Olympus Embraces Underwater, Dive Community With New Camera Housings

Recreational Scuba Divers, Outdoor Enthusiasts and Poolside Families Enjoy Underwater Photography Thanks to Olympus

Olympus News Release Summary:
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., June 4, 2007 – Olympus gears-up for summer with new underwater housings and accessories for its digital cameras — from point-and-shoot to D-SLR (digital single lens reflex). For millions, the peak travel season of June through August means fun in the ocean, lake or pool. Weekend sun worshipers to serious divers can easily capture their adventures beneath the surface (down to depths of 40 meters / approximately 133 feet) using the new Olympus housings.

New Olympus Underwater Housings and Accessories Include: D-SLR – The new PT-E03 housing is made specifically for Olympus' newly available, portable EVOLT E-410 D-SLR camera. Scuba divers agree that the E-410's full-time Live View LCD makes taking photographs underwater more natural, enabling them to hold the camera away from their face and allowing them to see their vast surroundings. Most other D-SLRs only offer a traditional optical viewfinder — peering through this when wearing a dive mask is extremely cumbersome and offers very limited views. The E-410's housing is compatible with many of the Olympus Zuiko Digital-Specific lenses and their respective underwater lens ports.

D-SLR Lenses – Wide angle and macro lenses are the most common for underwater photography. The new PPO-E05 underwater lens port is designed for the lightweight 14-42mm Zuiko Digital-Specific lens, which is the perfect complement to the portable E-410 and its underwater housing when diving. The versatile 14-42mm lens offers the most common focal lengths, including wide angle and close focusing, making it an essential tool for those recreational divers who want to capture images of their explorations. Additionally, all other Olympus PPO Series underwater lens ports (including macro) are compatible with Olympus' E-Series underwater housings.

Digital Compact Cameras – New underwater housings have been created specifically for Olympus' recently announced point-and-shoot cameras, including the SP-550 UZ, Stylus 770 SW, Stylus 760 and FE-230. These cameras also offer underwater scene modes, which when coupled with the underwater housings enable even the most novice photographer to take beautiful underwater images.

Underwater Flash – For the first time, Olympus is offering an underwater flash (UFL-1) for use with all new SP and Stylus camera housings introduced in 2007 as well as a majority of its preexisting digital compact camera housings. The new slave flash requires no cables and enables divers to capture stunning images even in the darkest waters.

Other Underwater Accessories – The adjustable float strap, created specifically for the Stylus SW Series, enables the camera to float at the water's surface and provides surfers, kayakers and other active swimmers with the ability to strap the camera to their arm, freeing their hands when not taking photos. The float strap boasts a vibrant red color for high visibility.

New silicone skins are also available for the Stylus 770 SW. While the camera can reach depths of 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) without a skin or housing, the silicone skin provides a variety of stylish looks, offers improved handling in the water and is perfect for avoiding scratches on the camera's body from rocks or other rough surfaces. The new skins are available in three trendy colors: orange, blue and clear.

The new Olympus underwater housings and accessories will be available at retailers in June 2007. The new housings — both compact and D-SLRs — are for use in depths down to 40 meters (approximately 133 feet). Comprehensive information on the complete family of Olympus' underwater housings and accessories is available at www.olympusamerica.com/underwater.

For more information, review units, product specifications and high-resolution product images, contact Jeff Hluchyj, Mullen Public Relations, 978-468-8939 or jeff.hluchyj@mullen.com, or Jennifer Lyons, public relations manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, PA 18034, ph: (484) 896-5350 / (800) 622-6372 or the Olympus Web Site: www.olympusamerica.com.

About Olympus
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances peoples' lives every day. These include:

 - Digital and film cameras
 - Professional SLR Imaging Systems
 - Digital and Microcassette recorders
 - Digital Media
 - Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.
 

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