Olympus debuts Stylus Verve S, two D-series cameras
updated 05:40 pm EST, Thu February 17, 2005
Olympus Stylus Verve S
Olympus today launched its stylish, all-weather digital camera as well as two other D-series digital cameras that utilize AA batteries and offer either 4- or 5-megapixel resolution. (Earlier today we noted the ultra-slim D-630 camera.) The Stylus Verve S (pictured at right) combines a 5.0-megapixel CCD, a 1.8-inch LCD with a 160-degree view angle, 2x optical/4x digital zoom, a super macro mode, 16 shooting modes, USB 2.0 connectivity, and more. The Stylus Verve S will be available in April 2005 for $350 with a 16MB xD-Picture Card (and other accessories).
The all-weather Verve S is constructed from durable, lightweight metal with rubber gaskets throughout the interior to ensure protection from rain, sleet, snow or sand. It also features optimized battery technology that enables users to get more shots between battery charges.
The camera measure only 3.7" x 2.2" x 1.1" and weighs only 4.1 ounces as includes a new finger grip on the front of the camera as well as a new high-gloss finish. Olympus says it features programmable sound effects, such as the rev of a sports car engine or a pleasing chime upon start-up as well as three catchy shutter sounds.
Olympus has also included a new Album function to organize photos into photo albums, allowing users to store up to 12 individual albums of 100 images each; it also features a new built-in Calendar Function to easily organize and recall photos by date. The QuickTime movie mode offers 15 fps capture at 320x240.
D-545 for beginners, D-595 offers manual control
The new 5.0-megapixel D-595 Zoom offers the power of manual control in an easy-to-use design. Featuring manual control of shutter speed and aperture options, a 3x optical zoom and 19 shooting modes, the D-595 Zoom combines manual settings with the ease of a point-and-shoot, offering high-end advanced features into an affordable, easy-to-use compact camera. Each of the 19 shooting modes, is accessible via a rotating dial and menu button on the back of the camera, while a QuickTime movie mode with sound enables users to create short movies. It also offers a 4x digital zoom and a a super macro mode for closeups.
The D-595 Zoom accepts AA-size alkaline batteries and also features a battery-saving sleep mode helps users maximize battery life, USB 2.0 connectivity, PictBridge technology, and more. It has a durable, lightweight polycarbonate body finished in bright silver with a contoured finger grip. It will ship in March for $280.
The entry-level Olympus D-545 Zoom offers a 4.0-megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom, 19 automatic scene modes, a built-in help guide, a Super macro mode, AA-size alkaline battery support, USB 2.0 connectivity, PictBridge technology, 14MB internal memory, xD-Picture Card support, It has a sleek, durable, lightweight body and a built-in lens barrier with a compact size of 4.2 " (W) x 2 .2" (H) x 1.4" (D); it weights 4.9 ounces. The D-545 Zoom will be available in March 2005 with AA Alkaline Batteries, USB cable, and more for $200.
