Digital Camera News

Olympus Expands Stylus, FE and Tough Lines

January 6, 2010 – Olympus announced six new cameras today, including the first model in the rugged Stylus Tough line to offer high-def video recording and new high-resolution point-and-shoots with an updated user interface. All of the new models take a page from recent Olympus SLRs with four in-camera digital filter effects (pop art, pin hole, fish eye and drawing) to be used while shooting.

The Stylus Tough-3000 maintains the  battle-ready characteristics of its predecessors, with water resistance down to 10 feet (and four underwater scene modes for shooting while submerged), shock resistance to a 5-foot drop and cold-weather performance down to 14 degrees F (-10 C). The tap control system is also implemented, allowing user input by tapping on the top, back or sides of the camera, even with gloves on. This time, though, underwater journeys and ski adventures can be captured in 12-megapixel stills or 720p high-def video. The Tough-3000 also offers in-camera panorama stitching of up to three images, and up to 10 images using computer software.  It will be available in red, pink, blue and green when it ships in February, for $229.99.

All three newcomers to the premium Stylus line offer 14-megapixel resolution and autofocus tracking. The Stylus-7040 and Stylus-7030 have 7x zoom lenses (28-196mm equivalent), while the more compact Stylus-5010 has a 5x zoom (26-130mm equivalent). The 7040 and 5010 shoot 720p video, with HDMI output. The same in-camera panorama system found on the Stylus Tough-3000 is included here. All three cameras are scheduled for February, in a variety of colors. The Stylus-7040, in titanium, pink, and light blue, will run $249.99, while the Stylus-7030, in titanium, blue and purple, will sell for $199.99. The Stylus-5010, also priced at $199.99, will be available in titanium, pink and light blue.

The less expensive FE series gains two new models, both with 14-megapixel resolution, autofocus tracking and face detection that recognizes up to 16 individuals. The FE-4020, scheduled to ship in February for $149.99, features a wide-angle 4x lens (26-105mm equivalent), the $119.99 FE-47 has a 5x (36-180mm) lens. The FE-4020 is powered by a rechargeable battery, the FE-47 uses AAs. The same four filter effects found in the new Stylus cameras carry over to these FE models. And for those who want their cameras as colorful as their photos, Olympus promises the 4020 features a "sleek double-layered crystal shell" with "a pearlized mirror finish to give the cameras an elegant, transparent feel" in warm gray, pearl white, light pink and light blue. The FE-47, which apparently doesn’t aspire to transparency, comes in silver, red and blue.