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Olympus' Stylus 750 digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Olympus: 7mpix, 5x stabilized zoom digicam
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 01:00 EDT)

The Olympus Stylus 750 is a camera that's definitely designed to let you get the camera anywhere the average enthusiast photographer is likely to want to go.

Featuring a pocket-friendly all-weather chassis and dual-mode image stabilization, the Stylus 750 features an Olympus-branded 5x optical zoom with a useful 36 - 180mm equivalent focal length range and F3.3 - 5.0 maximum aperture, a cut above the 3x zooms offered on most point-and-shoot cameras. This is coupled with a 7.1 megapixel imager that's mounted on a platter which can be moved in two directions, allowingfor CCD shift-type image stabilization. Additionally, there's what Olympus calls "Digital Image Stabilization" - where the camera's gyro sensor detects the amount of camera shake, and correction is made in software by compensating with blur removal after the exposure, plus increased sensitivity, faster shutter speeds, tweaksto sharpening, etc.

The Stylus 750 also has a 2.5" LCD display with a higher-than-average resolution of 215,000 pixels. As is common on many digicams these days, this LCD is the sole method of framing images, as the Olympus 750 forgoes any form of optical viewfinder. Autofocus is via contrast detection, and ISO sensitivity ranges from 80 to 1600 equivalent (2500 being the maximum in some scene modes), and can be controlled automatically or manually.

By default, exposures are determined with Olympus' Digital ESP multi-pattern metering, with spot metering also available. Users can also tweak the exposure with +/-2.0EV of exposure compensation, in 1/3EV steps. Shutter speeds range from 1/1000 to 4 seconds, and the Olympus Stylus 750 offers automatic or preset white balance control courtesy of six presets, but no custom white balance mode. The 750 also includes a four mode internal flash good to a distance of 12.5 feet at wide angle, and offers beginner-friendly control over images courtesy of a very generous 23 scene modes.

As well as still images, the Stylus 750 can capture movies at VGA or lower resolution, at a rate of 15 frames per second. The 750 also has a twelve second self-timer to let you get into your own pictures. The camera stores images on xD-Picture cards, or 17MB of built-in memory, and also offers both video and USB 2.0 Full Speed computer connectivity (rather slower than the USB 2.0 High Speed connections on many cameras these days). Power comes from a proprietary Lithium Ion battery, of Li-42B type.

The Olympus Stylus 750 ships from September in the USA, priced at $400. A separately available PT-034 underwater housing will allow the camera to be used underwater at depths of up to 40 meters, and is priced at an additional$250.

Olympus Stylus 750
Olympus' Stylus 750 digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Compact
Manufacturer Olympus
Model Number 750
Dimensions 3.8 x 2.1 x 1.0"
96.0 x 54.0 x 24.3mm
Weight 120.0 g
4.2 oz
Planned Price $399.99
Planned Availability Sep 2006
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/2.3" CCD
7.40 megapixels (total)
7.10 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio 4:3
Image Dimensions 3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)2304 x 1728 (4.0 megapixels)2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)1280 x 960 (1.2 megapixels)1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels)640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 2.5", 215,000 pixels
Playback Zoom 10.0x max
Lens
Lens Type Olympus lens
5x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 6.4 - 32.0mm (actual)
36 - 180mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.3 (wide) / f/5.0 (tele) - ???
Focusing System CCD contrast detection, iESP Auto / Spot AF
Focusing Range Normal: 29" - infinity (70 cm - infinity)
Macro: 1.2" - infinity (3.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Shutter Speed 4 - 1/1000 second
Exposure Modes Program
Metering Modes Digital ESP Auto Multi-Pattern TTL, Spot Metering
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten, Fluorescent1, Fluorescent2, Fluorescent3
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off
Range: Wide: 12.5ft. (3.8m), Tele: 8.9ft. (2.7m)
Creative
Scene Modes Portrait, Landscape, Landscape & Portrait, Night Scene, Night & Portrait, Sport, Indoor, Candle, Self-Portrait, Available Light Portrait, Sunset, Fireworks, Museum, Cuisine, Behind Glass, Documents, Auction, Shoot & Select1, Shoot & Select2, Beach & Snow, Under Water Wide1 / 2 / Macro
Digital Zoom 5.6x
Self Timer Yes, 12 seconds
Time Lapse No
Movie Format QuickTime Motion JPEG with audio
640x480 and 320x240
Max. frame-rate: 15 frames per second
Storage
Recording Medium xD Picture Card, Built-in
File Format JPEG
Connectivity
Video Yes
Computer USB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed
Other DC input
Power
Battery Type Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary LI-42B
Product Bundle
Software OLYMPUS Master software
Battery / Charger Proprietary LI-42B Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 17.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
PictBridge Compliant Yes
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
More Photos
Olympus' Stylus 750 digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Olympus' Stylus 750 digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Olympus' Stylus 750 digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Olympus' Stylus 750 digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Olympus' Stylus 750 digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

OLYMPUS� STYLUS 750 DELIVERS DUAL IMAGE STABILIZATION AND 5X OPTICAL ZOOM IN THIN, STYLISH CAMERA

5x Optical Zoom and CCD-Shift Image Stabilization are included in Slim, Compact Design; also features a 7.1-Megapixel CCD, All-Weather body and Bright Capture Technology

Center Valley, Pa, August 23, 2006 – Olympus continues to innovate with the launch of the Stylus 750 digital camera, a technically sophisticated point-and-shoot camera offering a number of pioneering technologies such as Dual Image Stabilization, Bright Capture Technology and TruePic TURBO™ as well as a powerful 5x Optical Zoom that tucks away into a streamlined metal, All-Weather body design. The camera is distinguished by a number of premium features, including:

  • An advanced combination of the mechanical CCD-shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization work together to ensure the clearest pictures possible in any situation;
  • A 5x Optical Zoom lens with a newly developed lens element to maintain a small compact size;
  • A 2.5-inch LCD and Bright Capture Technology dramatically improve composition, capture and review of images in low-light situations;
  • Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO™ Image Processing engine is coupled with a 7.1-megapixel image sensor to produce crisp, high-quality photos.

“Olympus continues to demonstrate the power of its innovative technologies with the addition of the Stylus 750 to the Stylus line of digital cameras,” said Tomoko Matsunaga, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Appealing to the more sophisticated point-and-shoot user, technologies such as Dual Image Stabilization and Bright Capture Technology combine with the power of a 5x optical zoom and the versatility of a thin, durable, metal body to deliver superior image quality and convenience.”

5x Optical Zoom in Slim Body
Olympus incorporates new lens technology into the Stylus 750 that enables the 5x optical zoom lens (36mm – 180mm, f3.3 – f 5.0 equivalent in 35mm photography) to bring the action five times closer in a less than 1-inch thick body – 3.8 inch wide x 2.1 inch high x 0.96 inch deep. Olympus lenses are known worldwide for producing sharp, vibrant high-quality images. This is achieved through a number of key technologies, such as Olympus’ high-refractive-index lens elements and newly developed dual super aspherical lens elements.

Dual Image Stabilization
The Stylus 750 features an advanced combination of mechanical CCD-shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization. CCD-shift Image Stabilization uses built-in electro-gyro sensors to record camera movement and adjust the CCD image sensor. This ensures that light remains centered on the image sensor to maintain image clarity despite a slight movement on the part of the photographer. Digital Image Stabilization Mode boosts ISO sensitivity and shutter speed so that images remain crisp and clear – free from the blur caused by moving subjects. The combination of the two Image Stabilization Technologies ensures the best image clarity in virtually any shooting environment.

All-Weather Durability
Typically, water and photography are a bad combination, limiting outdoor photography options when rain, snow or sleet are involved. However, the compact, All-Weather Stylus 750 can go virtually anywhere. The metal body construction is durable and lightweight with rubber gaskets throughout the interior to ensure that rain, dust and snow won’t get in the way of great photos.

Bright Capture Technology for Easy Low-Light Photography
There are times when you want to photograph subjects in low light without having to use a flash, for example, when trying to capture the softness and warmth of a candlelit dinner or natural skin tones in subdued lighting. Olympus’ revolutionary Bright Capture Technology makes it possible to clearly compose subjects on the LCD in low light. With specific scene modes for high sensitivity settings (up to ISO 2500) and rapid auto-focus, even fast-action photos can be captured under low levels of available light. Plus, Bright Capture Movie lets you record the moments in the dark even after the candles are blown out!

7.1-Megapixel Image Sensor for Superior Image Quality
The 7.1-megapixel CCD image sensor inside the Stylus 750 delivers high-quality images that are consistently sharp and vivid even when printed in large-formats – up to poster sizes as large as 16 x 20 inches.

Large 2.5-Inch LCD
With a bright 2.5-inch LCD, the Stylus 750 easily doubles as a portable digital photo album. This high quality LCD makes it easier to see images clearly both when shooting and sharing photos with friends without having to download the images to a computer.

TruePic TURBO™ for High-Speed Response
Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO™ Image Processor enhances image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid start-up, shutter release and playback. TruePic TURBOTM enables the Stylus 750 to capture information from all 7.1 million pixels with pixel “micro-smoothing” that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos. The fast start-up of less than one second and nearly instant shutter release time ensures a high-speed response so your camera is always ready to take great pictures.

27 Selectable Shooting Modes
With 23 pre-programmed scene modes, such as Beach & Snow, Available Light Portrait, Sunset, and Under Water Macro, the Stylus 750 makes it easy to capture beautiful images in a variety of lighting and shooting situations. Plus, with QuickTime® Movie Mode, the camera can also record VGA-quality videos with sound, limited only by the size of the internal memory or xD-Picture Card™ in the camera.

Built-In Help Guide
With the Help Guide function, each of the camera’s features is easily accessible even to novice users. By simply holding down the Guide button on the back of the camera, users can access brief descriptions of each of the camera’s functions and scene modes. An improved auto-set Shooting Guide provides users with an explanation of which features to use in a given situation, and then sets the camera automatically for the selected feature in the Guide.

One-Touch EASY Print – No Computer Necessary!
The power of PictBridge? technology enables your photos to be printed directly from your camera to any PictBridge-enabled printer without using a computer. The one-touch “Print” button makes printing a single-step process. Printing and sharing images has never been easier!

In-camera Editing
In-camera editing features such as red-eye fix, resizing, frames, text options, color brightness and saturation adjustments enable users to edit photos right in the camera.

Underwater Photography
The large 2.5-inch LCD, 5x Optical Zoom, compact body size and three underwater scene modes make the Stylus 750 the perfect camera to take along diving. The new PT-034 underwater housing is constructed of transparent polycarbonate with safety-locked o-ring seals, enabling the Stylus 750 to safely travel down to 40 meters below the surface. Large red grips, a responsive shutter button and a precision zoom lever make it easy to operate even through diving gloves. Plus, with Bright Capture Technology, images can be easily previewed on the LCS even in the darkest waters.

OLYMPUS Master™ Software
OLYMPUS Master™ Software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading images to a computer quick and simple; and images are searchable by date or keyword in the Calendar View. Also, with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or e-mailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away.

Availability
The Stylus 750 will be available in September 2006. The camera ships with: a wrist strap, camera WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, Li-42B Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger, instruction manual, warranty card, and a CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software.

U.S. Pricing
Stylus 750 Estimated Street Price: $399.99 (U.S.)
PT-034 Underwater Housing Estimated Street Price: $249.99 (U.S.)

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances peoples’ lives every day. These include:

  • Digital and film cameras
  • Professional SLR Imaging Systems
  • Digital and Microcassette recorders
  • Personal Photo Printers
  • Digital Media
  • Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.

*Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective holder.
© 2006 Olympus Imaging America Inc.

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