The compact camera market is broad, and Olympus holds its own as one of the top manufacturers of quality point-and-shoot devices. Their 2013 lineup offers perfect solutions for a range of both traditional and unique applications; whether it’s taking to the seas with the rugged Tough series or shooting from nearly anywhere with some of the smallest ultra-zoom cameras on the market.
The Olympus SH-50 iHS, available in black or white, comes equipped with a 16MP 1/2.3” BSI CMOS sensor and a powerful TruePic VI iHS image processor. Olympus’s iHS technology promotes color richness and clear, sharp detail for both still images and video in Full HD 1080p. Its 24x optical zoom lens equates to a focal-length range of 25-600mm in 35mm format, covering applications from wide angle through super telephoto. A 2x Super Resolution zoom doubles your telephoto capabilities; and an additional 4x digital zoom is also available. In Super Macro Mode, the lens will focus as closely as 1.18” (3 cm).
Camera shake is always problematic in low light or at longer telephoto ranges, and Olympus’s 3-Axis Image Stabilization actively works to reduce it. In Video Mode, a 5-Axis stabilization system allows you to shoot movies while walking. Multi-Motion Movie IS, a newly developed technology, also helps stabilize video to achieve a sharp, blur-free result. The 3.0-inch LCD screen comes with an anti-glare finish for easy visibility when shooting outdoors, as well as a touch-capacitive menu for intuitive control over brightness, focusing, and shutter release. Live Guide lets you see what your photo will look like before you take it, giving you a chance to change color and brightness settings via a touch-enabled guide bar.
The SH-50 iHS offers both complete manual control as well as a number of assistive features. Whether you prefer to shoot spontaneously or compose carefully, the camera can be customized to your needs. Autofocus (AF) Tracking continuously and automatically targets moving subject matter with a system that accounts for motion. Shadow Adjustment Technology (in HDR Mode) effectively compensates for the difference between highlight and shadow areas, for a more uniform final image. When paired with Face Detection, which automatically recognizes a human subject, a person’s features are exposed properly even when they are harshly backlit.
Panorama Mode allows you to pan the camera across a scene to capture broad vistas. Handheld Starlight Mode, designed for night and low-light shooting, composites multiple images of a single scene into one crisp photo. Intelligent Auto (iAuto) gives the reins to the camera, letting it detect optimal settings, depending on lighting and subject matter. It then identifies which Scene Mode (ie; Portrait, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, etc.) to apply for the optimal exposure. A number of traditional and creative edits can be applied in-camera with Magic Art Filters (Fisheye, Punk, Pop Art, etc.) and Playback Effects (Crop, Rotate, Red Eye Fix, etc.).
The SP-720UZ, which is available in black or silver, has a 14MP 1/2.3” CMOS sensor that expertly captures both still images and video in Full HD 1080p. A 26x optical zoom lens provides a 35mm format equivalent focal length of 26-676mm, enabling you to handle shooting scenes that require anywhere from wide-angle through super-telephoto coverage. Combined with a 4x digital zoom, the SP-720UZ’s lens can zoom up to 104x. Dual Image Stabilization compensates for blur caused by camera shake. Sensor-shift type IS utilizes SLR algorithms, and high ISO sensitivity allows for a fast shutter speed, even in diminishing light. At full 14MP resolution, you can shoot at up to 5 frames per second.
Shadow Adjustment Technology compensates for extreme contrast to create a more natural, evenly toned image. A 3D Photo mode enables you to capture stationary scenery for later viewing on a 3D-compatible TV or computer. Various other assistive Scene/Shooting Modes (Panorama, Beauty, Pet, etc.) can be selected manually or automatically by the camera through the iAuto function. With the unique Auto Shutter employed, the camera will automatically release the shutter when a pet or animal’s face is head-on with the lens.
In addition to traditional SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, the SP-720UZ also offers support for Eye-Fi. These SDHC-type cards contain an internal wireless LAN that allows you to instantly back up and transfer media to computers, online photo albums, and social networks. An SNS Upload function can also be utilized for sending media to social networks. Via the included computer software, OLYMPUS Viewer2, images can be added to a list, organized, and easily uploaded.
The SZ-15, which is available in black or red, combines a 16MP 1/2.3 CCD sensor with a TruePic III+ image processor for optimal performance. Still photos and video in 720p HD are crystal clear with rich, vivid color detail. Its 3-inch LCD screen features an anti-glare coating and an extra-wide viewing angle, making it easier to compose and shoot, even in direct sunlight. In 35mm format, the SZ-15’s 24x optical zoom lens is equivalent to a 25-600mm focal-length range. Dual IS ensures clearer images, even at the longer end of the zoom range and in low-light environments, working to eliminate the blurring effects of camera movement.
To further combat blur, AF Tracking readjusts focus as necessary to clearly photograph a subject in motion. A number of assistive Scene and Shooting Modes (including iAuto, Beauty Mode with Make-up, HDR/Shadow Adjustment, and Panorama) give you creative leeway to capture the best possible shot. The Face Detection function can be paired with HDR Mode for optimally exposed portraits in harsh light.
The SZ-16, which is available in silver or white, has a 16MP 1/2.3” BSI CMOS sensor and TruePic V iHS image processor. The pairing results in outstanding performance speed, as well as high-resolution still images and video in Full HD 1080p. At full resolution, you can shoot 1.5 frames per second for up to 200 frames. With AF Tracking, subjects in motion won’t be blurry. An anti-glare 3.0-inch LCD makes outdoor viewing feasible in bright sunlight. The SZ-16’s 24x optical zoom lens has a 35mm format equivalent focal length of 25-600mm, with Dual IS to keep images sharp at longer telephoto ranges. Super Resolution and 4x digital zoom bring you in even closer for incredible long-distance shooting.
For tricky night-time shots, Handheld Starlight Mode stitches together multiple exposures of one scene into a single, crisp photo. Additional assistive functions such as iAuto, Face Detection, Scene Modes, and Panorama, Beauty, and HDR Modes make it easy to achieve the perfect exposure without needing to experiment with settings. A suite of standard and creative edits can be applied in-camera, some of which can also be applied to videos.
The XZ-10 features a 12MP 1/2.3” BSI CMOS sensor with a TruePic VI image processor. It offers support for video in Full HD 1080p. Its iZuiko 5x optical zoom lens offers a 35mm format equivalent focal length of 26-130mm, and can be further extended with a 5x digital zoom and 10x Super Resolution zoom. It also features an impressive maximum aperture of f/1.8-f/2.7, making it a great lens for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field. The combination of Dual IS and Multi-Motion Movie IS keep both photos and video free of blur.
The XZ-10’s 3.0-inch LCD screen is touch capacitive, offering intuitive control over various menu settings. A hybrid ring on the lens also acts as a controller for basic functions such as aperture or shutter speed, and a designated Fn button in the rear gives you instant access to frequently used settings. Assistive editing and Shooting Modes promise the perfect exposure every time, and support for RAW file recording gives you the additional creative freedom to process images thoroughly with editing software later. The XZ-10 is also compatible with various wireless technologies, including Eye-Fi and Flash Air media cards, Bluetooth devices, and PENPAL.
Olympus’s Tough TG-2 iHS, which is available in black or red, lives up to its name with a resistance to falls, elemental damage, and other miscellaneous mishaps that would permanently destroy most compact cameras. The TG-2 iHS is shockproof to drops up to 6’9” (2.1 m), waterproof to 50’ (15 m), freezeproof to 14°F (-10°C), and crushproof beneath as much as 220 lb (100 kg). A protective dust- and sandproof seal keeps corrosive materials out of your camera body while exploring, and a double-lock battery door ensures you won’t lose your power source on the go. Four specially calibrated underwater Shooting Modes (Underwater Snapshot, Wide 1, Wide 2, and Macro) make the TG-2 iHS a particularly useful compact unit for divers.
A 12MP 1/2.3” BSI CMOS sensor pairs with a TruePic VI iHS image processor for pristine images and video in Full HD 1080p. Multi-Recording technology lets you snap pictures while recording video, without interrupting either function. Its 4x optical zoom lens equates to 25-100mm in 35mm format, and an additional 4x digital zoom extends telephoto capabilities, should you need the extra reach. A maximum aperture of f/2.0 (at the wide end) allows for effective low-light shooting and a shallow depth of field. On par with the camera’s design for all weather conditions, the lens comes with a water-repellent coating. The TG-2 iHS’s 3.0-inch, OLED anti-glare display is also heavily protected from scratches and moisture.
Assistive functions and Shooting Modes, such as AF Tracking, iAuto, Face Detection, Panorama, Shadow Adjustment, and Handheld Starlight help keep the optimal settings for different types of exposures. A Microscopic Macro Mode employs both optical and Super Resolution zoom to equal from 7 to 14x magnification from a miniscule distance of 0.4” (1 cm). An LED illuminator on the front of the camera body (AF Illuminator) enhances focus for macro shooting. It also pairs with the flash, especially underwater, in helping to light up dim conditions. In-camera filters and effects let you edit from the road, saving you the hassle of being away from a computer. Lastly, GPS and e.compass functions record location and landmark information with each photo. With Google Earth, you can track your very route of travel by the images in your catalog. A built-in manometer records elevation and water depth, warning you when you’re about to pass the 50’ mark.
The Tough TG-830 iHS, which is available in black, blue, red, or silver, withstands drops from up to 6.9’ (2.1 m), freezing in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C), being crushed beneath as much as 220 lb (100 kg), and is waterproof down to 33’ (10 m). A protective seal prevents contamination from dust and sand, while the lens and 3.0-inch Hypercrystal III LCD screen are both treated with water-repellent coatings. Its double-locking battery compartment prevents accidental openings, a critical failsafe while underwater. GPS and e.compass functions tag location details for each of your images, and your route can be tracked with Google Earth (or a similar application).
The TG-830 iHS comes equipped with a 16MP 1/2.3” BSI CMOS sensor and TruePic VI processing engine for high-resolution images and video in Full HD 1080p. It also allows you to simultaneously shoot photos while recording movies, without disrupting either process. Multi-Motion Movie IS reduces blur in videos caused by camera movement, and high-speed shooting allows you to capture 2.5 frames per second, for up to 200 frames, at full resolution. The TG-830’s 5x optical zoom lens has a 35mm format equivalent focal length of 28-140mm, which can be doubled to 10x at Super Resolution zoom. An additional 4x digital zoom brings you in even closer. Dual IS keeps images clear during long-distance shooting and in low light.
Assistive functions include AF Tracking, AF Illuminator, iAuto, Scene and Shooting Modes, Face Detection, Panorama, HDR, and Handheld Starlight. Magic Art Filters, such as Sparkle, Watercolor, and Pin Hole can be applied in-camera along with standard Playback Effects (Crop, Resize, etc.).
The smallest Tough camera, the TG-630 iHS, available in black, blue, red, or white, is waterproof up to 16’ (5 m), shockproof to drops from 5’ (1.5 m), and freezeproof to temperatures as low as 14°F/-10°C. Its 3.0-inch Hypercrystal III LCD screen is treated with a glare- and water-resistant coating for easy playback viewing out in the elements. Dust and sand are kept out by a protective seal, and water-repellent treatment on the 5x optical zoom lens prevents condensation from fogging your view. Focal-length equivalency in 35mm format is 28-140mm—a good standard range for general applications. With a 10x Super Resolution and 4x digital zoom, getting closer to the action is no issue. At the longer end of the zoom, Dual IS reduces the blur caused by camera shake. Multi-Motion Movie IS helps retain clarity in Full HD 1080p videos.
A TruePic VI image processor and 12MP 1/2.3” BSI CMOS sensor provide rich colors and sharpness, as well as fast performance speeds. Assistive functions such as iAuto, AF tracking, Face Detection, Handheld Starlight, Panorama, and Shadow Adjustment make it simple to achieve the perfect exposure every time.
Lastly, the sleek VR-370, which is available in silver, black, or red, has a 16MP 1/2.3” CCD sensor and TruePic III+ processor. Clear, low-noise results are available in both still images and video in HD 720p. A 12.5x optical zoom lens equates to 24-300mm in 35mm format, covering wide angle through super telephoto. An additional 4x digital zoom brings you even closer, which is a helpful tool when shooting in Super Macro Mode, focusing as close as 0.4” (1 cm). Dual IS ensures that even at the longer end of the zoom range, camera blur doesn’t ruin your images. Its 3.0” LCD features an extra-wide viewing angle and an anti-glare finish for easy shooting in sunlight.
Automatic functions such as AF Illuminator, iAuto, Scene Modes, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment/HDR, AF Tracking, and Panorama let you tackle any situation with confidence. Playback Effects and Magic Filters can then be applied to still images and some video as well.
To learn more about these Olympus digital cameras, stop by the B&H SuperStore in New York, speak with a sales professional on the telephone at 1-800-606-6969 or contact us online via Live Chat.
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