Olympus America has announced the C-3020 ZOOM 3.2 Megapixel (2048 x 1536 effective pixel resolution), its latest filmless digital zoom cameras. It offers a USB Auto-Connect ready to use with Mac OS X’s Image Capture feature. The camera is configured as an external hard disk for easy downloading of image files to computers without any additional software.
With a suggested retail price of US$599.95, the C-3020 ZOOM is based on the design of the popular Olympus C-3000 series of digital cameras and includes such expected features as a 3X optical zoom aspherical glass lens with continuous 2.5X digital telephoto for a 7.5X total seamless zoom (32-240mm equivalent); six-mode flash with a slow synchro red-eye reduction mode; and a host of manual exposure adjustments. Plus, DPOF compatibility in the camera facilitates the setup and printing of photos.
New in the C-3020 ZOOM are five Scene Program Modes, plus a customizable “My Mode” setting; a user-friendly menu system; extended battery life; and Noise Reduction modes.
The Noise Reduction System gives the user clean colors and sharp pictures, according to the folks at Olympus. For exposures of 1/2 second or longer, the Noise Reduction Mode (when activated) automatically compares the original image with an image taken immediately after the first exposure with no light. This frame contains only the background noise. The C-3020 ZOOM then compares both images and cancels background noise in the original image.
“My Mode” creates unique custom camera settings that can be accessed by turning the mode dial to the “My Mode” position. The new Scene Program lets you choose the best settings for portrait, sports, landscape-portrait, night-scene and QuickTime movie modes. Olympus says that new energy-saving circuitry gives longer battery life.
The C-3020 ZOOM will be available the end of the month and includes a 16MB SmartMedia card, Auto-Connect USB cable, carrying strap, lens cap and retainer cord, 4 AA alkaline batteries, Camedia Master Software 2.5, manual, QuickStart Guide and remote control.