Japanese camera maker Olympus has brought a new mirrorless camera to the Indian market. The E-M5 Mark II is an interchangeable lens camera with a visually appealing retro styling.
The E-M5 Mark II uses a 16.1 Megapixels, 4/3 Live MOS Sensor system to capture the images. The sensor also comes with a 5-axis* sensor-shift image stabilisation so that the videos and images are steady and without shakes. The body and lens systems are dustproof and splashproof. Olympus says that the camera has fast autofocus to ensure that your images are always sharp and in focus.
There are also 14 art filters for the used to try out some fun snaps. There is also a feature called photo story that takes multiple images of the same scene and makes one image. It offers two HDR modes, and you can take tilt shift images through the keystone compensation.
The camera has built-in Wi-fi and allows the users top share their images with ease with Olympus Image Share. You can also control the camera with a computer based app called Olympus Capture.
The Olympus E-M5 Mark II is priced at Rs. 74,990. It’s good to see that in an attempt to be valid in the smartphone camera age, the camera makers are adding exciting features to their camera. But the market might soon discard one major electronic product, and it sure isn’t going to be the smartphones. But if the cameras keep looking as sexy as the Olympus E-M5 Mark II we might keep them around for a while.
For all those photographers who actually want to get a better view of the nighttime skies, Olympus has a new compact edition camera for you. It has almost been a year since Olympus launched the first version of its stylish compact camera Stylus SH-1. This time they took it to the next level with the launch of Stylus SH-2.
The basic difference that sets this apart from its predecessor is that it has supporting features for shooting RAW images and time-lapse movies. It also happens to have several shooting modes to improve the low light photos and videos. It also has a live composition feature that sets it apart from the nightscape modes.
The stylus SH-2 has a 1/ 2.3 inch 16 megapixel BSI CMOS Sensor with a 24x (f3.0-6.9 25-600mm) Optical Zoom lens which can open as wide as 24 mm and also has a 460K dot-resolution touchscreen. It has a 5-Axis system borrowed from the OM-D E-M1 and the 5-Axis IS should provide steadier and sharper images than many compacts. Particularly in low light conditions and especially when you are using telephoto lens. It can also prove to be rather handy while shooting videos.
Like the SH-1, the SH-2 shoots full HD videos at 1080/60p along with the perfect capture of the stereo sound, has Wi-Fi (though no NFC) to pair with smartphones and retains the 3-inch touchscreen. For enthusiasts, Olympus also includes a full manual shooting mode in case one actually wants to go beyond the automatic options and with a single click on the camera’s record button in Nightscape mode one will get the optimum results required for dark scenes.
The only let down features is the absence of NFC and the aperture range which is not at all ideal for low-light shooting with the zoom lens.
Design wise the SH-2 is nearly identical to the previous version, with the exception of different looking chenille covering on the body which is made up of aluminum alloy with a sheet of leather stitched in the front and weighing only at 10 ounces, this particular camera can prove to be an ideal one for travelling. SH-2 is supposed to hit the markets in April at a price tag of 400$ (Approximately Rs. 25,000 in INR value).
You bought that expensive phone with an eye popping 2K display but cannot find content that does justice to that phenomenal screen. Well everyone’s favorite video streaming address has now come up with a solution. YouTube is giving a scale up option for smartphones with superior displays.
Although Oppo’s Find 7 and Lenovo’s Vibe Z2 had brought their phones with 2K displays, the market started to heat up following the launch of the LG G3. The phones spectacular display and flagship performance was unanimously appreciated.
The issue with screens with such high definition is that there isn’t enough content for these screens. Of course there is some phenomenal HD content that will keep you mesmerized but they don’t unleash the screens full potential.
Now YouTube will provide a higher 1440p output for such screens, thereby giving you a one source option for high quality content. This will of course apply to content that can be presented at that resolution.
This is a great opportunity for other handset makers to bring in the displays and use them in their marketing strategy. It is speculated that Samsung might enter the 2K space with the upcoming Note 4. At a time when companies are actively trying to make smartphones capable of competing with computers, a superior display can be a good selling point.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 is the latest addition to Olympus’ OM-D CSC camera line-up. The new interchangeable lens camera (ILC) shares the retro looks of the E-M1 and M5, but in a more compact form factor with consumer-friendly features including a built-in flash.
The E-M10 has a 16-megapixel sensor, Olympus’ new TruePic VII processor, and ZUIKO optics, with 81-point FAST AF borrowed from the EM-1 and Tracking AF. There’s in-body, 3-axis VCM IS, and 8fps sequential shooting, and Olympus has even found space for a pop-up flash and a live-view EVF with 100-percent coverage to go with the 3-inch, 1037k dot LCD. ISO 100-25600 is supported.
The OM-D E-M10 also has built-in Wi-Fi, a pop-up flash and is compatible with all micro four thirds lenses.
There are also 2 HDR modes, interval shooting modes with time-lapse movie capture, a Live Composite Mode for long exposure shot previews and 12 art filters.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 is available from mid-February for £529.99 body only, in black or silver. There’s also a kit for £699.99, which comes with an M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 EZ pancake electronic zoom lens.
Successor to the critically acclaimed XZ-1, the new Olympus XZ-2 adds a whole set of features that will make it the envy of competition brands. Starting with a 12.3-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor, a 28-112mm (eq.) f/1.8-2.5 Zuiko Digital lens and customisable controls that make it easier and faster for photographers to get exactly the shot they want.
It also has touch-sensitive tilt screen, the same TruePic VI image processor used in the OM-D E-M5 compact system camera, Full HD movie recording and Eye-Fi/FlashAir compatibility for sharing images directly on your social network..Another bonus for seasoned photographers is the fast-response autofocus that you activate with a simple tap on the 920,000-dot, 3-inch hypercrystal LCD.
The Olympus XZ-2 will be available from late October 2012 for US $ 600 (IN Rs. 32600 approx)
Full Specs :
Imaging Quality
1:1.8-2.5 super-bright, large aperture 4x wide i.ZUIKO DIGITAL zoom lens (28-112mm*) for superb image resolution
iHS technologies for capturing exactly the shots you want with rich colour and low noise, irrespective of shooting conditions
12.3 Megapixel backlit 1/1.7” BSI CMOS sensor for high-resolution, superb-quality full-size movies, stills and prints
Powerful TruePic VI image engine for faster recovery time and shutter release plus excellent image quality
Low Light Mode for sharper, more atmospheric shots in low light
1080p Full HD Movie with stereo sound for capturing movies in the best image quality currently available in compact cameras
Multi-motion Movie IS for recording Full HD movies with reduced blur while walking
HDR Backlight Adjustment for ideal exposure when shooting against the light
Usability
3.0” hypercrystal touch-sensitive tilt LCD (920,000 dots) with fast response
Touch AF for focussing automatically on the subject you touch
Manual controls for fast and easy professional adjustments
Hybrid control ring for fast, intuitive control of key program parameters, assigned by you, in digital mode
Live Guide and i-Auto for easy operation – even by beginners
Creativity & Flexibility
11 Art Filters and their variations for adding creative effects to HD movies and stills: Cross Process, Diorama, Dramatic Tone, Gentle Sepia, Grainy Film, Key Line, Light Tone, Pale & Light Colour, Pin Hole, Pop Art and Soft Focus
Art Filter Bracketing for generating multiple versions of a single shot to showcase different picture modes and Art Filter effects
Accessory Port for compatibility with a growing range of accessories including an external flash, electronic viewfinder and external stereo microphone
Storage & Sharing
SDHC™ and SDXC™ memory card compatible, including UHS-I support
Eye-Fi Card compatibility for automatic wireless uploading of images to a website or PC
FlashAir™ compatible for transferring password-protected images to selected smartphones and social networks
Free iOS and Android software downloads for editing and sharing images in social networks via smartphone and/or computer
Other
High ISO up to 12800 for excellent imaging despite poor light
Multi-Aspect ratios for the ideal format (16:9, 3:2, 4:3 or 1:1)
Removable grip for personalising the camera with three alternative grip colours (red, beige and purple)
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THE OLYMPUS STYLUS XZ-2 iHS® TAKES THE COMPACT CAMERA CATEGORY TO THE X-TREME
Point. Shoot. Be Amazed with an Ultra-Bright Lens, Ultra-Easy Operation and Ultra-High Image Quality, Making It the Powerhouse Compact for Serious Photographers
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., September 17, 2012 – Olympus pushes the compact digital camera to a new X-treme with the introduction of the Olympus STYLUS XZ-2, its game-changing, flagship high-performance point-and-shoot. The STYLUS XZ-2 is a hybrid that combines optical brilliance, the manual controls of a DSLR and the unbeatable convenience of a lightweight compact in a body every imaging enthusiast should love. Inheriting the 4x optical / 4x Digital zoom iZUIKO® DIGITAL f1.8-2.5 large-diameter lens found on its predecessor, the award-winning Olympus XZ-1®, the Olympus STYLUS XZ-2 builds on its low-light performance with new features: the world’s first hybrid control ring, customizing controls so ambitious photographers easily capture the shot; a new fast, touch-sensitive tilt screen; the powerful TruePic VI image processor; Full HD movie recording and FlashAir® compatibility to share images immediately on social networks.
The digital lens of the Olympus XZ-2 (iZUIKO f1.8-2.5 (28-112mm*), a 4x compact version of legendary ZUIKO Digital lenses, is designed for clear, high-quality photographic performance, whether set at its maximum f1.8 aperture for amazing wide-angle shots, or at f2.5 for 112mm* telephoto images. The result is expressive background defocusing and sophisticated bokeh, plus the flexibility to use short, blur-free exposure times in low light. The camera’s iHS technology and the large-aperture lens work together to deliver high-sensitivity, low noise and blazing auto-focus performance that translates to the highest image quality of any Olympus compact camera.
The newly developed 12.0 megapixel, 1/1.7″ high-sensitivity back-lit CMOS sensor, working with the TruePic VI processor, the same processor used in the Olympus OM-D E-M5™ system camera, provides faster recovery time and shutter release to capture images with true-to-life colors, rich details and low noise. To complement the speed of the f1.8 lens, the camera’s low-light mode automatically adjusts the ISO sensitivity up to ISO 12,800 to take sharp, full-resolution photos in dim conditions, and an easily accessible built-in pop-up flash and AF illuminator brightens low-lit subjects, reduces red-eye and fills in dark areas.
The Olympus XZ-2 is equipped with the world’s first hybrid control ring, built around the lens, which allows users to easily assign function settings to their preferences as well as switch between analog and digital operation of the ring. The digital operation provides a solid click on controls, whereas the analog operation offers a smooth, gliding feeling. When the Fn 2 lever next to the lens is placed downward, the ring around the lens switches to analog control so it can be used as a focus or a zoom ring. If the lever is placed at an angle, the ring around the lens switches to digital control to change exposure-related settings quickly and easily. This feature enables fine-tuning of the focus in macro, composition selection when shooting, and exposure adjustment all without looking away from subjects.
Basic operations and settings of the Olympus XZ-2, starting with touch controls and Live Guide, as well as a new graphic user interface will be familiar to Olympus PEN® and OM-D shooters. Instantly activate the Touch AF Shutter function to select the subject you want to focus on and activate the shutter simply by touching the swivel 3.0 inch, 920,000 dot LCD screen. The XZ-2 design is enhanced with a removable grip that offers the option for a sleek style grip, and metal is used throughout the body for a strong and sharp look.
The Olympus STYLUS XZ-2 is packed with additional technologies including DUAL IS, which combines with high-sensitivity shooting to reduce camera shake and subject blur, providing double image stabilization. HDR backlit correction captures multiple images with a single shot at different exposures and automatically merges them into one image, and Super Resolution technology expands zoom power up to eight times with minimal image degradation. iAuto mode automatically identifies up to 30 different scenes. The XZ-2 also features 11 Art Filters and 5 Art Effects that easily bring artistic visions to life.
In addition to superior still image quality, the 1080p Full HD Movie capability with stereo sound captures movies in the best quality currently available in compact cameras. Multi-Motion Movie IS image stabilization corrects for the common gradual camera shake that occurs when shooting on the move, delivering more stable, higher-quality movies. Beautiful movies can be shot even longer with a 1920 x 1080 High-Definition size and MOV/H.264 movie compression that has an excellent compatibility with computers. The Olympus XZ-2 is also designed to make sharing your amazing images even easier. Using the smartphone connection function, simply set up a compatible Toshiba FlashAir SDHC card with an internal wireless LAN to make a Wi-Fi connection. With the Olympus Image Share smartphone application (to be released in September), easy image upload onto a smartphone via a thumbnail index, adding Art Filters to images on a smartphone, and sharing images on various social networking services is possible.
A wide range of creative and practical accessories is available to adapt the Olympus XZ-2 for specific needs, including three alternative grips in a variety of colors (red, beige and purple), a body jacket and underwater housing. There’s also a sleek, matching black LC-63A lens cap that opens and closes automatically whenever you activate the camera. To expand the camera’s versatility, the XZ-2 includes an accessory port for compatibility with a growing range of Micro Four Thirds® accessories.
*35mm equivalent.
U.S. Pricing and Availability The Olympus STYLUS XZ-2 will be available in November 2012, and ships with a USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack, Li-Ion Battery Charger, Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS ib® software CD-ROM, Manuals and Registration card.
Estimated Street Price: $599.99 (Available in black)
Olympus has introduces the new PEN E-PL5 and E-PM2 in Cologne at Photokina 2012, only progressive updates to already-existing lines, but there are some notable new features packed into these tiny bodies. Both models, announced today, offer nearly identical specifications, with notable differences on the form-factor front.
PEN E-PL5
E-PLS
Just like its predecessor, the E-PL5 has an articulating screen and a small, all-metal body. Specs include
16.1-megapixel High-Speed Live MOS sensor
TruePic VI image processor from the OM-D E-M5
Maximum ISO setting of 25,600.
460,000 dot, 3-inch touchscreen
1080i video and an 8fps continuous shooting mode
Touch AF
Optional hot-shoe flash
Detachable grip
Compatible with the Toshiba Flash Air card for Wifi capabilities
PEN E-PM2
E-PM2
The smallest member of the PEN family shares many of its features with the E-PL5 :
16.1-megapixel High-Speed Live MOS sensor
TruePic VI image processor from the OM-D E-M5
Maximum ISO setting of 25,600.
460,000 dot, 3-inch touchscreen
1080i video and an 8fps continuous shooting mode
Touch AF
Optional hot-shoe flash
Compatible with the Toshiba Flash Air card for Wifi capabilities
The E-PM2, however, has a built-in grip with a button for calling up the Live Guide function that helps shooters learn how to deal with most photographic situations.
PEN E-PL5
PEN E-PM2
15mm F/8 Body Cap Lens
As aOlympus also announced a body cap that actually doubles as a lens. The 15mm lens has a full-frame equivalent focal length of 15mm and a constant aperture of f/8, meaning that it doesn’t get bigger or smaller. It’s an interesting little piece of kit and adds a lomo-type feel to the PEN bodies.
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TWO NEW OLYMPUS PEN® CAMERAS PUT MORE POWER IN YOUR HANDS WITH THE WORLD’S FASTEST TOUCH AF SHUTTER
Compact Portable Bodies Deliver Amazing Image Quality with OM-D E-M5™ Sensor, In-Camera Creativity Expands with New Art Filters
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., September 17, 2012 – Today, Olympus announces two new PEN compact system cameras, the latest in its award-winning line of Micro Four Thirds® products, designed to help both advanced and emerging photographers take their creative power to a whole new level. The Olympus PEN E-PL5 and PEN E-PM2 deliver amazing image quality by packing superior image technology, blazing fast processing speed and total creative control in classic bodies that combine the portability and ease of use of a point-and-shoot without the complexity of a DSLR.
In addition to advanced shared technologies outlined below, each new model offers unique features of its own:
Olympus PEN E-PL5: This powerful performer boasts significant improvements in functionality and ease of use. It features an all-metal body in silver, black or white and is portable enough to travel across the world without sacrificing DSLR image quality and the control that experienced photographers expect. Inherited from its predecessor, the E-PL5 has a swiveling monitor with a greatly expanded swivel range of approximately 170° up and about 65° down, making it easier to shoot pictures from low or high angles, and offers the ability to flip the monitor up for self-portrait shooting.
Olympus PEN E-PM2: The ultra-compact, simple and stylish, smallest and lightest Olympus PEN is designed for people who want to try an interchangeable lens camera for the first time. Available in silver, black, white and red, the E-PM2 offers an intuitive vertical touch navigation menu displayed by pressing the MENU button to provide a fast and easy way to switch modes with fewer steps.
Superior Image Quality and Low Light Performance Both new Olympus PEN cameras share the same 16.1-megapixel High-Speed Live MOS Sensor and new TruePic VI image processing engine as the award-winning, flagship Micro Four Thirds system camera, Olympus OM-D E-M5. Armed with this technology, the new PENs are outstanding low-light performers with a maximum ISO of 25,600 and a dynamic range that has also been increased, enabling finer expression of gradations between dark and bright areas with a wider range of intensity. An AF Illuminator and accessory FL-LM1 flash, included with both cameras, adds to their low-light performance. Photos and HD videos will be crisp and clear thanks to three modes of in-body image stabilization and the award-winning Olympus Dust Reduction System.
Blazing Speed Tapping in on the chosen subject within the frame of the cameras’ LCD monitor instantly focuses the subject and automatically triggers the shutter for instantaneous in-focus image capture thanks to the Touch AF Shutter function. The combination of the speedy response of the touchscreen panel and the FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF system, the same technology that made the Olympus OM-D the world’s fastest autofocusing camera, gives users the power to capture precisely the image they want at precisely the moment they want it. With instantaneous focusing, the camera won’t shake the moment the shutter is released, assuring maximum clarity and stability, even when shooting moving subjects. Maximum frame rates have also increased more than 2X with a maximum frame rate of 8 fps in Single AF mode.
Ease of Use Both new models have a 3-inch, 460,000-dot high-definition LCD screen and an Anti-Finger Print coating to reduce smudges. The display offers a wide 176-degree angle of view and is bright enough to compose images even in harsh midday light. Capturing the shot you want is easy with the E-PL5 swivel LCD that rotates up 170 degrees for simple self-portrait shooting. The intuitive and practical touchscreen makes navigating the camera’s menus and graphical user interface effortless. Going through a day’s photos is as easy as scrolling through the images and enlarging photos with the tap of a finger. Change the feel of each camera to suit your preferences with a detachable grip included with the Olympus E-PL5, and the Olympus E-PM2 grip is built-in. A convenient button on top of the E-PM2 calls up the Live Guide function instantly from any shooting mode for intuitive assistance whenever needed. My Sets on the E-PL5 Mode Dial allow further customization to suit the user’s shooting preferences.
Creative Control The Olympus E-PL5 and the Olympus E-PM2 bring a new level of freedom to the creative shooting experience. A new Water Color effect joins 11 available in-camera Art Filters (Diorama, Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Cross Process, Gentle Sepia, Key Line and Dramatic Tone) and adds to other brilliant, easy-to-use functions, including Variations and the new Monochrome effect. In-camera RAW data editing selects various settings for RAW data editing and previews the images before applying changes. The customizable Self Timer programs the shutter release to go off at select intervals to ensure the perfect shot. A small single AF target can be selected for pinpoint focusing beyond the existing 35-point area selection. Users can get creative while shooting in 1080i Full HD Movie with fade effect, so you can transition from art filter to art filter without stopping the movie. While shooting a movie, the Movie Teleconverter function magnifies up to 4x without image deterioration.
Sharing in a Flash Using the OLYMPUS Image Share application, which is compatible with both iPhone® and Android® smartphones and the Toshiba FlashAir® SDHC memory card, it’s easier than ever to upload pictures to your favorite social network. Both PENs can set up the FlashAir using the built-in smartphone connection capability for an effortless Wi-Fi connection between PEN and your smartphone. The OLYMPUS Image Share application makes it easy to upload images to a smartphone by selecting them from thumbnails, apply Art Filters on the smartphone and share. Images can also be enjoyed by friends and family by issuing a one-time password to connect several smartphones simultaneously to the cameras.
Is It a Body Cap or a Lens? It’s Both. Olympus also introduces an intriguing new lens for its Micro Four Thirds line. The BCL-15 f8.0 Body Cap Lens serves as a body cap when carrying the camera around without its interchangeable lens, and transforms to become a pan-focus snapshot lens to capture images. The lens is so thin – just 9mm thick – that it can easily be mistaken for a camera-mount body cap. With three glass lens elements in three groups, it can be used as a wide-angle lens equivalent with a single focal length of 30mm (35mm camera equivalent). In addition to daily use as a “pan-focus” lens featuring a wide angle, fixed f8 aperture and shallow depth of field, it is compatible with manual focusing using a lever and capable of close-up shooting as close as 30 cm. A lens-protection barrier is provided so the lens can be mounted permanently on the camera and even put in a pocket together with the camera.
Coordinated Accessories to Enhance and Protect Your Camera New Olympus PEN accessories provide sturdy protection for users to enjoy convenience, comfort and style wherever they go. The CS-38B is a genuine leather body jacket designed exclusively for the PEN that protects the camera body without detracting from its design. The body jacket’s genuine leather and rugged construction combines casual with contemporary styling and is available in four colors.
The accessory MCG-3PR Camera Grip for the E-PL5 is available in three patterns – Dot, Hounds tooth Check, and Stripe – and makes it easy to accessorize with style. A matching LC-37PR Lens Cap, compatible with both new cameras, is available in the same three patterns and allows the E-PL5 user to have a color-coordinated combination.
The CBG-8 is a versatile camera bag that can be hung across the shoulder, carried by hand or used as a bag-in-bag. It has a detachable inner pocket, which is partitioned to enable storage of other items in addition to the camera and lenses, such as a smartphone, while the outer pocket is large enough to accommodate a tablet PC or A4-size file folders.
U.S. Pricing, Availability and Product Configurations The Olympus PEN E-PL5 and the Olympus PEN E-PM2 will be available in October and ship with the Body, Flash FL-LM1, Li-ion battery BLS-5, Li-ion battery charger BCS-5, USB cable, AV cable, Shoulder strap, OLYMPUS Viewer 2 (CD-ROM), Instruction manual and Warranty card. The PEN E-PL5 will also ship with the MCG-4(Changeable Grip).
U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations Olympus PEN E-PL5 Body Only Estimated Street Price: $649.99
Olympus PEN E-PL5 Body with MSC M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL ED m14-42mm II R f3.5/5.6 Zoom Lens Estimated Street Price: $699.99 Olympus PEN E-PL5 (Available in silver, black and white). A complete list of specifications can be found at the Olympus website: HYPERLINK “http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1628&page=specs” http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1628&page=specs
Olympus PEN E-PM2 Body Only Estimated Street Price: $549.99
Olympus PEN E-PM2 Body with MSC M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED m14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Prime Zoom Lens Estimated Street Price: $599.99
Olympus has launched a new rugged camera called “Tough TG-1 iHS”. It sports a 12 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor, 25-100mm, f/2.0-4.9 4x zoom lens and 3-inch 610k OLED display. The camera is manufactured in a reinforced body shell.
The camera has been tested to work under 40 feet of water, temperatures as low as -10 Degrees C and after falling frm a height of approx. 6.6 feet. The camera also sports a 30 fps full-res rapid-fire shooting (for 50 consecutive shots, or 220 in a 3-megapixel 60 fps mode).
The image processor has been borrowed from the Pen lineup of cameras, TruPic VI image processor, gives it impressive focusing speeds. You can use all the above features in video, including underwater video at 1080p at 30fps. It also has Linear PCM audio recording and a powerful Multi-Motion Movie image stabilization that allows for smooth movie capture.
The body also has a GPS, an e-compass and pressure-measuring manometer for added image data, along with in-camera tools, like a compass with 3D renders and a power-efficient GPS that helps to identify more than 700,000 landmarks around the globe.
Olympus will also offer fisheye and telephoto attachments which can even be swapped while underwater. Double-locking battery and HDMI port doors and a repellant coating on the lens helps fight water and dust.
The camera will be available in June for US $ 399 (Rs. 21,200).
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CAPTURE PRO IMAGE QUALITY FROM A WHOLE NEW PERSPECTIVE: OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-1 iHS
Durability Unites with DSLR-Image Quality, Best-In-Class f2.0 Lens, Full 1080p HD Video and Amazing Features for Thrill Seekers, Reef-Loving Explorers and Everyone In Between
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 8, 2012 – Olympus draws on its heritage of creating rugged, durable cameras that take the worry out of life-on-the-go shooting with the new Olympus TG-1 iHS. Marking a revolution for the Tough Series of Waterproof, Shockproof, Freezeproof, Crushproof and Dustproof compact cameras, the Olympus TG-1 iHS combines incredible durability with iHS technology, the world’s first high-speed bright f2.0 lens on a Tough camera and converter-lens compatibility to create a versatile system camera. The combination of durability and outstanding image quality make it possible to shoot in even the harshest conditions. Capture beautiful underwater scenes and aquatic life, snap photos of dusk-lit peaks or record your ride down the rapids in dazzling 1080p Full HD Video.
Superior Optics
The Olympus TG-1 iHS is the world’s first rugged camera to incorporate an ultra-bright, high-speed f2.0 lens* so you can capture high-quality images at blazing fast shutter speeds, even in low-light conditions. The camera’s three-inch high-resolution OLED display (610K dots) provides excellent visibility in bright situations, enabling you to compose the perfect shot in direct sunlight. Protective coatings help to prevent scratches and cut down on reflective glare, and the new lens on the Olympus TG-1 iHS transforms your photographs with the same FAST AF system technology found in Olympus PEN® cameras. Never worry about water droplets obstructing your images thanks to the water-repellent lens coating that prevents water from remaining on the lens surface.
Unmatched Rugged Durability
From atop an Alpine mountain to the depths of a tropical lagoon, the Olympus TG-1 iHS captures the perfect shot in unforgiving environments. Waterproof to 40 feet, Shockproof to 6.6 feet, Freezeproof to 14°F and even Crushproof to a weight of 220 pounds, the flagship Olympus Tough model is the toughest Tough model to date and an exceptionally high-speed performer with faster start-up time and quicker refresh rates.
Outstanding Image Quality
A high-sensitivity, high-speed 12-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor combined with a blazing fast, DSLR-quality TruePic™ VI image processor results in high-speed autofocus, enhanced Intelligent Auto for spectacular scene and subject recognition, and 10x Super-resolution Zoom to produce jaw-dropping images in locations that make even the most seasoned photographers cringe. This family of technologies combines for unmatched image quality in challenging shooting conditions with improved lighting, less noise and response times twice as fast as traditional cameras.
Designed specifically to keep up with the on-the-go photographer, the new Super Sport Mode combines high-speed autofocus with extra fast shutter speeds – up to 1/2000 – to freeze the action. Conveniently located on the dial, this mode captures five shots in a high-speed burst to ensure crisp shots in even the most extreme action sport settings. Low Light Mode is perfect for capturing the mood of low-light indoor scenes, beautiful sunsets or late night outdoor festivities without ruining the ambience with a bright flash. Shoot like a pro with 10 frames-per-second high-speed burst shooting and 1080p Full HD videos (1920×1080 pixels) or 60 frames-per-second (3mp) at the touch of button, allowing for slow-motion playback. Thanks to iHS Technology, your videos will benefit from excellent color reproduction and faster processing speeds, while Multi-Motion IS compensates for user movement during recording, creating smoother videos. Linear PCM Recording, an audio technology pioneered by Olympus for professional voice recorders, records your videos with high-definition audio for optimal playback results.
In iAuto mode, the Olympus TG-1 iHS automatically detects the subject, lighting and situation to identify the scene you’re shooting – up to 30 different scenes including Night, Sport, Beach and Snow, Underwater Snapshot and Backlight HDR – and adjusts the settings for ideal results.
System Expandability
For serious photographers, Olympus is offering system expandability for the Olympus TG-1 iHS. A converter ring allows you to add a lens converter adapter, waterproof Fisheye Converter Lens and Teleconverter Lens for use on land or in water. The Fisheye Converter Lens captures panoramic, wide-angle shots without sacrificing the brightness of the 4x wide optical zoom (25-100mm*) f2.0 lens. The Teleconverter Lens extends your optical zoom from 4x to 6.8x, delivering dramatic close-ups with professional-looking background blur. Combined with the Olympus TG-1 iHS’ 8x Super-resolution Zoom, which extends the range of the optical zoom with virtually no loss of image quality, you can reach an unmatched 13.6x magnification. Both converter lenses are waterproof to 40 feet. If 40 feet is not deep enough for you, the new Olympus PT-053 underwater housing is designed specifically for the TG-1 iHS, enabling you to dive to depths of 135 feet (45m).
Extreme Versatility
With the GPS and e.compass functions on the Olympus TG-1 iHS, location and landmark information will be displayed and recorded along with every image. The camera is also equipped with a logging function so you can track the route taken from recorded images by using applications such as Google Earth and Picasa. And with the brand-new LI-90 battery, you’ll worry less about battery life and more about your next destination. Mark your spot on the map with the built-in manometer, which records elevation and water depth and even displays a warning when the user approaches a depth of 40 feet. The Olympus TG-1 iHS boasts four different underwater scene modes — Underwater Snapshot, Underwater Wide 1, Underwater Wide 2 and Underwater Macro — each carefully calibrated to allow for optimal color balance, exposure and flash so you automatically get the best results. An LED illuminator on the front of the camera enhances focus and exposure for macro shooting – great for underwater close-ups where light is scarce. The LED illuminator also works in conjunction with the flash to help illuminate your subject in low-light conditions.
U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus TG-1 iHS will be available in June and ships with a USB Cable & Charger (F-3AC), Lithium-Ion Battery (Li-90B), Wrist Strap, Instruction Manual and ib Software CDs, Quick Start Guide and a Warranty Card.
Estimated Street Price: $399.99 (Available in Silver)