Tougher than tough

Olympus 1030 SW & 850 SW: Simply incredible
London, 22 January 2008 – Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Then get to know the shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof 1030 SW and 850 SW since these unstoppable models go anywhere you do. What’s more, advanced features such as Face Detection Technology deliver impeccable shots in superior Olympus quality every time. These tough cameras will be available from February 2008 at recommended prices of £319.99 for the 1030 SW and £229.99 for the 850 SW.

 

1030 SW

No other camera is this tough. The 1030 SW is shockproof to 2m, waterproof to 10m, freezeproof to -10°C and even crushproof to an astounding 100kg! With a scratchproof metal exterior in a choice of Platinum Silver, Midnight Black and British Green, this model is always ready for action – especially since its 3.6x wide optical zoom (equiv. to 28-102mm) uses an inner-folded optical path for lens protection during high action. What’s more, a 10.1 Megapixel sensor delivers superb images any place or any time, while an extra large 2.7”/6.9cm HyperCrystal II LCD provides a wider viewing angle plus a brighter view – even in direct sunlight. The new LI-50B lithium ion battery is also included to extend shooting fun even further.

 

850 SW

Featuring an attractive metal body in a choice of Starry Silver, Midnight Black or Metal Pink, the Olympus 850 SW is the tough model for everyone. Shockproof to 1.5m, waterproof to 3m and freezeproof to -10°C, this powerful camera boasts 8.0 Megapixels for detailed shots. A 2.5”/6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD makes for comfortable framing and reviewing, while a 3x optical zoom (equiv. to 38-114mm) affords additional framing flexibility. And for fantastically precise macro shots, an integrated LED Macro Illuminator is there to shed plenty of light on the subject.

With advanced features such as Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment and BrightCapture Technology, both the 1030 SW and 850 SW deliver perfectly exposed and focused shots, plus better results in low light. Digital Image Stabilisation is additionally available to protect against blur caused by handshake or fast-moving subjects. And an incredible 38 languages on board allow users across Europe to navigate these cameras’ intuitive menus in their native tongue. For added fun up to 40m below the water’s surface, underwater cases PT-043 and PT-041 for the 1030 SW and 850 SW respectively are available as optional extras for these models.

Main features:

1030 SW
· Exciting shots in and by the pool and water as waterproof to 10m*
· Take it anywhere, anytime as shockproof up to 2.0m**
· Crushproof 100kg***
· 10.1 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
· 3.6x wide optical zoom (28-102mm****) for stunning close-ups
· 6.9cm/2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD with a bright display even in brilliant sunlight and at extreme angles (230,000 dots)
· Scratchproof metal body in 3 colours: Platinum Silver, Midnight Black and British Green
· Underwater shooting up to a water pressure equivalent of 40m possible in combination with optional underwater case PT-043

850 SW
· Exciting shots in and by the water as waterproof to 3m*
· Take it anywhere, anytime as shockproof up to 1.5m**
· 6.4cm/2.5" HyperCrystal LCD with a bright display even in brilliant sunlight
· 8.0 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
· 3x optical zoom (38-114mm****) for stunning portraits
· Sleek metal body in 3 colours: Starry Silver, Midnight Black
or Metal Pink
· Underwater shooting up to a water pressure equivalent of 40m possible in combination with optional underwater case PT-041
 
 

Common features of the 1030 SW and 850 SW:

· Face Detection Technology for perfectly focused and exposed faces plus correct exposure of other image areas
· Digital Image Stabilisation for less blur
· Better low light shooting thanks to BrightCapture Technology
· Best companion in winter as it’s freezeproof
· 24 scene modes for the best results in different situations
· Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
· TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality

 

* According to IEC standard publication 529 IPX8
** Equivalent to MIL Standard (Olympus test conditions)
*** According to Olympus test conditions
**** Equivalent to a 35mm camera

For images or spec sheets, please go to https://www.olympuslive.co.uk

For login details, questions or additional information, please contact:

Jerome Demare / Harjit Sohotey

01923 831215



OLYMPUS UK LTD
Vision House
19 Colonial Way
Watford WD24 4JL

 

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BrightCapture Technology

A technology developed for better shooting results in low light situations. It works in two ways: i) All available pixel information from the image sensor is used to provide a view on the LCD that’s up to four times brighter than conventional types, to make framing easy even in dark surroundings. ii) In certain shooting modes sensitivity is increased (resolution is sometimes reduced), which results in well-exposed images with accurate colour reproduction, high contrast and definition, even when not using the flash. Scene modes that benefit from BrightCapture Technology include Candle, Night Scene and Available Light.

Digital Image Stabilisation

A special shooting mode, where the camera automatically increases ISO sensitivity to allow shorter shutter speeds – which helps to avoid image blur caused by camera shake or by fast-moving objects.

 

Face Detection Technology

A technology that searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. It then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that’s sharp in the right places and ideally exposed.

HyperCrystal

A high-grade, fully-transmissive technology used in LCDs, which employs an additional layer at the bottom of the LCD to reflect light from external light sources. This enhances the brightness of the LCD, so even in direct sunlight images are displayed sharply and improved contrast compared to that of conventional displays. Also, it provides for particularly wide viewing angles without glare or shadow, so images can be framed from a variety of angles and viewed by several people at once.

Shadow Adjustment Technology

A technology designed to improve exposure for pictures with dark areas. Using a sensor that works much like the human eye, dark parts of a composition (e.g. a shadow under a tree) are identified and the camera then adjusts the exposure settings accordingly for those areas. The result is a more realistic and detailed picture.

TruePic III image processor

Olympus’ newest-generation image processing engine. It automatically enhances important aspects of image quality including: Colour reproduction (colour range, saturation and brightness), picture sharpness (reduced image noise, improved edge reproduction), as well as providing faster processing speeds.