Olympus Intro Durable Olympus Stylus 1050 SW Compact Camera with Tap Technology

Olympus have formerly announced their latest digital compact camera in
their ultra durable Stylus range in the form of the 10 megapixel Stylus
1050 SW which, apart from sporting Tap Technology, comes with a
shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof body that, according to Olympus,
can withstand being dropped from heights up to 5 feet, can survive
temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius) and
that can also be fully submerged in water to depths of approximately 10
feet.

'�Consumers are familiar with motion-sensor technology from popular
videogame controls that translate physical motion into electronic
commands,' said Nadine Clark, product manager, Olympus Imaging America
Inc.'The Stylus 1050 SW employs similar technology. Adjusting the camera
settings is intuitive, because the whole camera reacts to the way
it’s tapped. Tap Technology is an advancement that adds to the
camera’s already high-performance specifications of shockproof,
waterproof and freezeproof durability. When you absolutely must get the
shot in tough conditions, the Stylus 1050 SW is the camera to have at
your side.'

Olympus Stylus 1050 SW Key Features:

Tap Control

The Stylus 1050 SW camera can be controlled with a simple tap on its
top, back or sides, which is made possible thanks to the new
camera’s 3D accelerometer that detects the direction of the force
on the camera’s body. For example, to turn on the flash or Shadow
Adjustment Technology, tap the camera’s side twice. In adverse
climates, where the Stylus 1050 SW thrives, the new Tap Control ensures
fast results - so you get the shot - even if you are adjusting settings
while fighting frostbite with large gloves that would make traditional
buttons nearly impossible to maneuver.

Shockproof Design for Worry-Free Fun

The shock-absorbing technology designed into the Stylus 1050 SW
minimizes the impact delivered to the lens and circuitry when the camera
is dropped from heights up to 5 feet. Whether the camera slips out of a
backpack or a toddler drops it down a staircase, the Stylus 1050 SW can
take a licking and keep on clicking.

Waterproof for Underwater Adventures

The Stylus 1050 SW performs as well under water as it does on land
because its lightweight, aluminum exterior is matched with interior
rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal out the elements. It can take photos
while being fully submerged to depths of approximately 10 feet (3
meters). The inclusion of a preset underwater scene mode makes the
Stylus 1050 SW perfect for snorkeling or a day in the pool. It also
features a water-repellant lens coating to prevent water droplets from
forming on the lens to get crystal-clear shots no matter how wet the
shooting environment.

Freezeproof for Icy Conditions

Unlike other point-and-shoot cameras that freeze up in frosty weather,
the Stylus 1050 SW still performs when the temperature dips well below
freezing (down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius) so it is
ready when you are to make a snowman or hit the slopes.

Face Detection and Smile Shot

Face Detection tracks up to 16 faces within the frame and automatically
focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE)
for sharp, brilliant portraits and group shots. The Stylus 1050 SW also
features Smile Shot, which tracks your subject’s face to detect a
smile and automatically fires off three consecutive shots so you never
miss that perfect smile. This feature is great for parents hoping to
capture hard-to-predict baby smiles.

In-Camera Panorama

In-camera panorama mode captures three images and stitches them together
to create one amazing panoramic picture. Simply press the shutter button
and slowly pan across a panoramic scene. The second and third images
will be captured automatically and stitched together with the first
image right in the camera - resulting in one seamless panorama-size
picture ready for printing. To create the ultimate panoramic picture,
consumers can use the Olympus MasterTM Software 2 to stitch up to 10
images together.

Shadow Adjustment Technology

Shooting outdoors in bright daylight can be tricky because of the
extreme contrast between dark shadowed areas and bright sunlit areas.
While the human eye is capable of detecting the nuances between dark and
light and all the details in between, image sensors traditionally have
not been quite as sensitive. Shadow Adjustment Technology compensates
for extreme contrast where the shadow areas are underexposed and lack
visible detail. With this technology, users can preview and capture
images with the same contrast as the naked eye.

Perfect Shot Preview

The Stylus 1050 SW features Perfect Shot Preview mode that enables users
to preview and select various photographic effects on a live,
multi-window screen before snapping the shot. This feature enables users
to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are
made, ensuring users are capturing the exact image they want. It is an
ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different
photography techniques, such as zoom, exposure compensation, white
balance and metering.

Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing

The Stylus 1050 SW offers Red-Eye Fix and Shadow Adjustment Edit,
in-camera editing features such as resizing, frames, text options and
saturation adjustments, enabling users to edit photos right in the
camera. With the Perfect Fix function, multiple editing features can be
applied at once.

TruePic III Image Processor

Olympus’ enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces
crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to
deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life
flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures
sharp images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated
with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos.

LED Illuminator

An LED Illuminator works like a mini-flashlight on the front of the
camera to enhance focus and exposure for macro shooting - great for
underwater close-up shots where light is scarce.

Digital Image Stabilization

This camera features Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) to capture crisp,
clear pictures. By boosting the camera’s ISO sensitivity and
shutter speed, DIS freezes the action and captures virtually blur-free
images, even when you or your subject is moving.

Large HyperCrystal II LCD

The Stylus 1050 SW boasts an advanced HyperCrystal II LCD, which is
Olympus’ next generation of LCD technology. It reproduces true
colors with a dynamic contrast ratio of more than 180 percent and a
color reproduction performance of more than 160 percent compared to
HyperCrystal LCD, providing a preview that is more true to the final image.

Stylish Design and Colors

The Stylus 1050 SW is available in four stunning colors to suit your
individual taste: blue, champagne, silver and black. Its newly designed
body has a lens protecting component that slides in front of the
camera’s lens to further protect it from extreme conditions.

Versatile Memory

All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture CardTM
media. The Stylus 1050 SW will also come equipped with an adapter, which
will enable microSD memory cards to be used when capturing images. The
microSD cards are emerging in consumer electronic devices, including
mobile phones and PDAs. Users can also easily display photos on their HDTVs.

The Olympus Stylus 1050 SW is set to begin shipping in October ('08) and
will retail for around $300.