Fujifilm Debuts FinePix Digital Camera With Face Detection Technology

Fujifilm introduces the SLR-styled FinePix S6000fd, the first digital camera in Fujifilm’s line-up with the company’s revolutionary new Face Detection Technology.

Face Detection Technology operates exactly as its name implies, identifying up to 10 faces in a framed scene. Once faces are identified and prioritized, the 6.3-megapixel FinePix S6000fd adjusts its focus and exposure accordingly to ensure the sharpness and clarity of human subjects in the picture, regardless of background. And since it is hardware rather than software based, Fujifilm’s Face Detection Technology works in as little as 0.05 seconds, faster than similar in-camera detection systems currently on the market or soon to be available.

Quicker operation is said to reduce the likelihood of missed or blurry photos, frustrations often associated with digital photography. The advanced Face Detection Technology system built into Fujifilm’s new FinePix S6000fd digital camera is based on the Image Intelligence technology found in Fujifilm’s Frontier Digital Lab Systems, used by photofinishers to produce large volumes of top-quality photo prints. Face Detection is a selectable option the camera user can turn on whenever human subjects are the focal point of a picture.

Face Detection Technology is the latest addition to Fujifilm’s suite of Real Photo Technology digital camera components that work together on the FinePix S6000fd to help produce the best possible photos. One of those components is i-Flash, the intelligent flash system introduced by Fujifilm earlier this year on the FinePix F30 compact digicam. The system reads scene conditions and adjusts its flash power output and exposure automatically, based on gathered information. The results are backgrounds with finer detail and sharp, accurate subjects without the ‘washed out’ look that often accompanies flash photography. Together, the Face Detection and i-Flash technologies is said to produce photographs with prominent subjects exhibiting pleasing, natural tones.

Like the FinePix F30, the FinePix S6000fd has a full-resolution ISO equivalency of 3200, a rarity in consumer-level digicams. Such high light sensitivities allow for faster shutter speeds, which reduce blurring caused by both camera shake and subject movement. This marriage of higher sensitivities with a faster shutter is the basis for Fujifilm’s Picture Stabilization, another feature found on the FinePix S6000fd. The easy- to- access feature (selectable on the mode dial) enables the FinePix S6000fd to automatically choose the correct light sensitivity and best-matching shutter speed for the scene.

Other helpful features found on the FinePix S6000fd for top-quality picture-taking include a Dual Shot Mode. In this mode the FinePix S6000fd quickly shoots two images in succession -- one with and one without the flash -- saving both. This convenient function lets the user perform an on-the-spot picture comparison and decide which photo is the most pleasing. The FinePix S6000fd also is equipped with a 28-300mm Fujinon 10.7X optical zoom lens with full manual control via the lens barrel. This high-quality Fujinon lens configuration is said to offer tremendous flexibility for either zoom or wide-angle shots.

http://www.popphoto.com/photonews/2624/fujifilm-debuts-finepix-digital-camera-with-face-detection-technology.html

Digital Camera Users and Shopping Tips

When shopping for a digital camera, it’s important to first understand that there are many different styles and features in each segment. Once you determine how you plan to use your camera and the types of activities you plan on photographing, the next step is to do some research and determine which type of camera works best for you.

The J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Digital Camera Satisfaction Study^SM shows that the reasons for purchasing a digital camera vary depending on the each of our four segments.

Point and Shoot cameras used to be the entry compact camera category with limited features and basic styling. But today digital cameras in this category offer good quality and performance along with many features previously found only in premium cameras. While price is still the key consideration in this segment (all of these cameras sell for under $230), picture quality and brand reputation are also important to these shoppers. People are the major subject of these camera users, as are general vacation shots, with this segment averaging over 90 photos a month.

Premium Point and Shoot cameras are compact cameras that typically offer more features than compact cameras, including more advanced technologies such as optical image stabilization, face-detection, etc. Sizes range from compact models to the larger DSLR look-alikes, without removable lenses, of course. The majority of these cameras sell below $400, but some can go for upwards of $600 or more. Zoom capability is a key feature of this segment, as are camera features and functions, as well as comparable picture quality. Do a side-by-side comparison with less expensive cameras to see exactly what the additional price is giving you. People and general vacation photos are the most likely subjects in this segment, with outdoor shots almost as common here as among upscale, DSLR users. Users average 150 photos per month.

Ultra Slim cameras hit the market 5 years ago and redefined style in digital cameras. By easily fitting in your pocket, these thin cameras are ideal for using on vacations. Not surprisingly, camera size is very important to consumers who purchase this camera, but picture quality is actually the most important reason for the selection. New Ultra Slim models offer high mega-pixel counts and optical zooms that were only available on larger compact cameras in the past. Average selling prices can vary widely with the majority selling in the $100 to $400 price range. Users of Ultra Slim cameras generally use them for taking pictures of people or for general use while on vacation, snapping over 140 photos a month on average.

Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR), are generally much larger, bulkier cameras with interchangeable lenses. Price points are generally between $1000 and $2000, with the study revealing that the average price paid is just over $1,100. Consider purchasing additional lenses (if not pricing them) when you purchase a DSLR in order to make legitimate comparisons to other camera models or brands. External flashes, tripods and other accessories are generally camera agnostic, so you can take your time in these areas. Despite these higher prices, overall satisfaction among these photo files is the highest of any camera segment. Nature or outdoors photos are as common as people photos and vacation photos among DSLR users, who take pictures at nearly a 400 photo-per-month clip.

The study shows that consumers find that camera manufacturer, consumer publication and retailer web sites are excellent sources of comparative information, so you can prepare for your shopping experience in advance. Asking others about their experiences is very helpful, and at least one in three respondents say they do just that. Salespeople and other in-store information can be helpful as well, but nothing substitutes for being familiar with the type of camera that interests you in advance. Although available to all, the study finds that trade publication newsletters and web sites are most commonly used by DSLR camera buyers, as is the web overall. At these price points, it pays to be cautious, no pun intended.

In any event, the study shows that, increasingly, consumers are researching cameras on the web and then performing hands-on shopping in camera stores or other electronics outlets, returning to the web to purchase their cameras at sometimes, significant savings. One caveat: consider your manufacturer’s warranty and where you can obtain repair or replacement service. Although relatively rare, if you use your camera a lot, you may want a convenient, if not nearby, location for warranty work. If you can survive without a camera for a period of time, then the internet will generally be your best source for lower prices.

2007 Highest Ranked Digital Cameras by Camera Segment based on Customer Satisfaction (Includes specific models included in our camera rankings)

Ultra Slim
Casio Exilim Zoom Series

• Casio EXILIM EX-Z50


• Casio EXILIM EX-Z500


• Casio EXILIM EX-Z75


• Casio EXILIM EX-Z1050


• Casio EXILIM EX-Z700


• Casio EXILIM EX-Z1000


• Casio EXILIM EX-Z600


• Casio EXILIM EX-Z850


• Casio EXILIM EX-Z70


• Casio EXILIM EX-Z60

Point and Shoot
Fujifilm FinePix F Series

• Fujifilm FINEPIX F20


• Fujifilm FINEPIX F410


• Fujifilm FINEPIX F650


• Fujifilm FINEPIX F700

Premier Point and Shoot
Canon Powershot SD Series

• Canon POWERSHOT SD700IS


• Canon POWERSHOT SD900

DSLR
Nikon D Series

• Nikon D100


• Nikon D200


• Nikon D40X


• Nikon D50


• Nikon D2HS


• Nikon D40


• Nikon D70


• Nikon D70S


• Nikon D80

http://www.jdpower.com/articles/article.aspx?ID=156

Canon Powershot G9 Digital Camera Introduction

Canon U.S.A., Inc. announced today that its acclaimed G-series has a new top-of-the line model - the PowerShot G9 digital camera. The PowerShot G9 digital camera offers serious shooters and value-minded professionals a feature-packed camera with many of the advanced photographic capabilities of a high-end Digital SLR camera, in a lightweight, compact package at an affordable price.

The PowerShot G9 digital camera features the same matte black, retro-hip design that G-series fans have come to appreciate, with a simplified control layout that is versatile yet easy to understand. This camera is loaded with Canon's latest and most advanced technologies, while raising the bar with the addition of RAW Mode, usually reserved for larger and more expensive SLR cameras. Advanced photographers also have the option of using RAW+JPEG simultaneous capture functionality, giving photographers the best of both worlds - JPEGs for immediate use and RAW images for faithful image reproduction, and extensive, non-destructive image editing capability.

The PowerShot G9 digital camera features class-leading 12.1-megapixel resolution for stunning, deeply detailed images that allow enlargements up to poster size with cropping. A 6x optical zoom lens brings the photographer right into the action, and by incorporating Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS), excellent-quality images are assured in situations prone to camera shake and image blurring. So, whether you are shooting outdoors at dusk or inside without a flash, camera shake is detected and effectively canceled. Photographers will find it quick and easy to review and compare photos for printing with Canon's Image Inspection Tool. And, because Image Inspection is now linked with Advanced Face Detection technology, they can save considerable time while reviewing, because the main subject is automatically detected and enlarged, eliminating the need to zoom and scroll manually, while at the same time making it simple to determine if facial expressions are pleasing before moving on to the next photo.

"The PowerShot G9 digital camera brings our highest levels of performance and usability to the G-series," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "By combining RAW Mode with our other key technologies in this camera, we're providing a high-performing and affordable option to advanced photo enthusiasts who want the creative power of a Digital SLR in a smaller body form."

The PowerShot G9 digital camera comes equipped with 23 shooting modes, allowing for a myriad of different photo preferences and conditions including Automatic, Manual, Shutter-speed-Priority, Aperture-Priority, and two Custom modes as well as special scene modes such as Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Sports, Indoor, Beach and Snow, offering users Digital SLR-like capability in a compact digital camera. The PowerShot G9 also features Canon's powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, delivering superior image quality, ultra-responsive performance, extended battery life and advanced Face Detection technology, so users can be confident that the face they want, is the face that they capture. And, with a new large, three-inch PureColor LCD II screen and easy-to-access ISO and manual mode dials, customized shooting, reviewing and menu adjustments are especially convenient. The PowerShot G9 digital camera is also compatible with optional high-quality Canon wide-angle, telephoto and macro supplementary lenses, as well as EOS Speedlite flashes and a waterproof case rated to a depth of 40 meters/130 feet, giving photographers more robust photographic capabilities that are in line with professional and expensive SLRs.

True to Canon's industry leadership position, the PowerShot G9 digital camera gives consumers interested in the ease of a compact camera many of the technological advancements that are the result of Canon's 70-year heritage as an imaging innovator, differentiating it from competitive products.

New Canon PowerShot Product Lines' Standard Advanced Technologies
DIGIC III
The "brain" of this new PowerShot camera is DIGIC III, the gold standard on all new Canon digital cameras. The DIGIC III image processor accounts for the camera's higher performance levels, including faster start-up, faster autofocus and quicker shutter response times that leave long-lag competitors in the dust. The DIGIC III chip design improves image quality and offers more efficient power consumption, resulting in extended battery life under typical shooting conditions.

ADVANCED FACE DETECTION
With Canon's new Genuine Face Detection technology, the camera can detect, lock-on and track up to nine forward-looking human faces in a scene. The Face Detection algorithm automatically prioritizes and selects faces and not simply the closest object (based on Canon's Intelligent Scene Analysis/iSAPS technology). It will then optimize the focus, exposure and flash to ensure the best possible results. Using Canon's Face Detection, photographers can keep up to nine faces in focus at any one time no matter where they are within the image. The PowerShot G9 camera also introduces an exclusive new function called Face Select and Track. With this feature, when multiple faces are detected, photographers can select any individual face they want the camera to specifically track and be a primary focus. This feature is ideal for many shooting situations such as birthday parties or graduation ceremonies, where many people are present, but the photographer is primarily interested in just one of them. Working in concert with Face Detection, the G9's "Red-Eye Correction" feature helps to detect and correct red-eye during playback mode. Images can be corrected automatically or manually while viewing photos on the LCD screen. All in all, Canon's new Face Detection Technology makes for even easier picture-taking moments, helping users ensure in-focus smiles, and assisting in the elimination of over-exposed faces.

OPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZATION (OIS)
The extended zoom range of the PowerShot G9 camera makes optical image stabilization (OIS) essential. Canon's lens shift OIS provides an effective antidote to camera shake, particularly at longer zoom lengths or during long exposures when even the slightest hand-held shake is magnified to picture-blurring proportions. Superior to electronic image stabilization systems that simply use software to mask movement, OIS actually shifts the lens proportionately to compensate for unwanted motion, making it easier to snap great images. The OIS found in Canon PowerShot digital cameras is based on technology developed for Canon's renowned high-end professional SLR cameras.

The steady effectiveness is further enhanced when paired with the new "Auto ISO Shift" feature which, at the touch of a button, can automatically increase the ISO speed setting as required to maintain fast shutter speeds when shooting in low light conditions without a flash.

PRINTING MADE EASY
All Canon PowerShot digital cameras work seamlessly with Canon's compact photo printers to deliver stunning high-quality borderless prints. Consumers simply connect their PowerShot digital camera to a Canon compact photo printer, press the Print/Share button, and moments later a brilliant, borderless 4" x 6" print begins to emerge; it's that simple. Canon's compact photo printers are PictBridge compatible, so they work with PictBridge enabled digital cameras to provide users with excellent image quality and ease-of-use, especially when paired with a Canon digital camera.

HIGH-CAPACITY MEMORY CARD CAPABILITY
As an added convenience, Canon PowerShot digital cameras also accommodate MultiMedia MMC memory cards, as well as standard SD memory cards and the new, high-capacity SDHC memory cards. This way, consumers do not have to carry around multiple memory cards in order to be able to continue to save those special moments during extended vacations or high-photo-taking adventures. Canon PowerShot owners can travel in sleek style.

Powerful Software
The PowerShot G9 is bundled with the latest versions of Canon's powerful digital imaging software, including ZoomBrowser EX 6.0 and ImageBrowser 6.0 for easy downloading, viewing and printing. RAW Image Task software is also supplied to facilitate high-quality processing of the PowerShot G9's new RAW images.


http://www.cameratown.com/news/news.cfm/hurl/id%7C4339

Beyond the Camera

There are certain technology breakthroughs in the security industry that are considered era benchmarks. To iterate that digital is one of these benchmarks would be an understatement. Functionality at the camera itself offers some exciting benefits. For instance, day/night compensation; pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ); privacy masking and the latest up-and-comer, IP addressable cameras, are key advancements in the digital age.

“Digital technology has been the foundation for advanced camera features since the introduction of digital signal processing (DSP),” says Frank Abram, vice president, Panasonic Security Systems, Secaucus, N.J. “Since the 1980s, Panasonic has introduced cameras with DSP circuitry. DSP technology enables the electronic features found in today’s most advanced cameras.”

Lights, Camera, Action

Cameras using digital technology have much greater light sensitivity. Digital technology allows for extended shutter times for more light to be captured by the charge coupled device (CCD), producing pictures of scenes that are too dark for the human eye to see. Another example of digital innovation inside of the camera is extended or wide dynamic range.

“Many cameras do not compensate well for extreme bright and dark areas in the same scene,” says John Ellenberger, senior product manager, Pelco, Clovis, Calif. “Cameras with extended or wide dynamic range analyze the bright and dark sections of the scene, and combine them in a way that provides a picture showing detail in the bright and dark areas.”

"For digital cameras with integrated lenses, as used in positioning systems, the video can be analyzed and the picture’s focus can be achieved automatically,”says Ellenberger.

Digital technology has provided for many giant advances in PTZ. In the past, variable speed devices were driven by control systems that changed DC voltage levels. Now, most systems transmit digital signals that control stepper motors to provide precise and smooth motion. In addition, digital technology can create very advanced programming of each positioning system. For example, most positioning systems can have presets – a memorized pan, tilt, zoom and focus location.

When a preset is requested, the positioning system will go to that programmed position. With digital technology, the accuracy of those presets is greatly improved. In addition, exact camera settings such as white balance, sharpness and wide dynamic range can be customized for each preset. This added power provides the best picture for each and every preset scene.

Also, don’t forget about zone masking and sector blanking. In respect for the public’s privacy, manufacturers are creating the ability to inhibit the transmission of video from specific segments of a scene. This capability applies mostly to camera systems that have remotely controlled movement of the camera or PTZ. For example, many athletic stadiums are located next to residential neighborhoods. To prevent an unscrupulous system operator from using security cameras to peer into an apartment window, a manager can program the camera system so it will not show video when the camera is pointed towards the apartment building. Sector and zone masking usually mean that the video is inhibited from transmission, or “blanked” for all tilt angles within a programmed range of pan angles.

Zone masking is the ability to digitize a picture into multiple zones and then designate how each will react under different conditions. The zones can be from a minimum of two to a maximum equal to the number of pixels the system can handle. Typically there are from 16 to 256 zones. Zone masking is often used to set up detection zones for motion activation, and to set exclusion zones for backlight compensation.

A more advanced system, usually called window blanking or window masking, allows a region, such as an apartment window, to be blanked. If the camera is tilted above or below the window, the area around the window can be seen, but the area over the window is blanked. With this more advanced technology, as the operator zooms the camera, the blank area increases in size. This feature allows the system programmer to block out or select portions of a camera’s viewing area. It can be used as a privacy feature, to set up motion detection zones or to block out strong sources of light that reoccur with fixed cameras.

And what about storage at the camera?

According to Axis Communications, there is no real trend of adding storage at the camera level because of the addition of more camera intelligence, says Fredrik Nilsson director of business development at Axis, in Chelmsford, Mass. For example, extra data storage isn’t necessary just because a camera has video motion detection and alarm/event handling, which limits the need to send video that is of no interest, says Nilsson. “The cost of bandwidth for network video has come down to a level that makes is very cost effective,” he says.

The next logical outgrowth of digital is networking since the new wave of IP-addressable cameras actually provides digital output. This is the distinction between true digital cameras and analog cameras with DSP processing.

There is a very strong correlation between the migration to a digital platform and networking systems. Video surveillance is in a transitional phase. As a result, the industry needs to embrace a new perspective when specifying systems upgrades, rebuilds and new installations as a result of these technologies. “I believe we will continue to see a migration towards digital systems operating in a networked environment, but the change will be evolutionary over the next few years,” Abram says.

On the Network

“The network camera segment is the fastest growing product segment in the video surveillance market,” Nilsson says. “The cost of a network camera is high when compared to the cost of an analog camera because it includes most of the functionality that is normally located in the digital video recorder (DVR). Looking at the total system cost – camera, video network, recording and monitors – a system based on network cameras normally comes out with a lower cost.”

The main reasons network cameras are so attractive is that they include all the functionally of a DVR system – high and consistent image quality; fast, easy image retrieval – and they offer better scalability, more cost-efficient network infrastructure, intelligence at camera level, increased reliability and integration with other systems and lower total system cost. In the network camera scenario, a lot of that functionality is moved to the camera level. The video signal is digitized and compressed in the actual camera. That also means that intelligent video features such as motion detection, event/alarm handling, frame rate settings, and different resolutions are all set in the camera.

The big benefit for the end user is the fact that the cabling costs are drastically reduced because network cameras connect directly to the computer network, and the system becomes a lot more scalable and intelligent.

But there are some experts who claim “buyer beware.”

“Network cameras are here and there is a lot of interest in them, but the latest figures show that they represent only 3 percent of the market’” says Gary Perlin, vice president of product management at ProVideo, CSI/SPECO in Amityville N.Y. “They are the perfect solution in a pre-wired facility with a fast computer network with extra bandwidth. Just hang the camera up, set the Internet Protocol (IP) address, and you have instant access to the camera from anywhere in the network or even over the Internet. This scenario is counterbalanced by the high cost – usually three or four times their analog counterpart – relatively low resolution, slow update speed determined by the speed and bandwidth of the network and lack of quality features.”

“There are trade-offs with network cameras and today’s technology’” according to Scott Jolma, director of product management, GE-Interlogix, Corvallis, Ore. “With their built in Ethernet connection, video in a digital, compressed format can be accessed from anywhere. But, beware. The lower cost versions do not have the resolution most people require for security. There is also a bandwidth concern. For instance, you cannot put 100 cameras across an Ethernet at once. Bandwidth is expensive.”

According to Pelco’s Ellenberger, “Network cameras are available, but they are nowhere near as popular or in as high demand as digital cameras with analog output. The reason for this is that cameras for IP networks have a much higher cost, and in many cases provide inferior pictures as compared to analog cameras.”

The ability to put video onto IP networks has many intriguing possibilities. This includes the capability to use one set of wires for video and control in a fully networked environment, thus greatly reducing the cabling portion of the system cost. In addition the capability to just add a camera to an existing IP network has many apparent advantages.

“However, video requires a great amount of bandwidth. In addition, IP networks are not 100 percent reliable in the transmission of data,” Ellenberger says.

Therein lies a major battle. Network cameras use the all-coveted bandwidth. Nothing would please the IT folks more than to use less of it. Perhaps the industry might look to a standard. Should the industry move to a uniform compression scheme?

The video from digital cameras with uncompressed analog transmission is most often times considered the standard to which compressed video systems strive to achieve. In addition, because of the need for compression of the video, a time lag (system latency) is introduced into the transmission of the video. For stationary cameras, this time delay is not critical. However, for those positioning systems, this latency can make the manual control of a PTZ very frustrating for the system user. Each system needs to be evaluated based on the entire system cost and expected performance.

For applications where the camera is plugged directly into an IP network, to reduce the required bandwidth, each camera requires a separate processor to do the compression, thus increasing the system cost. In addition, for IP networks transmitting large amounts of video, the system routers and switches have to have larger bandwidth than typical IP networks.

Although there are those who contend that manufacturers will maintain proprietary algorithms, Ellenberger says there are many types of compression schemes available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. One type may provide a higher quality picture than another, but because of the compression process, it induces more latency in the transmission of the picture resulting in a degradation of the motion control of the system. But compression processes with less latency produces inferior video quality. As a result, everyone in the industry – end users, dealers, distributors, system designers and manufacturers – desire a standard video compression scheme, but one has not yet emerged as a clear choice. The two most popular today are MPEG2 and MPEG4. Work is continuing to develop a compression scheme that can become the clear industry standard.

Nilsson concurs, “The trend is to use standard, high-quality compression like MJPEG and MPEG2/4. MPEG is normally preferred for applications where motion is a higher priority than image quality, and bandwidth can be guaranteed at all times. MJPEG is the compression of choice when image quality is the highest priority.”

The main reason for using standard compression is that it provides possibilities for an open system architecture where the network cameras are being supplied from one vendor, a digital video management system from another, network infrastructure from a third and storage from a fourth,” ProVideo’s Perlin says. “Standard compression also means that standard devices such as Web browsers, PDAs and cellular phones can be used for the remote monitoring of live and recorded video – providing cost-efficient video access to security personnel, police and rescue workers.”

Digital is a very broad term, Perlin says. “Today we have cameras that digitally process and enhance their information, send pictures over networks, receive control information over these same networks and they are capable of interfacing with wireless networks.” Predicting these capabilities will become more commonplace and refined over the next few years, Perlin says. They will “eventually challenge analog signal transmission as the method of choice.”

http://www.securitymagazine.com/CDA/Articles/Technologies/7581c1ad744d8010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0____

The Olympus Stylus 760 Compact Digital Camera

Olympus further expanded their Stylus line today with the introduction of the Stylus 760. The all-weather, 7.2-megapixel, digital compact camera has Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization to reduce blurring due to camera shake, Bright Capture Technology to take advantage of a wide variety of lighting conditions, and a 2.5-inch Wide-View LCD with a Backlight Boost Button. "The new Stylus 760 digital camera demonstrates Olympus' commitment to style, innovation and quality photography," said Tomoko Matsunaga, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. "It appeals to stylish, sophisticated consumers who are looking for a compact digital camera with advanced technologies, such as Dual Image Stabilization, for superior image quality and an All-Weather metal body for durability and convenience."

Press Release

Olympus Stylus 760 Takes Crystal Clear Images With Dual Image Stabilization

Two Great Anti-Blur Technologies Come Together in All-Weather Compact Digital Camera for Superior Images in Darkness and Light

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 25, 2007 – Olympus introduces the sleek Stylus 760, a digital camera that expands on the Stylus line's reputation for ergonomic design, high-performance and All-Weather durability with pioneering technologies that enable users to capture sharp, blur-free images in a variety of active shooting situations:

· Dual Image Stabilization combines the benefits of mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization to ensure the clearest pictures possible in any situation - whether you or your subject are moving.

· Great versatility and durability: All-Weather durability and Bright Capture Technology make this the anytime, anywhere compact digital camera - enabling great photos to be captured in any weather or lighting situation.

· LCD Backlight Boost Button combined with 2.5-inch Wide-View LCD improves usability for composing and sharing photos. The Boost Button increases brightness of the LCD - great for previewing and playing back images in sunny situations. The Wide-View enables images to be viewed on the LCD from any angle up to 140 degrees — ideal for showing images to large groups and composing photographs from hard to reach angles.

"The new Stylus 760 digital camera demonstrates Olympus' commitment to style, innovation and quality photography," said Tomoko Matsunaga, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. "It appeals to stylish, sophisticated consumers who are looking for a compact digital camera with advanced technologies, such as Dual Image Stabilization, for superior image quality and an All-Weather metal body for durability and convenience."

Dual Image Stabilization
Dual Image Stabilization technology is the two-in-one anti-blur solution. It enables users to take crisp, clear pictures in virtually any shooting situation — adjusting for camera shake or a moving subject. Olympus' Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the CCD image sensor to compensate for camera movement, which often occurs in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. Digital Image Stabilization freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds that prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject.

All-Weather Durability
Typically, moisture and photography are a bad combination, limiting outdoor photography options when rain, snow or sleet is involved. Stylus digital cameras are renowned for their ability to withstand the elements. The Stylus 760 features a metal body that is durable and lightweight with rubber gaskets throughout the interior to help ensure that rain, dust and snow won't get in the way of great photos.

Bright Capture Technology for Easy Low-Light Photography
There are times when a photographic opportunity is best captured with ambient light (e.g., when trying to capture the softness and warmth of a candlelit dinner or natural skin tones in subdued lighting). Olympus' Bright Capture Technology makes it possible to clearly compose and capture subjects on the LCD in low light. Specific scene modes for high sensitivity settings (up to ISO 2500) and rapid auto-focus enable even fast-action photos to be captured with low levels of available light. Plus, Bright Capture Movie lets you record the moments in the dark even after the candles are blown out!

Large 2.5-Inch Wide-View LCD with Backlight Boost Button
The Stylus 760 boasts a large, high-resolution Wide-View LCD for clear, high-contrast images. Images are viewable on the 2.5-inch LCD from 140 degrees, so photos can be composed from a range of angles and viewed by several people at once. The LCD Backlight Boost Button allows users to change the brightness of the LCD so they can preview and playback images even in direct sunlight.

7.1-Megapixel Image Sensor for Superior Image Quality
The 7.1-megapixel CCD image sensor inside the Stylus 760 delivers high-quality images that are consistently sharp and vivid even when printed in large-formats — up to poster sizes as large as 16 x 20 inches.

3x Optical Zoom in Ultra-slim Body Design
The Stylus 760 features a precision-crafted Olympus lens with 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 37mm - 111mm, f3.4 - f5.7) to bring the action three times closer, and then tucks away into a pocketsize compact body.

TruePic TURBO™ for High-Speed Response
TruePic TURBOTM enables the Stylus 760 to capture information from all 7.1 million pixels with pixel "micro-smoothing" that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos. The fast start-up of less than one second and nearly instant shutter release time ensure a high-speed response so your camera is always ready to take great pictures.

Pre-Set Shooting Modes Make It Easy to Capture Great Images
The Stylus 760 has 26 shooting modes, including several pre-set scene modes such as Beach & Snow, Available Light Portrait and Sunset. The cameras also feature an AVI Movie Mode, which enables users to record VGA-quality videos with sound, limited only by the size of the xD-Picture Card™.

Built-In Help Guide
With the Help Guide function, each of the camera's features is easily accessible even to novice users. By simply holding down the Guide button users can access brief descriptions of each of the camera's functions and scene modes. An improved auto-set Shooting Guide provides users with an explanation of which features to use in a given situation, and then sets the camera automatically for the selected feature in the Guide.

In-camera Editing
In-camera editing features such as red-eye fix, resizing, frames, text options, color brightness and saturation adjustments enable users to edit photos right in the camera.

Stylish, Ergonomic Body Design
The Stylus 760's body design is defined by high-performance, durability and style. In addition to the All-Weather, metal body construction that made the Stylus famous, the Stylus 760 is available in four colors — black, silver, pink and light blue.

Underwater Photography
The Stylus 760's 2.5-inch LCD, compact body design and three underwater scene modes make it the perfect camera to take diving. The new PT-036 underwater housing is constructed of transparent polycarbonate with safety-locked O-ring seals, enabling the Stylus 760 to safely travel down to approximately 130 feet (40 meters) below the surface. Large red grips, a responsive shutter button and a precision zoom lever make it easy to operate even through diving gloves. Plus, with Dual Image Stabilization, divers can get crisp clear images underwater.

OLYMPUS Master™ Software
OLYMPUS Master™ software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are easily organized by folders or albums. And with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or e-mailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee™ Theater Pack to create professional quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates.

Olympus Premium Carrying Cases
Olympus offers premium cases for Stylus cameras, including the Stylus 760. The stylish cases are available in six colors — such as chocolate suede and red leather.

Availability
The Stylus 760 will be available in February 2007. The camera ships with: a wrist strap, WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, LI-42B Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger, instruction manual, warranty card and a CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software.

U.S. Pricing
Stylus 760 Estimated Street Price: $249.99 (U.S.)

For more information, review units, product specifications and high-resolution images of the Stylus 760, contact Althea Haigh, Mullen Public Relations, 978-468-8931, althea.haigh@mullen.com or Jennifer Lyons, public relations manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 484-896-5350, jennifer.lyons@olympus.com, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, Pennsylvania 18034 or the Olympus Web site: http://www.olympusamerica.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.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

· Personal Photo Printers

· Digital Media

· Binoculars



http://www.slrtoday.com/articles/188/1/Olympus-Introduces-the-Stylus-760-Digital-Camera/Page1.html