the E-3 to compete with the Canon 40D and Nikon D300, so look for roughly comparable pricing.)

It was in 1936 that the Takachiho corporation, forerunner of today’s Olympus Corp., introduced its first camera, the Semi-Olympus I. The camera’s lens was given the name ZUIKO, a Japanese word that means “light of the gods.”

These digital interchangeable lenses have been specifically designed for digital applications. They use the Four Thirds System which is based on a new design to take full advantage of the native strengths of the digital camera. A convenient byproduct is a smaller and lighter-weight lens!

The Zuiko digital lens lineup features high resolving power, to get the most out of the imaging element. It allows light to strike the image sensor nearly head-on, minimizing degradation of resolution and light intensity, even in the image periphery or when using a wide-angle lens. [Olympus]

Chapter Two (in the history of Olympus E-System) will begin in 2007, we will continue to develop revolutionary features that extend the frontiers of DSLR photography, and to strengthen the Olympus E-System body, lens, and accessory lineup. A successor to our current E-1 flagship will also be introduced in 2007. We will continue to develop Olympus E-System bodies, lenses, and accessories for a wide range of genres, so that even more people are able to take photographs that could never be taken before. [Olympus at Photokina 2006]

In addition to the E-1 successor, four new lenses are coming this year, along with a teleconverter.

• Three new lenses with high-speed SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) AF
  The interchangeable lenses incorporate advanced new features such as the revolutionary SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) which makes possible the world’s fastest-class auto focusing, the enhanced super telescopic zoom capability that is one of the biggest advantages of the Four Thirds System standard. Olympus will continue to develop new products that will help users ”to take photographs that could never be taken before” the Olympus E-System.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm (24-120mm) F2.8-4.0 SWD
  An HG (High-Grade) series 5x telephoto zoom lens with wide angle equivalent to a 24 mm lens on 35 mm film camera. With a maximum aperture of F2.8 at the widest angle of 12 mm, this lens boasts brightness that’s at the top of the class among zoom lenses covering such a wide angle.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm (100-400mm) F2.8-3.5 SWD
  An advanced, high-performance 4x telephoto zoom lens also belonging to the HG series. While improving the color blur property of the current ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 lens and incorporating the new SWD mechanism in the AF drive, this new lens maintains the same high image quality with excellent resolution and contrast throughout the zoom range.

  ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm (28-70mm)F2.0 SWD
  The world’s first standard zoom lens to feature a wide aperture of F2.0 throughout the zoom range, this lens also boasts the top-level image quality and operability unique to the SHG (Super High Grade) series. This lens completes the series of Zuiko Digital zoom lenses with fixed F-stop that cover ultra wide-angle to super-telephoto photographing together with the ED 7-14mm F4.0, ED 35-100mm F2.0 and ED 90-250mm F2.8.

• Telephoto zoom lens
  ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm (140-600mm) F4.0-5.6
  A 4.3x telephoto zoom lens that covers the super-telephoto area equivalent to a 600 mm lens for 35 mm film cameras. Boasting excellent cost efficiency, this lens will be released as part of the Standard series. This super-telephoto zoom lens weighs only 620 grams!
• 2x teleconverter
  ZUIKO DIGITAL 2.0x Teleconverter EC-20
  A teleconverter that doubles the focal length of the master lens

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The Olympus SP-560 UZ is the successor to the SP-550 UZ which also sported the amazing 18x zoom. Now the larger sensor has shifted a bit to the wide angle with 27- 486 mm.

8 Mega Pixel Digital Camera - 18x Wide-Angle Lens, Dual Image Stabilization, 8.0 Megapixels, 2.5″ High-Resolution LCD, Face Detection, Perfect Shot Preview, LCD Backlight Boost Button, 15fps Sequential Shooting, In-Camera Panorama, TruePicTM III Image Pro.

Read Reviews at Olympus America / Let’s Go Digital / Digital Camera Info / DPreview / Buy Olympus SP-560UZ 8MP Digital Camera with Dual Image Stabilized 18x Optical Zoom

• 18x optical zoom (equivalent to 27-486mm on a 35mm camera) 1:2.8-4.5 – for extreme close ups to stunning scenes plus 5.6x digital zoom
• Avoids blur thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation
• Don’t miss the moment with high-speed sequence shooting (15fps*) and pre-capture mode*
• Face Detection Technology for perfectly focused and exposed faces plus correct exposure of other image areas
• Great for shots of flowers & detail as close as 1cm with Super Macro mode
• P/A/S/M exposure modes for creative freedom
• 24 scene modes (e.g. Smile Shot, Underwater Wide and Macro) for best results in different situations
• 8.0 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
• See and share images on the 6.4cm/2.5” LCD (230,000 pixel resolution)
• Shadow Adjustment Technology to brighten shadowy areas in a composition
• Better low light shooting thanks to BrightCapture Technology
• Liven up memories with movie recording with sound
• TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
• Underwater shooting up to water pressure equivalent of 40m possible in combination with optional underwater case PT-037
• 25 languages on board
• Dioptric correction
• Internal memory and xD-Picture Card slot
• Supplied with Olympus Master software 2.03 including Muvee Pack trial version plus four AA batteries
• TCON-017 teleconversion lens and CLA-10 adapter ring optionally available for maximum focal length of 826mm (or 4626mm when combined with digital zoom)

–Buy Olympus SP-560UZ 8MP Digital Camera with Dual Image Stabilized 18x Optical Zoom

The E-510 comes with a 10 megapixel sensor , a high-performance Live MOS image sensor for high-resolution images up to 3648 x 2736 pixels, the Dust Reduction System and powerful, built-in image stabilizer unit using Olympus’s exclusive Supersonic Wave Drive motor, with or without 14-42mm and 40-150mm lenses.

Read reviews at Imaging-Resource / DPreview / Olympus
America / Buy the Olympus Evolt E510 10MP Digital SLR Camera with CCD Shift Image Stabilization (Body Only)

• The 10.0 effective Megapixel Olympus E-510 camera body
• F3.5 - 5.6, 14 - 42 mm Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens [lens kit only]
• F4.0 - 5.6, 40 - 150 mm Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens [dual lens kit only]
• CCD-shift image stabilization
• “Live view” on a high resolution 2.5″ LCD display
• A brighter optical viewfinder than the E-330, Olympus’ last live view D-SLR
• Dust reduction system as found on all Olympus E-series cameras
• New TruePic III image processor promises better photo quality and faster performance
• Dual xD and CompactFlash memory card slots
• BLM-1 lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• Battery charger
• Body cap
• Shoulder strap
• USB cable
• Video cable
• CD-ROM featuring Olympus Master
• Quick start guide + 138 page full camera manual (printed)

The E-510 comes in three kits: body only ($799), with a 14 - 42 mm lens ($899), or with that lens plus an additional 40 - 150 mm lens ($999). Here’s what you’ll find in the box for each:

• The 10.0 effective Megapixel Olympus E-510 camera body
• F3.5 - 5.6, 14 - 42 mm Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens [lens kit only]
• F4.0 - 5.6, 40 - 150 mm Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens [dual lens kit only]
• BLM-1 lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• Battery charger
• Body cap
• Shoulder strap
• USB cable
• Video cable
• CD-ROM featuring Olympus Master
• Quick start guide + 138 page full camera manual (printed)

E-510 - Buy the Olympus Evolt E510 10MP Digital SLR Camera with CCD Shift Image Stabilization (Body Only)

E-500 - BUY the Olympus EVOLT E500 8MP Digital SLR with Zuiko 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Digital SLR Lens

E-410 - BUY the Olympus Evolt E410 10MP Digital SLR Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 Zuiko Lenses

*Olympus received the highest numerical score among digital cameras in the $600 or more price segment in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Digital Camera Satisfaction StudySM. Study based on a total of 5,802 total responses, measuring 3 brands in the segment and measures opinions of digital camera owners. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in July 2006. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

Plus it won the 2007-2008 EISA Award as the “Best Consumer Product.”

The Stylus 1200 combines 12 Megapixels with the latest tech like Face-Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and the new TruePic III image processor. The 3x zoom is 35-105mm equivalent. Did I mention 12 megapixels?!

Read Reviews at DPreview / DCResource / Imaging-Resource / Buy Olympus Stylus 1200 12MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

• 12 megapixels, 1/1.72” CCD sensor
• 3x optical zoom (35-105mm equivalent)
• Weatherproof
• Aperture range: F2.8-F4.5
• 2.7 inch, 230K pixel HyperCrystal LCD
• TruePic III processor
• Available in silver and black
• Face detection
• Shadow Adjustment Technology
• Perfect Shot Preview
• Bright Capture
• Perfect Fix
• Digital image stabilization
• Movie capture up to 640×480 at 30fps
• Dimensions: 3.9″ W x 2.2″ H x 0.91″ D
• Lithium-ion battery
• 47 MB internal memory, xD-Picture Card slot
• Buy in Black or Silver - Olympus Stylus 1200 12MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

The Olympus Stylus 820 squeezes 8.0 Megapixels, a healthy 5x 36-180mm equivalent zoom lens and a 2.7″ LCD into it’s sleek, weatherproof* frame. We have Face Detection with Smile Shot to trip the shutter only after your subject cracks a grin and Shadow Adjustment Technology to pull a little more detail from murky areas.

Read Reviews at DPreview / DCResource / Imaging Resource / Buy Olympus Stylus 820 8MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom

* 8 megapixels, 1/2.35” CCD sensor
* 5x optical zoom (36-180mm equivalent)
* Weatherproof
* Aperture range: F3.5-5.0
* 2.7 inch, 230K pixel HyperCrystal LCD
* TruePic III processor
* Available in silver, black, blue, red
* Face detection
* Shadow Adjustment Technology
* Perfect Shot Preview
* Perfect Fix
* Bright Capture
* Digital image stabilization
* Movie capture up to 640×480 at 30fps
* Dimensions: 3.8″ W x 2.2″ H x 0.96″ D
* Lithium-ion battery
* 47 MB internal memory, xD-Picture Card slot

Buy in Red, Silver, Light Blue, Black Olympus Stylus 820 8MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom

The Stylus 830 is mostly a copy of the 820, but adds Dual Image Stabilization - a combination of optical stabilization and ISO boost. With 22 scene modes, Face Detection Technology, 8.0 Megapixels, and 5x optical zoom (equiv. to 36-180mm). It comes in weatherproofed silver or black.

Read reviews at DPreview / DCResource / Imaging-Resource / Buy Olympus Stylus 830 8MP Digital Camera with Dual Image Stabilized 5x Optical Zoom

• 8 megapixels, 1/2.35” CCD sensor
• 5x optical zoom (36-180mm equivalent)
• Weatherproof
• Aperture range: F3.5-5.0
• 2.5 inch, 230K pixel HyperCrystal LCD
• TruePic III processor
• Available in silver, black, blue, green, orange
• Face detection
• Shadow Adjustment Technology
• Perfect Shot Preview
• Bright Capture
• Dual image stabilization
• Movie capture up to 640×480 at 30fps
• Dimensions: 3.9” W x 2.2” H x 0.94” D
• Lithium-ion battery
• 14.8 MB internal memory, xD-Picture Card slot
• Hi-Speed USB
• 25 languages on board
• Illuminated buttons
• Supplied with Olympus Master software 2.03 and Muvee Pack trial version plus LI-42B battery
• In Black, Silver, Blue, Green, Orange - Buy the Olympus Stylus 830 8MP Digital Camera with Dual Image Stabilized 5x Optical Zoom
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• Amazon Current says: Available November 1, 2007
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