Olympus launches FE-5000, FE-3010 and FE-45 digital cameras

The Olympus FE-5000, FE-3010, and FE-45: lots of features and loads of fun

The new additions to the FE line-up might not cost the earth, but they certainly look a million dollars! Designed with Olympus’ ‘One button, one function’ design principle in mind, the FE-5000, FE-3010, and FE-45 combine good looks and user-friendliness with great new features such as Advanced Face Detection Technology, and Intelligent Auto Mode, which analyses the photo being taken and automatically selects which of the five most commonly-used scenes it matches. The new FE’s are ideal for people shopping on a budget who won’t compromise on quality. Whatever they are after – whether that’s a 5x optical zoom, 12 Megapixel CCD, or Dual Image Stabilisation – there’s bound to be a model to suit. Each of the new cameras is available in a choice of colours.

FE-5000
At the heart of the 10 Megapixel FE-5000 is a compact 5x optical zoom (36-180mm*) that’s great for taking group photos and landscapes as well as zooming in on the action. Some people can find it difficult to hold zoom lenses steady and this can lead to pictures being blurred by ‘camera shake’. Luckily the designers of the FE-5000 have this covered. Dual Image Stabilisation attacks the problem on two fronts: First, it uses high ISO settings to ensure faster shutter speeds. Second, tiny gyro sensors inside the FE-5000 detect inadvertent camera movement and adjust the position of its CCD to compensate.

Other features that safeguard image quality include Advanced Face Detection Technology, which can detect up to 16 faces in a photo and set the focusing and exposure with them in mind, and Intelligent Auto Mode which automatically recognises which of the five most commonly-used scenes the photo being taken matches. The FE-5000 can even tell when subjects are smiling using its Smile Shot feature, and take the picture at just the right moment. Composing and reviewing photos is also a breeze on the large 6.9cm/2.7” LCD, and Perfect Fix can even be used to correct minor faults in photos after the shot has been taken. The metal-bodied FE-5000 is available in black or gold.

FE-3010
Of all of the FE models, the new FE-3010 has the highest resolution – an impressive 12 Megapixels, that’s more than enough to guarantee perfect poster sized prints. The tiny metal FE-3010 is available in gold, magenta or black and can be slipped into a pocket or handbag, ready for use at a moment’s notice. But just because it is tiny, don’t assume that the FE-3010 is small on features. Packed inside its jewel like body are a 3x optical zoom (36-108mm*), Intelligent Auto Mode and Advanced Face Detection Technology, as well as Digital Image Stabilisation to reduce blur caused by ‘camera shake’. And when the time comes to review photos and movies, the FE-3010 makes it easy with a 6.9cm/2.7” LCD.

FE-45
Anyone on the lookout for a versatile, no nonsense digital camera could do a lot worse than consider the new FE-45. This model combines 10 Megapixels with a 3x optical zoom (36-108mm*) for great quality point-and-shoot photography. It’s even powered by easily-available, standard AA batteries, so they’ll never be caught stranded in need of power. Once again, features more usually associated with expensive cameras have been included without inflating the FE-45’s modest price tag. These include the Intelligent Auto Mode and Advanced Face Detection Technology that make it easy to get the perfect shot the first time, in just about any situation. And with Digital Image Stabilisation, the camera boosts image sensor sensitivity to reduce ‘camera shake’. The FE-45 is available in elegant shades of gold, black or deep blue.

With all three new cameras, photos can be stored on xD-Picture Cards, microSD Cards**, or on an internal memory. The FE-5000 and FE-45 will become available in late January, and the FE-3010 in early March 2009.

Main Features

FE-5000

• Precision 5x optical zoom (36-180mm*) in a compact metal body to capture landscapes through to exciting close-ups
• Avoids blur thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation (combines mechanical and digital image stabiliser)
• The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto Mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
• Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces
• 10 Megapixels to make prints up to poster-size
• See and share images more easily on the 6.9cm/2.7" LCD (230,000 dots)
• 14 shooting modes (e.g. Night Scene with Portrait and Smile Shot) ensure the camera has the right settings for different situations
• "One button, one function" design principle and in-camera help guide and for easy operation
• Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
• xD-Picture Card and microSD Card** compatible

FE-3010

• 12 Megapixels to make prints up to poster-size
• Miniature 3x optical zoom (36-108mm*) in a slim metal body to capture landscapes through to stunning portraits
• The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto Mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
• Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces
• Digital Image Stabilisation for less blur
• See and share images more easily on the 6.9cm/2.7" LCD (230,000 dots)
• 19 shooting modes (e.g. Underwater Wide and Fireworks) ensure the camera has the right settings for different situations
• "One button, one function" design principle and in-camera help guide and for easy operation
• Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
• xD-Picture Card and microSD Card** compatible

FE-45

• 10 Megapixels to make prints up to poster-size
• Miniature 3x optical zoom (36-108mm*) in a compact body to capture landscapes through to stunning portraits
• The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto Mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
• Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces
• Digital Image Stabilisation for less blur
• See and share images more easily on the 6.4cm/2.5" LCD (230,000 dots)
• 16 shooting modes (e.g. Night Scene with Portrait and Candle) ensure the camera has the right settings for different situations
• "One button, one function" design principle and in-camera help guide and for easy operation
• Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
• xD-Picture Card and microSD Card** compatible

http://gallery.techarena.in/data/601...lack-front.jpg

The Olympus FE series is back and better than ever, with three new cameras joining the updated line-up. They bring you the best of both worlds, uniting user-friendliness and surprising power, making them ideal for hobby photographers on a budget who don’t want to compromise on image quality. The latest additions to the FE series offer up to 5x optical zoom and up to 12 Megapixels. The top model even includes Dual Image Stabilisation. Moreover, all new models incorporate helpful attributes such as Advanced Face Detection Technology and the innovative Intelligent Auto Mode which automatically recognises the five most commonly-used scenes and adjusts settings accordingly. In addition to internal memory, photos can be stored to xD-Picture Card, or – thanks to an included attachment – to a microSD Card.

Each of the new FE models follows a ‘one button, one function’ design principle to ensure easy operation straight out of the box. The FE-5000 and FE-45 will become available in late January, and the FE-3010 in early March 2009.

With its 5x optical zoom and treasure trove of advanced features, the metal-bodied FE-5000 is the leader of the FE-series pack. Dual Image Stabilisation ensures pictures will always come out crisp and blur-free. And with additional integrated features such as Smile Shot, which detects smiles on subjects’ faces before shooting, and Perfect Fix, which allows the photographer to instantly correct minor mistakes after taking a shot, the 10 Megapixel FE-5000 is a convenient tool to have on-hand anytime. Framing compositions and reviewing images and video is also a breeze on the 6.9cm/2.7” LCD. Advanced Face Detection Technology, which can detect up to 16 faces, and Intelligent Auto Mode round out the list of photo-enhancing inclusions. Available in black and gold, the FE-5000 is a great hybrid of high-tech and user-friendliness.

• Precision 5x optical zoom (36-180mm*) in a compact metal body to capture great scenes through to exciting close-ups
• Avoids blur thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation (combines mechanical and digital image stabilisation)
• The easy way to perfect images - Intelligent Auto Mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
• Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces
• 10 Megapixels to make poster-size prints if you want to
• See and share images more easily on the 6.9cm/2.7" LCD (230,000 dots)
• 14 shooting modes (e.g. Night Scene with Portrait and Fireworks) ensure the camera has the right settings for different situations
• "One button, one function" design principle and in-camera help guide and for easy operation
• Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
• xD-Picture Card and microSD Card compatible

Olympus FE-3010 camera design
The super-slim FE3010 digital camera shares features with the other FE series digital cameras, like easy-to-use Intelligent Auto for quick, hassle-free shooting; Advanced Face Detection for sharp portrait pictures; In-Camera Help Guides for the ultimate learn-as-you-go digital experience; VGA Movie Recording with Sound; a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for added convenience; and an LCD backlight boost for viewing images in bright light. Building on the features of the FE-3000 and adding more pixel power, the Olympus FE-3010 has a sleek, super-slim (0.7-inch thick), all-metal body that fits easily into a shirt pocket or a clutch for a day at the park or a night on the town. The Olympus FE-3010 digital camera is available in a variety of colors so consumers can mix and match their moods and styles. The FE-3010 is available in magenta, black and silver.

http://gallery.techarena.in/data/601/olympus-fe3010.jpg


Intelligent Auto mode on the Olympus FE3010
While the new FE-3010 camera cannot file your income tax return for you, it can perform numerous challenging tasks and is as smart as it looks. Thanks to Intelligent Auto, the Olympus FE series camera automatically identifies the scene you are capturing (Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro, Sports) and automatically adjust the camera’s settings to capture the best quality results.



Olympus FE-3010 Pre-Set shooting modes
If you do not want Intelligent Auto to make the decisions for you, the new Olympus FE-3010 camera offers numerous pre-set Shooting Modes, such as Sports, Fireworks and Night + Portrait. The camera also offers VGA-quality video and audio, which enables users to shoot and share movies on their TV or on the Web. Plus, with the Olympus Master 2.0 software, you can easily upload your movies to YouTube to share them with the world. Furthermore, the Olympus FE-3010 offers 19 Shooting Modes. This includes three for underwater shooting with the camera’s optional housing.

Image Stabilization and Face Detection technology
Digital Image Stabilization, offered on the Olympus FE-3010, freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds to help prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject. Furthermore, advanced Face Detection tracks faces within the frame and automatically focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE) for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Even if your subject is moving, the camera continuously tracks your subject's face without having to press the shutter button. The Olympus FE3010 camera can detect up to 16 individual faces in one shot.


xD-Picture Card and microSD memory card support
All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture Card media. Starting with products available in August 2008, they also accept microSD memory cards to capture images. The new Olympus FE3010 digital camera offers the flexibility to use either xD-Picture Card or microSD memory cards, which is just one more advantage of Olympus point-and-shoot cameras.

Olympus FE-3010 In-Camera Help Guide
The new Olympus FE-3010 features enhanced In-Camera Help Guides that make digital photography simple and fun for users of all ages and skill levels. In addition to the Help Guide that displays a brief description of camera settings and features on the LCD, the camera allows consumers to easily adjust ISO and white balance settings using the Program Auto mode. Additionally, Exposure Compensation enables users to preview and select various exposure effects on a live, multi-frame window on the LCD before snapping the shot. This smart feature allows users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring the camera captures the exact image desired. Program Auto and Exposure Compensation are great modes that enable novice users to get results like the pros while learning about the effects of different photography techniques.

http://gallery.techarena.in/data/601...us-fe-3010.jpg

Olympus FE-3010 accessories
Olympus offers a number of optional accessories, specifically designed for the FE series cameras. For users looking to capture their underwater adventures, Olympus offers the PT-046 underwater housing for the FE-3010, which enables users to take pictures as deep as 130 feet (40 meters). Additional accessories include premium cases, available in a variety of colors, including red, black and brown leather as well as various, trendy patterns. A sporty neoprene case is also available and is perfect for outdoor adventures.

Olympus Master 2 Software
Olympus Master 2 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 searchable by date in Calendar view. A direct link makes uploading your images and videos to YouTube easier than ever. Additionally, with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. 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. Additionally, create scrapbooks, greeting cards and other fun prints using the optional ArcSoft Print Creations plug-in.


http://gallery.techarena.in/data/601...-fe-3010-1.jpg

Olympus FE-3010 price & availability
The Olympus FE-3010 will be available in March 2009. The camera includes the LI-42B Rechargeable Battery and Charger, USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, MASD-1 (microSD Adapter), Wrist Strap, Manual, CD-ROM with Olympus Master 2 Software and Warranty Card. Olympus FE-3010 Estimated Street Price: $149.99 US. As soon as a full production sample will be available you can expect a full Olympus FE-3010 review from us, including our usual test photos

The Olympus FE series is back and better than ever, with three new cameras joining the updated line-up. They bring you the best of both worlds, uniting user-friendliness and surprising power, making them ideal for hobby photographers on a budget who don’t want to compromise on image quality. The latest additions to the FE series offer up to 5x optical zoom and up to 12 Megapixels. The top model even includes Dual Image Stabilisation. Moreover, all new models incorporate helpful attributes such as Advanced Face Detection Technology and the innovative Intelligent Auto Mode which automatically recognises the five most commonly-used scenes and adjusts settings accordingly. In addition to internal memory, photos can be stored to xD-Picture Card, or – thanks to an included attachment – to a microSD Card.

http://gallery.techarena.in/data/601...mpus-FE-45.jpg

Each of the new FE models follows a ‘one button, one function’ design principle to ensure easy operation straight out of the box. The FE-5000 and FE-45 will become available in late January, and the FE-3010 in early March 2009.

The FE-45 is the ideal model for users seeking simplicity and versatility. As this model runs on easily-available, standard AA batteries, you’ll never be caught stranded in need of power. In addition, the compact FE-45 combines 10 Megapixels and a 3x optical zoom for great-quality point-and-shoot photography. Functions such as Intelligent Auto Mode and Advanced Face Detection Technology make it easy to get the perfect shot the first time in just about any surroundings. And with Digital Image Stabilisation, the camera boosts image sensor sensitivity to prevent blurry images. The FE-45 is available in elegant shades of gold, black and deep blue.

• 10 Megapixels to make poster-size prints if you want to
• Miniature 3x optical zoom (36-108mm*) in a compact body to capture great scenes through to stunning portraits
• The easy way to perfect images - Intelligent Auto Mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
• Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces
• Digital Image Stabilisation for less blur
• See and share images more easily on the 6.4cm/2.5" LCD (230,000 dots)
• 16 shooting modes (e.g. Night Scene with Portrait and Candle) ensure the camera has the right settings for different situations
• "One button, one function" design principle and in-camera help guide and for easy operation
• Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
• xD-Picture Card and microSD Card compatible