Olympus America on Wednesday rolled out a major refresh of its digital camera line coming in September, introducing new FE series and Stylus models. They run the gamut from entry-level cameras for first-time digital camera buyers to high-powered models equipped with 10-megapixel sensors.
The new FE series includes the FE-170, FE-180, FE-190 and FE-200 models — point-and-shoot cameras designed for ease of use. They’re all 6.0 megapixel models that include digital image stabilization, a 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder and other features. They all include an enhanced “Help Guide” that provides tutorial information for users, and tout a “one touch” design with individual buttons for shooting, reviewing and deleting images.
The $149.99 FE-170 is the entry-level model. It has available an optional water-resistant case that is submersible up to 10 feet. The $179.99 FE-180 is bundled with Ni-MH rechargeable batteries and lasts up to 500 shots on a single charge. The $199.99 FE-190 is only 0.7 inches thick and is made of a metal chassis that’s designed to be durable in a shirt pocket or handbag. The $249.99 FE-200 comes with a 5x optical zoom lens.
The Stylus 730 is a $399.99 camera that features a 3.0-inch LCD, digital image stabilization mode, “Simple Mode” for easy operation, and includes built in “Perfect Fix” editing capabilities that correct red-eye, underexposures and blurs on the fly. Rubber gaskets throughout the camera’s interior protect it from environmental moisture like rain and snow.
The $349.99 Stylus 740 has a 7.1 megapixel sensor and 5x optical zoom paired with a 2.5-inch LCD and “Bright Capture” technology that works better in myriad lighting conditions, according to Olympus. It measures 3.8 x 2.1 x 0.96 inches. A $249.99 optional underwater housing made of transparent polycarbonate lets the Stylus 740 work up to 40 meters below the surface of the water.
The $399.99 Stylus 750 features “dual image stabilization,” which combines mechanical and digital image stabilization technologies. It has a 5x optical zoom lens and 7.1 megapixel sensor, a 2.5 inch LCD, 27 selectable shooting modes, PictBridge support and more.
The $399.99 Stylus 1000 is Olympus’ first compact 10-megapixel camera. It has a 2.5 inch LCD display an an “all-weather” body design that’s resistant to rain, snow and dust. It features digital image stabilization mode and edit, 24 shooting modes, “Perfect Fix” support and built-in help guide.
The $329.99 SP-510 Ultra Zoom digital camera has a 10x optical Olympus ED Zoom lens, 7.1 megapixel sensor, 2.5 inch LCD and extra long battery life — up to 630 shots using standard alkaline batteries. It also features full manual controls, ISO 4000 and RAW image shooting.
All cameras include straps, USB cables to connect to a Mac or PC, batteries, software and documentation.