Olympus goes trippy with new cameras

Damian Koh | Jan 26, 2007

Several new Olympus models were disclosed on dpreview January 25, ahead of the embargo at 1300 hours GMT imposed on the media (and we wonder why). Stealing the limelight is the SP-550 UZ and the Mju 770 SW. The 7.1-megapixel ultrazoom camera boasts an 18x optical zoom that begins at a wide 28mm angle, with CCD shift-type image stabilization and a 15 frames-per-second burst mode (1.2-megapixel resolution) thrown in as goodies.

Extreme photographers also have something to smile about. The Mju 770 SW is the latest upgrade to the company's range of tough cameras, with the ability to dive 10m underwater and withstand temperatures of up to minus 10 degrees Celsius. That's not all. This Mju can also survive 1.5m drops and a maximum load of 100kg.

Five other cameras were announced including the Mju 760 with dual image stabilization (CCD shift and high ISO settings) and the FE-250 with a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 10,000 (no mistake here) at 3-megapixel resolution. Click here for the list of upcoming Olympus digicams.

Olympus Singapore was unable to comment with regard to the embargo issue. While we're still waiting for local availability and pricing details, the SP-550 UZ is estimated to cost US$499.99 and the Mju 770SW is expected to squeeze US$399.99 from your pockets.