PMA 2004: Olympus today announced two new entry level zoom digital cameras, the three megapixel, three times optical D-540 Zoom (C-310 Zoom in Europe) and the four megapixel, three times optical D-580 Zoom (C-460 Zoom in Europe). With a US street price of $199 and $299 respectively these two cameras are aimed first time buyers and the budget conscious. That's two new Olympus digital cameras down, five to go!

Model names around the world

  • Olympus D-540 Zoom (US) = C-310 Zoom (EU/SE Asia)
  • Olympus D-580 Zoom (US) = C-460 Zoom (EU/SE Asia)

Press Release (Olympus UK):

The C-310 ZOOM from Olympus

Great Looks, Great Value and Outstanding Performance

The new C-310 ZOOM from Olympus is esasy to use and makes discovering digital photography a real joy. The compact model weighs only 150g without batteries. It boasts 3.2 megapixel resolution and 3x optical zoom lens (equivalent 38 – 114mm on 35mm camera). What’s more, even experienced photographers can enjoy features such as the movie recording function and Super Macro Mode for close-up shots. The C-310 ZOOM is available from March 2004, RRP £149.99 (inc VAT). For stockist information call freephone 0800 072 0070 or visit www.olympus.co.uk.

The C-310 ZOOM incorporates a host of features that make picture taking easy and fast. Users can choose from five special scene programmes for shooting in a wide variety of locations and conditions. The programmes are Portrait, Self Portrait, Night Scene, Landscape and Landscape with Portrait.

When users want to record the tiniest of details, they can switch to Super Macro Mode. This allows them to shoot from as close as 2cm which is ideal for recording small wildlife. The model supports the PictBridge standard so users do not even need a PC to print their images. By connecting directly to a PictBridge-compatible printer such as the CAMEDIA P-10, users will enjoy impressively true-to-life prints.

The model comes with the CAMEDIA Master 4.2 software for easy editing and managing of files.


The C-310 ZOOM – main features

  • 3.2 million pixels
  • 3x optical zoom (equiv. 38 – 114mm on 35mm camera), f2.9-5.0
  • Super Macro mode: shooting from as close as 2cm
  • 5 scene programmes (Portrait, Self Portrait, Night Scene, Landscape, Landscape with Portrait)
  • Movie recording function
  • PictBridge support
  • 1.8” LCD with multi-language menu
  • TruePic support
  • CAMEDIA Master 4.2 software provided
  • Camera body sports a metallic lacquer finish

Press Release (Olympus UK):

The Olympus C-460 ZOOM

Sharper images at an amazing price

Olympus announces the launch of the C-460 ZOOM digital camera as an exclusive at Dixons. The 4 megapixel model offers a 3x optical zoom and an optimised image processing system for stunning results. Not only does this process images more quickly but prints will also boast sharper contrast and colour. The easy-to-use, compact model incorporates a host of impressive features such as Super Macro mode for shooting from as close as 7cm away. Available exclusively from Dixons from March 2004, RRP £249.99 (inc VAT).

The C-460 ZOOM boasts five different scene programmes enabling you to master any photographic situation. These include Landscape for sweeping mountain ranges and Night Scene for those late, romantic strolls. Even the tiniest of details can be recorded thanks to the Super Macro mode which allows you to shoot from as close as 7cm away.

The model also features a moving image mode with sound, ideal for capturing sporting moments with commentary or your child’s first steps and words. Your still images can be downloaded without the use of a PC as the C-460 ZOOM supports the PictBridge standard. Just connect the camera to a PictBridge compatible printer, such as the P-10, to produce prints of the highest quality.

The C-460 ZOOM is also compatible with the Olympus Software Development Kit (SDK). This lets you control all the camera’s functions from a computer, such as zoom, exposure and shutter release.

The C-460 ZOOM – main features

  • 4.0 million pixels
  • 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 35-105mm on a 35mm camera),
  • f3.1-5.2
  • Super Macro mode: shooting from as close as 7cm
  • 5 scene programmes (Portrait, Self Portrait, Night Scene, Landscape, Landscape with Portrait)
  • Movie recording function with sound and editing function
  • PictBridge support
  • 1.8” LCD with multi-language menu
  • CAMEDIA Master 4.2 software provided

Olympus D-540 / D-580 Zoom (C-310 / C-460 Zoom) specifications

 
D-540 / C-310 Zoom
D-580 / C-460 Zoom
Name (US) D-540 Zoom D-580 Zoom
Name (EU/SE A) C-310 Zoom C-460 Zoom
Sensor 1/2.7" Type CCD
3.2 million effective pixels		 1/2.7" Type CCD
4.0 million effective pixels
Image sizes 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480 2288 x 1712, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480
Movie sizes 320 x 240, Limited only by storage (streaming)
File formats JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
MOV Motion JPEG (Movies)
Lens 3x optical zoom
38 - 114 mm equiv.
F2.9 - F5.0		 3x optical zoom
35 - 105 mm equiv.
F3.1 - F5.2
Digital zoom Up to 3.3x Up to 4x
Focusing TTL iESP AF TTL iESP AF
Focus range Normal: 0.5 m - Infinity
Macro: 10 - 50 cm
Super macro: As close as 2 cm		 Normal: 0.5 m - Infinity
Macro: 10 - 50 cm
Super macro: As close as 7 cm
Metering Digital iESP, Spot
Exposure modes Program AE, Scene
Scene modes Portrait, Self-portrait, Night scene, Landscape, Landscape with Portrait
Shutter speed 1 - 1/2000 sec 1 - 1/1000 sec
Exp. compen. Yes
Sensitivity Auto (ISO 50 - 320) Auto (ISO 50 - 400)
White balance Auto, Sunlight, Overcast, Tungsten, Fluorescent
Flash Built-In
Range: 0.2 - 3.4 m (Wide)
Modes: Auto, Red-eye reduction, Fill-In, Off
Sequence shooting 1.5 fps
Up to 12 frames in SQ2
Image process. TruePic Turbo, Pixel mapping
Function Panorama
Viewfinder Optical
LCD monitor 1.8" TFT LCD, 85,000 pixels
Storage xD-Picture Card, 16 MB supplied
Power 2 x AA batteries (NiMH recommended)
Optional AC adapter
Connectivity USB
DC input
Direct print PictBridge compatible
Dimensions 100 x 62 x 38 mm 108 x 58 x 37 mm
Weight 150 g 165 g