The “OLYMPUS STYLUS 1” compact digital camera: A flagship model for the STYLUS brand comparable with DSLR

Compact body with a high-magnification and high-performance lens of constant aperture f2.8

Olympus Imaging Corporation (President: Haruo Ogawa) is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the OLYMPUS STYLUS 1. This model boasts an optical 10.7x (28-300mm* ), constant aperture f2.8, large-diameter, high-performance iZUIKO DIGITAL lens, and offer the DSLR-level image quality and functionality into a compact, slim camera body.

The compact digital camera market is currently shrinking across the world, however, among these conditions, models with a large-format imaging sensor, bright lens, premium high image quality and performance, and models with a high magnification which cover a wide range of shooting conditions, remain their popularity.

Since announcing the XZ-1 in January 2011, Olympus has released the STYLUS-XZ-2 and the STYLUS XZ-10 equipped with i.ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses that feature excellent image quality and brightness to the telephoto end, resulted in leading the high-performance model market. All-in-one cameras that support various scenes with powerful zooms have also proved to be popular among families for shooting vacations and children's events. However, up to now it has been difficult to create a model with a powerful zoom lens that effectively balanced the size, excellent image quality, and brightness at all focal lengths.

The new OLYMPUS STYLUS 1 is equipped with a newly-developed powerful i.ZUIKO DIGITAL lens that features a compact size, excellent image quality, and brightness at all focal lengths. Many powerful zoom models face the problem of subject blur that occurs in telephoto shooting in dark locations. This revolutionary lens significantly reduces subject blur without degrading image quality. The STYLUS 1 is the flagship model of the STYLUS series, achieving excellent image quality and a high zoom factor through the fusion of an i.ZUIKO DIGITAL lens, and the shooting style of the Olympus Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens flagship model, the OM-D. The best functions from larger, heavier, and more expensive DSLR cameras with the similar specs have been packed into a compact, slim body.

i.ZUIKO DIGITAL lens of the STYLUS 1 covers a focal distance of 28 to 300mm at 10.7x (35mm equivalent), with a rarely-seen, bright constant aperture f2.8. The brightness of the lens is available at all focal lengths, and promises excellent image quality and defocusing effects from macro shooting to telephoto shooting, with performance that departs from traditional compact cameras. Also, all types of aberrations that occur in powerful zoom cameras are almost perfectly corrected at all focal lengths.

This camera is equipped with a large-size electronic viewfinder (EVF) with the largest magnification factor in class for a compact camera that is equal in quality to the Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens camera, OM-D, where users can watch varied shooting conditions change in real time in the viewfinder. Stable shooting style while looking into the EVF, full-featured performance, and design that extends to every detail of the slim body make authentic, OM-D-inherited shooting possible. When the automatic opening lens cap is attached, the time from turning the power on to shooting is shortened, and because only the faintest sound from the lens shutter can be heard, the STYLUS 1 delivers a new experience in quiet shooting.

We also focused on the controls of STYLUS 1. In addition to using the Hybrid Control Ring made popular on the STYLUS XZ-2, the zoom lever and customization of all buttons ensure that users never miss a photo opportunity, for authentic shooting that is equal to DSLR cameras.

The STYLUS 1 is the flagship model of the STYLUS series, packing DSLR-level excellent image quality, powerful magnification, superior functions, and a wide shooting range into a compact body for an authentic shooting experience that anyone can easily enjoy - from beginners to advanced users.

● Main Features Details
1. An optical 10.7x (28-300mm*1), constant aperture f2.8 i.ZUIKO DIGITAL zoom lens packed into a compact, slim body

1) Constant aperture f2.8, powerful zoom lens for those who enjoy creative shooting
This 10.7x zoom lens boasts a maximum aperture value of f2.8 that is bright in all focal length, and covers from 28 to 300mm (35mm equivalent). In particular, the beautiful defocusing effects produced by the f2.8 at a 300mm equivalent telephoto setting overturns conventional wisdom about compact cameras, making it possible to capture photos where subjects seem to float off the image. Additionally, the brightness of the lens makes it possible to lower the ISO speed, which is beneficial to image quality.

Because the aperture value is fixed to f2.8 even when zooming, control of exposure in Aperture priority (A) mode is easy. Also, because the shutter speed can be increased, subject blur that tends to occur in dim-lit shooting scenes can be reduced. The brightness across all focal length, and fixed large aperture make this a masterpiece of a lens, fulfilling the highest demands for professionals in a zoom lens.

2) Optical design and coating that support excellent image quality
i.ZUIKO DIGITAL lens of the STYLUS 1 was developed based on the DSLR interchangeable ZUIKO DIGITAL lens series, for sharp, next-generation depictive performance from the center to the edges of the image. Olympus molding technology cultivated with DSLR interchangeable lenses was freely used to create a DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) lens for use as an aspherical element in the lens group. A total of 8 aspherical lenses are used in the 12 element, 10 group lens construction.

This construction not only effectively compensates for all types of aberration in all zoom range, but allows the lens barrel to be stored in the 52mm deep body when retracted. In order to remove ghosts and flaring, the Olympus-original ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating was applied to the surface of the lens. These measures ensure highly clear depictive performance, even in backlit or other unfavorable shooting conditions.

3) Powerful macro shooting function
At a 300mm equivalent telephoto setting the minimum shooting distance from the end of the lens is 80cm, making tele-macro defocusing effects possible. With Super Macro, close-up shooting from 5cm away from the end of the lens is available.

4) Powerful image stabilization
Lens shift-type image stabilization is used on the STYLUS 1. This method enables a compact camera construction, and reduces camera shake that tends to occur at telephoto settings or when shooting in dark locations.

5) Automatic Lens Cap attached
A removable lens cap that automatically opens when the power is turned on is supplied with the camera so that users can rest easy, knowing that they will always be able to capture the moment.

2. Equipped with a built-in large-size, high-image quality, high-resolution EVF for checking versatile shooting conditions

1) Performance that exceeds entry-level DSLR cameras
The STYLUS 1 is equipped with a built-in EVF equal to the Olympus Mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, OM-D E-M5. The beauty of the 1.44 million dots, high-resolution LCD is without compare when measured against previous compact digital cameras or home-use camcorders. With field coverage of 100%, it outperforms field coverage of entry-level DSLR cameras. With clear visibility from the center to the edges, users can check the exposure, color, and focus peaks before shooting.

2) Fast response and eye sensor functions
Viewfinder shooting is stress free, thanks to the fast response and short display time lag. Also, with the eye sensor function, simply looking into the viewfinder automatically switches the display from the rear monitor to the viewfinder. The eye sensor is automatically turned off when the rear monitor is tilted or the playback menu is being used to prevent misoperation and improve usability.

3) Adaptive Brightness Technology
This feature raises the brightness of backlight when shooting in bright outdoor conditions, and lowers the brightness in dark indoor conditions, reducing visual errors from light and dark adaptation of the eye. The backlight brightness is automatically adjusted in accordance with ambient light to maintain the proper brightness providing a natural appearance that is close to that of optical viewfinders (OVF).

4) Electronic level gauge and highlight & shadow display
This feature provides functions unavailable on optical viewfinders, and is useful for checking the electronic level gauge while looking at subject (previous display and 3D display), as well as displaying highlights and shadows for finishing photos with a touch of distortion or just the right exposure.

3. Shooting style of enhanced operability and stability inherited from OM-D, and a premium compact, slim design

As the flagship of the STYLUS brand, the STYLUS 1 neither function nor design were compromised, with attention down to the smallest details. The excellent control and stability of OM-D-inherited shooting style provides ease of use as a DSLR sub model.

The highly-stable grip, even when shooting at a 300mm*1 equivalent, lets users firmly hold the camera for long periods of time without tiring. The entire control scheme is designed around the right grip hand, including the zoom lever and Hybrid Control Ring so that a stable DSLR shooting style is possible while looking through the electronic viewfinder.

A compact, slim body design was achieved with a pentaprism silhouette while including a viewfinder and built-in flash.  When an interchangeable lens with an equivalent focal length of 28 to 300mm is attached to a DSLR or Mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, they become large and heavy, but the STYLUS 1 achieves the similar outstanding performance in a compact, slim body design. This camera can be carried around in a bag for easy and fun shooting with the authentic operation of a DSLR sub model. The camera has a premium black finish.

4. Full-featured controls and customization let users focus on shooting
The STYLUS 1 maintains its comfortable controls while providing customization to match users' shooting style for an intuitive approach to shooting exactly as photos are envisioned.

1) Hybrid Control Ring
This model is equipped with the STYLUS XZ-2's popular Hybrid Control Ring. Because frequently used functions can be assigned to the Hybrid Control Ring, settings such as the aperture value or exposure compensation can be quickly adjusted with a twist of the ring, letting users capture images exactly the way they want without missing a chance of shooting. Using the Control Lever located next to the lens, two control types (analog and digital) can be switched immediately.

2) Subdial
The subdial which can be controlled with the thumb of the right hand is equipped for the first time on an Olympus compact digital camera. This feature lets users grip the camera with their right hand and change all pre-assigned settings with minimal movement. In combination with the Control Ring, numerous settings can be changed quickly.

3) Two selectable zoom levers
On compact digital cameras, the zoom lever is normally located on the top of the camera. In addition to the usual location, the STYLUS 1 includes a zoom lever on the left hand side of the lens. With this innovation, the camera can be supported with the left hand for DSLR-style zoom operations, allowing users to focus on the release button with the right index finger so that photo opportunities are never missed. The left hand zoom lever can also be used to adjust the zoom slowly for fine adjustments when composing a shot.

4) Rich customization functions
Users can assign frequently used functions to the Fn1 button and movie button for quick activation. Also, each time the Fn2 button is pressed, multiple functions can be switched, and when the function is activated it can be set to the Hybrid Control Ring or Sub-dial to be used. Two different custom modes are available on the mode dial. Users' favorite pre-assigned settings can be activated simply by turning the dial.

5. Built-in Wi-Fi*2 for easy image sharing and wireless shooting
The STYLUS 1 is equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi function which enables easy connection to a smartphone simply by touching the Wi-Fi icon. The OLYMPUS Image Share (OI.Share)*3 smartphone app can be used to easily send images to a smartphone.

With the OI.Share remote control function, the camera's Live View screen can be viewed on a smartphone while remote shooting in P, A, S, M, and iAUTO modes for smooth operations and zoom operations is also available. By touching the Live View screen that appears on the smartphone AF points can be specified and the shutter can be activated with the same controls as on the camera. Also, users need only to transfer highly-precise GPS logs obtained with OI.Share to the camera to easily add geotags (location information) to images taken with the camera.

Using OI.Share's simple connection function, troublesome initial settings can be easily completed simply by scanning the QR code that appears on the camera screen.

● Other Features
iHS Technology
iHS stands for “intelligence”, “high-speed”, and “high-sensitivity”. With the combination of a 1/1.7 type, 12.0 megapixel*4, back-lit CMOS sensor (BSI CMOS sensor), and the TruePic image processor designed for the OLYMPUS PEN, focusing speed is improved, and users will always be able to capture the subject they want, beautifully, and without missing. Additionally, the STYLUS 1 inherits FAST AF from the OLYMPUS PEN series and Touch AF Shutter allows users to instantly shoot exactly the way they want by simply touching the screen, regardless of the subject's position.

PHOTO STORY
The STYLUS 1 includes an advanced version of PHOTO STORY, made popular on the STYLUS XZ-10. Shoot and select moments from various viewpoint by simply touching on the Live View screen. It offers 2 themes; “Standard” which has a variation of choices including patterns, effects, aspect ratios, and the number of images, and “Fun Frames” with three variations of stylish shot. With these features, everyday life will become memorable scenes with varied personalities.

Art Filters
The 11 Art Filters and 5 Art Effects*5 will fuel the spark of imagination so that users can create more stand-out pictures that match their imaginations exactly. Art Filter effects are available for still images, but they can also be used when shooting Full HD movies for greater freedom of expression and enjoyment. Art Filter Bracketing can help out users who have trouble deciding on which Filter to use by automatically applying multiple Art Filters and playing the images back in a slide show. This feature turns mediocre scenes into a virtual kaleidescope of enjoyment, providing new discoveries in everyday scenery through unexpected filter effects. Additionally, Art Filter Bracketing can be applied when editing RAW images.

Digital Tele-converter
Simply touching the section of the screen you want to zoom in when shooting a movie will zoom up to 2x (600mm*3) while retaining excellent image quality. Shooting movies is more fun than ever with the ability to capture the overall atmosphere of school plays and sporting events while also zooming in on children's expressions.

● Advanced iAUTO which automatically detects scene settings
● High-sensitivity shooting at ISO 12800 which reduces blurring and maintains excellent image quality
● Equipped with an ND filter for controlling exposure in 3 steps, for beautifully defocused shots even in bright locations
● The Bulb function enables up to 30 minute of shooting
● The Custom Self function offering customizable options such as the number of shots, self timer time, and shooting interval
● Equipped with a tilting 3.0 type, 1.04 million dots capacitive touch panel
● Zoom Framing Assist function helping users to recapture subjects lost during telephoto shooting, by reducing to half the zoom factor with the push of a single button so they can be found again
● Built-in flash
● i-Enhance mode is equipped on the STYLUS 1 for the first time on any compact camera, enabling automatic detection of subjects and optimal color and contrast reproduction
● Supported media: memory cards, (SD, SDHC, SDXC, UHS-I compatible), Eye-Fi cards

Olympus NEW PEN flagship - Public Touch & Try Event

Find out more about the NEW premium PEN at our event on 11th May 2013. You will get to touch and try on the new PEN, also know more about the Olympus Technology plus witnessing the some live demonstration that will surely 'WOW' you.

So, register now at http://home.olympusimage.com.my/event-main.html and be the first one to experience it.

OLYMPUS INTRODUCES FLAGSHIP MODEL, TOUGH TG-1 COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA

Olympus Malaysia is proud to announce the release of the OLYMPUS TG-1, its latest flagship compact camera model under the Tough category. Check out its great assortment of features ranging from waterproof functionality, drop shockproof, resistance to low temperatures, high-speed GPS and iHS technology (Olympus original technology enabling high-speed operation and excellent night shots). And what makes this new stylish model different from the previous Tough series is that it is now equipped with impressive lens with a maximum aperture of f2.0.

Expected to be released in June 2012, this bright f2.0 lens goes far beyond any previous tough camera, possessing a brightness far above and beyond the rest. A bright lens enables the user to enjoy faster shutter speeds and is called a “high-speed lens”. High-speed lenses allow shooting of night scenes and in bad weather when there is insufficient light. The lens keeps the ISO speed at a lower value, reducing noise and offers beautiful images.In addition to improved image quality due to iHS, the combination of the backlit CMOS sensor and SLR image processor TruePic VI dramatically improves the camera’s operational speed in the following three areas: the time the camera is powered on until shots can be taken, time necessary for focusing and continuous shooting function.

Location information can also be acquired at high-speeds with the GPS function. Because users can record location information in images and record the route traveled to an SD card, this function is perfect for recording outdoor activities.
The speed with which the internal GPS unit operates from the start of positioning until location information is acquired is an important feature. A-GPS uses GPS assist data via a PC application to drastically shorten the time it takes to acquire location information from satellites.

The 4x zoom lens boasts a super wide 25mm to 100mm equivalent angle of view at the telephoto end. And what make this model even more unique are the two types of completely waterproof conversion lenses.With the fish-eye lens, users can shoot at extremely wide angles, and the tele-converter lens allows an angle of view up to an equivalent of 170mm. Both lenses are completely waterproof, satisfying the needs of this outdoor-system camera. These accessories are sold separately.The OLYMPUS Tough, released in 2006, was the world’s first completely waterproof digital camera. While maintaining and improving its tough capabilities, we have done our best to respond to the demands of photo enthusiasts who love shooting outdoors. The TG-1 is the flagship Tough model, promising toughness that will survive the great outdoors, speed to match the reflexes of outdoor users, and the highest image quality in the harshest conditions. The TG-1 is the ultimate outdoor camera, letting users capture scenes and images that were impossible until now.

Price for this camera is yet to be confirm, announcement will be made prior to its availability in June 2012.

Digital Camera, Imaging & Media Show 2011

Malaysia’s Premier Photography & Imaging Exhibition is Back for the Third Consecutive Year

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, 15 December 2011: The Digital Camera, Imaging and Media Show 2011 (DCIM Show 2011), Malaysia’s biggest and most comprehensive photography and imaging exhibition, is back for the third consecutive year.

DCIM Show 2011 will take place at Hall 2 and 3, Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur from 23 to 25 December 2011. Some of the biggest brands in the imaging and photography will be showcasing their latest wares including Canon, Nikon, Panasonic as well as Olympus.

Visitors can also look forward to great bargains from prominent dealers with products ranging from photography kits, equipments and accessories to storage and media as well as printing solutions.

To further add value to visitors and enthusiasts, a series of insightful workshops and seminars on photography has been lined up. Renowned speakers such as Jim Liaw, Patrick Low, Eric Looi and Saifu Nang are penned in. Look out for the schedule at www.DCIMShow.com or follow the Digital Camera Magazine Facebook fan page for the latest.

Photographers and enthusiasts will be able to put their skills to the test during the Velocity Angel Search 2011 – a modelling search for the next cover model for Malaysia’s premier gadget magazine, T3 Malaysia. Scheduled to run concurrently and within the exhibition space at DCIM Show 2011, the Velocity Angel Search have seen past winners such as Felixia Yeap whom has gone on to various successful endeavours in the modelling industry.

Malaysia’s latest Bahasa Malaysia photography magazine, Dunia Kamera, is also scheduled to be launched at DCIM Show 2011. Offering the latest news, in-depth expert product reviews, tips and tricks and tutorials on photography and imaging, Dunia Kamera will be available at your favourite newsstands come January 2012.

DCIM Show will feature a Christmas theme this year and in celebration of this, expect lots of exciting photo contests with great prizes in store. Look out for info on this at www.DCIMShow.com

Exhibition starts at 11:00am from 23 to 25 December 2011 at Hall 2 and Hall 3, Mid Valley Exhibition Centre.

For more information and full exhibitors listing, please log on to www.DCIMShow.com

OLYMPUS UNVEILS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ, LATEST LENS FOR MICRO FOUR-THIRDS SYSTEM

4.2X motorized zoom lens with 24mm (35mm equivalent) wide angle capability and Micro Four-Thirds System standard compatibility

Olympus today announced the release of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ, a Micro Four-Thirds System standard-compliant zoom lens featuring a motorized zoom mechanism. With this new addition, Olympus can claim to have the widest range of lenses for this new system camera category, to date.

This new lens has a zoom ratio of approximately 4.2X, covering a range that extends from a wide angle of 24mm (35mm camera equivalent) – ideal for taking wide shots even indoors – to a medium telephoto focal length of 100mm (35mm camera equivalent), which is optimal for portraits.It is the first Olympus interchangeable lens to incorporate a motorized zoom mechanism, especially useful in movie shooting, thanks to the smooth, quiet zooming mode. The AF system is based on the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism enhanced by a newly developed linear motor drive that enables faster, quieter focusing.

To ensure the best possible image quality, this sophisticated lens comprises 9 lens groups with 10 elements, including three aspherical elements. Special glass materials are used extensively to correct various aberrations and all lens surfaces are multi-coated to ensure high transmittance and clear imaging performance.The lens also features a macro mode for close-up shooting with a closest focusing distance of 0.2 meters and maximum image magnification of 0.72X (35mm camera equivalent). In addition, an L-Fn (Lens Function) button allows the user to stop auto-focusing temporarily.

Finally, as befits a lens designed for the highly mobile Micro Four-Thirds System, this new lens employs the proven dust-/splash-proof mechanism originally featured in the ZUIKO DIGITAL SHG and HG (Super High Grade and High Grade) series lenses. The result is a versatile zoom lens usable in the toughest conditions and capable of everything from close-up wide angle shooting to medium range telephoto shooting of both still images and movies.

The new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ will be available from January 2012 and retail price will be confirmed at a later date.Main Features:

1. 4.2X (approx.) zoom starting from a wide angle of 24mm (35mm camera equivalent) – ideal for wide shots even indoors
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ is a zoom lens with a zoom ratio of approximately 4.2X, covering a range that extends from a wide angle of 24mm (35mm camera equivalent) – ideal for taking wide shots even indoors – to a medium telephoto focal length of 100mm (35mm camera equivalent), which is optimal for portraits.

To enable a wide 84-degree angle of view to be captured at 24mm wide-angle, this zoom lens uses a DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) element that requires high-precision manufacturing because of the extremely large ratio between the thickness of the lens center and periphery, as well as double-sided aspherical elements located at an intermediate position between the lenses to correct spherical and chromatic aberrations that can accompany ,changes in the zoom ratio. In addition, an HR (High Refractive index) element and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element are combined for optimum correction of color aberrations. Thanks to the extensive use of special glass materials, the 9-group, 10-element lens construction of the zoom lens ensures high imaging performance throughout the zooming range. In addition, all lens surfaces are multi-coated to ensure high transmittance and clear imaging performance even under unfavorable conditions such as shooting against light.

The use of an inner zooming system means that there is no variation in overall lens length during zooming, ensuring that stability can be maintained during handheld shooting.

2. Motorized zoom mechanism for stable zooming at a constant rate
This zoom lens is our first interchangeable lens to use a motorized zoom mechanism. This mechanism enables smooth, quiet, stable zooming at a constant rate, which is especially convenient for movie shooting.
This mechanism drives the zoom lens at one of three selectable speeds and allows the user to control zooming as desired, including slow zooming during movie shooting, detailed composition setting, and quick zooming when required.
Manual zooming is also available, allowing the user to take full control over zooming if desired.

3. MSC mechanism enhanced by linear motor drive for faster, quieter AF control
Developed independently by Olympus, the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism features advanced optical design technology developed for fast, quiet focusing. The new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ enhances the MSC mechanism by a new linear motor drive. Driving the coil linearly with a direct electromagnetic force without using a gear that would produce noise, the new lens can drive autofocusing with swift start-up and faster, quieter and smoother operation. The smooth autofocusing enables comfortable, stress-free shooting with both movies and still images.

4. Convenient features including macro mode for close-up shooting at 0.72X magnification (35mm camera equivalent) and the L-Fn (Lens Function) button with focus stop function
The macro mode can be set by pushing the zoom ring forward, while depressing the macro abutton on the side of the lens. In this mode, focusing is possible between 50 and 20 cm for close-up shooting with a maximum image magnification of 0.72X (35mm camera equivalent). Another new feature is the L-Fn (Lens Function) button, which can activate the focus stop function that stops the autofocusing operation temporarily. This makes it possible to avoid unintended focusing on an obstacle that may appear suddenly between the camera and the subject.

5. Dust/splash-proof mechanism
Already proven with the SHG (Super High Grade)/HG (High Grade) series of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, our highly reliable dust/splash-proof mechanism is now incorporated for the first time in a product compliant with the Micro Four Thirds System. This mechanism uses multiple sealing rings fitted in key positions of the lens to prevent water splashes and dust from penetrating the lens.

OLYMPUS WINS COVETED TIPA AWARDS FOR TWO CUTTING-EDGE CAMERA MODELS

Olympus’ steadfast efforts in research and development to introduce innovative digital cameras, and with many new models breaking world records, have won international acclaim.

Two of Olympus’ latest models, namely the Olympus E-620 digital-SLR (Single Lens Reflex) and the TOUGH-8000, ave won the TIPA 2009 awards, being recognized as the best choices in their respective camera categories. The Technical Images Press Association (TIPA) announced the results of these awards at its annual meet in Budapest, Hungary, recently. Every year, TIPA acknowledges cutting-edge products and technology in the field of photography with its TIPA awards. Editors representing 25 member photo magazines from 10 European countries voted the Olympus E-620 dSLR as the winner of the prestigious award for “Best D-SLR Entry Level”, and the Tough-8000 clinched the award for the “Best Rugged D-camera” of 2009.

Jubilant with this break-through success, Mr Tan Tick Boon, Managing Director of Olympus (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, said, “Selected from hundreds of products from leading players worldwide, Olympus has been credited with such deserving awards that acknowledge all the innovative features of our products. The Olympus E-620, which enjoys the reputation as the world’s smallest and lightest creative digital SLR with built-in image stabilizer, features amazing technological feats to satisfy budding photographers and even professional ones, too.

“In selecting the Olympus E-620 as the “Best D-SLR Entry Level” for 2009, the jury noted that this model truly provides creative freedom right into the palms of the user. With six creative in-camera art filters, multiple exposure shooting and a swivel Live View 2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD, it offers artistic freedom and endless creative possibilities.

“The new award-winning E-620 sees Olympus chalking up another success in its quest to put advanced digital photography technology into the hands of ambitious photographers everywhere.

FASHIONABLE, FUNCTIONAL OLYMPUS

Scouting around for a digital compact camera that is fashionable and sleek with all the latest offerings, yet not bursting your budget?

Olympus’ new line up from its Fun and Easy series promises loads of features in both the FE-360 and FE-370, perfect reasons to inspire one’s interest in the amazing world of photography. What with the coming festive celebrations and the year-end holidays, one’s best companion at any one time would be definitely be the tried and trusted Olympus.

The FE-360 is encased in a slim, lightweight and stylish body with an 8-megapixel CCD image sensor and 3x optical zoom lens. It is easy to operate, with dedicated buttons for shooting, viewing and deleting images. All positive attributes that would entice any beginner to enjoy digital photography even further.

FE-360 offers face detection technology and a comparison window preview function for easy operation. The face detection technology detects a human face and focuses on it. With this, it is so easy to ensure that faces are in perfect focus.

Similarly, the FE-370 comes in a slim and lightweight body casing and offers an 8-megapixel CCD image sensor, a 5x optical zoom lens together with an Intelligent Auto function for superior image quality, with easy operation.

This model features a CCD-shift camera shake correction and high sensitivity settings to reduce blur. The FE-370 also features a new Intelligent Auto mode, activated by setting the mode dial to "i-Auto". This is extremely handy as it automatically analyzes scene content and applies optimum settings to suit the scene.

The i-Auto mode works even in situations that conventional Auto modes cannot handle, such as macro shots or night scene shots that include people, to enable worry-free shooting by virtually anyone, in virtually any shooting situation. In addition, the face-detection technology helps to keep 16 individual faces in sharp focus.

The unique beauty of the Olympus FE series range revolves around its easy operations without having to refer to manuals. The In-Camera Help Guide feature enables information related to different modes and functions are automatically displayed on the LCD monitor whenever the buttons or dials are operated.

One of the best gifts that anyone can think of for this festive season, either for someone dear or for oneself.

The Olympus FE-360 and FE-370 are currently retailing at RM599 and RM799 respectively and check them out at any of Olympus’ participating dealer outlets.