Olympus FE-360 and FE-370 Digital Cameras

Olympus FE-360 and FE-370 Press Release

NEW OLYMPUS FE-SERIES CAMERAS ARE SMARTER, SLIMMER, AND EASIER TO USE THAN EVER BEFORE
Dynamic Duo Simplify Digital Photography with Image Stabilization, Face Detection, Perfect Shot Preview and In-Camera Help Guides

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., August 19, 2008 – Olympus introduces two sleek and stylish FE-Series point-and-shoot digital cameras that combine easy operation and smart performance to capture brilliant images at the push of a button. While small in size, the new FE-360 and FE-370 are full of impressive imaging technologies packed into colorful slim metal bodies ideal for people on the move.

Raising the bar for entry-level digital cameras, both models feature 8.0 megapixels of resolution; Image Stabilization for virtually blur-free images; Face Detection for crisp portraits; Perfect Shot Preview to see various shot options before the shutter is pressed; In-Camera Help Guides that make print manuals obsolete; a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for convenience; and an LCD backlight boost for viewing in bright light.

Each camera is available in red, blue, pink, black and silver and offers a unique set of features so consumers can choose the FE that best meets their needs:

FE-360:

• Stylish and affordable, this super-slim (0.7 inch) metal body fits easily into a shirt pocket or clutch for a night on the town; and
• Its 3x Optical Zoom is matched with 20 custom shooting modes for virtually every scenario.

FE-370:

• Leading these impressive specs, Dual Image Stabilization virtually eliminates blur from shaking hands or moving subjects and joins with the TruePic(tm) III Image Processor to produce crystal clear images;
• A new Intelligent Auto Mode selects the appropriate shooting mode automatically based on where the camera is aimed, and optimizes the settings accordingly;
• Its powerful 5x Optical Zoom captures action at a distance that is displayed on a big and bright 2.7-inch high resolution LCD; and
• Smile Shot automatically triggers the shutter only when a subject smiles, and Expression Edit can even turn frowns upside down.

Image Stabilization for Virtually Blur-Free Photos
Digital Image Stabilization, offered on the FE-360, freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds to help prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject. Dual Image Stabilization adds mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization to Digital Image Stabilization to provide one powerful anti-blur solution for capturing great images even if the photographer or the subject is moving. Olympus’ mechanical 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. By combining the two technologies, FE-370 users are able to take crystal clear images in virtually any shooting situation.

New Intelligent Auto Mode
Tired of changing the settings on your camera every time you’re shooting something different? Included in the FE-370, the Intelligent Auto Mode automatically identifies what you are shooting (Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro, Sports) and adjusts the camera’s settings to capture the best quality results. First-time users will enjoy this quick and hassle-free feature, which does the thinking for them and produces incredible images like a pro.

Face Detection
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 FE-370 can detect up to 16 individual faces in one shot.

Perfect Shot Preview
Both cameras offer Perfect Shot Preview mode, which enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-frame window on the LCD before snapping the shot. This feature allows users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring they are capturing the exact image desired. It is a great way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as exposure compensation, white balance and metering.

Pre-Set Shooting Modes Featuring Smile Shot
Both new FE-Series cameras offer numerous pre-set shooting modes, such as Sports, Fireworks and Night Scene with Portrait. The cameras also offer VGA & AVI-quality video and sound, which enable users to shoot and share movies on the big screen or on the Web. The FE-370 features Smile Shot, which tracks your subject’s face to detect a smile and automatically fires off three consecutive shots so you never miss that perfect smile. This feature is great for parents hoping to capture hard-to-predict baby smiles. The FE-360 offers 20 shooting modes (including three for underwater shooting with the camera’s optional housing), and the FE-370 offers 18 shooting modes.

Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing
The FE-370 camera offers Red-Eye Fix, Exposure Fix and in-camera editing features such as resizing and cropping that enable photographers to edit images after the photo has been captured.

Expression Edit
Photographers sometimes struggle with making subjects say “cheese.” Now they can really turn a frown upside down when their subjects refuse to smile for the birdie. This fun feature on the FE-370 uses Face Detection technology to edit a subject’s facial expression after the image is captured. Four different expressions can be previewed in a multi-frame window on the LCD, and users can select their favorite expression at the touch of a button.

Easy Operation and Help Guides
The new FE-Series cameras feature an enhanced In-Camera Help Guides that make digital photography simple and fun for users of all ages and skill levels. The FE-370 offers Program Auto Mode. Located on the cameras’ mode dial, this option enables consumers to easily adjust ISO and white balance. A tutorial “shooting guide” educates users on tips for achieving specific effects, such as “shooting into backlight,” perfect for bright situations such as a day at the beach, and “adjusting image quality” for uploading images to auction sites. The shooting guide not only provides detailed descriptions for various situations and environments, but also sets the camera for optimum results with the touch of a button.

TruePic(tm) III Image Processor
The FE-370 features Olympus’ exclusive TruePic III image processor, which was developed for the demanding performance of professional Digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. Olympus’ enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures crisp, clear images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos.

Versatile Memory
All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture CardTM media. The FE-360 and FE-370 will also come equipped with an adapter, which will enable microSD memory cards to be used when capturing images. The microSD cards are emerging in consumer electronic devices, including mobile phones and PDAs. Users can also easily display photos on their HDTVs.

OLYMPUS Master(tm) 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. Additionally, 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(tm) Theater Pack to create professional quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates.

Availability
The FE-360 and FE-370 will be available in August 2008. The FE-360 includes the LI-42B Rechargeable Battery and Charger, USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, Wrist Strap, Manual, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master(tm) 2 Software, Warranty Card and microSD adapter. The FE-370 includes a new LI-60B Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery and Charger, USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, Wrist Strap, Manual, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master(tm) 2 Software, Warranty Card and microSD adapter.

U.S. Pricing
FE-360 Estimated Street Price: $149.99 (U.S.)
FE-370 Estimated Street Price: $199.99 (U.S.)

For more information, visit 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:

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