NewsAugust 2007

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Olympus Stylus 790 SW

Olympus is known for its robust SW line of ruggedized digital cameras and has today added the 7.1 Megapixel Stylus 790 SW - known as the µ [mju:] 790 SW outside the US. According to Olympus this tough little digicam will withstand falls of 1.5m and a dip in the water down to 3m so it should survive even the most exciting night out. ISO 1600, A 3x zoom and Face-Detection round out the headline features and an LED Macro Illuminator could come in handy for close-ups.

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Press Release:

Beauty and robustness

The Olympus µ [mju:] 790 SW: With you all the way

London, 23 August 2007 – Shockproof* against falls from 1.5m and waterproof** to a water pressure equivalent of 3m, the newest addition to the µ [mju:] tough series keeps up with just about any active lifestyle. There’s no need to think twice about taking it along on a mountaineering trek or letting the kids take a few pictures at a picnic. Even for shots at the beach or capturing the wonder of marine life while snorkelling, the µ [mju:] 790 SW can take it all. For added fun, this 7.1 Megapixel camera is available in a choice of four expressive colours (starry silver, midnight black, sunset orange or marine blue). This attractively styled camera also incorporates a number of exciting innovations such as Face Detection Technology – which improves the exposure and sharpness of human subjects by recognising faces in a composition and automatically optimising the settings accordingly.

The Olympus µ [mju:] 790 SW will be available from September 2007 at around £200. For further information call 0800 0720070 or visit www.olympus.co.uk.

Elegance and durability

Representing a winning combination of good looks and high performance, the µ [mju:] 790 SW is a real head-turner. With an exterior that’s waterproof** to 3m, shockproof* to 1.5m and freezeproof to -10 degrees, this model is primed and ready for use under extreme conditions. Take it skiing; take it swimming; take it wherever you go – the µ [mju:] 790 SW can take a true beating. Its stylish, metal housing comes in four colours – starry silver, midnight black, sunset orange or marine blue – making this sleekly-designed wonder even more fun. With 7.1 Megapixels, there’s plenty of resolution for fine details, or to crop or resize images later on a computer. And the 3x optical zoom (equiv. to 38-114mm) boasts a clever inner-folded light path meaning there are no protruding parts to get knocked.

Innovative ensemble

Cutting-edge imaging technologies mean that the µ [mju:] 790 SW not only impresses with its toughness – but also with the enviable results of its photos. Integrated Face Detection Technology keeps human subjects sharp and well-exposed by automatically scanning the composition for faces and then adjusting the settings accordingly for an optimal outcome. A high ISO setting allows for increased sensitivity, which – when used in conjunction with BrightCapture Technology – yields significantly brighter results in low-light conditions. In addition, the powerful new TruePic III image processor works to deliver the truest colour reproduction, improved noise performance and faster overall camera speed. Furthermore, image results will closely reflect what the human eye sees – even under shadowy conditions. Thanks to Shadow Adjustment Technology, dark sections in a composition are identified and the exposure intelligently adjusted in these areas for the most realistic results.

Instinctive design

23 scene modes, including four underwater modes, mean that getting the right settings in just about any photo situation is a cinch. Meanwhile, with 25 languages on board virtually everyone can navigate the menus in their desired language. Internal memory plus an xD-Picture Card slot allow the storage capacity to be easily expanded. Furthermore, the PT-041 underwater case is optionally available for additional fun up to 40m below the water’s surface.

The Olympus µ [mju:] 790 SW – main features:

• Withstands everyday knocks as it’s shockproof* up to 1.5m
• Exciting shots in and by the water as it’s waterproof** to 3m
• Face Detection Technology for perfectly focused and exposed faces plus correct exposure for other image areas
• 6.4cm/2.5” HyperCrystal LCD (230,000 pixel resolution) with a bright display even in brilliant sunlight
• High ISO settings for less blur
• 7.1 Megapixels to make poster-sized prints
• 3x optical zoom (equiv. to 38-114mm on a 35mm camera) 1:3.5-5.0 for stunning portraits, with optical folded light path and water-repellent lens coating
• Better low-light shooting thanks to BrightCapture Technology
• 23 scene modes for the best results in different situations
• Liven up your memories with movie recording plus sound
• TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
• Underwater shooting up to water pressure equivalent of 40m possible in combination with optional underwater case PT-041
• Shadow Adjustment Technology to brighten shadowy areas in a composition
• Metal exterior in four colours (starry silver, midnight black, sunset orange or marine blue)
• One-touch light and LED Macro Illuminator
• Internal memory plus xD-Picture Card slot
• 25 languages on board
• Supplied with Olympus Master software 2.03 and Muvee Pack trial version, LI-42B battery and charger

* According to Olympus test conditions
** According to IEC publication 529 IPX8

Olympus Mju 790 SW specifications

Sensor	• 1/2.3" Type CCD • 7.4 million pixels total • 7.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 3072 x 2304 • 2560 x 1920 • 2304 x 1728 • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 1280 x 960 • 1024 x 768 • 640 x 480
Movie clips	• 640 x 480 @ 30fps • 320 x 240 @ 15fps • 160 x 120 @ 15fps
Maximum clip length	• 640 x 480: 10 sec • 320 x 240 / 160 x 120: 29 min
File formats	• JPEG Exif v2.2 • AVI (Motion JPEG) with WAV audio
Lens	• 3x optical zoom • 38-114 mm (35 mm equiv) • F3.5- F5.0
Image stabilization	No
Conversion lenses	No
Digital zoom	up to 5x
Focus modes	• Autofocus • Macro • Super Macro
Focus distance	• Standard: 50 cm-infinity • Macro: 20 cm-infinity (wide), 30 cm-infinity (tele) • Super Macro: 7 cm closest focus distance
AF area modes	• TTL iESP auto focus with contrast detection • Face-detection AF • Spot AF
Metering	• ESP Multi-Pattern • Spot metering
ISO sensitivity	• Auto (100 - 400) • ISO 80 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600
Exposure compensation	+/- 2EV in 1/3EV steps
Shutter speed	• 1/2 - 1/1000 sec • Up to 4 sec in Night Scene mode
Scene modes	• Portrait • Landscape • Landscape with Portrait • Night Scene • Night Scene with portrait • Sports • Indoor • Candle • Self-portrait • Available Light Portrait • Sunset • Fireworks • Cuisine • Behind Glass • Documents • Auction • Shoot & Select 1 • Shoot & Select 2 • Beach and Snow • Underwater Snapshot • Underwater Wide 1 • Underwater Wide 2 • Underwater Macro
White balance	• Auto • Sunlight • Overcast • Tungsten • Fluorescent 1 • Fluorescent 2 • Fluorescent 3
Self timer	Yes
Continuous shooting	• 1.1fps / 3frames (SHQ image size) • 1.1fps / 6frames (HQ image size) • 3.5fps / 11frames (in 3MP mode)
Flash	• Auto • Red-eye reduction • Fill-in • Forced Off • Range (Wide, ISO 400): 20 cm- 3.8 m (7.9 in - 12.5 ft)
Viewfinder	No
LCD monitor	• 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD • 230,000 pixels • BrightCapture
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) • 14.7 MB internal storage
Power	• Li-ion battery pack LI-42B • Optional AC adapter
Environment	Waterproof up to a water pressure equivalent to 3m depth* Shock-proof from heights of up to 1.5m** * According to Olympus test conditions ** According to IEC publication 529 IPX8
Weight (no batt)	136 g (4.8 oz)
Dimensions	93.6 x 60.9 x 21.3mm (3.7 x 2.4 x 0.8 in)