Olympus Unleashes Nine Cameras

There’s something for everyone in Olympus’ Spring 2009 lineup: the nine cameras announced today include point-and-shoots for all budgets, a 26X superzoom, and several rugged models, an Olympus specialty.

Budget Point-and-Shoots

The FE-3000 ($139), FE-3010 ($149), and FE-5010 ($189, pictured at right) all have  Intelligent Auto mode, face detection for up to 16 faces, in-camera help guides, an LCD backlight boost for viewing images in bright light, and a rechargeable battery, a feature that’s still not standard on budget cameras (or even mid-range ones, for that matter).

The FE-3000 has 10-megapixel resolution, 3X optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD, and 16 scene modes; the FE-3010, meanwhile, includes a resolution bump (12-MP) and a slimmer (0.7-inch thick) design. Both models have digital image stabilization.

The FE-5010 also has 12-MP resolution and a 2.7-inch screen, but its lens has 5X optical zoom. It also has dual image stabilization, which is more effective than digital IS.

The FE-3000 and FE-5010 will be available this month; the FE-3010, March. The FE-3000 will be available in light blue, black, and silver; the FE-3010, magenta, black, and silver; the FE-5010, plum, navy, and black.

High-End Point-and-Shoots

The Stylus-7000 ($299, pictured at right) and Stylus-9000 ($349, below right), both 12 MP, offer plenty of zoom in small packages: a 7X and 10X lens, respectively. Aside from the zoom, the biggest difference is that the Stylus-7000 has a 3-inch screen, but the Stylus-9000’s 2.7-inch LCD has HyperCrystal III technology, which claims to be twice as bright as the previous generation’s screens, which can be found in the Stylus-7000.

Both models have Intelligent Auto mode, HDMI output, Beauty Mode, dual IS, face detection,with shadow adjustment technology, Perfect Shot Preview, and in-camera editing.

Both models will be available in February. The Stylus-7000 is available in navy, black, and silver; the Stylus-9000, champagne and black.

A 26X Superzoom

The SP-590UZ ($449) has a whopping 26X optical zoom. Along with its versatile lens and DSLR-like shape, it has 12-MP resolution and full manual control to match. And its 29 (!) scene modes include three new ones: Beauty Mode, pre-record mode, and Soft Background Focus.

Otherwise, the SP-590UZ has the trappings of a high-end point-and-shoot: dual image stabilization, HDMI output, face detection for up to 16 faces, wireless flash compatibility, shadow adjustment technology, Perfect Shot Preview, and in-camera editing. It’ll be available in March.

Rugged Cameras

We’ve complained about the rugged Stylus SW line’s lack of dual image stabilization. Well, at long last Olympus has added it—to the new Stylus Tough line, at least. Like the SW series, the Tough-6000 ($299, pictured at right) and Tough-8000 ($399, below right) are shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, and shakeproof.

The Stylus-6000 is durable enough to let the kids play with: it can handle 5-foot drops and immersion in up to 10 feet of water. The Stylus-8000, designed for outdoor adventure, can endure 6.6-foot drops and immersion in up to 33 feet of water. Both can handle temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit, but only the Stylus-8000 is crushproof (it can withstand 220 pounds).

If all you want to do is snap pictures while snorkeling, the Stylus-550WP ($199) can be immersed in up to 10 feet of water. Unlike the others, it has digital—not dual—IS.

All of these cameras have Intelligent Auto Mode and face detection. The two Tough models also have Beauty Mode, tap control, in-camera panorama, shadow adjustment technology, Perfect Shot Preview, and in-camera editing. Look for them next month.