Beginners Do More With New D-580 Zoom From Olympus

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February 12, 2004 - Because the purchase of a new digital camera can sometimes be a challenge for beginning photographers, Olympus cut through the dizzying array of options to create a camera with all of the essential features they need to enjoy the digital experience. The result is the new D-580 Zoom, a compact point-and-shoot digital camera with a stylish design that combines all of the user-friendly features beginners want with the high-quality optics and megapixel power they need for great-looking results.

The D-580 Zoom features everything necessary to "go digital" including a powerful, world-class Olympus 3x Optical Zoom lens and 4x Digital Zoom matched to a 4.0-megapixel sensor, and a built in microphone to record images with audio. It's picture perfect for anyone looking for an easy-to-use digital that produces rich, vibrant images up to 11" x 14" quickly and easily. And thanks to PictBridge technology, no computer is required to print out images.

"At Olympus we're constantly working to improve our products," said Jason Bortzfield, product manager of digital, Olympus America Inc. "With the D-580 Zoom, we've added more megapixel power for increased output sizes, faster processing, and a built in microphone so photographers can do more with the camera to enhance their experience."

Stylish
The D-580 Zoom has a durable polycarbonate body with an attractive metallic accent on its sliding protective clamshell lens barrier. This pocket-friendly camera's small size (4.3" W x 2.3" H x 1.4" D) and light weight (5.8 ounces) is due in part to its exclusive use of the miniature xD-Picture Card, and it comes with a 16MB card for straight out-of-the-box use.

Innovative
Now, with a new built in microphone, it's possible to record QuickTime video with the D-580 Zoom and create short movies with audio that can be sent over the Internet to friends, family and coworkers. Or take a still picture while narrating a personalized audio caption for the scene, and play images back later on your computer with audio to easily recall the names of people, places and things.

At home or on the road it's possible to turn any TV into a personal screening room. The D-580 Zoom plays back still images or mini movies when connected to a television with the included audio/video cable.

Intelligent
The camera's 4.0-megapixel CCD sensor is combined with an enhanced image processor called TruePic TURBO that significantly improves image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback. TruePic TURBO allows the D-580 Zoom to capture information from all 4.0 million pixels with pixel "micro-smoothing" that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos, even at lower resolutions. Prints are big enough to crop and print up to 11" x 14" and larger.

Approachable
Thanks to the power of PictBridge technology, it is now possible to connect the D-580 Zoom directly via USB cable to any PictBridge-enabled printer like the Olympus P-10 Digital Photo Printer. Printing and sharing images has never been easier, and the P-10 uses photo lab-quality printing - dye-sublimation - to create archival quality prints rich in color.

Or, if users want to connect the D-580 Zoom to a PC or Mac, transferring images to the computer has never been easier with Auto-Connect USB for hassle-free image downloads. No extra software is required with most operating systems.

Composing and reviewing images with an LCD is an asset when taking digital pictures because it allows users to accurately frame their photographs and make decisions about saving or deleting them. To ensure that their shots can be easily viewed, the D-580 Zoom features a large 1.8-inch LCD screen.

The D-580 Zoom offers a menu architecture that's easy to navigate for fast access to the right settings with just the press of arrow buttons. Seven preset shooting modes are conveniently accessed through the camera's "Virtual Dial" (viewable through the LCD menu) to provide fully automatic exposure adjustments for the photographer who wants optimum results in a wide variety of settings: Program Auto, Portrait, Portrait-Landscape, Landscape, Night Scene, Self Portrait, and Movie.

Exciting Features for the Most Realistic Digital Images
The D-580 Zoom has a bright optical viewfinder and auto-focus capability to enable photographers to accurately frame and focus their shots. The camera also features an Olympus high-quality all-glass lens specially designed for digital cameras and a wide range of optical and digital zoom combinations so no image is beyond capture.

The D-580 Zoom features a 3X Optical Zoom (35-105mm, f3.1/5.2 - f5.2 equivalent in 35mm photography) that when combined with a 4X digital zoom, delivers a total seamless 12X zoom.

The Macro Mode allows users to take close up photographs to capture details like dewdrops on a flower petal. Other controls include Digital ESP multi-pattern and spot metering; auto white balance; multiple flash settings and exposure compensation.

Availability
The D-580 Zoom will be available in February of 2004. It includes a 16MB xD-Picture Card, (2) AA alkaline batteries, an Auto-Connect USB cable, Audio/Video Out cable, wrist strap, Olympus CAMEDIA Master Software, user manual and Quick Start guide.

U.S. Pricing
D-580 Zoom Estimated Street Price: $299.00 (U.S.)
D-580 Zoom MSRP: $349.95 (U.S.)

For more information visit www.olympusamerica.com.

SOURCE Olympus