Compact Digital Camera Offers Enhanced 1.8 Inch Semi-Transmissive LCD Display, R echargeable Li-ion battery , 10 Selectable Shooting Modes, TruePic TURBO™ I mage P rocessor , PictBridge Printing and More

Melville, New York, September 27, 2004 – Anyone new to digital photography who desires the ease of use of an entry level camera, as well as the ability to have more control over their digital experience, will find both and a whole lot more in the 4.0-megapixel D-590 Zoom from Olympus. The D-590 Zoom is packed with tons of advanced features not usually found in an affordable easy-to-use point-and-shoot model. Whether it's the enhanced 1.8 inch Semi-Transmissive LCD display, rechargeable Li-Ion battery with charger , 10 selectable shooting modes (including movie mode with audio ), TruePic TURBO™ ( a super-charged image processor ), or PictBridge enabled printing, this camera is designed to put beginners well on their way toward total digital bliss.

“Since our research has shown that the majority of first-time users prefer using only the LCD, Olympus has adopted a clearer and larger LCD screen for the D-590 that provides a beautiful image even in bright sunlight ,” said Naoki Tai, product manager , Olympus America Inc. “ Its easy-to-use interface develops photographic skills, and combined with the D-590 Zoom's advanced features and fresh new styling, users will be creating breathtaking photos and shooting memorable mini-movies with audio in no time.”

Intelligent Design for the Most Realistic Digital Images
When it comes to image sensors, the Olympus motto is “Go big!” With a 4-megapixel CCD imaging sensor , the D-590 Zoom is able to produce sharp, vivid images at a wide range of print sizes up to 11 x 14 inches and larger. Olympus world-class high quality 3x optical zoom lens (35-10 5 mm equivalent in 35mm photography f3.1 – f5.2 ) , when combined with a 4x digital zoom, delivers a total seamless 12X zoom so no photo opportunity is out of reach.

There is no need to fret about missing a photo opportunity, thanks to TruePic TURBO, a super-charged image processor that significantly enhances image quality and processing speed. Users will experience rapid startup, shutter release and playback, as well as capture sharper, more realistic images; even of fast-paced action.

Designed to Get Closer
With the super macro mode it is possible to capture amazingly small details from as close as 3.5 inches , such as the date on the back of a penny or the dimples on the surface of a golf ball.

Designed to Be Seen
One of the greatest benefits of digital photography is the ability to compose and review images on the LCD, as it allows users to accurately frame their photographs and make on-the-spot decisions about saving or deleting them. To ensure that users can easily view their subject and frame the best-shot possible, the D-590 Zoom has a, 134,000-pixel 1.8-inch S emi- T ransmissive TFT LCD – for easy viewing even in bright sunlight.

At the end of a long day of digital photography, it is possible to turn any TV into a personal screening room to view the day's best shots. The D-590 Zoom plays back still images (Index display, up to 4x enlargement, Slide show and Scene rotation ) or mini movies with audio when connected to a television with the included audio/video cable.

Delivering Style
The D-590 Zoom has a durable ultra-compact polycarbonate body 3.9" (W) x 1 . 3" (H) x 2 . 4" (D) finished in bright silver combined with a new look for the D-Series that replaces the sliding clamshell lens barrier with a modern looking circular lens cover that folds into the camera's body for convenience.

Designed for You
Supplying a digital camera with reliable power can quickly prove to be a costly enterprise. However, because the D-590 Zoom draws its power from its single rechargeable Li-Ion battery, (it comes with both battery and charger), there is no need to worry about purchasing batteries throughout the life of the camera.

The 10 preset Scene Modes provide fully automatic exposure adjustments to make it possible to capture the best shot in a variety of settings: Full Auto, Portrait, Indoor, Beach and Snow, Cuisine, Portrait-Landscape, Landscape, Night Scene, Self Portrait, Movie . The QuickTime Movie Mode with audio allows users to make dynamic mini movies of life's everyday achievements and events to play on the LCD or email to friends and family. For all preset modes, sample screen shots appear in the LCD, so it is easy for beginners to choose which mode is suitable for the scene.

For even better results, the D-590 Zoom provides 5 preset white balance adjustment ( Auto, Overcast, Sunlight, Tungsten, Fluorescent) and Exposure Compensation ( +/- 2 EV steps in 1/3 EV steps ). By any adjustments, icons are kept showing in the LCD.

Digital image management has never been easier than with OLYMPUS Master™ software that enables users of Olympus digital cameras to get the most out of their digital experience. With a logical and intuitive user interface, OLYMPUS Master allows users to instantly store and manage images, by keyword or by shooting date, in an easily-searchable Calendar View database so they never misplace digital photos again. Powerful, one-click editing tools – including improved red-eye reduction – enable users to optimize their images prior to printing on a postcard, index card, calendar, or via online services. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other services are just a mouse-click away.

To print the best shots of the day, the D- 590 Zoom features PictBridge technology to make printing quality photos a breeze. Simply connect the camera directly via USB cable to any PictBridge-enabled printer – such as the Olympus P-10 Digital Photo Printer – and start printing right away.

Auto-Connect USB makes transferring images to either Mac or PC from the D-5 90 Zoom easy and hassle-free. No extra software is required with most operating systems.

Availability
The D-590 Zoom will be available in October 2004. It includes a rechargeable Li-ion battery and charger, xD 16MB Picture Card, an Auto-Connect USB cable, Audio/Video Out cable, wrist strap, Olympus Master Software, user manual and Quick Start guide.

U.S. Pricing
D-590 Zoom Estimated Street Price: $299.99 (U.S.)

ABOUT OLYMPUS
Olympus is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering innovative solutions in healthcare and consumer electronics worldwide.

Olympus works collaboratively with its customers and its parent company, Tokyo-based Olympus Corporation, to leverage R&D investment in precision technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines. These include:

• Digital and film cameras, and digital voice recorders
• Gastrointestinal endoscopes, accessories, and minimally invasive surgical products;
• Advanced clinical and research microscopes; and
• Lab automation systems, chemistry-immuno and blood bank analyzers and reagents.

In the U. S. and Canada, Olympus serves healthcare, scientific and commercial laboratory markets with integrated product solutions and financial, educational and consulting services that help customers efficiently, reliably, safely, and easily achieve superior results. Olympus is the leader in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. The company's market-leading consumer electronics business spans North 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.

©2004 Olympus America Inc.

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