Olympus

Olympus are showing several new compact models at this year's PMA; the upgrade to the Stylus Verve (Stylus Verve S) adds a 5MP sensor and new high gloss finish (and some of the more outlandish color options have been pruned from the lineup). Also on show are the latest additions to the 'Total Imaging Solutions' system (with 'ipod like' styling); the IR-300 camera, S-HD-100 hard disk backup and P-5100 dye sub printer. Five new Camedia compacts join the ever-expanding range; the D-425 (C-170 in Europe) is an entry-level 4MP/fixed lens model first seen at CES in January, whilst the D-545 (C-480 zoom) is a budget 4MP model with a 3x zoom, 1.8-inch screen and AA battery power. New to the mid-range are the D-595 (C-500), a conventionally-styled 5MP model with a 3x zoom and 1.8-inch LCD and D-630 (FE-5500), a very slim (though not very small) metal-bodied 5MP camera with a 3x zoom and unique rotating lens cover. We also spotted a new 5MP weatherproof camera with a very basic blocky design and 3x zoom lens, the Stylus 500.

E system users also got their first chance to see (though only behind glass) three new Four-Thirds lenses announced recently; the Zuiko Digital ED 14 - 35 mm F2.0, Zuiko Digital ED 35 - 100 mm F2.0 and Zuiko Digital ED 90 - 250 mm F2.8.