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Olympus: Two new FE-series digicams
By
(Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 00:15 EST)

Olympus Imaging America Inc. has today unveiled two new digital cameras that are closely related and offer affordable pricing in the neighborhood of $200.

The Olympus FE-130 and FE-140 ($179.99 and $229.99 respectively) both offer a 3x optical zoom lens. The FE-130 couples this with a 5.1 megapixel imager and 2.0" LCD display with 85,000 pixels. The FE-140 upgrades the specification with a 6.0 megapixel imager and 2.5", 110,000 pixel LCD display. The new cameras both store images on either xD-Picture cards or 22MB of built-in memory, and both offer Video, USB and ImageLink connectivity.

Availability of the Olympus FE-130 and FE-140 is currently set for March 2006.

Olympus FE-130
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerOlympus
Model NumberFE-130
Dimensions3.8 x 2.5 x 1.0"
96.0 x 63.0 x 26.0mm
Weight130.0 g
4.5 oz
Planned Price$179.99
Planned AvailabilityMar 2006
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.5" CCD
5.40 megapixels (total)
5.10 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio4:3
Image Dimensions2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.0", 85,000 pixels
Playback Zoom10.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeOlympus Lens
3x optical zoom
Image StabilizationNo
Focal Length6.3 - 18.9mm (actual)
38 - 114mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.1 (wide) / f/5.9 (tele) - ???
Focusing SystemCCD Contrast Detection
Focusing RangeNormal: 24" - infinity (60 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - infinity (5.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto (64 - 320), 800* (Digital Image Stabilization mode)
Shutter Speed4 - 1/2000 second
Metering ModesDigital ESP multi-pattern
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto
Internal FlashModes: Auto, red-eye reduction, fill, off
Range: Wide: 0.7ft (0.2m)- 6.6ft. (3.3m) Tele: 2.0ft (0.6m)- 10.8ft. (2.0m)
Creative
Scene ModesPortrait, Landscape, Landscape + Portrait, Night Scene, Sport, Night Scene +Portrait, Indoor, Candle, Self Portrait, Available Light Portrait, Sunset, Fire Works, Museum, Behind Glass, Cuisine, Documents, Auction, Beach, Snow, Digital Image Stabilization Mode
Digital Zoom4x
Self TimerYes, 12 seconds
Time LapseNo
Movie FormatQuickTime MotionJPEG without audio
320x240 and 160x120
Max. frame-rate: 15 frames per second
Storage
Recording MediumxD Picture Card, Built-in
File FormatJPEG
Connectivity
VideoYes
ComputerUSB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed
OtherDC In, ImageLink
Power
Battery TypeAlkaline disposable
Battery Form Factor2 x AA
Product Bundle
SoftwareOLYMPUS Master software and Advanced manual
Battery / Charger2 x AA Alkaline disposable battery
Flash Memory22.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Remote ControlNo
More Photos
 

Olympus FE-140
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerOlympus
Model NumberFE-140
Dimensions3.8 x 2.5 x 1.0"
96.0 x 63.0 x 26.0mm
Weight130.0 g
4.5 oz
Planned Price$229.99
Planned AvailabilityMar 2006
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.5" CCD
6.40 megapixels (total)
6.00 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio4:3
Image Dimensions2816 x 2112 (5.9 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.5", 110,000 pixels
Playback Zoom10.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeOlympus Lens
3x optical zoom
Image StabilizationNo
Focal Length6.3 - 18.9mm (actual)
38 - 114mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.1 (wide) / f/5.9 (tele) - ???
Focusing SystemCCD Contrast Detection
Focusing RangeNormal: 24" - infinity (60 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - infinity (5.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto (80 - 320), 800* (Digital Image Stabilization mode)
Shutter Speed4 - 1/2000 second
Metering ModesDigital ESP multi-pattern
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto
Internal FlashModes: Auto, red-eye reduction, fill, off
Range: Wide: 0.7ft (0.2m)- 6.6ft. (3.3m) Tele: 2.0ft (0.6m)- 10.8ft. (2.0m)
Creative
Scene ModesPortrait, Landscape, Landscape + Portrait, Night Scene, Sport, Night Scene +Portrait, Indoor, Candle, Self Portrait, Available Light Portrait, Sunset, Fire Works, Museum, Behind Glass, Cuisine, Documents, Auction, Beach, Snow, Digital Image Stabilization Mode
Digital Zoom4x
Self TimerYes, 12 seconds
Time LapseNo
Movie FormatQuickTime MotionJPEG without audio
320x240 and 160x120
Max. frame-rate: 15 frames per second
Storage
Recording MediumxD Picture Card, Built-in
File FormatJPEG
Connectivity
VideoYes
ComputerUSB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed
OtherDC In, ImageLink
Power
Battery TypeAlkaline disposable
Battery Form Factor2 x AA
Product Bundle
SoftwareOLYMPUS Master software and Advanced manual
Battery / Charger2 x AA Alkaline disposable battery
Flash Memory22.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Remote ControlNo
More Photos
 

Original Source Press Release:

OLYMPUS ANNOUNCES NEW FE-SERIES DIGITAL CAMERAS FOR EFFORTLESS PICTURE TAKING

Easy-to-Use and Affordable FE-130 and FE-140 Digital Cameras

Melville, New York, January 26, 2006 – Olympus today introduces the latest models of its FE line of point-and-shoot digital cameras that combine ease-of-use, style, and performance to deliver a seamless digital experience. The 5.1-megapixel FE-130 and the 6.0-megapixel FE-140 produce high-quality images at affordable prices. But one of the greatest assets of these cameras is their built-in Help Guide that can take users from menus that describe the cameras’ functions directly to the settings needed to take a picture (without the need to carry a manual along!)

“I believe the Olympus FE-Series cameras provide the best selection of features for first time users to explore digital photography. Features such as the Built-In Help Guide, One-Touch buttons, direct printing, and pre-set scene modes are designed for absolute ease of use,” said Naoki Tai, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Even though these models are priced affordably, the FE-130 and 140 offer incredible image quality.”

Built-in Help Guide for Easy Operation
The enhanced Help Guide on the FE-130 and FE-140 cameras incorporates: a built-in manual that explains all of the terminology of specific functions; a reference that explains the pre-programmed scene modes; and a tutorial “shooting guide” that educates users on how to accomplish specific effects, such as “shooting into backlight” and “adjusting coloration.” The shooting guide not only provides detailed descriptions for various photographic scenarios, but also actually sets the camera with the touch of a button, making the transition from learning to doing instantaneous.

One Touch Design – Quick and Easy Access with Individual Buttons
The FE-Series cameras feature an easy-to-use “One Touch” design with individual buttons for shooting, reviewing and deleting images conveniently located on the top of the cameras with icons so that frequently used functions can be accessed easily. The Help Guide, direct print, zoom and delete options are at your fingertips. Macro mode, Flash mode and a self-timer are located on an arrow pad for quick use while setting up the perfect composition.

Pre-Set Shooting Modes Make It Easy to Capture Great Images
The inclusion of 22 shooting modes accessed via a rotating dial and menu button on the back of the camera makes it easy to capture great images in a variety of lighting situations, such as Sunset, Portrait, and Night Scene. QuickTime® Movie mode enables users to create short movies of events that can be emailed to family and friends.

Digital Image Stabilization Mode
The FE-130/140 features Digital Image Stabilization Mode for capturing crisp, clear pictures - free from the blur sometimes caused by camera shake or moving subjects - with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speed.

Large LCDs Provide Clear Images
The large LCDs (2 inches for FE-130, 2.5 inches for FE-140) make it easier to see clear images when composing shots, as well as when gathering friends and family around to view the results, all without having to lug a laptop around to present your portable photo gallery exhibit.

Total 12x Seamless Zoom
The 3x optical zoom lens of the FE-130 and FE-140 cameras is a 6.3 – 18.9mm (38 – 114mm equivalent in 35mm photography) that combines with a 4x digital zoom to deliver a total 12x zoom, so virtually no photo opportunity is out of reach. The high-resolution CCD image sensors of the FE-Series cameras capture all the details in your images to create prints without a loss of clarity. The cameras produce high-quality prints that can be cropped and enlarged to 8 x 10 inches and larger.

Fast Response with TruePic TURBO™ Image Processor
The millions of pixels on the CCD image sensors of the FE-130 and FE-140 integrate with Olympus’ exclusive image processor, TruePic TURBO™ to significantly enhance image quality and deliver faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback. TruePic TURBO™ enables the cameras to capture information from every pixel with pixel “micro-smoothing” that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos, even at lower resolutions. Superb high-quality images that are consistently sharp and vivid even in large-format prints are the result. The fast startup and nearly instant shutter release time ensures a high-speed response so you are always ready to take great pictures.

In-Camera Editing Features
The new FE-Series enables users to add colorful borders and titles on their images, adjust brightness and saturation, crop and resize images, switch from color to black and white or sepia, even red-eye fix- all without using a computer.

Simple Connection to PC
Connecting any FE-Series camera to a computer is easy with the USB Auto Connect feature, which connects the camera directly via USB 2.0 cable and requires no software.

OLYMPUS Master Software
Back at the Windows® PC or Mac®, OLYMPUS Master software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple. Images are searchable by date or keyword in the Calendar View. With one-click editing tools, such as red-eye reduction, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates and other user services are just a mouse-click away.

Availability
The FE-130 and the FE-140 will be available in March 2006.

The FE-130/140: AA alkaline battery x2, USB cable, Video cable, Wrist strap, Quick start guide, Basic manual, CD-ROM (includes OLYMPUS Master software and advanced manual), ImageLink tray, and Warranty.

U.S. Pricing
FE-130 Estimated Street Price: $179.99 (U.S.)
FE-140 Estimated Street Price: $229.99 (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
  • Digital Music Players
  • Personal Photo Printers
  • Digital Print Kiosks
  • Digital Video Projectors
  • Digital Media
  • Binoculars

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