Digital Camera News

January 24, 2007

Olympus Announces Four FE-Series Cameras

January 25, 2007 – Olympus today launched four new FE-series cameras, the 8-megapixel FE-250 and 7.1-megapixel FE-240, FE-230, and FE-210. Olympus for the first time introduced their Bright Capture technology in three of the four models. Marketed as slim, easy-to-use cameras, the Olympus entry-level point-and-shoots range from $149.99 to $299.99 and will available next month.

In an overhaul of the current FE product line, the new Olympus cameras tote higher megapixel counts, 2.5-inch LCD monitors, and digital image stabilization. The Olympus FE-250, FE-240, and FE-230 models also sport the TruePic Turbo image processor. The manufacturer, for the first time, has also brought their Bright Capture technology to the FE-models FE-250, FE-240, and FE-230. Bright Capture allows users to preview images on the LCD regardless of the low light situation and capture photos without the use of a flash. The cameras also include a My Favorites Mode that stores nine photos of the camera’s built-in memory.

"The Olympus FE-series cameras offer the ultimate value by combining great features and ease-of-use functionality in an ultra-slim design," said Olympus Imaging America product manager Naoki Tai in a company press release today. Known as their Fun & Easy series, the FE-point-and-shoots feature Olympus’s signature Help guides that give detailed explanations for various shooting conditions.

The Olympus FE-250 is equipped with an 8-megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens, and 2.5-inch, 230,000 pixel LCD screen. Measuring 0.8-inches thick, the camera totes a maximum sensitivity of 3200 ISO,16 shooting modes, a 12fps burst rate at 3 megapixel resolution, and video capabilities of 640x480 at 30fps. The FE-250 accepts Li-ion batteries and is compatible with xD memory cards. The camera has an estimated price of $299.99.

The 7.1-megapixel FE-240 sports a 5x optical zoom lens and a 0.8-thick, all-metal alloy body. In addition to digital image stabilization that boosts ISO sensitivity and shutter speed, the camera has Digital Image Stabilization Edit to retouch blurry images. The camera has 16 shooting modes and can record videos at VGA resolution. The FE-240, available in black or silver, has an estimated street value of $249.99.

The FE-230 is the "most compact and portable member of the FE-family," stated the press release. Made from a durable metal body that measures 0.6 inches thick, the camera has a 7.1 megapixel count and 3x optical zoom lens. Users can also encase the FE-230 in the optional underwater housing accessory, the PT-038 for 130ft. of submergence. The camera has 19 shooting modes, including 3 underwater modes. The FE-230 will retail for $199.99 when it debuts.

Finally, the 7.1 megapixel FE-210 has a 3x optical zoom lens. Unlike the other models released today, the FE-210 does not come equipped with Olympus’s TruePic TURBO processor or Bright Capture. The camera does have 16 shooting modes and a movie mode capable of slower 640x480 QuickTime recording at 15fps. The FE camera is compatible with two AA batteries. Geared for budget consumers, the FE-210 will retail for $149.99 when it becomes available.

All the new Olympus cameras include their management photo program, Olympus Master Software. Optional carrying cases are also available in six colors.

Spec Sheets

-Olympus FE-250 -Olympus FE-240 -Olympus FE-230 -Olympus FE-210