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Olympus' FE-370 digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Olympus announces FE-360, FE-370
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Tuesday, August 19, 2008 - 17:53 EDT)

Olympus Imaging America Inc. has today announced two new digital camera models for its budget-friendly FE-series.

The Olympus FE-360 and Olympus FE-370 both sport eight megapixel 1/2.35" CCD imagers and Olympus branded optical zoom lenses - a 3x zoom for the FE-360, and a 5x zoom for the FE-370. The FE-370 offers mechanical image stabilization and a 2.7" LCD display, whereas the lower-priced FE-360 has a lower-res 2.5" LCD and no mechanical image stabilization. Another significant difference between the two is the FE-370's 48MB of internal memory, versus just 20.5MB in the Olympus FE-360. Both cameras supplement this with an xD-Picture Card slot. Power comes from proprietary Lithium Ion batteries, with the Olympus FE-370 offering a slightly higher charge capacity than its lower-cost sibling.

The Olympus FE-360 will be priced at $150 or thereabouts when it ships this month. The higher-spec Olympus FE-370 meanwhile will retail at a premium of some $50, with a pricetag of around $200 and the same prediction of August availability.

For more details, browse the specifications, product photos, and press release below - then read our Olympus FE-360 preview and Olympus FE-370 preview.

Olympus FE-360
Olympus' FE-360 digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Ultra Compact
Manufacturer Olympus
Model Number FE-360
Dimensions 3.7 x 2.2 x 0.8"
93.9 x 55.6 x 20.3mm
Weight 99.0 g
3.5 oz
Planned Price $149.99
Planned Availability 2008
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/2.35" CCD
8.00 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions 3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
1280 x 960 (1.2 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 2.5", 154,000 pixels
Playback Zoom 10.0x max
Lens
Lens Type Olympus lens, 6 elements in 5 groups, 4 aspherical elements
3x optical zoom
Image Stabilization No
Focal Length 6.3 - 18.9mm (actual)
36 - 108mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.1 (wide) / f/5.9 (tele) - ???
Focusing System CCD contrast detection; iESP Auto, Face Detection AF
Focusing Range Normal: 24" - infinity (60 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - infinity (5.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1000
Shutter Speed 4 - 1/2000 second
Exposure Modes Program
Metering Modes Digital ESP Metering, Face Detection AE (when Face Detection AF is selected)
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten, Fluorescent 1, Fluorescent 2, Fluorescent 3
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off
Range: Wide: 0.66ft. (0.2m) - 13.1ft. (4.0m); Wide: 0.66ft. (0.2m) - 13.1ft. (4.0m) at ISO 800
Creative
Scene Modes Portrait, Landscape, Night+Portrait, Sport, Indoor, Candle, Self-Portrait, Sunset, Fireworks, Behind Glass, Cuisine, Documents, Auction, Underwater Wide1, Underwater Wide2, Underwater Macro
Digital Zoom Up to 4x
Self Timer Yes, 12 seconds
Movie Format AVI Motion JPEG with audio
Storage
Recording Medium xD Picture Card, Built-in, microSD (MASD-1 is required)
File Format JPEG
Connectivity
Video Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Other Multi-Terminal (USB Connector, Audio/Video Output)
Power
Battery Type Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary LI-42B
Product Bundle
Software OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM
Battery / Charger 1 x Proprietary LI-42B Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 20.5MB Internal
Other
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Remote Control No
 

Olympus FE-370
Olympus' FE-370 digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Ultra Compact
Manufacturer Olympus
Model Number FE-370
Dimensions 3.7 x 2.2 x 1.0"
94.7 x 56.7 x 25.3mm
Weight 128.0 g
4.5 oz
Planned Price $199.99
Planned Availability 2008
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/2.35" CCD
8.00 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions 3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
1280 x 960 (1.2 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 2.7", 230,000 pixels
Playback Zoom 10.0x max
Lens
Lens Type Olympus lens, 8 elements in 6 groups, 4 aspherical elements
5x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 6.3 - 31.5mm (actual)
36 - 180mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.5 (wide) / f/5.6 (tele) - ???
Focusing System CCD contrast detection; ESP Auto, Spot AF, Face Detection AF
Focusing Range Normal: 24" - infinity (60 cm - infinity)
Macro: 1.2" - infinity (3.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 * (* 3-megapixels)
Shutter Speed 4 - 1/2000 second
Exposure Modes Program
Metering Modes Digital ESP Me ering, Face Detection AE (when Face Detection AF is selected)
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - iESP2 Auto, Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten, Fluorescent 1, Fluorescent 2, Fluorescent 3
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off
Range: Wide: 0.33ft. (0.1m) - 12.5ft. (3.8m); Tele: 2.0ft. (0.6m) - 8.5ft. (2.5m) at ISO 800
Creative
Scene Modes Portrait, Landscape, Night+Portrait, Night Scene, Sport, Indoor, Candle, Self-Portrait, Sunset, Fireworks, Behind Glass, Cuisine, Documents, Auction, Smile Shot
Digital Zoom Up to 4x
Self Timer Yes, 12 seconds
Movie Format AVI Motion JPEG with audio
Storage
Recording Medium xD Picture Card, Built-in, microSD (MASD-1 is required)
File Format JPEG
Connectivity
Video Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Other Multi-Terminal (USB Connector, Audio/Video Output)
Power
Battery Type Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary LI-60B
Product Bundle
Software OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM
Battery / Charger 1 x Proprietary LI-60B Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 48.0MB Internal
Other
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Remote Control No
 

Original Source Press Release:

NEW OLYMPUS FE-SERIES CAMERAS ARE SMARTER, SLIMMER, AND EASIER TO USE THAN EVER BEFORE

Dynamic Duo Simplify Digital Photography with Image Stabilization, Face Detection, Perfect Shot Preview and In-Camera Help Guides

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., August 19, 2008 - Olympus introduces two sleek and stylish FE-Series point-and-shoot digital cameras that combine easy operation and smart performance to capture brilliant images at the push of a button. While small in size, the new FE-360 and FE-370 are full of impressive imaging technologies packed into colorful slim metal bodies ideal for people on the move.

Raising the bar for entry-level digital cameras, both models feature 8.0 megapixels of resolution; Image Stabilization for virtually blur-free images; Face Detection for crisp portraits; Perfect Shot Preview to see various shot options before the shutter is pressed; In-Camera Help Guides that make print manuals obsolete; a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for convenience; and an LCD backlight boost for viewing in bright light.

Each camera is available in red, blue, pink, black and silver and offers a unique set of features so consumers can choose the FE that best meets their needs:

FE-360:

  • Stylish and affordable, this super-slim (0.7 inch) metal body fits easily into a shirt pocket or clutch for a night on the town; and
  • Its 3x Optical Zoom is matched with 20 custom shooting modes for virtually every scenario.

FE-370:

  • Leading these impressive specs, Dual Image Stabilization virtually eliminates blur from shaking hands or moving subjects and joins with the TruePic? III Image Processor to produce crystal clear images;
  • A new Intelligent Auto Mode selects the appropriate shooting mode automatically based on where the camera is aimed, and optimizes the settings accordingly;
  • Its powerful 5x Optical Zoom captures action at a distance that is displayed on a big and bright 2.7-inch high resolution LCD; and
  • Smile Shot automatically triggers the shutter only when a subject smiles, and Expression Edit can even turn frowns upside down.

Image Stabilization for Virtually Blur-Free Photos
Digital Image Stabilization, offered on the FE-360, freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds to help prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject. Dual Image Stabilization adds mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization to Digital Image Stabilization to provide one powerful anti-blur solution for capturing great images even if the photographer or the subject is moving. Olympus' mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the CCD image sensor to compensate for camera movement, which often occurs in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. By combining the two technologies, FE-370 users are able to take crystal clear images in virtually any shooting situation.

New Intelligent Auto Mode
Tired of changing the settings on your camera every time you're shooting something different? Included in the FE-370, the Intelligent Auto Mode automatically identifies what you are shooting (Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro, Sports) and adjusts the camera's settings to capture the best quality results. First-time users will enjoy this quick and hassle-free feature, which does the thinking for them and produces incredible images like a pro.

Face Detection
Face Detection tracks faces within the frame and automatically focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE) for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Even if your subject is moving, the camera continuously tracks your subject's face without having to press the shutter button.  The FE-370 can detect up to 16 individual faces in one shot.

Perfect Shot Preview
Both cameras offer Perfect Shot Preview mode, which enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-frame window on the LCD before snapping the shot. This feature allows users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring they are capturing the exact image desired. It is a great way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as exposure compensation, white balance and metering.

Pre-Set Shooting Modes Featuring Smile Shot
Both new FE-Series cameras offer numerous pre-set shooting modes, such as Sports, Fireworks and Night Scene with Portrait. The cameras also offer VGA & AVI-quality video and sound, which enable users to shoot and share movies on the big screen or on the Web. The FE-370 features Smile Shot, which tracks your subject's face to detect a smile and automatically fires off three consecutive shots so you never miss that perfect smile. This feature is great for parents hoping to capture hard-to-predict baby smiles. The FE-360 offers 20 shooting modes (including three for underwater shooting with the camera's optional housing), and the FE-370 offers 18 shooting modes.

Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing
The FE-370 camera offers Red-Eye Fix, Exposure Fix and in-camera editing features such as resizing and cropping that enable photographers to edit images after the photo has been captured.

Expression Edit
Photographers sometimes struggle with making subjects say "cheese." Now they can really turn a frown upside down when their subjects refuse to smile for the birdie. This fun feature on the FE-370 uses Face Detection technology to edit a subject's facial expression after the image is captured. Four different expressions can be previewed in a multi-frame window on the LCD, and users can select their favorite expression at the touch of a button.

Easy Operation and Help Guides
The new FE-Series cameras feature an enhanced In-Camera Help Guides that make digital photography simple and fun for users of all ages and skill levels. The FE-370 offers Program Auto Mode. Located on the cameras' mode dial, this option enables consumers to easily adjust ISO and white balance. A tutorial "shooting guide" educates users on tips for achieving specific effects, such as "shooting into backlight," perfect for bright situations such as a day at the beach, and "adjusting image quality" for uploading images to auction sites. The shooting guide not only provides detailed descriptions for various situations and environments, but also sets the camera for optimum results with the touch of a button.

TruePic? III Image Processor
The FE-370 features Olympus' exclusive TruePic III image processor, which was developed for the demanding performance of professional Digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. Olympus' enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures crisp, clear images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos.

Versatile Memory
All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture CardTM media. The FE-360 and FE-370 will also come equipped with an adapter, which will enable microSD memory cards to be used when capturing images. The microSD cards are emerging in consumer electronic devices, including mobile phones and PDAs. Users can also easily display photos on their HDTVs.

OLYMPUS Master? 2 Software
OLYMPUS Master 2 Software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are easily organized by folders or albums and searchable by date in Calendar view. Additionally, 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. Use the optional muvee? Theater Pack to create professional quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates.

Availability
The FE-360 and FE-370 will be available in August 2008. The FE-360 includes the LI-42B Rechargeable Battery and Charger, USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, Wrist Strap, Manual, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master? 2 Software, Warranty Card and microSD adapter. The FE-370 includes a new LI-60B Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery and Charger, USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, Wrist Strap, Manual, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master? 2 Software, Warranty Card and microSD adapter.

U.S. Pricing
FE-360 Estimated Street Price: $149.99 (U.S.)
FE-370 Estimated Street Price: $199.99 (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 ultimate 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 as well as related Underwater Products and Accessories
  • Professional Digital SLR Imaging Systems as well as related Underwater Products and Accessories
  • Digital and Microcassette Recorders
  • 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.
©2008 Olympus Imaging America Inc.

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