Olympus has today announced the five megapixel Camedia D-435 (C-180). Aimed at first time digital camera users, the fixed lens D-435 has a built-in Help Guide that provides a brief description of each function and shooting mode. Despite only having a 1.5-inch LCD, Olympus has decided against the inclusion of an optical viewfinder and has, rather bizarrely, positioned the on/off switch on the front of the camera. It will be available in August priced US$169.99 (approx. €135.52).

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Press Release:

5.0-MEGAPIXEL OLYMPUS D-435 DIGITAL CAMERA DELIVERS BRILLIANT IMAGES WITH EFFORTLESS EASE OF USE

Designed for Simplicity with 10 Pre-set Shooting Modes and Built-in Help GUIDE

Melville, New York, May 20, 2005 – With the release of the new D-435, Olympus packs 5.0 megapixels of image resolution into an extremely easy-to-use digital camera. First-time digital camera buyers will be amazed at the camera’s simple operation and impressed by the brilliant, high-resolution images they are able to capture. A built-in Help GUIDE makes learning digital photography easier than ever before, and the light, compact body design makes it convenient to slip the camera in a pocket so you can take it anywhere.

“The D-435 is designed to make digital photography absolutely effortless for the novice user,” said Naoki Tai, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “And with 5 megapixels of image resolution, this camera packs a lot of performance at a very affordable price.”

Designed to Do More
The D-435 combines a 5.0-megapixel CCD image sensor and a 4x digital zoom lens with Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO™ Image Processor, which significantly enhances image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback. TruePic TURBO allows the D-435 to capture information from all 5.0 million pixels with pixel “micro-smoothing” that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos. This results in high quality prints that can be cropped and enlarged to 11 x 14 inches and larger.

The inclusion of 10 shooting modes, accessed via a rotating dial on the back of the camera, makes it easy to capture flawless images in a variety of situations, such as Sports or Night Scenes. And with the QuickTime® Movie mode, it’s simple to create short movies of everyday events that can be emailed to family and friends.

The D-435 accepts readily available AA-size alkaline batteries, eliminating the hassle of finding the right battery on the road. And a battery saving sleep mode helps users maximize the life of their batteries.

Designed to be Approachable
The camera’s menu architecture allows entry-level users to make their selections quickly. The menu incorporates a new Help GUIDE that provides a brief description of each function and shooting mode to help users determine the settings that best suit their shooting situation and purpose.

First-time digital camera users will appreciate the camera’s simple “One Touch” operation. Individual buttons for shooting, reviewing and deleting images are placed on the body of the camera in such a way that frequently used functions can be easily accessed. Macro mode, Flash mode and a self-timer are located on an arrow pad conveniently located for quick use while setting up the perfect shoot.

OLYMPUS Master software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are searchable by date or keyword in the Calendar View. And with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye reduction, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away.

Connecting the D-435 to a computer is easy with the USB Auto-Connect feature, which connects the camera directly via USB 2.0 cable to a computer and requires no software. Or, if you prefer, forget the computer altogether. The power of PictBridge technology enables photos to be printed directly from the camera to any PictBridge-enabled printer, such as the Olympus P-10 Digital Photo Printer, without using a computer. Printing and sharing images has never been easier, and the P-10’s photo lab-quality dye-sublimation printing produces archival-quality prints in rich color.

Delivering Style
The D-435 has a durable, lightweight body and a built-in lens barrier. With its smooth edges and compact size of just 4.0"(W) x 2.0" (H) x 1.4" (D) and light weight (4.2 ounces), the D-435 fits comfortably in your hand and in your pocket, demonstrating that elegant design can be found at an affordable price.

Availability
The D-435 will be available in August 2005. It includes (2) AA alkaline batteries, an Auto-Connect USB cable, Wrist Strap, OLYMPUS Master Software, Quick Start Guide, Basic Manual and Warranty.

U.S. Pricing
D-435 Estimated Street Price: $169.99 (U.S.)

Olympus Camedia D-435 specifications