Olympus, the industry leader in opto-digital technologies and pioneer in the digital camera market, today introduced the 7.1-megapixel SP-310 and 8.0-megapixel SP-350; both are ultra-compact models with plenty of muscle in store making them ideal high-performance choices for ambitious photographers and pros looking for a compact, lightweight solution with no sacrifice in quality.

Razor-sharp image capture

Packed with 7.1 megapixels in the SP-310 and 8.0 megapixels in the SP-350, both cameras are able to capture crisp images in the finest of detail. A precision 3x zoom lens system (1:2.8-4.9, equivalent to 38-114mm on a 35mm camera), with exceptional resolving power is on board to meet the high-definition demands of these models. Three aspherical lenses enhance light transmissivity and diminish reflection, while lens multi-coating helps to avoid ghosting and flaring.

The range of focusing options includes an accurate iESP autofocus, spot AF and multi-spot AF selectable from 143 points. In addition, manual focusing is also possible.

Further, the TruePic TURBO image processor ensures that image data is quickly and faithfully processed. Results can be viewed on the extra-large LCD featuring an impressive 6.4cm (measured diagonally).

Extensive photographic possibilities

For serious pursuits of creative photography, users essentially need the freedom to adjust the exposure parameters individually. Hence, on top of 24 scene modes, P/A/S/M exposure modes are available in both models for complete flexibility in virtually any photographic situation. Whether using Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or the full manual mode, the results attainable are virtually only limited by the users imagination.

Expert users even have a histogram function on hand that not only shows information on exposure distribution in playback mode, but also in real time while they are framing their compositions. Not only that, Auto Bracketing allows users the comfort of capturing five shots in quick succession each with exposure values set-off in 1/3 EV step increments. There are even four special user-defined My Mode folders available for storing the users most favoured overall camera settings for instant retrieval.

Macro shooting enthusiasts are also catered for the Super Macro mode enables shots from as little as 2cm. Naturally, both cameras incorporate a movie recording function with sound where the action is captured at 30fps and in VGA quality, with recording length only limited by the available memory capacity.

Optional accessories give the SP-350 and SP-310 a further edge. Users can greatly extend the camera capabilities with the new lens converters WCON-07F for wide 27mm perspectives or the TCON-17F for 193mm tele views (focal length figures refer to equivalents on 35mm cameras / use of conversion lenses require the CLA-09 lens adapter).

An underwater case is also available, providing photographers with shooting versatility in a unique dimension. In addition, the SP-350 is also equipped with a hot-shoe connector for the effortless attachment of external flash units such as the Olympus FL-20.

Ergonomic handling with pro-level features

Remarkably compact and lightweight yet with a very robust feel, the SP-350 and SP-310 fit snugly in the users hand thanks to their unique ergonomics. The lack of bulk makes them ideal for taking along on holidays to make the most out of every shooting opportunity.

The possibility to use standard AA-sized (LR6) or high-performance CR-V3 batteries means users never need to be caught short of power. Moreover, these cameras have immense stamina: the included CR-V3 battery pack, which comes with both cameras, lasts for more than 500 shots*.

Besides JPEG, pictures can also be stored in RAW format which records image data exactly as it was captured without further processing, providing users total control during any subsequent editing. The pictures are saved on either the 25MB internal memory or on optional xD-Picture Cards. Further, for camera-to-PC downloading, or sending files to a printer, these models are USB Hi-Speed compatible for extremely fast data transfer. With PictBridge support, PC-free printing on compatible printers such as the new Olympus P-11 can be quickly completed as it has a printing speed of just 33 seconds.

The Olympus SP-310 and SP-350 main features:

7.1 / 8.0 megapixels
Bright 3x zoom lens (equiv. 38-114mm on a 35mm camera), 1:2.8-4.9. 15x total magnification incl. digital zoom
Extra-large 6.4cm / 2.5 LCD monitor
Auto, Programme, Aperture Priority, Shutter priority and manual exposure, 24 scene modes (e.g. Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Fireworks, Underwater Wide)
Focusing options: Spot with option to select AF area with 143 points, iESP autofocus and manual focus
Super Macro mode up to 2cm
Histogram function in shooting and playback modes
Recording in JPEG or RAW formats
Very long battery life (up to 510 shots)* and uses standard AA batteries
TruePic TURBO image processor
Movie recording with sound (VGA size at 30fps), recording length limited only by card capacity
25MB internal memory plus xD-Picture Card slot
USB Hi-Speed AutoConnect
PictBridge compatible
Availability of converters WCON-07F, TCON-17F and underwater case PT-030 to extend photographic possibilities
TTL hot-shoe connector (SP-350 only) for attaching external flashes (e.g. Olympus FL-20)
* Under ideal conditions using the included CR-V3 battery pack

Availability

The Olympus SP-310 and SP-350 are available at all major retailers and dealers from October 2005 onwards at a recommended retail price of S$659 and S$799 respectively (inclusive of GST). The standard package of both models come shipped with Camera, Strap, 1 piece of LB-01 Non-rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, USB cable, AV cable, Instruction manuals, Warranty card, and Software CD-ROM (Olympus Master utility software).