Olympus announces new additions to FE range

Pre-PMA 2008: Olympus today announced the latest additions to its FE-range of compact digital cameras. All sporting 8 megapixel sensors, the new cameras differ in zoom range, with the FE-310 and FE-340 packing 5x 36-180 equiv. optics and the FE-350 Wide extending the wide end and reigning in the tele for a useful 28-112. All will be available from February.

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Press Release (UK):

Take it easy

Up to 5x zoom with latest Olympus FE series models

London, 22 January 2008 – Cameras from the Olympus FE series are renowned for their extreme user-friendliness, great image results and attractive price. The latest collection continues this tradition and adds new highlights. The new FE cameras let you see and do more with wide-angle performance and the power of up to 5x zoom. In addition, 8.0 Megapixels ensure the impeccable capture of every last detail while still leaving room to crop. And thanks to their large LCDs, shots can be easily framed and captured at a moment’s whim.

The new Olympus FE models arrive in stores in February at the following recommended retail prices: FE-310: £120, FE-340: £159.99 and FE-350: £199.99.

Hard to believe that this is the entry class

Boasting remarkable power in a compact form, the Olympus FE-310, FE-340 and FE-350 put advanced features into the entry level segment. Built on the “one button, one function” design principle, all cameras in this colourful new line-up are fun and easy to use. Menus are available in an incredible 38 languages, ensuring operation is a cinch no matter what your native tongue is.

Precision Olympus optics with extra zooming power delivers superior image quality. Furthermore, additional integrated features such as Super Macro mode for ultra-detailed shots make this attractively-priced series a great choice for great photos every time.

FE-310

Get more for your money with the FE-310. This model features a powerful 5x zoom (equiv. to 37-185mm) that takes you straight to the heart of the action and incorporates a metal front for extra toughness. A very ample 8.0 Megapixels for detailed shots is also on board along with the possibility to record movies with sound. And thanks to a 6.4cm LCD you’ll always have a convenient and reliable way to frame and view your shots no matter where you are.

FE-340

Take things up a notch and get closer with the FE-340. It incorporates a 5x zoom (equiv. to 36-180mm) to get you right in where you want to be. Its ultra-slim metal body also comes in four expressive colours including silver, black, blue and pink making this attractive and compact camera a charming addition to any purse or pocket. In addition, integrated Face Detection Technology delivers beautifully exposed and focused subjects every time, while 8.0 Megapixels and a large 6.9cm LCD provide detailed views of shots. A choice of 18 scene modes ensure that there will be one to suit whatever photographic situation you come into contact with.

FE-350

Sporting a bright, 4x wide zoom (equivalent to 28-112mm on a 35mm camera), the FE-350 gets you closer to subjects, while retaining compact flexibility and Olympus lens quality. Thanks to an extra-large 7.6cm LCD, you get the best view possible while framing or reviewing shots. What’s more, an 8.0 Megapixel image sensor is packed into this model’s attractive casing – which is available in silver and black – to deliver brilliant, true-to-life images in dazzling quality.

The newest additions to Olympus’ FE series, including the FE-310, FE-340 and FE-350, will hit the shelves in February.

Main features:

FE-310

• 5x optical zoom (36-180mm*) for exciting close-ups
• See and share images on the 6.4cm/2.5" LCD
• 16 scene modes for best results in different situations
• Valuable metal casing in silver or black

FE-340

• 5x optical zoom (36-180mm*) for exciting close ups
• Super-slim all-metal body to always be at your side
• See and share images on the 6.9cm/ 2.7" LCD
• 18 scene modes for best results in different situations
• Better low-light shooting thanks to BrightCapture Technology
• TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
• Choose your favourite from 4 colours: Silver, Black, Blue or Pink

FE-350

• 4x wide optical zoom (28-112mm*) to capture stunning close-ups
• 28mm* wide-angle lens for great scenic shots
• See and share images on the extra-large 7.6cm/3.0" LCD
• 16 scene modes for best results in different situations
• Valuable metal body in silver or black

Common features of the FE-310, FE-340 and FE-350

• 8.0 Megapixels for poster-size prints
• Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (FE-340 and FE-350 with VGA resolution at up to 30fps)
• Face Detection for perfectly focused and exposed faces
• Digital Image Stabilisation (FE-350 with ISO up to 800) for less blur
• "One button, one function" design principle and guide function for easy operation
• Great for shots of flowers and detail with Super Macro Mode
• Video out to easily enjoy your images on a TV
• Flexible shooting with internal memory or using xD-Picture Card
  *Equivalent to a 35mm camera

Olympus FE-310 / FE-340 / FE-340 specifications

	FE-310	FE-340	FE-350
Sensor	• 1/2.5" Type CCD • 8.4 million total pixels • 8 million effective pixels • Primary colour filter (RGB)	• 1/2.35" Type CCD • 8.5 million total pixels • 8 million effective pixels • Primary colour filter (RGB)	• 1/2.5" Type CCD • 8.4 million total pixels • 8 million effective pixels • Primary colour filter (RGB)
Image sizes	• 8M 3264 x 2448 • 5M 2560 x 1920 • 3M 2048 x 1536 • 2M 1600 x 1200 • 1M 1280 x 960 • VGA 640 x 480 • 16:9 1920 x 1080
Movie clips	• 640 x 480 / 15 fps Recording time: 29 min • 320 x 240 / 15 fps Recording time: 29 min	• 640 x 480 / 30 fps Recording time: 10 s • 320 x 240 / 15 fps Recording time: 29 min	• 640 x 480 / 15 fps Recording time: 29 min • 320 x 240 / 15 fps Recording time: 29 min
File formats	• JPEG (EXIF 2.21) • AVI Motion JPEG • WAV audio
Lens	• 6.2 - 31.0 mm • 37 - 185 mm (35mm equiv.) • 5x optical zoom • 9 lenses / 7 groups • 3 aspherical elements • f/ 3.2 - 4.8	• 6.3 - 31.5 mm • 36 - 180 mm (35mm equiv.) • 5x optical zoom • 8 lenses / 6 groups • 4 aspherical elements • f/ 3.5 - 5.6	• 4.55 - 18.2 mm • 28 - 112 mm (35mm equiv.) • 4x optical zoom • 7 lenses / 6 groups • 3 aspherical elements • f/ 2.7 - 5.4
Image stabilization	No
Conversion lenses	No
Digital zoom	Yes, up to 4x
Focus	• TTL iESP auto focus with contrast detection • Face Detection AF
AF area modes	iESP
AF assist lamp	No
Focus distance	• Standard mode 0.4m - ∞ (wide) / 0.7m - ∞ (tele) • Macro mode 0.2m - ∞ (wide) / 0.5m - ∞ (tele) • Super Macro mode Closest focusing distance: 5 cm	• Standard mode 0.6m - ∞ (wide) / 1.0m - ∞ (tele) • Macro mode 0.1m - ∞ (wide) / 0.6m - ∞ (tele) • Super Macro mode Closest focusing distance: 3 cm	• Standard mode 0.4m - ∞ (wide) / 0.6m - ∞ (tele) • Macro mode 0.2m - ∞ (wide) / 0.35m - ∞ (tele) • Super Macro mode Closest focusing distance: 5 cm
Metering	ESP light metering
ISO sensitivity	• Auto ISO 64 - 640 • Manual ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200* * in reduced pixel mode	• Auto ISO 64 - 1600 • Manual ISO 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200* * in reduced pixel mode	• Auto ISO 64 - 640 • Manual ISO 64, 100, 200, 400, 640
Exposure compensation	• +/- 2 EV • 1/3 EV steps
Exposure bracketing	No
Shutter speed	1/2 - 1/2000 s		1 s - 1/2000 s
Aperture	n/a
Modes	• Auto • Programme automatic
Scene modes	• Digital Image Stabilization • Portrait • Landscape • Night Scene with portrait • Sports • Indoor • Candle • Self-portrait • Sunset • Fireworks • Behind Glass • Cuisine • Documents • Auction	• Digital Image Stabilization • Portrait • Landscape • Night Scene with portrait • Night Scene • Sports • Indoor • Candle • Self-portrait • Sunset • Fireworks • Behind Glass • Cuisine • Documents • Auction • Smile Shot	• High ISO setting • Portrait • Landscape • Night Scene with portrait • Sports • Indoor • Candle • Self-portrait • Sunset • Fireworks • Behind Glass • Cuisine • Documents • Auction
White balance	Auto WB	• Auto WB • Overcast • Sunlight • Tungsten • Fluorescent 1 • Fluorescent 2 • Fluorescent 3
White balance fine tune	No
Self timer	Yes
Flash	• Auto • Red-eye reduction • Fill-in • Off
Flash range	• Working range (wide) 0.3 - 4.3 m (AUTO) • Working range (tele) 0.6 - 2.1 m (ISO 400)	• Working range (wide) 0.1 - 5.5 m (ISO800) • Working range (tele) 0.6 - 2.8 m (ISO 800)	• Working range (wide) Up to 3.6 m (ISO400) • Working range (tele) 0.4 - 2.0 m (ISO 400)
Viewfinder	n/a
LCD monitor	• 2.5" / 6.4 cm LCD • 154,000 dots • LCD backlight boost	• 2.7" / 6.9 cm LCD • 230,000 dots • LCD backlight boost	• 3.0 " / 7.6 cm LCD • 234,000 dots • LCD backlight boost
Connectivity	• DC input • Combined A/V & USB output • USB 2.0 compatible
Print compliance	• DCF • EXIF 2.21 • PIM III • PictBridge • DPOF
Other features	• Guide function • Self timer • Perfect Shot Preview • Face Detection Technology
Storage	xD-Picture Card
Power	• 2x AA batteries • B-01 4PE (Ni-MH AA) Batteries (optional) • BU-90 SE Quick Battery Charger (optional)	• LI-42B Li-ion cell • LI-40C Charger (included)
Weight (no batt)	140 g (4.9 oz)	116 g (4.1 oz)	138 g (4.9 oz)
Dimensions	93 x 61.7 x 30.5 mm (3.7 x 2.4 x 1.2 in)	96.9 x 57.5 x 22.6 mm (3.8 x 2.3 x 0.9 in)	97.7 x 55.7 x 26.5 mm (3.8 x 2.2 x 1.0 in)

Additional images