Olympus has announced the successor to the TIPA-winning C-310, which was only announced at PMA in February. The Olympus C-315 Zoom boasts a higher resolution at 5.1 megapixel but a slightly shorter 2.8x zoom. Looks-wise the C-315 is practically the same; 1.8-inch LCD and basic controls. Like its predecessor it's aimed at the 'ambitious' beginners. It will be available at the end of July.

Press Release:

Affordable Style for Beginners

Introducing the new Olympus C-315 Zoom

London, 1st July 2005 - The new Olympus C-315 Zoom is a stylish and attractively priced camera. Building on the success of its predecessor the C-310Z, pronounced ‘Best Digital Budget Compact Camera’ by TIPA in 2004, the new Olympus C-315Z boasts the same special blend of design, performance, handling and affordability. It’s resolution has also been significantly increased to 5.1 million pixels to provide exceptional picture quality but what won’t ibe changing is the camera’s great value for money.

Recent Videos

Available from the end of July, the Olympus C-315Z comes highly recommended for first-time digital camera buyers and all those who are budget conscious yet still demand high-quality results.

The C-315Z is designed to make digital photography accessible and affordable for ambitious beginners. Its predecessor’s winning combination of ease-of-use and high-quality has now been crowned with the additional advantage of 5.1 million pixels, enabling large print-outs and detailed image cropping. The new resolution complements other features, such as a bright 2.8x optical zoom lens, together with the 3.5x digital zoom brilliant close-ups are possible. The C-315Z also offers a Super Macro mode, enabling successful shots from as close as 2cm from the subject. Five automatic scene programmes are available to help compose the best image and provide added convenience and for those valuing even greater versatility, a movie recording function has been added so movies can be recorded and conveniently reviewed on the camera’s integrated 4.6cm LCD.

As you would expect from a user-friendly camera, the C-315Z supports PictBridge, removing the need for a PC to print from the camera. Just connect straight to a compatible printer, such as the Olympus P-10, to instantly print glossy photographs. Alternatively, effortless, one-touch printing is also possible with printers that incorporate ImageLink print system. Images are saved onto removable xD memory cards (a 16MB card is supplied with the camera but these small, fast and durable cards are now available in capacities of up to 1GB). For users without printer access or those on the move, xD cards can also easily be taken to any photo dealer to obtain first-class prints.

Olympus C-315Z – main features:

  • 5.1 million pixels
  • 2.8x optical zoom (equiv. 38-106mm on a 35mm camera), 1:3.0-5.0
  • Super Macro mode: shooting from as close as 2cm
  • 5 scene programmes (Portrait, Self Portrait, Night Scene, Landscape, Landscape with Portrait)
  • Movie recording function
  • TruePic TURBO image processor
  • PictBridge & ImageLink support
  • 4.6cm/1.8” LCD with multi-language menu
  • Olympus Master software for easy file handling and editing provided

Olympus C-315 Zoom specifications

Sensor

• 1/2.5" Type CCD
• 5.1 million pixels total
• 5.4 million effective pixels

Image sizes • 2592 x 1944
• 2592 x 1728 (3:2)
• 1600 x 1200
• 640 x 480•
Movie clips • 320 x 240 pixels @ 15 fps (HQ mode)
• 160 x 120 pixels @ 15 fps (SQ mode)
• Up to capacity of the memory card
File formats

• Still: JPG
• Movie: QuickTime Motion JPEG
• Sound:

Lens • 38 - 106mm (35 mm equiv) 2.8x optical zoom
• F 3.0 - 5.0
Digital zoom Up to 3.5x
Focus TTL system iESP auto focus with contrast detection
Focus distance • Normal: 0.5 - 0.9 m
• Macro: 0.2 - 0.5 m
• Telemacro: 2 cm
Metering • Digital ESP
• Spot
ISO sensitivity Auto
Exposure compensation +/-2EV in 2.0 EV steps
Shutter speed 1 - 1/2000 sec
Scene modes • Portrait
• Self Portrait
• Night Scene
• Landscape
• Landscape with Portrait Portrait
• Self Portrait
• Night Scene
• Landscape
• Landscape with Portrait
White balance • Auto
• Sunlight
• Overcast
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
Self timer Yes
Continuous shooting 1.1 fps up to four image in HQ mode
Flash • Built-in
• Modes: Auto, red-eye reduction, fill-in, forced, off
• Range: 0.2 m - 4 m (w) 0.2 m - 0.2 m (t)
• Guide number: 7.6
Viewfinder Optical real image
LCD monitor • 1.8" TFT LCD
• 85,000 pixels
Connectivity • USB
• DC in
• Video out
Print compliance

• Exif 2.2
• PIM III
• DPOF
• ImageLink
• PictBridge

Storage • xD-Picture Card
• x MB card supplied
Power • 2x AA battery (alkaline, NiMH or NiCd) or lithium LB-01
• Charger optional
Weight (no batt) 150 g (x oz)
Dimensions 103 x 56 x 37 mm (Ai x Bi x Ci in)