Olympus µ 720 SW Shock and Waterproof Digital Camera Announced
It will take the knocks, bumps and other trials of daily life with ease to give complete peace of mind. The exceedingly tough Olympus µ 720 SW heralds a brand new era in digital photography. Waterproof to 3m* and resistant to falls from up to 1.5m*, this uniquely robust model offers protection against life's small misfortunes and also provides for unparalleled shooting versatility. Of course, the µ 720 SW also impresses in terms of its photographic performance. The power of 7.1 million pixels and a precision 3x zoom lens ensure images are captured in stunning detail. Meanwhile, atmospheric compositions in low light are a cinch to record thanks to the incorporation of BrightCapture Technology. As well as providing a significantly brighter view on the 6.4cm LCD, by boosting sensitivity considerably, it reduces the need to use the flash and thereby can capture night scenes much more faithfully. The metal-bodied camera is available in a choice of three sharp colours: Dusky Pink, Polar Blue and Steel Silver. And despite its rugged durability, it boasts surprisingly compact dimensions to truly make it a camera that can be taken anywhere.
Designed to master the challenges of daily life
Imagine drenching your camera as you fall into the pool while taking snaps at a lively party, or accidentally knocking it off the edge of the table while reading the Sunday paper - there's a hundred and one ways you might damage your camera, no matter how careful you are. But not so with the µ 720 SW. Built to take all of what normal life can throw at it, it's immune to the small misfortunes experienced day-to-day and takes the worry from photographers that are keen on protecting their investment.
With this model, Olympus has optimised the standard weatherproof qualities found in all µ cameras, making it waterproof to 3m*. In combination with the shockproof design, a whole new world of shooting opportunities is opened to photographers. Now, where other cameras reach their limits - such as at the shoreline of the beach or during lively sports activities - the µ 720 SW really comes into its own. It's a classic case of "when the going gets tough, the tough get going".
For even more fun under the water's surface and other challenging assignments, µ 720 SW users can boost the camera's waterproof capabilities from 3m to an incredible 40m with the optional PT-033 underwater case.
Sharp looks, sharp shooter
Besides being tough, the camera's rugged metal body also represents a sure lifestyle statement. Small enough to fit into just about any pocket thanks to the special folded light-path lens design, its eye-catching appearance is complemented by a range of tempting colours including Dusky Pink, Polar Blue and Steel Silver.
With 7.1 million pixels, the µ 720 SW captures images in great detail. Combined with a bright, 3x zoom lens (equivalent to 38-114mm on a 35mm camera), photographers can be sure of impressive shooting performance. Results can be viewed in comfort on the generous 6.4cm LCD.
A bright choice in subdued lighting
Incorporating the innovative BrightCapture Technology, the capacity to take atmospheric photos in low light is significantly enhanced. To begin, the high-contrast LCD is about four times brighter than usual. In addition, special scene modes extend the photographic capabilities for superior performance, and maximum ISO is boosted to 1600 - allowing faster shutter speeds to be used and thereby reducing the likelihood of image blur without needing to use the flash.
High versatility meets easy handling
Its shock and waterproof attributes make the µ 720 SW ideal for taking along while snorkelling or enjoying other active pursuits. Among its 24 scene modes that cover most shooting situations such as portraits, landscapes or sports, this camera also includes modes specifically created for underwater image capture. And even beginners will quickly master the camera functions thanks to an easy-to-understand Guide Function which briefly explains the various modes and choices directly on the LCD. Movie capture is also possible - in VGA quality - with recording length only limited by available memory.
Files can be saved either to internal memory or onto optional xD-Picture Cards. Offering data transfer rates 2-3 times faster than previous media, the latest High Speed Olympus xD-Picture Cards feature a Panorama function and let various art and 3D functions be applied to images, which will add a completely new dimension to both underwater and regular shots.
PictBridge compatibility ensures easy PC-free printing. Using the Olympus P-11 dye-sublimation printer, for example, 10x15cm photos can be printed out and handed around within just 33 seconds. And so the shooting enjoyment can go on and on, this model comes with a high-performance lithium-ion rechargeable battery (LI-42B).
The µ 720 SW introduces a new chapter to easy-to-use, high-performance digital photography. Its shock and waterproof attributes protect it from the daily hazards of life to extend shooting versatility and give users unrivalled peace of mind. It will be available from spring 2006.
The Olympus µ 720 SW - main features:
Waterproof up to 3m*
Shockproof (equivalent to 1.5m)*
7.1 million pixels
Tough metal body in three colours: Dusky Pink, Polar Blue and Steel Silver
BrightCapture Technology for better low light photography
6.4cm/2.5" LCD
Bright 3x optical zoom 38-114mm (equivalent to 35mm camera) 1:3.5-5.0
24 scene modes (incl. Portrait, Candle, Landscape and various underwater modes)
Movie function with sound (640x480 pixels, 15fps)
Macro and Super Macro mode for shots from as little as 7cm
Editing functions (e.g. Red-eye Fix, Calendar Composition, Layout Composition, Title Composition)
PictBridge compatible
Internal memory plus xD-Picture Card slot
Multi-language menu plus possibility to download further languages from the internet
Supplied with Olympus Master Software and LI-42B battery
Optional underwater case PT-033 (waterproof up to 40m)
*Shockproof according to Olympus test methods.
Waterproof equivalent to the IEC standard publication 529 IPX8.
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