The a Ussie Map

General Imaging, the worldwide exclusive licensee for GE digital cameras, announced the next generation of GE digital cameras for 2008. Nine all-new models will offer an exciting assortment of additional features, including smile detection, blink detection, upgraded lenses, and LCD screens that adjust to changes in ambient light. One new model, the E1050, makes photography even more fun, adding HDTV, touch-screen and GPS capability. The 2008 GE models are among the first cameras on the market to offer smile detection and blink detection, two separate functions that allow users to capture their subjects at exactly the right moment.

Unveiled at the 2008 PMA trade show, the new offerings bring to 15 the total number of cameras in the GE-branded digital camera line. Last year’s most popular features - panorama stitching, face detection, in-camera red-eye removal - are all back for 2008, combined with slimmer camera bodies.

Setting a new standard for the term “feature-rich” is the new E1050, which boasts a number of innovative attributes, including:

• high-definition movie recording
• HDTV playback capability for both movies and stills
• User-friendly touch-screen controls to access more features with fewer buttons
• GPS receiver that allows busy photographers to keep track of exactly where they were when they shot their favorite scenes

Such features are usually found only in higher-priced SLR cameras or camcorders rather than a point-and-shoot digicam like the E1050. And unlike most cameras with HDTV capability, the E1050 does not require an additional “cradle” to support it.

Considering that it also has a 28mm equivalent wide-angle lens, the 10-megapixel, 5X zoom E1050 has everything today’s digital camera enthusiast could want - for only $249.99 MSRP.

“For our second year we have retained all the most popular features from the first year, added a long list of exciting new ones, and enhanced overall performance,” said Hiroshi “Hugh” Komiya, chairman and CEO of General Imaging.

The new models span the entry-level A series, the ultra-compact G series with folded optics (non-protruding lens), and the mid-priced E series. Many of the new models will begin reaching store shelves by early spring.

All 2008 models will include smile detection and blink detection (two separate functions). The smile detection feature automatically detects when subjects are smiling and captures the photo at that point. The blink detection feature alerts the user if the subjects are blinking, immediately after the photo is captured, allowing the photo to be retaken.

New cameras in the E and G series will also include aspheric, all-glass lenses for sharper images and truer color reproduction, along with auto-adjust LCD screens that adapt to changing light conditions.

Many of the new GE cameras are slimmer than their 2007 counterparts, with the G2 and G3 each measuring a mere 18 mm thick (just under 3/4 of an inch). In some cases, the flash was moved so it would be out of the way of the user’s shooting fingers. These changes came in response to consumer feedback to the 2007 models.

“We have said from the beginning that we would be a nimble company that responds to consumer needs, and our new cameras reflect that philosophy,” said Rene Buhay, General Imaging’s senior vice president for marketing and sales in the Americas. “We think people are going to like what they see.”

General Imaging was formed in 2006 when Komiya, who had retired as president of Olympus Imaging Corporation a year earlier, recruited a group of industry veterans to start a new camera company. Komiya first recruited Buhay, whose experience in electronics included work for Ricoh and ArcSoft. He also enlisted the services of a highly respected design team to create a sophisticated camera line loaded with all the best features in the industry.

At the same time, General Electric, which Fortune magazine consistently ranks as the most admired company in the world, was considering entry into the digital camera market and looking for the right licensee to carry the GE brand. General Imaging’s vision for developing a high-quality, distinctively designed and technologically advanced line of cameras was a great fit for GE’s goals, and a licensing agreement was signed in September 2006.

The first GE digital cameras went on sale on HSN on May 1, with Sears, Kmart and Radio Shack quickly following suit. Numerous other retailers (both online and on land) and distributors have signed on since then. GE digital cameras are now available throughout the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia.

“We have come quite far in a year, that is for certain,” Komiya said. “But this is only the beginning for GE digital cameras. We are here for the long term.”

More information is available at http://www.ge.com/digitalcameras.

Olympus today introduces the high-speed Type M+ (plus) Series xD-Picture Card, which will offer approximately 1.5 times faster1 data-transfer speeds than its predecessor (Type M Series xD-Picture Card) when capturing images with an Olympus digital camera.

“The demand for faster media with higher speed performance is being driven by developments in advanced video-recording functions in digital still cameras,” said John D. Blakeslee, business manager, digital memory products, Olympus Imaging America Inc.

The new Type M+ Series will be available in April 2008. It will be compatible with all Olympus digital cameras that use Type M Series xD-Picture Cards, including the new digital compact cameras (Stylus, Stylus SW, FE-Series and Ultra Zoom) announced today.

Sony is taking the wraps off a new 10.1-megapixel Cyber-shot® DSC-T300 digital camera, featuring a stylish, ultra-compact design and intelligent functionality to help reduce the risk of taking a bad photo.

The new model incorporates Sony’s new intelligent scene recognition (iSCN), a technology that allows the camera to analyze shooting conditions and automatically select the optimal settings for the best photo results. In iSCN mode, the camera can automatically detect up to five scenes, and choose the best setting for the situation.

In advanced iSCN mode, the camera will shoot using the user’s settings and then will automatically step in and take a second shot with optimized settings. If the camera determines that the user’s settings are best, then a second photo is not taken.

“We’re aiming to make cameras smarter,” said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “The T300 camera shows goes beyond face detection to other functions that help customers capture their best photos automatically.”

The unit integrates a wide (16:9), 3.5-inch touch screen Clear Photo LCD PlusTM LCD screen for easy navigation and framing; a Carl Zeiss® 5x optical zoom lens; Super SteadyShot® image stabilization and high sensitivity settings up to ISO3200 to help combat blurry photos; and a powerful Bionz™ processing engine.

More Intelligent Features

The camera’s updated face detection technology can differentiate between the faces of children and adults. Simply select “child priority” or “adult priority,” and the camera will automatically detect up to eight faces in the camera frame, adjusting focus, exposure, white balance and flash for the subjects that matter most.

Lubell said Sony has applied a similar advancement to its “smile shutter” technology, an intelligent camera function that captures smiles automatically by searching for facial movements related to smiles and laughs. Capable of detecting multiple smiles instead of only one, users can apply “child priority” or “adult priority” in smile shutter mode to capture photos only when the intended subjects smile.

New controls on this model include: semi-manual focus, which lets the user set the focus range; improved auto focusing system to cover macro ranges in auto mode; and the addition of Sony’s D-Range Optimizer Plus mode that uses a higher image correction algorithm to retrieve more picture detail in bright highlights and dark shadows caused by high-contrast shooting.

Organize and Playback Images in Style

As storage capacities on Memory StickDuo™ and Memory Stick PRO Duo media cards increase, Lubell said, options for easily organizing, accessing and playing back photos is more of a priority. The new camera’s internal database allows for advanced filtering to later search for photos by date and smile. Images can be viewed in chronological order or displayed in a helpful calendar view, and organized in the camera’s “favorites” folder.

To view your images in stunning 1080 HD resolution slide shows, just connect the DSC-T300 camera to a compatible HDTV set. Slide show includes your choice of background music, including up to eight tracks (a total of five minutes in length) you can upload via USB, and use multiple tracks to create longer slideshows set to music.

The DSC-T300 camera replaces the DSC-T200 model. It will be available in red, black and silver in March for about $400.

The ultra zoom camera category has a new world champion: the Olympus SP-570 UZ brings you closer to the action than ever before with an incredible 20x wide optical zoom. Featuring built-in Dual Image Stabilization, Olympus’ latest innovation for ambitious, specialist and creative photographers eliminates blur associated with camera shake to deliver razor sharp images, even at high levels of magnification. You can also breathe easy as you close in on the shot of a lifetime: sequential shooting at up to 13.5fps makes sure you won’t miss a thing. The SP-570 UZ will arrive in stores in March 2008.

Cutting-edge ultra zoom technology

Capture unique moments in the middle of a sports field or at the front of a college podium – even when you’re stuck on the sidelines or at the back of the theatre. Providing photographers with unprecedented telephoto power, the spectacular zoom capabilities of the SP-570 UZ bring your subject virtually close enough to touch. This 20x wide optical zoom model covers an equivalent focal range of 26-520mm, making it the world’s most powerful zoom camera in this segment*. Performance can be enhanced to an amazing 2600mm when combined with the 5.0x digital zoom. Even greater magnification up to a breathtaking maximum of 4420mm is possible when adding the optional TCON-17 Teleconverter and CLA-10 Adapter Ring.

Because the risk of blurry images grows as the focal length increases, Olympus incorporates Dual Image Stabilization in the SP-570 UZ. It guards against blur caused by camera shake and is the perfect insurance for sports photographers and in all other situations where there are no second chances to capture the magic of the moment. Furthermore, this model’s 13.5fps** burst rate means not even a split-second of action will be missed. Additional smart technology also helps to capture unexpected surprises – the pre-capture mode enables recording of five frames** before the shutter is even released.

The big picture

The 26mm wide-angle capabilities of the SP-570 UZ make it perfect for getting the full picture when it comes to indoor and architectural photography. Framing is easy too, with a large 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal LCD BrightCapture Technology faithfully depicting the composition.

Close encounters

Get up close and explore the enchanting miniature world around you. With a minimum shooting distance of merely 1cm, the Super Macro mode of the SP-570 UZ is perfect for unlocking nature’s secrets and photographing other captivating details and surface textures.

A full technological arsenal

The SP-570 UZ features a full suite of Olympus digital imaging innovations to ensure the capture of best possible images. This includes High ISO Settings, Face Detection Technology, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and TruePic III.

Ease of use

On top of automatic shooting and manual (P/A/S/M) control options, the SP-570 UZ also features a choice of 23 scene modes which are optimised for frequently encountered shooting situations. This ensures an ideal balance between point-and-shoot ease and creative freedom for ambitious photographers. Those seeking yet a further degree of control will appreciate the ability to manually adjust focus and zoom levels using the lens ring. In addition to a hotshoe, wireless flash control makes cable clutter a thing of the past: the SP-570 UZ boasts compatibility with the new Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R flash units which were initially introduced for use with the Olympus professional D-SLR model, the E-3. And dioptric correction enables those who wear glasses to use the viewfinder, while a menu in 38 languages ensures problem-free navigation for virtually everyone.

The fully-featured SP-570 UZ gives users unprecedented zoom power and a fill of extras that add up to a rewarding all-round photo experience. The camera will become available from March.

The Olympus SP-570 UZ – main features:
20x optical zoom (equivalent to 26-520mm*) – from extreme close-ups to stunning scenes
Avoids blur thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation
Don’t miss the moment with high-speed 13.5fps sequence shooting**
Face Detection Technology for perfectly focused and exposed faces plus correct exposure of other image areas
P/A/S/M exposure modes for creative freedom
23 scene modes for the best results in different situations
10 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
See and share images on the 6.9cm/2.7″ LCD
Better low light shooting thanks to BrightCapture Technology
Great for shots of flowers and detail from as close as 1cm with Super Macro mode
Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound
TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
38 languages on board
Dioptric correction
Flexible shooting with internal memory or using xD-Picture Card
Supplied with Olympus Master software 2.03 including Muvee Pack trial version plus four AA batteries
TCON-017 teleconversion lens and CLA-10 adapter ring optionally available for maximum of 884mm (or 4420mm when combined with digital zoom)
* Equivalent to a 35mm camera

** In 3.0 Megapixel mode
Appendix

BrightCapture Technology

A technology developed for better shooting results in low light situations. It works in two ways: i) All available pixel information from the image sensor is used to provide a view on the LCD that’s up to four times brighter than conventional types, to make framing easy even in dark surroundings. ii) In certain shooting modes sensitivity is increased (resolution is sometimes reduced), which results in well-exposed images with accurate color reproduction, high contrast and definition, even when not using the flash. Scene modes that benefit from BrightCapture Technology include Candle, Night Scene and Available Light.

Dual Image Stabilization

Providing two-fold protection, this special function helps to avoid image blur caused by camera shake or fast-moving subjects. It combines high ISO values with a CCD-based mechanical image stabiliser, where a built-in gyro sensor detects camera movement and adjusts the CCD accordingly.

Face Detection Technology

A technology that searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. It then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that’s sharp in the right places and ideally exposed.

HyperCrystal

A high-grade, fully-transmissive technology used in LCDs, which employs an additional layer at the bottom of the LCD to reflect light from external light sources. This enhances the brightness of the LCD, so even in direct sunlight images are displayed sharply and improved contrast compared to that of conventional displays. Also, it provides for particularly wide viewing angles without glare or shadow, so images can be framed from a variety of angles and viewed by several people at once.

Pre-capture mode

This mode lets the camera record five frames occurring immediately before the shutter is released. It works by continuously storing the five frames in buffer memory (in 3MP resolution). In this way, that decisive split-second between when something occurs and when the shutter is actually triggered is overcome.

Shadow Adjustment Technology

A technology designed to improve exposure for pictures with dark areas. Using a sensor that works much like the human eye, dark parts of a composition (e.g. a shadow under a tree) are identified and the camera then adjusts the exposure settings accordingly for those areas. The result is a more realistic and detailed picture.

TruePic III image processor

Olympus’ newest-generation image processing engine. It automatically enhances important aspects of image quality including: Color reproduction (color range, saturation and brightness), picture sharpness (reduced image noise, improved edge reproduction), as well as providing faster processing speeds.

Wireless Flash Control

The user can control wireless flash units remotely – eliminating the need for extra cables – by using the built-in flash as the system’s master unit. Control options include the ability to independently regulate flash mode and compensation settings for up to three groups of flashes, four channel settings to avoid interference as well as a wide range of brightness levels.

The ‘Proof’ Is In the Olympus Stylus 850 SW Digital Camera: Shockproof, Waterproof, Dustproof? Whatever-Proof!

Built Strong Enough to Capture Life’s Adventures Wherever They Occur

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 22, 2008 – Olympus, the company that invented the shockproof-waterproof category for digital compact cameras, today delivers the rugged and stylish 8-megapixel Stylus 850 SW because everyday life can be just as tough as life lived on the edge. You do not need to be a windsurfer or snowboarder to appreciate a camera that is immune to five-foot falls, works in freezing snowstorms, swims with dolphins and survives everyday life with kids. Designed for the adventurer in all of us, the new Stylus 850 SW weathers harsh conditions in five stylish colors that make it attractive in action while it captures brilliant images to last a lifetime.

“The Stylus 850 SW is designed to take worry-free images while withstanding life’s challenges,” said Mark Hoffman, director, Product Marketing, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “New to the Stylus 850 SW are 8-million pixels of image resolution and our TruePicTMIII Image Processor to ensure that it captures rich and vibrant detail with every shot. We’ve also added in-camera panorama because we know it’s a must for active travelers.”

Shockproof Design
The shock-absorbing technology designed into the Stylus 850 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 850 SW can take life’s hard knocks.

Waterproof for Underwater Fun
The Stylus 850 SW performs as well underwater 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 four preset underwater scene modes makes the Stylus 850 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 850 SW still performs when the temperature dips well below freezing (14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius) so it is ready to hit the slopes when you are.

Dustproof for Worry-free Fun
The rugged Stylus 850 SW is an ideal companion for a weekend in the great outdoors as it is impervious to dust, dirt and other particles. Shoot without worry in the wind and when the camera gets dirty, just rinse it off and keep shooting.

A Rainbow of Colors
The Stylus 850 SW is available in five stunning colors to suit your individual taste: blue, yellow, pink, black and silver.

Face Detection Technology
Face Detection Technology tracks faces within the frame and automatically focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE) for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.

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 provides blur-free images, even when you or your subject is moving.

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 – resulting in one seamless panorama-size picture. 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.

Large HyperCrystal™ LCD
The Stylus 850 SW features a 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD that displays clear, high-contrast images. HyperCrystal technology increases the LCD brightness for better visibility in low-light and bright-light situations – perfect for composing pictures underwater or in direct sunlight. Images are also viewable from more than 140 degrees, enabling photos to be composed from a wider range of angles and viewed by several people at once.

Perfect Shot Preview
The Stylus 850 SW features a 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 850 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.

Memory
All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture Card media. The Stylus 850 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.

Practical and Fashionable Accessories
Olympus offers a number of optional accessories, specifically designed for the Stylus 850 SW. For users looking to capture their underwater adventures in depths beyond 10 feet (3 meters), Olympus offers the PT-041 underwater housing, which enables users to take pictures in depths to approximately 130 feet (40 meters). A red floating wrist strap frees consumers’ hands when swimming or chasing the next big wave, and a trendy silicone skin protects the camera from scratches.

Olympus also offers premium cases in a variety of new colors, including cream plaid and gray plaid as well as a new brown leather, which features a masculine wallet design. The premium cases are also available in black, pink and red leather. Durable, sporty neoprene cases are perfect for active or outdoor expeditions, and they are available in black and olive. The new olive color neoprene case features a carabineer, which can be hooked to a bag, swimming suit or hiking shorts. A neoprene armband case is the ideal accompaniment for surfing, hiking or any activity where having free hands is a must.

OLYMPUS Master 2 Software
OLYMPUS Master 2 software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to a computer quick and simple. Images are easily organized by folders or albums and are searchable by date in the Calendar View. With one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee? Theater Pack to create professional-quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates.

Availability
The Stylus 850 SW will be available in January 2008. It includes: a wrist strap, camera WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, LI-42B Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger, manual, warranty card and OLYMPUS Master 2 software (CD-ROM).

U.S. Pricing
Stylus 850 SW Estimated Street Price: $299.99 (U.S.)