Olympus Announces Three New Digital Cameras

LAS VEGAS, NV -- Olympus Imaging America Inc. announced three new digital cameras Wednesday at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas -- the 7.1 megapixel C-7070, the 5 megapixel C-55 and the 4 megapixel C-170.

The 7.1 million pixel C-7070 Wide Zoom features a magnesium-alloy body, a 27 millimeter to 110mm zoom with 4x optical zoom power. For the very first time in an Olympus compact camera, it incorporates a 143-point dual autofocus system that enables predictive measurements, allowing sharper images even when the subject is moving. The D-425 writes to an xD-Picture Card. It will be available in February for US$699.99.

The new 5.1 million pixel C-5500 Sport Zoom provides extensive manual control to allow photographers the ability to explore their creative instincts. A bright 1:2.8-4.8, 5x zoom lens (equivalent to 38-190mm), enhanced by a 4x digital zoom, gives a combined maximum magnification power of up to 20x. Action scenes can be captured at up to 2.7 frames per second, while Super Macro can be shot from as close as 0.7 inches. You can view the results on the 5.1cm LCD monitor which also features a calendar as well as slideshow function. The C-5500 Sport Zoom has a "Full Auto" mode for beginner photographers, 15 different automatic shooting modes, and also exposure, aperture and shutter speed control. The C-5500 Sport Zoom will retail for $349.99 and will be available next month.

The D-425 is a new 4.0-megapixel, 4x digital zoom iOne Touchi camera for the beginner. Missing an optical viewfinder, it has a 1.5-inch LCD screen for composition, has a slide switch for turning the camera on and off, and a built-in help guide and iOne-Touchi configuration. The D-425 uses Olympus? exclusive TruePic TURBO Image Processor, which significantly enhances image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback. The D-425 will be available this month for around $149.99.