Olympus, Ricoh debut new digital cameras
updated 10:40 am EST, Mon March 5, 2007
New Olympus, Ricoh cameras
Olympus and Ricoh today both launched new digital cameras, including three from Olympus: two digital SLRs, the E-510 and E-410. Electronista reports that each revision represent a major upgrade to Olympus's semi-pro E500 and E-400 models with 10-megapixel sensors (upgraded from eight) and Live LCD preview for composing shots without the viewfinder. A newer TruePic III image processing engine also reduces noise by a full stop at every sensitivity level, including the maximum ISO 1600.
Olympus has also revealed a new point-and-shoot model, the Stylus 780. The 7.1-Megapixel camera boasts a strong-for-its-class 5x optical zoom and shares many features with the new DSLRs, including the improved TruePic III processor, ISO 1600 sensitivity and optical image stabilization. The Stylus 780 uniquely features weatherproofing, the body is rubber-sealed to prevent dust, rain or snow from filtering into the camera during a shoot.
The E-410 will be available in May, priced at $700; the higher end E-510 will be available in June and adds image stabilization and longer battery life and is priced at $800 while the Stylus 780 will be available in May for $350--with 15MB of onboard memory and an xD card slot for media storage.
Ricoh debuts new camera model
In addition, Ricoh on Monday announced a new camera that it claims sets records, The 7.2-megapixel Caplio R6 is the world's thinnest camera with both high zoom and wide-angle abilities, the camera producer claims. Although 0.8 inches at its thinnest point, miniaturized lens technology provides a 28-200mm (at 35mm equivalent) wide-angle lens with 7.1X optical zoom and promises better landscape images as well as telephoto shots. New to Ricoh is face recognition for auto-adjusting the focus and settings for one or more people in the frame. The R6 features 54MB of onboard storage, adds image stabilization and manages ISO 1600 sensitivity through the firm's own photo processor. The Caplio R6 should be available in Europe mid-March for $450 (North American availability has yet to be announced).
