NewsAugust 2007

Previous news story    Next news story

Olympus FE-280

Next up we have the 8 Megapixel FE-280 which ups the 'bling factor' with a stainless casing available in four colors for those who simply can't abide plain old silver. The technology is here too with Face-Detection and - wait for it - smile detection (we predict this to be the next must-have feature now that just about every camera can track faces). Also making it's debut appearance is a new TruePic III processor to make the most of all those pixels.

Jump to:

• Press Release
• Specifications
• Additional Images

Press Release:

Slim and feature-packed

The Olympus FE-280: Do more for less

London, 23 August 2007 – With an ultra-slim, stainless metal exterior available in four brilliant colours, the Olympus FE-280 represents a new generation of fun and easy digital photography. Express yourself with a choice of silver, blue, black or red, while enjoying the performance of 8.0 Megapixels and the power of the new TruePic III image processor. Including a large 6.4cm LCD for added viewing ease, the feature-packed Olympus FE-280 goes above and beyond to offer you a brilliant combination of simplicity and functionality.

The Olympus FE-280 will be available from September 2007 at around £140. For further information call 0800 0720070 or visit www.olympus.co.uk.

Boasting 8.0 Megapixels of detail-capturing power, the Olympus FE-280 takes you further with the greatest of ease. BrightCapture Technology coupled with Face Detection Technology – for the most accurate depiction of human subjects – guarantees images of the highest quality with no extra effort on your part. A 3x optical zoom works with the large 6.4cm LCD to make framing and reviewing shots a breeze. The integrated TruePic III image processor ensures that every pixel is immortalised in true Olympus quality, while the high ISO settings help to prevent blur caused by camera shake.

Operation of the Olympus FE-280 is as simple as it gets: Designed according to the “One-button, one-function” principle, this camera also includes a guide function, so additional support is always at your fingertips. 20 scene modes including Underwater Wide and Macro ensure the ability to quickly and seamlessly adjust to almost any shooting situation. Furthermore, happy faces in shots are assured with the FE-280. Utilising Face Detection Technology, the innovative Smile Shot scene mode tracks faces in a composition and recognises when the subject smiles – and at that moment automatically takes the shot.

With an internal memory plus an xD Picture Card slot, it’s easy to expand storage space at any time – which can come in especially handy when capturing movies complete with sound up to memory capacity. The included Olympus Master software with Muvee Pack trial version lets you quickly and easily download, edit and share your media. An optional underwater case is additionally available for more fun up to 40m beneath the water’s surface.

The Olympus FE-280 – main features:

• Slim, stainless metal body
• Face Detection Technology for perfectly focused and exposed faces plus correct exposure of other image areas
• Choose your favourite of four colours (silver, black, red or blue)
• 3x optical zoom (equiv. to 36-108mm on a 35mm camera), 1:3.1-5.9
• 8.0 Megapixels for poster-size prints
• See and share images on the 6.4cm/2.5” LCD (230,000 pixel resolution)
• 20 scene modes for best results in different situations (e.g. Underwater Wide, Macro, Smile Shot)
• “One button, one function” design principle, plus Guide Function for easy operation
• Better low light shooting thanks to BrightCapture Technology
• Liven up memories with movie recording with sound
• TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
• Underwater shooting up to a water pressure equivalent of 40m possible in combination with optional Underwater Case PT-038
• High ISO settings for less blur (up to ISO 1600)
• Perfect Shot Preview
• Super Macro mode (as close as 5cm)
• 8-programme mode dial
• Internal memory plus xD-Picture Card slot
• Supplied with Olympus Master software 2.03, including Muvee Pack trial version plus LI-42B lithium ion battery
• Multi-language menu including 25 languages on board

Olympus FE-280 specifications

Sensor	• 1/2.3" Type CCD • 8.5 million pixels total • 8.0 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 3264 x 2448 • 2048 x 1536 • 640 x 480 • 1920 x 1080 (16:9)
Movie clips	• 640 x 480 @ 30fps • 320 x 240 @ 15fps
Maximum clip length	• 640 x 480: 10 sec • 320 x 240: 29 min
File formats	• JPEG Exif v2.21 • AVI (Motion JPEG) with WAV audio
Lens	• 3x optical zoom • 36-108 mm (35 mm equiv) • F3.1 - F5.9
Image stabilization	No
Conversion lenses	No
Digital zoom	up to 4x
AF area modes	TTL iESP auto focus with contrast detection
Focus modes	Standard, Macro, Super Macro
Focus distance	• Standard: 60 cm-infinity (wide), 1.0m-infinity (tele) • Macro: 10 cm - infinity (wide), 60 cm - infinity (tele) • Super Macro: 5 cm closest focus distance
Metering	ESP light metering
ISO sensitivity	• Auto (50 - 800) • ISO 50 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600
Exposure compensation	+/- 2EV in 1/3EV steps
Shutter speed	• 1/2 - 1/2000 sec • Up to 4 sec in Night Scene mode
Scene modes	• Auto • Program automatic • High ISO setting • Portrait • Landscape • Night Scene with portrait • Sports • Indoor • Candle • Self-portrait • Sunset • Fireworks • Behind Glass • Cuisine • Documents • Auction • Smile Shot
White balance	• Auto • Sunlight • Overcast • Tungsten • Fluorescent 1 • Fluorescent 2 • Fluorescent 3
Self timer	Yes
Flash	• Auto • Red-Eye reduction • Fill-in • Off • Range (Wide, ISO 800): 0.1 - 5.5m (3.9 in - 18 ft)
Viewfinder	No
LCD monitor	• 2.5-inch LCD • 230,000 pixels
Connectivity	Combined USB 2.0 Hi-Speed and AV output
Print compliance	• PictBridge • Print Image Matching III • DPOF
Storage	• xD-Picture Card (Panorama mode available when using Olympus branded cards) • 48 MB internal storage
Power	Li-ion battery pack LI-42B
Weight (no batt)	108 g (3.8 oz)
Dimensions	91.8 x 55.7 x 19.1 mm (3.6 x 2.2 x 0.8 in)

Additional images