Olympus 8MP Stylus 800 offers new technologies
updated 04:15 pm EDT, Thu May 12, 2005
Olympus Stylus 800
Olympus today introduced the , which delivers an array of new technologies, including Bright Capture Technology for low-light photography; a HyperCrystal 2.5-inch LCD for high-contrast viewing; metal, all-weather construction for protection against the elements; manual exposure and aperture settings for creative control and versatility; as well as an 8.0-megapixel image sensor for stunningly high-resolution prints. It also features an all-weather microphone, movie mode, USB 2.0 connectivity, new built-in help functions for beginngers, xD Picture Card support, an improved battery, and more. It will ship in July for $450.
"All-weather durability and stylish ergonomic design made the Stylus film cameras the best selling point-and-shoot camera series in history," said Tomoko Matsunaga, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. "The Stylus digital cameras carry on this tradition, and in the latest iteration the Stylus 800 new technology such as Bright Capture and manual exposure control make it uniquely powerful and versatile in its category."
Olympus' new Bright Capture Technology makes it possible to clearly compose subjects on the LCD, and with high sensitivity options (up to ISO 1600) and an enhanced auto-focus, even action photos can be captured in low levels of ambient light. In addition, HyperCrystal technology enables clear, high-contrast images on the 2.5-inch LCD in bright light conditions.
The Stylus 800 combines an 8.0-megapixel CCD image sensor with Olympus' exclusive image processor, TruePic TURBO, which significantly enhances image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback. TruePic TURBO enables the Stylus 800 to capture information from all 8.0 million pixels with pixel "micro-smoothing" that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos, even at lower resolutions, according to the company.
The camera also adds manual Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes to its 19 fully automatic pre-set scene modes for maximum versatility and control. Users can also adjust the f-stop for detailed portraits with softened backgrounds, or slowing the exposure speed to create the blurred effect of motion or simply select the appropriate scene mode from 19 choices for point-and-shoot simplicity. It also features in-camera editing features such as Red-Eye Fix, Sepia and Black & White.
In addition to the all-weather construction, the Stylus 800 features a glossy finish, clean lines and smooth, rounded edges. The compact frame (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") features a retractable circular lens barrier. The body is constructed of durable, lightweight metal with rubber gaskets throughout the interior for protection against rain, sleet, and snow. With its new optimized battery design, the Stylus 800 can take hundreds of shots between charges, according to the company.
The Stylus 800 also features an all-weather speaker and microphone, enabling users to narrate images with personalized audio captions. With its QuickTime Movie Mode, the Stylus 800 can record movies of any length, limited only by the size of the internal memory or xD Picture Card in the camera.
The Stylus 800 will be available in July 2005 for $450. It includes: Wrist Strap, Camera WIN/Mac USB Cable, Audio/Video cable, Li-12B Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery and Charger and Olympus Master Software.
