Features Wide-Angle Lens, Fast Processing Time, Fully Articulated LCD, 5.1 Megapixels

Melville, New York, September 29, 2003 – With the release of the new C-5060 Wide Zoom, Olympus America introduces a high performance digital camera with an incredible wide-angle lens (27mm to 110mm, f2.8 - f8.0) that takes a photographer’s creations to a whole new dimension. A state-of-the-art camera with 14x total seamless wide-angle zoom (4x optical + 3.5x digital) and fast processing time, the C-5060 Wide Zoom is ideal for advanced digital photographers seeking full manual and advanced photographic control typically found only in advanced SLR and Rangefinder film cameras.

“Photographers are certain to appreciate the C-5060 Wide Zoom because of its compact size, ergonomic and rugged design, ease of use and high quality optics,” said T.J. Dickson, Product Manager of Digital, Olympus America Inc. “But it’s the powerful wide-angle lens to see more of the image, and increased processing speed for fast start-up and continuous shooting, that make the C-5060 a compact camera with the soul of an SLR.”

Innovative
By combining a “designed-to-be-digital” wide-angle zoom lens with 5.1 megapixels, Olympus developed a camera that delivers optimal image quality. Based on the success of the C-5050 Zoom – the number-one selling camera of its kind during the 2002 holiday season – Olympus decided to evolve the camera further and has designed the C-5060 Wide Zoom with improved processing speed, greater zoom power, as well as a more-articulated LCD to provide greater flexibility while framing awkward angle shots.

With the revolutionary new PictBridge technology, it is possible to print directly from the C-5060 Zoom to any PictBridge-enabled printer, such as the Olympus P-10 Digital Photo Printer, via USB without having to connect the camera to a computer.

Stylish
The C-5060 Wide Zoom is a compact camera with a rugged, black, magnesium alloy body that measures a mere (4.6" long x 3.4" high x 2.6" wide, and weighs just 15.2 ounces (without the battery or media). It also has a rounded edge on the corner where the mode dial is located, positioned so the thumb can manipulate the dial with ease.

Intelligent
The C-5060 Wide Zoom has remarkable versatility. Its built-in hot-shoe allows an external flash to be connected without the need for cables. An optional Olympus FL-20 or FL-50 flash will provide full ‘through the lens’ metering so photographers can get the best lighting conditions for their creations. Moreover, the camera has optional accessories like the Wide Angle and Tele Converter lenses, and a Power Grip battery for even greater customization.

Understanding the exposure range of an image being shot is easier now thanks to four special histograms on the C-5060 Wide Zoom. In the new “Direct” setting, the histogram generates red or blue squares atop the image on the LCD to show the light or dark areas of the subject, respectively. By adjusting exposure, users are able to equalize contrasting light and dark areas of an image so that details are not lost, and the red and blue squares become equal in number as adjustments are made. This function is particularly helpful when shooting subjects with high contrast between light and dark.

The C-5060 Wide 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.

The camera takes two types of memory media – the xD-Picture Card™ or Compact Flash™ Type I or II including microdrives – and can hold both media cards simultaneously offering flexible storage options.

A multi-position LCD for optimized image viewing allows photographers to swivel the LCD in multiple directions: upward from the camera body and swiveling right or left to shoot from the hip or to get the perfect over-the-head shot, or even set up a self-portrait. It also conveniently rotates to hide the LCD and protect it from getting damaged.

Approachable
The C-5060 Wide Zoom is easy to use with controls strategically located on the camera body for fast, easy manipulation. By pressing one of the direct buttons, like the one for Flash Mode, a range of flash options can be viewed on the LCD, and the ideal setting can then be selected via the jog dial. Whether navigating with dials, the arrow controls on the back of the camera, or the menu screens in the LCD, the controls are intuitive to use.

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, Landscape Portrait, Sports, and Landscape photography. Eight programmable “MyMode” settings enable users to assign frequently used settings for quick and easy access.

Transferring images to the computer has never been easier with the Auto-Connect USB that does not require software drivers (for most computers/operating systems) for hassle-free image downloads. Images may also be viewed on a television using the video cable.

Exciting 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 lens of the C-5060 Wide Zoom is a 14x seamless wide angle zoom (4x optical and 3.5x digital combined), 27mm-110mm equivalent in 35mm photography.

The 5.1 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 5.1 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 useful feature of the C-5060 Wide Zoom is its ability to capture QuickTime™ 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-5060 Wide Zoom will be available in November 2003. It includes an Auto-Connect USB cable, Audio/Video Out cable, carrying strap, lens cap with retainer cord, Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger, a 32MB xD-Picture Card™, Olympus CAMEDIA Master Software, RM-2 Remote Control, user manual and Quick Start guide.

U.S. Pricing:
C-5060 Wide Zoom Estimated Street Price: $699.00 (U.S.)
C-5060 Wide Zoom MSRP: $799.95 (U.S.)

For more information, review units and high-resolution images of the camera, contact Michael Bourne, Mullen Public Relations, 650-210-9857 or [email protected], or Chris Sluka, senior public relations manager, 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
Olympus Corporation, with its wholly owned subsidiaries, is a global leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing optical-digital product solutions for health care and consumer segments. The company leverages R&D investment in technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines that include:
· Digital and film cameras, and digital voice recorders;
· Minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical endoscopes;
· Advanced clinical and research microscopes; and
· Chemistry-immuno analyzers and lab automation systems.

In the U. S. and Canada, Olympus America Inc. serves health care, scientific and commercial laboratory markets with integrated product solutions and financial and other service offerings and is the leading brand in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. The company’s market-leading consumer camera products and services business spans North and South America. Olympus America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and parent company to develop state-of-the-art products and services that are innovative, intelligent, and easy to use. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com.