Hamburg, 7 January 2010 – Four new cameras in a kaleidoscopic range of colours join the Olympus FE series. Perfect for quality hounds on a budget, the 14 Megapixel models are jam packed with technology. But that doesn’t mean they are difficult to use: these beauties make capturing great shots easy. For example, AF tracking keeps moving subjects in focus, while i-Auto mode automatically identifies five commonly-encountered types of scenes and adjusts settings accordingly. Advanced Face Detection Technology and the artistic Magic Filters are also on hand.

With up to 5x wide optical zoom, panorama and distance shots are a cinch. An SD card slot means worries about space are a thing of the past. Three of the models come with a practical USB charger and all are available in a range of colours that are especially brilliant thanks to a Double-Layered Crystal Shell finish. The FE-5030, FE-4040, hit stores in March 2010 at retail prices of £169.99, £159.99 respectively. Other prices to be confirmed.

FE-5030
Combining user friendly features and impressive high-tech, the USB chargeable FE-5030 delivers results that are nothing to scoff at. With its 5x wide optical zoom (26-130mm*1), the FE series leader will snap party group portraits and the stage at shows with equal ease. Budding artists will enjoy playing with the four Magic Filters and viewing results on the 6.9cm/2.7” LCD: Pop Art, Fish-Eye, Sketch, and Pin Hole will give pictures a whole new look. An SD card slot supplies more than enough room for all masterpieces. Other practical features to support the pursuit of that perfect shot include Dual Image Stabilisation, AF tracking, i-Auto mode, and Advanced Face Detection Technology. Finished with a brilliant Double-Layered Crystal Shell, the FE-5030 will steal the spotlight whether it is Indium Grey, Aquamarine Blue, Flamingo Pink, or Pure White.

FE-4040, FE-4030
The 14 Megapixel FE-4040 and FE-4030 are so slim; you won’t even notice they are there until you need them. Stylish as can be, they also impress with their 4x wide optical zoom (26-105mm*), an SD card slot, USB charger and a range of practical options. AF tracking, i-Auto mode, Magic Filters (Fish Eye, Pop Art, Sketch and Pin Hole), and Advanced Face Detection are all on board to make shooting easy. Shaky hands will also appreciate blur free images with a range of stabilisation features, such as the FE-4040’s Dual Image Stabilisation. In addition, a 6.9cm/2.7” LCD makes for comfortable viewing or framing. Available in Indium Grey, Aquamarine Blue, Flamingo Pink, and Pure White, a Double-Layered Crystal Shell gives them extra sheen.

FE-47
Eye-popping in Double-Layered Crystal Shell Silver, Black, Blue, or Red the FE-47 is an exercise in point-and-shoot simplicity. Anything you cast your gaze on is caught in 14 Megapixel clarity with the 5x optical zoom (36-180mm*1). And since the camera runs on standard AA batteries, finding more power is never an issue. Functions such as i-Auto, AF tracking Advanced Face Detection Technology, and Digital Image Stabilisation ensure shooting freedom while four Magic Filters encourage creativity. Whether changing a picture’s atmosphere with Pop Art, Sketch, Pin Hole, and Fish Eye or simply snapping away, the FE-47 is a versatile alternative for any occasion.

The FE-5030, FE-4040, FE-4030 and FE-47 follow an easy-to-use ‘one button, one function’ design principle, but if you still need help their convenient In-Camera Help Guide will lead you in the right direction. The four models come with the new [ib] software CD and will become available in March 2010.

Main features:

 Equivalent to a 35mm camera
SD is a trademark of SD Card Association

Appendix

Advanced Face Detection Technology
A technology that searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. It then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that’s sharp in the right places and ideally exposed. Advanced Face Detection Technology can detect up to 16 faces.

AF tracking
This system tracks the moving subject automatically and keeps it continually in focus for pictures that are optimally focused and exposed. It also memorises subject data even when the subject goes out of frame and resumes tracking when it reappears.

Digital Image Stabilisation
A special shooting mode, where the camera automatically increases ISO sensitivity to allow shorter shutter speeds – which helps to avoid image blur caused by camera shake or by fast-moving objects.

Dual Image Stabilisation
Providing two-fold protection, this special function helps to avoid image blur caused by camera shake or fast-moving subjects. It combines high ISO values with a CCD-based mechanical image stabiliser, where a built-in gyro sensor detects camera movement and adjusts the CCD accordingly.

i-Auto mode
This “intelligent-Auto” mode uses advanced automatic detection technology to allow the camera to recognise the five most commonly used scenes automatically. They enable the capture of perfect photos without any need for manual settings.

[ib] software
Olympus now offers [ib], an integrated photo browsing and organising software. Using the software on a PC, images can be organised by person, by place or by event. The information tagged in each photo allows selected pictures to be viewed on a PC.

Magic Filters
Enables special artistic effects to be created directly in the camera.

“One button, one function” design principle
Controlling the camera becomes child’s play. All essential functions like shooting, playback and viewing on the LCD, as well as erasing, are easily activated via a single button.