Olympus Introduces The C-50 Zoom 5.0 Megapixel Ultra-Compact Digital Camera

Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Uniting high style with high performance, Olympus America introduces the new CAMEDIA C-50 Zoom, a new ultra-compact 5.0 megapixel digital camera with a sleek, all-metal body. The striking exterior of the C-50 contains a powerful high-quality 3X optical zoom lens with the best optics to capture an amazing 5 million pixels of image data. As easy-to-use as a point and shoot, with features that support advanced photographic control, the portable C-50 is an ideal camera for anyone who wants to take great pictures on the fly at any occasion.

The C-50 Zoom is the first Olympus digital camera to take advantage of the body size reduction promised by the new xD-Picture Card. The card's small size, about the same as a postage stamp, was an asset for designing the camera at a mere 3.9" long x 2.3" high x 1.6" wide, and 6.84 ounces. The C-50 also features the Olympus signature clamshell lens barrier.

"The C-50 Zoom proves that good things do come in small packages," said John Knaur, Product Manager, Olympus America Inc. "This is the first time that Olympus has created a ultra-compact digital camera with an all-metal body; it's both stylish and durable. With the best optics available today, matched to a 5 million pixel CCD for the most realistic digital images yet, plus full automatic and manual control, nothing's impossible for the C-50."

The C-50 Zoom offers a 3X optical zoom (12X total seamless zoom when combined with the 4X digital zoom), which is optically the equivalent zoom range of 38mm to 114mm. Sporting a fast shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second for action photography, the extensive shutter speed range also allows long exposures of up to 8 seconds, enabling photographers to express their creativity when capturing night scenes or sunsets.

Easy to Use
The C-50 Zoom is extremely easy to use. On the back 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 Portrait, Self Portrait, Landscape-Portrait, and Sports or Action photography. The special "My Mode" feature is a time saver as it enables users to assign frequently used functions for quick and easy access.

The C-50 Zoom offers an optical viewfinder as well as a 1.5" color LCD display which displays aperture, shutter speed, and image quality settings and can be used in playback to review shots.

The C-50 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. Transferring images to the computer has never been easier with the Auto-Connect USB that does not require software drivers for hassle-free image downloads. Images may also be viewed on a television with the video cable.

Features For the Most Realistic Digital Images
Olympus high-quality photos 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, and provides the equivalent of 38mm to 114mm, f2.8-f10.0 in 35mm photography. The Macro Mode allows users to take photographs from distances as close as 3.9" to capture details like dewdrops on a leaf.

The 5.0 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 5.0 CCD captures the detail needed for true photo quality printing even on large print sizes well over 8" x 10".

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. The camera comes with a built- in flash that offers 6 settings to provide the widest range of options.

Another great feature of the C-50 Zoom is its ability to capture QuickTime 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-50 Zoom will be available in October 2002. It includes an Auto- Connect USB cable, Audio/Video Out cable, carrying strap, Li-B10 Li-ION battery and charger, a 32MB xD-Picture Card, RM-1 Remote Controller, Olympus CAMEDIA Master Software 4.0, user manual and Quick Start guide.

U.S. Pricing
C-50 Zoom Street Price: $599
C-50 Zoom SRP: $699

For more information visit http://www.olympusamerica.com/.

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Source: Olympus America