Nine New Cameras from Olympus

Today, Olympus announced nine new cameras at CES. These cameras range in specs, size, shape, and capabilities. Here’s a quick run-down of each new model, along with a link to each camera's press release.

With one of the most powerful zoom capabilities we’ve seen in a point-and-shoot to date, the SP-590UZ has a new 26x optical zoom with an equivalent focal length of 26-676mm. This camera offers advanced manual controls that experienced photographers and D-SLR users will love along with fully automatic settings for a quick shot. Rounding out the list of specs, the SP-590UZ sports a 12-megapixel image sensor, Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection, Ultra High-Speed Sequential shooting, and a 2.7-inch LCD. Look for the SP-590UZ in March for an estimated price of $449.99.

Olympus also expanded its shockproof/waterproof camera line with the new STYLUS-550WP. Thanks to its aluminum exterior that is sealed from the elements by interior rubber gaskets and O-rings, this camera can be submerged up to 10 feet under water. For users who want simplistic shooting, the STYLUS-550WP has an Intelligent Auto Mode that detects what you are shooting and adjusts the camera’s settings accordingly. Face Detection, Digital Image Stabilization, and Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing round out the STYLUS-550WP’s feature set. This camera will be available in February for about $200.

If you need a camera that can withstand much more than just water, then Olympus’s new STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 might suit your needs. These cameras are shockproof, waterproof, freeze proof, crushproof, and shake proof. They also offer many advanced features to help you take good pictures, such as Dual Image Stabilization, Beauty Mode, Face Detection, Intelligent Auto Mode, and more. The STYLUS TOUGH-8000 features a 12-megapixel sensor and can survive a 6.6-foot drop, venture 33 feet underwater, and withstand 220 pounds of pressure. The slightly "weaker" 10-megapixel STYLUS TOUGH-6000 can take a drop from 5 feet, dive 10 feet below the surface, and beat the freezing cold. Both models have a Tap Control feature which lets you control the camera by tapping it on the top, back, or sides. This feature is especially useful in chilly conditions when you’re wearing gloves and wouldn’t otherwise be able to press traditional buttons. The Tap Control feature utilizes the camera’s internal 3D accelerometer. The STYLUS TOUGH-6000 will be available sometime this month for about $300. You’ll have to wait until February for the $400 STYLUS TOUGH-8000.

For users looking for an ultra compact with powerful zoom capabilities, Olympus introduced the 10x Wide-Angle Zoom STYLUS-9000 and 7x Zoom STYLUS-7000. Both models offer 12-megapixel sensors and feature Dual Image Stabilization, Intelligent Auto, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and In-Camera Panorama. In addition to a 10x wide-angle zoom, the STYLUS-9000 utilizes the new HyperCrystal III LCD from Olympus to display photos twice as bright as previous versions, making details more clear even under direct sunlight. The STYLUS-7000 has a 7x optical zoom and a 3-inch HyperCrystal II LCD screen. The STYLUS-9000 and STYLUS-7000 will be available in February with prices of $349.99 and $299.99, respectively.

That's not all, folks: Olympus has three more cameras in store. The new FE-3000 ($139.99), FE-3010 ($149.99), and FE-5010 ($189.99) cameras offer slim bodies at affordable prices. The FE-3000 features a 10 megapixel sensor, while the FE-3010 and the FE-5010 both offer 12 megapixels of resolution. The FE-3000 sports an Intelligent Auto mode, 3x optical zoom, and a 2.7-inch LCD. The FE-3010 adds to the FE-3000’s features with a sleek, super-slim (0.7-inch thick), all-metal body. The more expensive FE-5010 offers Dual Image Stabilization, 5x optical zoom, and Advanced Face Detection. You’ll be able to pick up the FE-5010 and FE-3000 sometime this month, but FE-3010 lovers will have to wait until March.