London, May 2007 – As one of the leading digital camera manufacturers, Olympus quickly recognised that photographers also want to capture the fascinating world below the water’s surface. Olympus therefore offers underwater cases and accessories for many of its cameras. No matter if it’s a compact model or professional D-SLR, Olympus, the leading manufacturer of underwater cases, has the right solution for everyone.

Everybody who has taken photos underwater knows about the conditions. Less available light and the different way that light refracts underwater can make it challenging to achieve good images. It’s recommended to get as close to the subject as possible, which makes wide-angle cameras, such as the new SP-550 UZ, ideal for underwater photography. The corresponding underwater case PT-037 makes it a snap to go diving. For those who love adventures and the call of the wild, the SP-550 UZ is also ideal on land. It incorporates an 18x zoom lens and Dual Image Stabilisation, making it possible to catch even far-away subjects with ease. Also new from Olympus are the elegant µ 780 and µ 760 as well as the entry-model FE-230. With their respective underwater cases, PT-039, PT-036 and PT-038, photographers are geared up for fascinating adventures under the water’s surface.

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Last Update: Review & Sample Photos @ PPMag (added on 09 August’07)

The Olympus SP-550 UZ (Ultra Zoom) is a point-and-shoot digital camera featuring 7.1 million effective pixels with 18x optical zoom (35mm equiv: 28-504mm) with Dual Image Stabilization, and a 2,5″ High-Resolution LCD screen. The camera is measuring in at 4.6” W x 3.1” H x 3.1” D (116mm x 78.5mm x 78mm), weighing 12.9oz. (365g) , and it’s running on 4 AA Batteries,. The Olympus SP-550 UZwill be available in March 2007 with an estimated street price of US$499.99

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Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars | Latest Price Info

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Last update: Review by CNET.UK (added on 2 August’07)

The Optio M30 is a 7.1 effective megapixel point-and-shoot digital camera features 3x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 38 - 114mm), sensitivity to ISO 3200, and a 2.5-inch TFT LCD Display. The camera is measuring in at 97 x 57 x 18 mm, weighs 120 g and it’s running on Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery -L163.

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars | Latest Price Info

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Latest Olympus SP-550 UZ Review at Good Gear Guide added - 5/22/2007

Olympus’s SP-550 UZ Review Roundup includes summaries from all main digital camera expert reviewers as they become available, company specification sheet, owners manual, Digital Camera Tracker’s unique review conclusion thermometer, video guides, and sample photos taken with the Olympus SP-550 UZ.

Olympus SP-550 UZ Main Features:

• 7.1 megapixel
• 18x Wide Angle Zoom
• 15FPS & Pre-Capture
• Full Manual Control
• Dual Image Stabilization
• ISO 5000
• Bright Capture

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Latest - Review and Sample Test Photos at Imaging-Resource (added 01 November ’07)

Kodak EasyShare V1003 features:

• 10 megapixel
• 2.5-inch (6.4 cm) LCD
• ISO up to 1600
• 22 scene modes
• Digital image stabilization
• Advanced video mode to record VGA video (640 x 480) with sound at 30 fps
• On-camera tools blurry picture alert
• Digital red-eye reduction and picture cropping

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So what do you get for your money? 9 megapixels, a 10.7x (28-300mm) lens and a 2-inch LCD display that can flip out for shooting at awkward angles, basically.

At first glance and to the uninitiated the camera will come across as a fully fledged DSLR, it’s only when you go to remove that lens, or turn on the rear display you’ll realise that it’s not.

Design-wise and the black casing is comfortable to hold in your hand and like a traditional SLR model zoom is controlled via the lens ring rather than a T and W button.

When it comes to taking pictures start-up time is very quick (0.8 seconds). The same can be said of the camera’s focusing abilities, and the only complaint we have with the lens is its not so wide 28mm starting point. The pay-off of course is that you have a 300mm option at the other end - plenty enough to get you into the action (see images), but if you’re planning on shooting friends at parties or little Emily or Johnny as they grow up this might not be the best option.

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