Olympus unveils a cavalcade of point and shoot cameras and a PEN lens at CES

Another CES, another avalanche of camera announcements tumbling down from Olympus. Surprising? Not really, but who are we to argue with tradition? The outfit's latest in point-and-shoot technology kicks off with the VR-340, a 16-megapixel wonder that boasts a "cosmetic toolbox" of digital makeup -- letting you digitally paint your unsuspecting subjects with eyeliner, rouge and the most darling shades of eyeshadow. The 14-megapixel TG-320, on the other hand, drops the digital face painting in favor of durability, allowing you to shoot HD video up to 10 feet underwater. Rounding out pocketable shooters is the 14-megapixel VG-160, which packs a 5x optical zoom into a svelte 19.3mm frame.

The beefier 14-megapixel SZ-12 sports a 24x optical zoom lens and a "reto-chic" grip, while the SP-620UZ knocks down the optical zoom a notch (to 21x), but kicks the sensor up to 16 megapixels. Not in the market for a point and shoot camera? That's okay too, the outfit is also announcing the M.Zuiko digital Ed 12-50mm micro four thirds lens for its PEN family of cameras. This F3.5-6.3 lens features a 4.2x zoom ratio and a macro mode that can focus up to 8-inches away from a subject. Hit the break for a press release overload.

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OLYMPUS® INTRODUCES A NEW MICRO FOUR THIRDS® LENS
THAT DELIVERS PEN PERFORMANCE IN THE TOUGHEST CONDITIONS

Olympus' First Micro Four Thirds Lens with an Electronic Zoom is Quiet, Versatile and Designed to Deliver a Range of Images in a Compact, Dust- and Splashproof Body

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., December 14, 2011 – Olympus adds to its powerfully simple and growing PEN family with the first fully-compatible interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lens to incorporate an electronic motorized zoom. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ (35mm equivalent 24–100mm) delivers smooth, quiet zooming that gives you versatility, portability and maximizes the performance of the Olympus PEN® compact system cameras.

The sophisticated new lens has a zoom ratio of approximately 4.2x, allowing photographers to capture anything from detailed, wide-angle group shots to medium telephoto-range images so you can get up close and personal for intimate portraits of children and pets – even indoors. The photographer can control the zooming speed by turning the barrel – slowly for drama, quickly for performance, or at an intermediate rate. Manual zooming is also available for those looking to take full control.
In macro mode, which can be set by pushing the zoom ring forward while depressing the macro button on the side of the lens, focusing is possible between 8 and 20 inches for close-up shooting with a maximum image magnification of 0.72X (35mm camera equivalent). The L-Fn (Lens Function) button suspends the autofocusing operation temporarily to avoid unintended focusing on obstacles that appear suddenly between the camera and the subject.

Perfect for brilliant still images and high-definition (HD) video capture, the Movie & Still Compatible (MSC) M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ has also been enhanced with a linear motor that drives smooth and quiet autofocusing for stress-free shooting.
New lens elements and glass materials ensure the clearest possible imaging performance, and the proven dust and splashproof mechanism originally featured in the Four Thirds SHG (Super High Grade) series lenses is now incorporated for the first time in a Micro Four Thirds System lens. Multiple sealing rings, fitted throughout the lens body, prevent water splashes and dust from penetrating, making the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ a versatile zoom lens for the toughest conditions.

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PORTABLE POWERHOUSE: OLYMPUS SP-620UZ ULTRAZOOM BOASTS OUTSTANDING OPTICS, IMAGE QUALITY AND AFFORDABILITY

High-Performance 21x Wide Zoom Compact Camera--The Ideal Travel Companion
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 9, 2012 – Olympus today unveils the SP-620UZ, a long zoom camera designed for consumers looking for a powerful, great-value, go-anywhere compact that captures challenging shots. Offering impressive wide-angle capability for shooting landscapes, interiors and crowds, it's a 21x optical zoom lens (25-525mm equivalent*) gives you the flexibility to focus and capture wildlife, competitive sports and other distant subjects without having to carry interchangeable lenses.

The outstanding optics are matched by Olympus' advanced technologies, including Multi-Motion Movie Image Stabilization, which minimizes camera shake even when the user is moving and Dual Image Stabilization allowing you to record crisp, clear stills and HD videos. Capture images with radiant colors, low noise and razor-sharp edges, thanks in part to the 16-megapixel CCD sensor.

In addition to shooting wide-angle shots in close quarters, expansive panoramas and nose-to-nose close-ups, the Olympus SP-620UZ is flexible enough to experiment with intermediate zoom settings for portraits, still-life subjects and movies. A host of creative in-camera Magic Art Filters enables you to apply spectacular effects to all of life's adventures both with stills and in video mode.

No time to fix your make-up before someone takes your picture with the SP-620UZ? Olympus' Beauty Make-up mode will let you apply everything from eyeliner to eye shadow and rouge. You can even lift cheekbones and morph your subjects into cover-models. With 3D image capture, the Olympus SP-620UZ combines two photos of the same subject from different angles to generate dynamic 3D images that can be viewed on a 3D-compatible monitor or television.

Eye-Fi™ card compatibility and a 3.0"LCD make it simple to share stills and HD videos with ease.

*35mm camera equivalent.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The SP-620UZ will be available in January and ships with a Camera Strap, Protective Lens Cap, USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, 4 AA Batteries, Quick Start Guide, Instruction Manual and OLYMPUS [ib] Software CD-ROM and a Warranty Card.
Estimated Street Price: $199.99 (Available in silver and black)

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TRACK YOUR SUBJECTS NEAR OR FAR WITH NEW ULTRA-SLEEK OLYMPUS SZ-12 LONG ZOOM CAMERA

Super-Slim & Stylish 24x Optical Zoom Camera
Captures the Action Close Up and Personal

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 9, 2012 – Olympus today unveils the full-featured, slim and sleek SZ-12, a compact superzoom camera with a powerful 24x optical wide-angle zoom lens (25-600mm equivalent*) and two forms of image stabilization to help deliver the clearest results possible. Whether you're traveling, at a family function, or on the sideline of a sporting event, the new, powerful SZ-12 gives you the flexibility to zoom right in and shoot brilliant close-ups without sacrificing versatility and image quality.

With remarkable magnification power in combination with 14-megapixel resolution, the super-slim SZ-12 is packed with state-of-the-art Olympus technology that delivers excellent image quality. A new, retro-chic "smart grip" at the front of the camera combined with built-in Dual Image Stabilization, helps cut out blur caused by imperceptible camera shake, allowing you to zoom right in for expressive close-ups and vivid HD 720p video.

High-speed, seven-frames-per-second (7 fps) sequential shooting gives you the power to capture a dynamic series of images of fast-moving subjects. For more composed shooting, the Olympus SZ-12's Telephoto Macro captures all the rich detail of small subjects like flowers from inches away. The powerful zoom brings you up close to whimsical subjects like butterflies from a safe distance, so you don't scare them.
Ten Magic Art Filters power your creativity by adding a whole range of special effects to your images directly in the camera. The Olympus SZ-12 offers the new Reflection magic filter takes the image and duplicates it across a horizontal or vertical plane of symmetry creating powerful illusions.

Easily frame and review your images on the large, 3-inch LCD display (460,000 dots) and share them wirelessly throughout your social networks or on your computer via an optional Eye-Fi Card – or in all the glory of High-Definition using an optional HDMI cable on a big-screen HDTV.
* 35mm camera equivalent

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Olympus SZ-12 will be available in March and ships with a Camera Strap, USB Cable, USB-AC Adapter (F-2AC), Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-50B), Audio/Video Cable, Quick Start Guide, Instruction Manual and OLYMPUS [ib] Software CD-ROM and a Warranty card.
Estimated Street Price: $199.99 (Available in silver, black and red)

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WORRY-FREE IMAGES OF LIFE'S SPONTANEOUS ADVENTURES
ARE POSSIBLE WITH THE NEW OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-320

Active Families Appreciate an Ultra Durable, Affordable Camera
That Can Keep Up With Them

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 9, 2012 – Olympus adds to its TOUGH line of rugged digital cameras today with the new 14-megapixel, 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom lens (28-102mm equivalent*), Waterproof, Shockproof, Freezeproof and Dustproof Olympus TG-320. Whether they're in the water or enjoying the snow, families and active consumers want an affordable camera they can trust to endure all of life's spontaneous moments and capture superior images anytime.

The rugged Olympus TG-320 is designed to take the hard knocks of everyday life, so you know that the memories it captures will be protected. It can handle five-foot drops to the hard ground, operate in freezing snowstorms (to 14 degrees Fahrenheit), and swim with fish (Waterproof to 10 feet) – lethal conditions for most other digital cameras. With Underwater HD Video, the TG-320 offers the reliability of the ideal vacation camera.
Throw the Olympus TG-320 in your backpack before heading out into the wild for the weekend; bring it along with your snorkeling gear to capture crisp, clear high-definition video of marine life at the touch of a button; even hand it off to the kids at family events to let them express their own unique vision. You won't have to worry about accidents spoiling the fun.
Add more dimension to your photographs by shooting dynamic 3D photos in any mode from macro to landscape, and even under water. Express your inner artist with the Olympus TG-320's in-camera Magic Art Filters that enable users to enhance and customize images as they're being captured.
When you're back from your adventures, the camera's HDMI Control makes playback a breeze. Simply connect the camera to an HDTV with an optional HDMI cable and use your HDTV's remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera's menus from the comfort of your couch.
* 35mm camera equivalent.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Olympus TG-320 will be available in February and ships with a Camera Strap, USB Cable, USB-AC Adapter (F-2AC), Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-42B), Audio/Video Cable, Quick Start Guide, Instruction Manual and OLYMPUS [ib] Software CD-ROM and a Warranty Card.

Estimated Street Price: $179.99 (Available in red or blue)

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NEW OLYMPUS VG-160 DELIVERS POINT-AND-SHOOT SIMPLICITY AND QUALITY AT A LOW PRICE

Redefining Value, this Super, Slender Shooter Captures High-Quality Still
Photos and Videos Quickly and Easily

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 9, 2012 – Olympus today announces the launch of a new V Series camera offering everything you'd expect and more at an ultra affordable price. The 14-megapixel VG-160 sports a superb 5x optical zoom and a wide-angle lens (26-130mm equivalent*) packed into a super-slim body that gets you close to your subject. At just 19.3mm deep, the VG-160 slips easily into your pocket, and includes all the capabilities you need in one compact camera. The slender and affordable Olympus VG-160 is packed with in-camera Magic Art Filters, HD Video and an intelligent, iAuto.

A large 3.0-inch LCD offers a clear preview of your images, and technological enhancements like AF Tracking, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Face Detection help you capture images just the way you intended. Intelligent Auto (iAuto) automatically recognizes shooting conditions that match any of 29 built-in scene modes, such as self-portrait, landscape & night + portrait, and then adjusts the focus and exposure for the perfect balance of color and clarity. Whether you're capturing the kids on a playground, or taking pictures at a birthday party, the Olympus VG-160's iAuto will optimize your camera's settings to ensure capture your everyday moments with ease.

A single one-touch HD Video button ensures instant access to movie mode on the Olympus VG-160, so you can start recording in 720p High-Definition without changing menu settings. Built-in Digital Image Stabilization ensures your images and videos will have amazing clarity.
Add style and artistic flair to your photos with Magic Art Filters. Joining Pop Art, Pin Hole, Drawing, Fish Eye and Soft Focus are Punk, which creates a two-tone image with a classic Punk Rock feel; Watercolor, which transforms images into frame-worthy paintings; and Sparkle, which adds a special twinkle to your photos.
* 35mm camera equivalent.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Olympus VG-160 will be available in February and ships with a Camera Strap, USB Cable, USB-AC Adapter (F-2AC), Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-70B), Audio/Video Cable, Quick Start Guide, Instruction Manual and OLYMPUS [ib] Software CD-ROM and a Warranty Card.
Estimated Street Price: $99.99 (Available in silver, black, red and orange).

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WORRY-FREE IMAGES OF LIFE'S SPONTANEOUS ADVENTURES
ARE POSSIBLE WITH THE NEW OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-320

Active Families Appreciate an Ultra Durable, Affordable Camera
That Can Keep Up With Them

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 9, 2012 – Olympus adds to its TOUGH line of rugged digital cameras today with the new 14-megapixel, 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom lens (28-102mm equivalent*), Waterproof, Shockproof, Freezeproof and Dustproof Olympus TG-320. Whether they're in the water or enjoying the snow, families and active consumers want an affordable camera they can trust to endure all of life's spontaneous moments and capture superior images anytime.

The rugged Olympus TG-320 is designed to take the hard knocks of everyday life, so you know that the memories it captures will be protected. It can handle five-foot drops to the hard ground, operate in freezing snowstorms (to 14 degrees Fahrenheit), and swim with fish (Waterproof to 10 feet) – lethal conditions for most other digital cameras. With Underwater HD Video, the TG-320 offers the reliability of the ideal vacation camera.

Throw the Olympus TG-320 in your backpack before heading out into the wild for the weekend; bring it along with your snorkeling gear to capture crisp, clear high-definition video of marine life at the touch of a button; even hand it off to the kids at family events to let them express their own unique vision. You won't have to worry about accidents spoiling the fun.
Add more dimension to your photographs by shooting dynamic 3D photos in any mode from macro to landscape, and even under water. Express your inner artist with the Olympus TG-320's in-camera Magic Art Filters that enable users to enhance and customize images as they're being captured.

When you're back from your adventures, the camera's HDMI Control makes playback a breeze. Simply connect the camera to an HDTV with an optional HDMI cable and use your HDTV's remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera's menus from the comfort of your couch.
* 35mm camera equivalent.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Olympus TG-320 will be available in February and ships with a Camera Strap, USB Cable, USB-AC Adapter (F-2AC), Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-42B), Audio/Video Cable, Quick Start Guide, Instruction Manual and OLYMPUS [ib] Software CD-ROM and a Warranty Card.
Estimated Street Price: $179.99 (Available in red or blue)

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NEW OLYMPUS VR-340 PROVES BEAUTY IS MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

Slim, Stylish and Full of Features, the Olympus VR-340 Offers a Powerful 10x Zoom and Cutting-Edge Performance Inside Its Sleek Metal Casing

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 9, 2012 – Olympus today announces the launch of a new V Series camera that once again proves you can have an affordable, great-looking camera with advanced digital technology all packed into an exquisitely attractive slim metal casing. Whether you're out for a night on the town, a birthday dinner with friends or a weekend stroll, the Olympus VR-340's 10x super wide optical zoom lens (24-240mm equivalent*) is ready to capture and share superb close-ups and group shots of life's most important moments, like births or weddings.

The Olympus VR-340 includes all the technology you'd expect from more expensive compact cameras, including a standout 16-megapixel sensor, AF Illuminator and higher ISO for shooting in low light, designed to enhance your shots.

Add style and artistic flair to your photos with nine Magic Art Filters that work with videos and still photos alike. The new Beauty Make-up mode enhances the look of faces in your shots. Laid out like a cosmetic toolbox, it lets you apply everything from eyeliner and eye shadow to rouge for skin blemishes. You can even lift cheekbones and morph your subjects to give them a cover-model look.

A simple, one-touch button allows you to record video clips with amazing clarity in high-definition, right from your camera. With sophisticated AF tracking, you can have confidence in capturing fast moving subjects like kids & pets. Simply preview and share all of your images on the Olympus VR-340's large 3.0-inch, high-resolution LCD for proof that this camera's beauty is more than skin deep.
*35mm camera equivalent.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Olympus VR-340 will be available in March and ships with a Camera Strap, USB Cable, USB-AC Adapter (F-2AC), Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-50B), Audio/Video Cable, Quick Start Guide, Instruction Manual and OLYMPUS [ib] Software CD-ROM and a Warranty Card.

Estimated Street Price: $149.99 (Available in white, silver, black, purple and red).