Olympus Announces the C-5060 Wide Zoom - Body of a Compact Digital Camera with the Soul of an SLR; Features Wide-Angle Lens, Fast Processing Time, Fully Articulated LCD, 5.1 Megapixels
MELVILLE, N.Y. Sept. 29, 2003--With the release of the new C-5060 Wide Zoom, Olympus America introduces a high performance digital camera with an incredible wide-angle lens (27mm to 110mm, f2.8 - f8.0) that takes a photographer's creations to a whole new dimension. A state-of-the-art camera with 14x total seamless wide-angle zoom (4x optical + 3.5x digital) and fast processing time, the C-5060 Wide Zoom is ideal for advanced digital photographers seeking full manual and advanced photographic control typically found only in advanced SLR and Rangefinder film cameras.
"Photographers are certain to appreciate the C-5060 Wide Zoom because of its compact size, ergonomic and rugged design, ease of use and high quality optics," said T.J. Dickson, Product Manager of Digital, Olympus America Inc. "But it's the powerful wide-angle lens to see more of the image, and increased processing speed for fast start-up and continuous shooting, that make the C-5060 a compact camera with the soul of an SLR."

Innovative

By combining a "designed-to-be-digital" wide-angle zoom lens with 5.1 megapixels, Olympus developed a camera that delivers optimal image quality. Based on the success of the C-5050 Zoom - the number-one selling camera of its kind during the 2002 holiday season - Olympus decided to evolve the camera further and has designed the C-5060 Wide Zoom with improved processing speed, greater zoom power, as well as a more-articulated LCD to provide greater flexibility while framing awkward angle shots.

With the revolutionary new PictBridge technology, it is possible to print directly from the C-5060 Zoom to any PictBridge-enabled printer, such as the Olympus P-10 Digital Photo Printer, via USB without having to connect the camera to a computer.

Stylish

The C-5060 Wide Zoom is a compact camera with a rugged, black, magnesium alloy body that measures a mere (4.6" long x 3.4" high x 2.6" wide, and weighs just 15.2 ounces (without the battery or media). It also has a rounded edge on the corner where the mode dial is located, positioned so the thumb can manipulate the dial with ease.

Intelligent

The C-5060 Wide Zoom has remarkable versatility. Its built-in hot-shoe allows an external flash to be connected without the need for cables. An optional Olympus FL-20 or FL-50 flash will provide full 'through the lens' metering so photographers can get the best lighting conditions for their creations. Moreover, the camera has optional accessories like the Wide Angle and Tele Converter lenses, and a Power Grip battery for even greater customization.

Understanding the exposure range of an image being shot is easier now thanks to four special histograms on the C-5060 Wide Zoom. In the new "Direct" setting, the histogram generates red or blue squares atop the image on the LCD to show the light or dark areas of the subject, respectively. By adjusting exposure, users are able to equalize contrasting light and dark areas of an image so that details are not lost, and the red and blue squares become equal in number as adjustments are made. This function is particularly helpful when shooting subjects with high contrast between light and dark.

The C-5060 Wide Zoom's advanced settings include controls for aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual operation and are ideal for experienced photographers who want to take control.

The camera takes two types of memory media - the xD-Picture Card(TM) or Compact Flash(TM) Type I or II including microdrives - and can hold both media cards simultaneously offering flexible storage options.

A multi-position LCD for optimized image viewing allows photographers to swivel the LCD in multiple directions: upward from the camera body and swiveling right or left to shoot from the hip or to get the perfect over-the-head shot, or even set up a self-portrait. It also conveniently rotates to hide the LCD and protect it from getting damaged.

Approachable

The C-5060 Wide Zoom is easy to use with controls strategically located on the camera body for fast, easy manipulation. By pressing one of the direct buttons, like the one for Flash Mode, a range of flash options can be viewed on the LCD, and the ideal setting can then be selected via the jog dial. Whether navigating with dials, the arrow controls on the back of the camera, or the menu screens in the LCD, the controls are intuitive to use.

On the top of the camera, a mode dial enables quick settings for an assortment of shooting situations with a turn of the dial. In fully Programmed Auto mode, the camera offers basic point-and-shoot simplicity for flawless picture taking. For photographers who want optimum results in a wide variety of settings, the easy-to-use Scene Programs on the mode dial provides fully automatic exposure adjustments for Night Scenes, Portrait, Landscape Portrait, Sports, and Landscape photography. Eight programmable "MyMode" settings enable users to assign frequently used settings for quick and easy access.

Transferring images to the computer has never been easier with the Auto-Connect USB that does not require software drivers (for most computers/operating systems) for hassle-free image downloads. Images may also be viewed on a television using the video cable.

Exciting Features for the Most Realistic Digital Images

Images captured with Olympus digital cameras are known worldwide for their vibrant, sharp and photo-realistic image quality. This is achieved with a host of key technologies including Olympus' high-quality all-glass lens (with aspherical lens elements) that's specially designed for digital cameras.

The lens of the C-5060 Wide Zoom is a 14x seamless wide angle zoom (4x optical and 3.5x digital combined), 27mm-110mm equivalent in 35mm photography.

The 5.1 megapixel CCD and Olympus' TruePic(TM) technology allows users to retain a realistic look to their photographs at all photo sizes e-mailed or printed. The 5.1 Megapixel imager captures the detail needed for true photo quality printing even on large print sizes over 11" x 14".

Other controls include Digital ESP multi-pattern and spot metering; adjustable white balance; multiple flash settings including slow sync flash; and auto bracketing and exposure compensation, Noise Reduction, and Optimum Image Enlargement modes.

Another useful feature of the C-5060 Wide Zoom is its ability to capture QuickTime(TM) video and sound so users can create short movies that can be sent over the Internet to co-workers, friends and family.

Availability

The C-5060 Wide Zoom will be available in November 2003. It includes an Auto-Connect USB cable, Audio/Video Out cable, carrying strap, lens cap with retainer cord, Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger, a 32MB xD-Picture Card(TM), Olympus CAMEDIA Master Software, RM-2 Remote Control, user manual and Quick Start guide.

U.S. Pricing:

C-5060 Wide Zoom Estimated Street Price: $699.00 (U.S.)

C-5060 Wide Zoom MSRP: $799.95 (U.S.)

For more information, review units and high-resolution images of the camera, contact Michael Bourne, Mullen Public Relations, 650-210-9857 or michael.bourne@mullen.com, or Chris Sluka, senior public relations manager, Olympus America Inc, Consumer Products Group, Two Corporate Center Dr., Melville, NY 11747-3157, ph: (631) 844-5000 (800) 622-6372, Fax: (631) 844-5262 or the Olympus Web Site: http://www.olympusamerica.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS

Olympus Corporation, with its wholly owned subsidiaries, is a global leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing optical-digital product solutions for health care and consumer segments. The company leverages R&D investment in technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines that include:

-- Digital and film cameras, and digital voice recorders;

-- Minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical endoscopes;

-- Advanced clinical and research microscopes; and

-- Chemistry-immuno analyzers and lab automation systems.

In the U. S. and Canada, Olympus America Inc. serves health care, scientific and commercial laboratory markets with integrated product solutions and financial and other service offerings and is the leading brand in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. The company's market-leading consumer camera products and services business spans North and South America. Olympus America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and parent company to develop state-of-the-art products and services that are innovative, intelligent, and easy to use. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com.

C-5060 Wide Zoom Specifications*

CCD Imager 5.1 Megapixel Effective
5.3 Megapixel (Gross)
Size - 1/1.8 type (.55 type) CCD
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Lens Olympus aspherical glass 4x zoom lens 5.7mm -
22.8mm
(27mm-110mm equivalent in 35mm photography)
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Seamless Digital Zoom 14X (4x optical and 3.5x digital combined)
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Aperture Range F2.8 - F8.0
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Shutter Speeds 1/4000 sec. - 4 sec. Program Auto/Aperture
Priority
1/2000 sec. - 4 sec. Shutter Priority
1/4000 sec. - 16 sec. Manual
Max 120 sec. Bulb
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ISO Auto, 80/100/200/400
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Recording Mode(s) Still image: EXIF 2.2 JPEG, TIFF, and Raw
(.orf) file formats,
DCF (design rule for Camera File system), PIM2
QuickTime(R) Motion JPEG (Movie Mode)
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Available Resolutions 3264 x 2448 JPEG (SHQ, HQ) Optimum Image
Enlargement mode
2592 x 1944 TIFF, JPEG, RAW (SHQ, HQ)
2592 x 1728 (3:2 format), JPEG (SHQ, HQ)
2288 x 1712 TIFF, JPEG (SQ1)
2048 x 1536 TIFF, JPEG (SQ1)
1600 x 1200 TIFF, JPEG (SQ1)
1280 x 960 TIFF, JPEG (SQ2)
1024 x 768 TIFF, JPEG (SQ2)
640 x 480 TIFF, JPEG (SQ2)

640 x 480 @15fps Quick Time Motion JPEG
320 x 240 @15fps QuickTime Motion JPEG
160 x 120 @15fps QuickTime Motion JPEG
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DPOF (Digital Print Print Reserve, All print reservation, Display
Order Form) Date information
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Image Effect Shooting Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter
Modes Priority, Manual, 5 Scene Modes, 8 My modes.
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Image Edit Effects B&W, Sepia, whiteboard, blackboard
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Panorama Up to 10 frames stitchable with CAMEDIA Master
software when using Olympus brand xD-Picture
Card
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Sequence Hi speed = 3.0 fps in RAW and all JPEG
compressions (max 4 images)
Normal = 1.4 fps HQ (max 10 images)
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Viewfinder Optical real-image viewfinder with autofocus
/backlight mark
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LCD 1.8" adjustable low-temperature poly-silicon
used for viewing, reviewing or editing images.
Approx. 130,000 pixels
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Focusing System iESP multi-pattern AF (autofocus) TTL system
(contrast detection), Spot AF, Selective Spot
AF, Full Time AF, Manual focusing by gauge
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Focusing Ranges Normal mode: 31" - infinity (0.8m - infinity)
Macro mode: 8" - 31" (0.2m - 0.8m)
Super Macro mode: 1" - 8" (.03m - 0.2m)
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Exposure Control Exposure compensation: +/- 2 steps by 1/3 or
1/2 EV stop settings
Auto Exposure Bracketing: 3 or 5 images by 1/3
or 2/3 or 1 EV stop settings
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Metering System Digital ESP Multi-Pattern Meter, Spot meter,
Multi-point spot
----------------------------------------------------------------------
White Balance System iESP2 Auto, 5 Indoor settings, 4 Outdoor
settings, 4 Custom Memory settings, One-touch
set with white card
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Functions TruePic(TM) Technology
Noise Reduction 1/2 sec or longer
Automatic Pixel Mapping APM
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Fine WB Adjustment Yes +/- 7 steps
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sharpness Adjustment Yes +/- 5 steps
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Contrast Adjustment Yes +/- 5 steps
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Saturation Adjustment Yes +/- 5 steps
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Flash Built-in flash, TTL hot shoe for optional FL-20
or FL-50 TTL flashes, or sync to studio
strobes with optional hot shoe to PC sync
adapter and cables
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Flash Modes Auto Flash for low and backlight
"Red-eye" Reduction Flash
Fill-in Flash
Slow Shutter Synchronized Flash (first curtain)
Slow Shutter Synchronized Flash (first curtain)
w/red-eye reduction
Flash Off
External Flash with FL-50 and new flashes
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Flash Working Range Wide: 32" - 13' (0.8m - 3.7m), Tele: 32" - 8'
(0.8m - 2.2m)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Flash Charging Time Less than 6 seconds (at normal temperature with
new batteries)
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Removable Media Card 3V (3.3V) xD-Picture Card (TM) card (16, 32,
64, 128, 256 and 512MB)
32-MB card included.
Compact Flash Type I or Type II
IBM Microdrive 1GB
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Self-timer/Remote 12 second delay with built in self-timer, 2
second delay with remote control (RM-2)
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Settings Memorization On/Off (Hold changes/Reset to default settings)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Outer Connectors Mini "B" USB connector (Auto-Connect), Video
Out, DC input for optional AC Adapter
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Auto-Connect USB Compatible with Windows 98 SE2/ME/2000 Pro/XP
and Mac OS 8.6 - OS 10.2
Windows 98 rev 2 driver provided on CD
Mac OS 8.6 requires USB mass storage driver
1.3.5 available at apple.com
Downloading to computer without USB port
possible with optional card readers
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Image Playback Index display, up to 4X enlargement, Slide-
show, Scene rotation
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Operating Environment Operation: 32 F -104F (0C - 40C) 30-90%
Humidity
Storage: -4 F - 140F (-20C - 60C) 10-90%
Humidity
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Supply Li-Ion rechargeable battery (BLM-1) and charger
(BCM-1) included
AC Power: 7.8V AC adapter (optional)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date/Time Calendar Simultaneous recording into image date
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Calendar Automatic up to the year 2099
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Size 4.6" W x 3.4" H x 2.6" D (116mm x 87mm x
65.5mm)
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Weight 15.2 oz (430g.) without batteries
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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.

(C)2002 Olympus America Inc.