Digital Camera News

Olympus Unveils Compact C-7070 Wide Angle Zoom

January 5^th, 2005, Las Vegas, Nevada � Olympus announced the addition of the ergonomic 7.1 megapixel C-7070 Wide Zoom to their C-Series line of compact digital cameras. Emphasizing the camera�s 27-110mm (35mm equivalent) wide-zoom range and TruePic TURBO image processor, the compact C-7070 blends strong performance capabilities, accessory lens options, and a host of preset modes in a compact form that should appeal to a wide range of users.

�The C-7070 Wide Zoom will be valued by photographers of all levels for its compact size, rugged construction and ease of use,� said Glenn Schwartz, product manager for Olympus Imagining America, Inc. �But the powerful wide-angle lens, 7.1-megapixel image sensor, and two new AF modes are features that give this camera the extra edge required by high-end amateur and professional photographers.�

Continuing their use of digital-specific lenses, Olympus has included an all-glass, 4x optical Wide Zoom lens with an f/2.8-f/8 aperture range and manual focus ring on the C-7070. With enhanced motion capture abilities offered from two new AF modes, along with a Super Macro shooting mode that lets users get as close as 1.18� from the subject, the C-7070�s Wide Zoom lens offers shooting flexibility and image quality.

For additional telephoto or wide-angle views, users of the Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom can use any of the camera�s three accessory lenses and adjust the focus length to match the demands of the shot. The WCON-17C wide angle conversion lens is equivalent to a 19mm lens for a 35mm camera. Designed to diminish the focal length by 0.7x, the WCON wide angle conversion lens creating a deeper view of the scene and creates more space in the shot. Additional telephoto views are attainable with the 1.7x, 187mm (equivalent) TCON-17C and 330mm (equivalent) TCON-30C teleconverter lenses.

Spanning 4.9� x 3.3� x 3.9�, the C-7070�s magnesium alloy frame carries a 1.8� swivel LCD screen that rotates a full 180 degrees to accommodate self-portraits. Visibility is given substantial consideration; semi-transmissive LCD technology keep the screen's 130,000 pixels of resolution viewable in low light and high contrast scenes.

To appeal to higher-end prosumer photographers, the Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom is designed with a selection of advanced features that approach SLR functionality and control. More photographically-inclined users should be drawn to the C-7070�s live-feed histogram, which displays shooting information essential to a more professional user through an intuitive design layout that's easily interpreted by beginner digital camera users. The two added AF features included on the C-7070 Wide Zoom provide more accurate frame coverage and shooting control to users shooting with automatic focus. Through the camera�s Predictive AF function, users of the C-7070 can get more precise focus and sharper definition of subjects in motion. The Target AF feature on the C-7070 enables users to select from the camera�s 145 AF �target zones.�

While the elaborate controls and advanced functions on the Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom are sure to attract advanced users, the camera also includes a wide array of image presets and shooting settings. In addition to a fully programmed auto mode, there are 12 shooting modes that adapt instantly to a variety of shooting scenarios. Two of these modes cater to the trend of underwater digital camera use, offering both an Underwater Wide and Underwater Macro shooting mode.

With additional flexibility provided by the C-7070 Wide Zoom�s accessory flash options and the expansive battery storage of the B-HLD20 Power Battery Holder, the C-7070 Wide Zoom�s options extend far beyond its meager frame.

Users should expect to see the Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom on retail shelves in February 2005 for an estimated street price of $699 (USD).