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Olympus America announces C-5050 Zoom
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Tuesday, September 24, 2002 - 09:00 EDT)

In its second announcement this morning, Olympus America Inc. has made official its new Camedia C-5050 Zoom digital camera, which follows in the footsteps of past models such as the C-4040Z and C-4000Z.

Officially announced in Europe last month, the Camedia C-5050Z features a 5.0 megapixel (effective) / 5.2 megapixel (total) CCD imager, 3x optical zoom lens, a 1.8", 110,000 pixel LCD display, as well as compatibility with a wide range of media including SmartMedia, xD-Picture Card, and Type-I or Type-II CompactFlash including IBM Microdrives. There's also USB and video out connectivity, a built-in flash, hot-shoe for external flash units, and an array of manual functions.

The Olympus Camedia C-5050 Zoom digital camera will ship in the USA next month at a price of US$899 (SRP) / US$799 (street).

Olympus Camedia C-5050 Zoom
CCD Imager
5.0 Megapixel Effective
5.2 Megapixel (Gross)
Size (in inch) 1/1.8" (.55") CCD
Lens
Olympus aspherical glass 3x zoom lens 6.5mm-19.5mm
(35-105mm equivalent in 35mm photography)
Seamless Digital Zoom 10X (3x optical and 3.3x digital combined)
Aperture Range F1.8/2.6 - F10
Shutter Speeds
1/1,000 sec. - ½ sec. Auto
1/1,000 sec. - 16 sec. Man
1/1,000 sec. - 8 sec. Night Scene
ISO Auto: 100/200/400 (can be selected or "locked" at 100/200/400
Recording Mode(s)
Still image: EXIF 2.2 JPEG, TIFF, and Raw file formats
DCF (Design rule for Camera File system)
QuickTimeR Motion JPEG (Movie Mode)
Adjustable Resolutions
3200x2400 (OIE Mode)
2560x1960
2560x1696 3:2 aspect ratio mode
2288x1712
2048x1536
1600x1200
1280x960
640x480
320 x 240 @15fps QuickTime Motion JPEG
160 x 120 @15fps QuickTime Motion JPEG
DPOF (Digital Print Order Form) Print Reserve, All print reservation, Display Date information
Image Effect Shooting Modes Program. Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual, 3 Scene Modes, 8 My modes .
Image Edit Effects B&W, Sepia (TBD)
Panorama TBA
Sequence @2.6fps for max of 11 frames in HQ recording mode
Viewfinder Optical real-image viewfinder with autofocus /backlight mark
LCD 1.8" 110,000 low-temperature poly-silicon used for viewing, reviewing or editing images.
Focusing System IESP AF, multi point AF, Manual focus via gauge
Focusing Ranges
Standard AF 31" - Infinity (80cm - Infinity)
Macro Mode 8" to 31" [20cm to 80cm] Super Macro to .8"
Exposure Control Program Auto f1.8 - F10, ½ - 1/000 sec shutter speed Automatic (A/S) Manual f1.8-10, 16 sec-1/1000 sec. shutter speed
Metering System Digital ESP Multi-Pattern Meter, Spot meter, Multi-point spot [TBD]
White Balance System
iESP Multi-pattern auto TTL.
Pre-set manual settings: Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten and Fluorescent
Manual "one touch" white balance settings
Special Functions
TruePic™ Technology
Noise Reduction ½ sec or longer
Automatic Pixel Mapping APM
Fine WB Adjustment Yes +/- 7 steps
Sharpness Adjustment Yes +/- 5 steps
Contrast Adjustment Yes +/- 5 steps
Saturation Adjustment Yes +/- 5 steps
Flash Built-in Flash, (6 mode tentative)
Flash Modes
Auto Flash for low and backlight
"Red-eye" Reduction Flash
Fill-in Flash
Slow Shutter Synchronized Flash (first curtain)
Slow Shutter Synchronized Flash (first curtain) w/red-eye reduction
Flash Off
External Flash with FL-40 and new flashes
Flash Working Range 15' at wide, 11' at tele
Flash Charging Time Less than 6 seconds (at normal temperature with new batteries)
Removable Media Card
3V (3.3V) xD-Picture Card ™ card (16, 32, 64, and 128 MB)
32-MB card included.
3V (3.3V) SmartMedia™ card (8, 16, 32, 64, 128 MB)
Compact Flash Type I or Type II
IBM Microdrive 1GB
Self-timer / Remote 12 second delay with built in self-timer
Settings Memorization TBD
Outer Connectors Mini "B" USB connector (Auto-Connect), Video Out, DC input for optional AC Adapter
Auto-Connect USB Compatible with Windows 98 rev2 / ME / 2000 Pro / XP - MacOS 8.6 - 9.01 / OSX
Image Playback Index display, up to 4X enlargement, Slide-show, Scene rotation
Operating Environment
Operation: 32 F -104F (0C - 40C) 30-90% Humidity
Storage: -4 F - 140F (-20C - 60C) 10-90% Humidity
Power Supply
Main Power Source: 4 AA NiMH Batteries with Charger Included
2 LB01 (CR3V) Lithium Batteries
4 AA Alkaline Batteries
C-7AU AAC Adapter
Date/Time Calendar Simultaneous recording into image date
Calendar Automatic up to the year 2099 Tentative
Size 4.5" W x 3.0" H x 2.7" D (113.5mm W x 79.5mm H x 69.5mm D)
Weight 13.4 oz (380g.) without batteries
More Photos
.

Source: Olympus America Inc.

Original Source Press Release:

OLYMPUS ANNOUNCES THE C-5050 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA FOR ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHERS

Features Robust All-Magnesium Body, Multiple Memory Media Options, 5.0 Megapixels

Melville, NY, September 24, 2002 - With the release of the new CAMEDIA C-5050 Zoom, Olympus America introduces the next generation of its popular C series family of digital cameras. A state-of-the-art zoom camera, the C-5050 Zoom was designed for advanced digital photographers seeking full manual and advanced photographic control typically found only in advanced SLR and rangefinder film cameras. With a fast f1.8 lens, 5.0 megapixels for outstanding image quality, durable all-magnesium construction, and the best optics available today in a compact zoom lens camera, the C-5050 Zoom is an all-purpose photographic tool to get the job done at a price that won't break the bank.

The key trait of the C-5050 Zoom is versatility. Its built-in hot-shoe allows an external flash to be connected without the need for cables, and an Olympus FL-40 flash will provide full 'through the lens' metering so photographers can add more functionality to the C-5050 to get the best lighting conditions for their creations. The camera takes three types of memory media - the new xD-Picture CardTM, SmartMediaTM, Compact FlashTM Type I or II including microdrives - and can hold two media cards simultaneously for the most storage options. A multi-position LCD for optimized image viewing allows photographers to shoot from the hip or to get the perfect over-the-head shot.

"The rugged look of the C-5050 is reminiscent of traditional 35mm SLR cameras," said Richard Pelkowski, Associate Product Manager, Olympus America Inc. "This camera is the perfect counterpart to our professional digital SLR cameras like the E-20N because it offers similar functionality, but at lower costs. Overall it provides a level of versatility that allows photographers to customize their craft to the greatest extent possible."

Easy to Use
The C-5050 Zoom is extremely easy to use with controls logically arrayed on the camera body that can be easily manipulated by thumb. Whether navigating with dials, the arrow controls on the back of the camera, or the virtual dial in the LCD, the controls are intuitive and not overly complicated.

The C-5050 Zoom offers an optical viewfinder, as well as a bright 1.8" color multi-position LCD display. The high resolution LCD can display aperture, shutter speed, and image quality settings and can be used in playback to review shots.

On the top of the camera, a mode dial enables quick settings for an assortment of shooting situations with a turn of the dial. In fully Programmed Auto mode, the camera offers basic point-and-shoot simplicity for flawless picture taking. For photographers who want optimum results in a wide variety of settings, the easy-to-use Scene Programs on the mode dial provides fully automatic exposure adjustments for Night Scenes, Portrait and Landscape photography. The special "My Mode" feature is a time saver as it enables users to assign frequently used functions for quick and easy access.

The C-5050 Zoom's advanced settings include controls for aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual operation and are ideal for experienced photographers who want to take control. Transferring images to the computer has never been easier with the Auto-Connect USB that does not require software drivers for hassle-free image downloads. Images may also be viewed on a television using the video cable.

Features For the Most Realistic Digital Images
Images captured with Olympus digital cameras are known worldwide for their vibrant, sharp and photo-realistic image quality. This is achieved with a host of key technologies including Olympus' high-quality all-glass lens (with aspherical lens elements) that's specially designed for digital cameras. The bright light gathering capability of the C-5050's aspherical f1.8 lens allows for greater flexibility when shooting in low light conditions without a flash in order to maintain the mood of the existing light scene. The super bright lens also extends the range of the built-in flash, and offers extended creative control over depth of focus in the final photograph.

The 5.0 megapixel CCD and Olympus' TruePic™ technology allows users to retain a realistic look to their photographs at all photo sizes e-mailed or printed. The 5.0 Megapixel imager captures the detail needed for true photo quality printing even on large print sizes over 11" x 14".

Other controls include Digital ESP multi-pattern and spot metering; adjustable white balance; multiple flash settings including slow sync flash; and auto bracketing and exposure compensation, Noise Reduction, and Optimum Image Enlargement modes.

Another great feature of the C-5050 Zoom is its ability to capture QuickTimeTM video and sound so users can create short movies that can be sent over the Internet to co-workers, friends and family.

Availability
The C-5050 Zoom will be available in October 2002. It includes an Auto-Connect USB cable, Audio/Video Out cable, carrying strap, lens cap with retainer cord, 4 AA NiMH batteries and charger, a 32MB xD-Picture CardTM, Olympus CAMEDIA Master Software 4.0, RM-1 Remote Controller, user manual and Quick Start guide.

U.S. Pricing:
C-5050 Zoom Street Price: $799
C-5050 Zoom SRP: $899

For more information, contact Olympus America Inc, Consumer Products Group, Two Corporate Center Dr., Melville, NY 11747-3157, ph: (631) 844-5000 (800) 622-6372, Fax: (631) 844-5262 or the Olympus Web Site: http://www.olympusamerica.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS - Nothing's Impossible
Based in Melville, New York, Olympus America distributes a wide range of products for the consumer, scientific, health care, commercial and industrial markets. These include film cameras that provide the ultimate combination of performance and style, and digital cameras that produce the most realistic digital images yet available. Microcassette and digital voice recorders, binoculars, personal photo printers, medical and industrial endoscopes, biological and metallurgical microscopes and measuring instruments, clinical analyzers, and other high technology products. Olympus America is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

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