Pre-Photokina 2008: Olympus has chosen today to slip out a handful of new compacts, starting with the Stylus 1050SW digital compact camera, which is claimed to be shock-proof to 1.5m, water-proof to 3m and freeze-proof to -10°C. Sporting a 10.1MP sensor, 2.7” LCD and 3x (38-114mmequiv) zoom lens, it has features such as Advanced Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment, Noise Reduction and 'Image Stabilization' (aka high ISO). The new TAP control lets one adjust settings and review images with a tap on the shutter release button.

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Press Release:

A µ [mju:] for all seasons
The Olympus tough: Waterproof, shockproof and funproof

London, 25 August 2008 – The newly-redesigned µ [mju:] 1050 SW is ready for practically any adventure: toss it about, dunk it in the pool or bury it in the snow without thinking – because you don’t have to. The incorporation of an innovative TAP control interface makes adjusting settings and reviewing shots as easy as the tap of a finger. Coming with a bundled microSD attachment, this model affords users even more flexibility when it comes to storing memories. The all new µ [mju:] 1050 SW will be available in a choice of Dolphin Grey, Pacific Blue, Midnight Black or Misty Rose late September for an RRP of £259.99.

Unbeatable
Do what you will to the 10.1 Megapixel µ 1050 SW: drop it, wash it or shoot with it in below-freezing temperatures. Shockproof to 1.5m, waterproof to 3m and freezeproof to -10°C, this extension to Olympus’ most robust compact line-up sports a chic new design that makes it even more fun to take with you no matter you go. A newly-developed TAP control interface lets users trade the press of a button for the tap of a finger: adjust settings and review images on the µ [mju:] 1050 SW’s extra large 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD by applying a simple tap or two to the exterior of the camera. The integrated 3x optical zoom (38-114mm*) guarantees safety in action with its use of an inner-folded light path – one of the keys to this camera’s uniquely compact design.

Technologies galore
With the µ [mju:] 1050 SW, users can concentrate on getting great shots without distractions. Dependably sharp shots are assured every time thanks to Digital Image Stabilisation which automatically adjusts ISO levels to compensate for blur at slow shutter speeds. Meanwhile, integrated Advanced Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology detect human subjects (up to 16 faces) and shadowy parts of an image to optimise the exposure and sharpness – so results come out closer to what the human eye sees. What’s more, the effect of various settings on the outcome – such as exposure compensation – can be previewed with the Perfect Shot Preview function. Incorporation of BrightCapture Technology also means that it is always easy to frame and review shots on the LCD, even in low light. And the TruePic III image processor provides triple enhancement to image results with improved noise reduction, significantly faster image processing speeds and more realistic reproduction of colours.
 
All the trimmings
There’s a µ [mju:] 1050 SW for everybody. With a unique exterior available in an array of exciting colours including Dolphin Grey, Pacific Blue, Midnight Black and Misty Rose, this model lets users express themselves like never before. Plus, the availability of menus in 39 different languages ensures that virtually anyone across the world can operate the µ [mju:] 1050 SW in their native tongue. What’s more, the inclusion of a bundled attachment, photographers can store their memories on microSD Card in addition to xD-Picture Card.

The shockproof**, waterproof*** and freezeproof (to -10°C) Olympus µ [mju:] 1050 SW will be available at the end of September 2008.

The Olympus µ [mju:] 1050 SW – main features:
  • High-precision 3x optical zoom (38-114 mm*) to capture everything from great scenes to stunning portraits, even in tough conditions
  • Shoot even when it's rough, wet and cold – shockproof to 1.5m**, waterproof to 3m*** and freezeproof to -10°C
  • TAP Control Menu for great convenience
  • Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces, plus correct exposure of other image areas
  • 6.9cm/2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD for excellent previews even in direct sunlight
  • 10.1 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
  • Digital Image Stabilisation for less blur
  • TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
  • Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
  • Pre-Capture Movie mode
  • xD-Picture Card and microSD Card compatible

* Equivalent to a 35mm camera
** Equivalent to MIL Standard (Olympus test conditions)
*** According to IEC standard publication 529 IPX8
      microSD is a trademark of SD Card Association

Additional images

Olympus 1050 SW specifications

Sensor

• 1/2.33" Type CCD
• 10.7 million total pixels
• 10.1 million effective pixels
• Primary colour filter (RGB)

Image sizes • 10M 3648 x 2736
• 5M 2560 x 1920
• 4M 2304 x 1728
• 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: 10 sec
• 320 x 240 / 15 fps Recording time: 29 min
File formats • JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
• AVI Motion JPEG
• WAV audio
Lens • 3 x
• 3 Aspherical glass elements
• Focal length 6.7 - 20.1 mm
• Focal length (equiv. 35mm) 38-114 mm
• 10 lenses / 8 groups
• Aperture 3.5 - 5.0
Image stabilization Yes
Conversion lenses No
Digital zoom Yes 5x
Focus • TTL iESP auto focus with contrast detection
• Face Detection AF
• Spot
• Standard
• Macro
• Super-Macro
AF assist lamp Yes
Focus distance • Standard mode 0.5m (wide) / 0.5m (tele)
• Macro mode 0.2m - (wide) / 0.3m (tele)
• Super Macro mode Closest focusing distance: 7 cm
Metering • ESP light metering
• Spot
ISO sensitivity • Auto ISO 80 - 1600 Automatically selected
• Manual ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Exposure compensation • +/- 2 EV
• 1/3 EV steps
Shuttter speed 1 s - 1/1000 s
Aperture f3.5 - f5.0
Scene modes • Portrait
• Landscape
• Landscape with Portrait
• Night Scene
• Night Scene with portrait
• Sports
• Indoor
• Candle
• Self-portrait
• Available Light Portrait
• Sunset
• Fireworks
• Museum
• Cuisine
• Behind Glass
• Documents
• Auction
• Shoot & Select 1
• Shoot & Select 2
• Beach and Snow
• Pre-Capturing Movie
• Underwater Snapshot
• Snow
• Smile Shot
White balance • White balance adjustment
• Sunlight
• Tungsten
• Overcast
• Flourescent 1
• Flourescent 2
• Flourescent 3
Self timer Yes
Flash • Auto
• Red-eye reduction
• Fill-in
• Off
LCD monitor • 2.7" / 6.9 cm LCD
• 230,000 dots
Connectivity • DC input
• Combined A/V & USB output
• USB 2.0 compatible
Storage • DCF
• EXIF 2.2
• PIM III
• PictBridge
• DPOF
Power • LI-50B Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery
• D-7 AC AC Adapter (optional)
Weight (no batt) 152g
Dimensions 93 x 62 x 22.6mm