Olympus America Inc. has introduced two new digital cameras: the Camedia C-5050 and the Camedia C-50 Zoom, both of which are Mac compatible and offer USB connectivity.
The C-5050
The Camedia C-5050 is targeted to advanced digital photographers who want full manual and advanced photographic control. It has an f1.8 lens, 5.0 megapixels and a built-in hot-shoe that lets an external flash be connected without the need for cables. An Olympus FL-40 flash will provide full “through the lens” metering so photographers can add more functionality to the C-5050 to get the best lighting conditions for their creations, said Richard Pelkowski, associate product manager, Olympus America.
The camera takes three types of memory media: the new xD-Picture Card, SmartMedia and Compact Flash Type I or II including microdrives. It can even hold two media cards simultaneously for more storage options. A multi-position LCD for optimized image viewing allows photographers to shoot from the hip or over the head.
The C-5050 Zoom’s controls, arrayed on the camera body, can be manipulated by the thumb. There are also arrow controls on the back of the camera, and a dial in the LCD. The C-5050 Zoom offers an optical viewfinder, as well as a 1.8-inch color multi-position LCD display that can show aperture, shutter speed and image quality settings and can be used in playback to review shots.
Atop the camera, a mode dial enables settings for an assortment of shooting situations. In fully Programmed Auto mode, the camera offers basic point-and-shoot simplicity. The Scene Programs on the mode dial provide fully automatic exposure adjustments for Night Scenes, Portrait and Landscape photography. The special “My Mode” feature lets you assign frequently used functions for quick access.
The C-5050 Zoom’s advanced settings include controls for aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual operation and are ideal for experienced photographers who want to take control. Other controls include Digital ESP multi-pattern and spot metering; adjustable white balance; multiple flash settings including slow sync flash; and auto bracketing and exposure compensation, Noise Reduction and Optimum Image Enlargement modes. The C-5050 Zoom can also be used to capture QuickTime video and sound.
Due next month at a suggested retail price of US$899, the C-5050 Zoom includes an auto-connect USB cable, audio/video out cable, carrying strap, lens cap with retainer cord, four AA NiMH batteries and charger, a 32MB xD-Picture CardTM, Olympus Camedia Master Software 4.0, RM-1 Remote Controller, user manual and Quick Start guide.
The Camedia C-50 Zoom
The Camedia C-50 Zoom is a compact (3.9 x 2.3 x 1.6 inches and weighing 6.84 ounces), 5.0 megapixel digital camera with an all-metal body, a 3X optical zoom lens (12X total zoom when combined with the 4X digital zoom), and the ability to capture five million pixels of image data.
The C-50 Zoom boasts a shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second for action photograph. The extensive shutter speed range also allows long exposures of up to eight seconds, enabling photographers to express their creativity when capturing night scenes or sunsets, said John Knaur, product manager, Olympus America.
Like the C-5050, the C-50 offers advanced settings, a mode dial feature and three different modes. There’s an optical viewfinder, as well as a 1.5-inch color LCD display which displays aperture, shutter speed, and image quality settings and can be used in playback to review shots Like the C-5050, controls include Digital ESP multi-pattern and spot metering; adjustable white balance; multiple flash settings including slow sync flash; and auto bracketing and exposure compensation. The camera comes with a built-in flash that offers six settings and it can also record QuickTime video and sound.
Coming in October for $699, the C-50 Zoom will include an auto-connect USB cable, audio/video out cable, carrying strap, Li-B10 Li-ION battery and charger, a 32MB xD-Picture Card, RM-1 Remote Controller, Olympus Camedia Master Software 4.0, user manual and Quick Start guide.
Also Olympus and Eastman Kodak have agreed to implement the Four Thirds System (4/3 System), a new standard for next-generation digital SLR camera systems designed to ensure interchangeable lens mount compatibility. The Four Thirds System isn’t based on existing standards for 35mm film SLR camera system lenses, but instead establishes a new common standard for the interchange of lenses developed exclusively to meet the optical design requirements of digital SLR cameras.
The Four Thirds System uses a 4/3-type CCD, CMOS or other image sensor. It will facilitate the development of dedicated digital camera lens systems that maximize image sensor performance and ensure outstanding image quality while also being smaller and easier to handle than 35mm film SLR camera lens systems, according to Olympus and Kodak.