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Olympus' Camedia C-7070 Wide Zoom digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Olympus announces Camedia C-7070 Wide Zoom
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(Wednesday, January 5, 2005 - 12:44 EST)

Olympus America has today announced its C-7070 Wide Zoom digital camera, which looks to be closely related to the company's existing C-5060 Wide Zoom model.

Where the C-5060 Wide Zoom featured a 5.1 effective megapixel CCD imager (2592 x 1944 pixels), the C-7070 Wide Zoom updates this to 7.1 effective megapixels for a resolution of 3072 x 2304 pixels. The maximum strength of the digital zoom increases from 3.5x to 5x, the minimum ISO drops from 80 to 50, and the minimum aperture is now F11.0 instead of F8.0. In playback mode, the zoom function now allows up to 7x zoom (as compared to 4x on the C-5060). The minimum video resolution of 160 x 120 pixels from the C-5060 is dropped, but the C-7070 now offers a 30 frames per second mode in both of the other resolutions (320 x 240, and 640 x 480 pixels). Burst speed improves to 3.3 frames per second in high-speed mode (10% faster than the C-5060, but with the same four-frame burst depth), and 1.7 frames per second for 10 frames in normal mode. Also, a new second-curtain sync flash mode has been added. One last change we noticed is that the camera is slightly lighter than its predecessor, at 13.5oz (420g) without battery or flash card. Most other features look to be similar to the earlier model.

The Olympus Camedia C-7070 Wide Zoom is slated to ship in February 2005, with street pricing expected to be in the region of US$699 - the same as that of the C-5060 when it was announced in October 2003. Full specifications and product photos courtesy of Olympus follow:

Olympus Camedia C-7070 Wide Zoom
Olympus's Camedia C-7070 Wide Zoom digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
CCD Imager 7.1 Megapixel Effective

7.41 Megapixel (Gross)

Size - 1/1.8 type (.55 type) CCD

Lens

5.7mm – 22.8mm (27mm-110mm equivalent in 35mm photography)

Seamless Digital Zoom

20X (4x optical and 5x digital combined)

Aperture Range F2.8 – F11.0
Shutter Speeds 1/4000 sec. – 16 sec.
ISO Auto, 50/100/200/400
Recording Mode(s)

Still image: EXIF 2.2, JPEG, TIFF, and RAW

DCF (design rule for Camera File system)

QuickTime® Motion JPEG (Movie Mode)

Available Resolutions

3072 x 2304 RAW, TIFF (SHQ, HQ)

3072 x 2048 TIFF (SHQ)

2592 x 1944 TIFF (SQ1)

2288 x 1712 TIFF (SQ1)

2048 x 1536 TIFF (SQ1)

1600 x 1200 TIFF (SQ1)

1280 x 960 TIFF (SQ2)

1024 x 768 TIFF (SQ2)

640 x 480 TIFF (SQ2)

640 x 480 30fps/15fps VGA Quick Time Motion JPEG

320 x 240 30fps/15fps QVGA QuickTime Motion JPEG

Image Effect Shooting Modes

P, A, S, M, Portrait, Sports, Portrait + Landscape, Landscape, Night Scene, Underwater Wide, Underwater Macro, Panorama, Movie

Image Edit Effects

Still Image, Resize, Trimming, Red Eye Fix, RAW data edit

Panorama

Up to 10 frames stitchable with CAMEDIA Master software when using Olympus brand xD-Picture Card

Sequence

Hi speed = 3.3 fps in RAW and JPEG compressions (max 4 images)

Normal = 1.7 fps HQ (max 10 images)

Viewfinder

Optical real-image viewfinder with autofocus /backlight mark

LCD

1.8" Semi-transmissive, approx. 130,000 pixels

Focusing System IESP, Spot Advanced AF: Flexible Selective AF Target, Predictive AF, Manual

Focusing Ranges

Normal mode: 31" – infinity (0.8m – infinity)

Macro mode: 8" – 31" (0.2m – 0.8m)

Super Macro mode: 1" – 8" (.03m – 0.2m)

Exposure Control

Exposure compensation: +/- 2 steps by 1/3 or 1/2 EV stop settings

Metering System

Digital ESP, Spot, Center Weighted

White Balance System

iESP2 multi-pattern auto TTL, Pre-set (Shade, Overcast, Sunlight, Evening Sun, Tungsten, and Fluorescent), Custom, WB compensation +/- 7

Special Functions

TruePic™ Technology

Noise Reduction � sec or longer

Automatic Pixel Mapping APM

Flash

Built-in pop-up flash, TTL hot shoe for optional FL-20, FL-36 or FL-50 TTL flashes, or sync to studio strobes with optional hot shoe to PC sync adapter and cables

Flash Modes

Auto Flash for low and backlight

“Red-eye” Reduction

Fill-in

Slow Shutter Synchronized (first curtain)

Slow Shutter Synchronized (first curtain) w/red-eye reduction

Slow Shutter Synchronized (second curtain)

Flash Off

External

Flash Working Range

Wide: 31" – 21.1' (0.8m – 3.7m), Tele: 31" – 7.2' (0.8m – 2.2m)

Removable Media Card

xD-Picture Card ™ card (16, 32, 64, 128, 256 and 512MB)

32-MB card included.

Compact Flash Type I or Type II

Outer Connectors

USB connector (Auto-Connect), Audio/Video Out, DC input

Auto-Connect USB

Compatible with Windows 98/SE/ME/2000 Pro/XP and Mac OS 10.1 and higher

Image Playback

Still Image, Index display, up to 7X enlargement, Smooth scroll of index, Histogram, Protect, Rotation

Operating Environment

Operation: 32 F –104F (0C – 40C) 30-90% Humidity

Storage: -4 F – 140F (-20C – 60C) 10-90% Humidity

Power Supply

Li-Ion rechargeable battery (BLM-1), AC Adapter

Size

4.6" W x 3.4" H x 2.6" D (116mm x 87mm x 65.5mm)

Weight

13.5 oz (420g.) without battery and media card

More Photos
Olympus's Camedia C-7070 Wide Zoom digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Olympus's Camedia C-7070 Wide Zoom digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Olympus's Camedia C-7070 Wide Zoom digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
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Original Source Press Release:

OLYMPUS ANNOUNCES THE C-7070 WIDE ZOOM: RUGGED ON THE OUTSIDE, PROFESSIONAL ON THE INSIDE

Super Wide-Angle Lens, 7.1-Megapixels, Advanced Autofocus Modes, Rugged Body Design

Melville, New York, January 5, 2005 – The new C-7070 Wide Zoom from Olympus unites high-performance features and an incredible wide-angle lens in a rugged, magnesium body. The camera’s wide-angle zoom lens lets photographers frame more of a subject into their composition, and with the high-resolution 7.1-megapixel CCD, photographers can produce larger than life prints with amazing vividness. Two new Autofocus (AF) modes enable photographers to shoot fast, sharp photos of subjects in motion, so no fleeting photo opportunities get missed.

“The C-7070 Wide Zoom will be valued by photographers of all levels for its compact size, rugged construction and ease of use,” said Glenn Schwartz, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “But the powerful wide-angle lens, 7.1-megapixel image sensor and two new AF modes are features that give this camera the extra edge required by high-end amateur and professional photographers.”

Designed to Do More
Olympus photos are known for sharp, vibrant image quality. This is achieved through a number of advanced technologies, beginning with Olympus’ high-quality all-glass lens designed specifically for digital cameras to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness and clarity. With its 4x optical zoom ultra-wide-angle lens (equivalent to 27 to 110mm, f2.8 – f.8.0), the C-7070 Wide Zoom enables photographers to capture more of their field of view. When combined with a high-resolution image sensor containing more than 7 million pixels, and Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO™ Image Processor that suppresses noise and boosts image definition, the lens captures images of such high resolution that prints can be cropped and enlarged up to 16 x 20 inches. For nature photographers, the C-7070 features a Super Macro mode that enables shooting from 1.18 inches to capture details as delicate and nuanced as the wings of a butterfly or the petals of a flower.

The camera’s 1.8-inch Semi-Transmissive swivel LCD makes it easy to take pictures at any angle – above the head, from the side, or with the camera placed on the ground. The LCD can even be swiveled 180° for taking self-portraits. And while conventional LCD screens appear dim against bright light, the Semi-Transmissive LCD technology provides excellent high-contrast visibility in any light condition.

Delivering Style & Durability
The C-7070 Wide Zoom embodies rugged style and durability. The camera body is constructed of magnesium alloy with a rubberized grip that fits snuggly in the photographer’s hand for ergonomic comfort during lengthy photo shoots. The camera is solid yet compact at a mere 4.9” (W) x 3.3” (H) x 3.9” (D) and 15.3 ounces.

Intelligent Design for High Performance
The C-7070 Wide Zoom features a number of professional SLR-type features to satisfy the artistic needs of advanced users, including two autofocus systems. A Predictive AF mode enables users to shoot subjects moving towards them via an external AF sensor that detects the distance the subject has moved and predicts its location at the moment of shutter release.

And an AF Target Selection function enables users to choose from 143 AF target zones to focus on virtually any area of their composition without reframing the shot. The C-7070 Wide Zoom also features a manual focusing mode, giving users full control over the accuracy of their focal range.

The camera’s Direct Histogram function provides real-time access to exposure information so users can confirm exposure before snapping the picture. A histogram displayed on the LCD makes detection of over- and under-exposed areas simple with red and blue highlighting so users can make adjustments.

The inclusion of a speaker and microphone in the camera’s body enables users to narrate images with personalized audio captions. In Movie Mode, the C-7070 Wide Zoom can record QuickTime® television-quality movies of any length at 20 frames-per-second, limited only by the storage capacity of the memory card in the camera.

Designed to be Approachable
The C-7070 Wide Zoom is easy to use with controls placed strategically on the camera body for fast, intuitive manipulation. A mode dial on the top of the camera enables users to rapidly select from an assortment of settings. In fully Programmed Auto mode, the camera provides basic point-and-shoot simplicity for flawless snapshots. The camera also features 12 Shooting Modes for optimal results in a variety of situations, such as Night, Portrait, Landscape, and Sports. Two new underwater settings – Underwater Wide and Underwater Macro – make the C-7070 an ideal camera for divers.

The camera accepts 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 for flexible storage options.

Connecting the C-7070 Wide Zoom to a computer is easy with the USB Auto Connect feature, which connects directly via USB 2.0 cable and requires no software. Or, If you prefer, forget the computer altogether. The power of PictBridge technology enables photos to be printed directly from the camera to any PictBridge-enabled printer, such as the Olympus P-10 Digital Photo Printer, without using a computer. Printing and sharing images has never been easier, and the P-10’s photo lab-quality dye-sublimation printing produces archival-quality prints in rich color.

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

Power Battery Holder Delivers Performance
For photographers who want to extend their shooting sessions, the C-7070 Wide Zoom can accommodate the new B-HLD20 Power Battery Holder. It holds a maximum of two Lithium ion BLM-1 rechargeable batteries to turn the camera into a powerhouse that has the energy to keep shooting for hours (one BLM-1 battery is included with the C-7070). The BLM-1 Lithium ion rechargeable battery delivers an impressive performance of 7.2V, 1500 mAh and can be charged overnight with the included BCM-2 battery charger.

For further convenience, the holder features an additional shutter release button and zoom lever for added ease of use when composing vertical shots. The battery holder even has a space to store an additional xD-Picture Card to replace the one in use when it becomes full.

Envisioning More Possibilities with Accessory Lenses
For added versatility, photographers can select from three new conversion lenses specially designed to extend the focal range of the C-7070 Wide Zoom. The lenses feature a bayonet mount for quick and easy attachment to the CLA-7 conversion lens adapter, which screws directly into the body of the camera. The Olympus conversion lenses deliver the high optical quality required in digital image capture and have been designed to suit the imaging system of the C-7070 Wide Zoom to ensure optimal results without sacrificing quality.

The WCON-17c is a 0.7x wide-angle converter lens that reduces the focal length by a factor of 0.7x (35mm conversion of 19mm) when fitted to the C-7070 Wide Zoom, providing greater wide-angle coverage without altering the aperture setting.

To get even closer to the action, the TCON-17C, a 1.7x teleconverter lens, increases the focal length by a factor of 1.7x (35mm conversion of 187mm), and the TCON-30C increases the focal length by a factor of 3.0x (35mm conversion of 330).

The CLA-7 conversion lens adapter is required to attach the TCON-17C, TCON-30C or WCON-17C.

Flexible Flash to See More
In addition to the camera’s internal pop-up flash, powerful external flash units have been developed for use with the C-7070 Wide Zoom and other Olympus digital cameras. These include the FL-50, compact FL-20 and new FL-36, all specifically designed for digital with accurate step illumination control to provide the precision required by digital cameras.

Exploring New Depths with Underwater Housing
With the new PT-027 Underwater Housing a digital photographer can take the C-7070 Wide Zoom 130 feet below the surface for capturing vivid wide-angle images of the underwater landscape. The stylish and durable housing is for anyone looking to pursue underwater digital photography when diving, snorkeling or surfing, or for other activities that require ultimate protection from the elements such as skiing, fishing, sailing, as well as certain industrial situations. Underwater housings for the accessory lenses and flashes are also available.

Availability
The C-7070 Wide Zoom will be available in February 2005. 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 Master Software, user manual and Quick Start guide.

U.S. Pricing:
C-7070 Wide Zoom Estimated Street Price: $699.00 (U.S.)
WCON-17C Estimated Street Price: $149.95
TCON-17C Estimated Street Price: $149.95
TCON-30C Estimated Street Price: $149.95
B-HLD20 Estimated Street Price: $129.95
FL-50 Estimated Street Price: $449.95
FL-36 Estimated Street Price: $199.95
FL-20 Estimated Street Price: $149.95

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 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
  • Digital Music Players
  • Personal Photo Printers
  • Digital Print Kiosks
  • Digital Video Projectors
  • Digital Media
  • Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc is responsible for sales in 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.
�2002 Olympus America Inc.

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