The a Ussie Map

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.)

October 2, 2007: PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the PENTAX Optio A40, the latest model in the “Optio A” series- PENTAX’s top class compact digital cameras that purse high image quality and high performance. The Optio A40 has an increased 12.0 effective megapixels and high image quality rivaling that of SLR cameras.

Main Features:
1. 12.0 effective megapixels for higher image quality and enhanced performance
The Optio A40 is PENTAX’s first digital camera with 12.0 effective megapixels, which enables for ultra high-definition images. It is newly equipped with a large, 1/1.7-inch CCD that has a wide light receiving area that is superior in tone reproduction. Through the incorporation of a new image engine that has excellent color reproducibility and smc PENTAX lens, which has a reputation as having high resolving power, the Optio A40 pursues even higher image quality and further enhanced performance.

2. Three types of anti-shake functions to suit any photography situation
(1) SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism
The SR mechanism is unique to PENTAX, and corrects camera shakes when photographing still images by shifting the image sensor (CCD) horizontally and vertically in relation to the amount of shaking that the high-accuracy gyro sensor detects. The shake reduction technology used in PENTAX’s digital SLR cameras is applied to the Optio A40 as well, and highly corrective effects that are equivalent to shutter speeds of approximately 2.5 to 3.5 steps can be achieved.
(2) “Digital SR” (Shake Reduction) *1
Digital SR (Shake Reduction) mode automatically adjusts sensitivity, to as high as the ultrahigh sensitivity of ISO 3200 according to the brightness of the subjet, and effectively reduces camera shakes and subject blurring when photographing still images. With fast shutter speeds, photography with reduced blurring is available.
*1: Recording size is fixed at 5M(2592×1944 pixels) when “Digital SR” is selected
(3) “Movie SR” (Shake Reduction) *2
The Movie SR function electronically reduces camera shakes exclusively during the shooting of movies. This function uses software to effectively correct distortions in images caused by camera shakes during the capturing of movies.
*2:When using “Movie SR”, the field of view is narrower than that during normal recording

3. “Face Recognition AF&AE” function that photographs portrait more beautifully with simple operation
The Optio A40 is equipped with a “Face Recognition AF&AE” function*3 that automatically detects and focuses on faces. In addition, the Optio A40 also comes with new functions that apply face recognition technology, such as “Natural Skin Tone” mode, which smoothly presents skin texture based on the detected information, and “Half-length Portrait” mode*4, which automatically takes a close-up photograph of the bust by trimming the people recognized in photo frame.
*3: This Camera’s “Face Recognition AF&AE” function uses the Face Tracker face recognition technology from FotoNation.
*4: Recording size is fixed at 3M (2048×1536 pixels) when “Half-length Portrait” is selected

4. New “Dynamic Range Adjustment” function to prevent white outs and black outs
The Optio A40 is newly equipped with a “Dynamic Range Adjustment” to prevent white outs and black outs by correcting the tones for the highlighted areas or the shadowed areas of a subject with significant differences in contrast. When photographing people against the sun, it is possible to deposit subjects brightly while keeping the tones of the background

5. Bright and easy-to view LCD monitor
This LCD monitor is a high intensity type equipped with an LCD booster that adjusts the brightness of screen, which users can easily check the screen even at the outdoors. With 2.5-inch and high resolution of approximately 232,000 pixels, it is easy to confirm picture compositions and the focus. Due to its wide viewing angle, the screen can also be easily viewed, since there is little change in brightness and colors even when looking at the monitor diagonally.

6. 3X optical zoom and 6X digital zoom for a maximum of 17.9X magnification
The Optio A40 features a 3X optical zoom lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 37-111mm lens in 35mm format, which is ideal for a broad spectrum of subjects from landscapes, through memorial photographs, to portraits. Such zooming power can also be combined with 6X digital zoom to achieve a total of approximately 17.9X zoom capability.

7. Video recording function enabling high-quality recording for long period of time
The Optio A40 smoothly captures movies at 30fps (frames per second) at sizes up to 640×480 pixels with image quality rivaling camcorders. Since it employs the DivX® (MPEG-4) movie format*5, the Optio A40 can record long, high-quality movies.
*5:The Optio A40 is DivX® certified. Movie playback is not supported on Macintosh operating system

8. Others
?    Users can freely choose “Shutter-Priority AE” mode and “Manual Exposure”     mode, depending on the effect they are aiming to achieve
?    An “Intelligent zoom” function enables images to be magnified shooting, while maintaining the image quality of optical zoom
?    “Auto Picture” mode automatically determines the best settings for the shooting conditions
?    Mode palette provide quick access of 18 shooting modes and 15 playback modes
?    Approximately 21.0 MB of built-in-memory
?    Compatible with SD memory cards and SDHC memory cards
?    FotoNation’s red eye compensation function for flash shots
?    Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewer/image management software that support Windows Vista™
?    Support PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

?    PENTAX and Optio and smc PENTAX are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation
?    This product supports PRINT Image Matching III. PRINT Image Matching enabled digital still cameras, printers and software help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions. Some functions are not available on printers that are not PRINT Image Matching III compliant
?    Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation. All Rights Reserved. PRINT Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. The PRINT Image Matching logo is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation
?    Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries
?    Windows Vista is either a registered trademark or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries
?    All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies
?    Design and specifications are subject to change without notice

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the PENTAX Optio V10, a standard-class compact digital camera that is equipped with a large 3.0-inch LCD monitor for enhanced usability and easy viewing. The Optio V10 is balanced with features such as 8.0 effective megapixels, 3X optical zoom and easy operations, all in a slim, lightweight body.

Main Features:

1. An ultra-slim body with a sophisticated texture
     By using an exclusive slim battery and making the circuit board smaller, it is possible to realize an ultra-slim body of just 19mm even though featuring large LCD monitor. High quality aluminum alloy is also used for the outer cover, giving the camera a sophisticated texture.

2. Large, 3.0 inch easy viewable LCD monitor
     The Optio V10 comes with a high resolution, a 3.0-inch LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 pixels that enables images and the text to be displayed largely and clearly. The LCD monitor has a wide viewing angle of 170 degrees from all directions, making it easy to confirm images, even when looking at the screen diagonally.

3. Digital SR(Shake Reduction)
      Digital SR (Shake Reduction) mode automatically adjusts sensitivity, to as high as the ultrahigh sensitivity of ISO 3200 according to the brightness of the subjects, and effectively reduces camera shakes and subject blurring when photographing still images. With fast shutter speeds, photography with reduced blurring is available.

4. ”Face Recognition AF&AE” function that is convenient when photographing portrait
      The Face Recognition AF&AE*1 function automatically detects and focuses on faces, regardless of where the people appear in the photo frame. So, it allows you to take beautiful photograph of people easily by letting the camera determine the focus and exposure.
      *1:Available when the photography mode is “Portrait” and “Natural Skin Tone”, and the camera is directed at people from the front

5. Auto Picture mode automatically determines the best photography mode for shooting conditions
      The Auto Picture mode lets the camera automatically determines the shooting conditions for Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Normal modes and choose the optimum settings for each subject. This function eliminates the necessity of making a number of individual settings.

6. 3X optical zoom and 4X digital zoom for a maximum of 12X magnification
      The Optio V10 features a 3X optical zoom lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 36-108mm lens in 35mm format, which is ideal for a broad spectrum of subjects from landscapes, through memorial photographs, to portraits. Such zooming power can also be combined with 4X digital zoom to achieve a total of approximately 12X zoom capability.

7. High Resolution Images
      The Optio V10’s 8.0 effective megapixels and high performance PENTAX lens, which precisely captures images down to the finest details, realizes to delivers high resolution photos that look sharp even at large magnifications.

8. Others
         1. Mode palette provides quick access to 16 shooting modes and 13 playback modes
         2. Record movies with Movie SR (Shake Reduction) function can deliver high quality image rivaling camcorders
         3. Auto-Macro mode allows for close-up photography as near as 10cm while in the normal focusing mode
         4. Auto-tracking AF continuously focusing on a moving subject
         5. Date imprint function for easier image categorizing
         6. Calendar Display function allows image retrieval based on the capture mode
         7. Approximately 52.1MB of built in memory
         8. FotoNation’s red-eye correction function for flash shots
         9. Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewer/image management software that support Windows Vista™
        10. Support PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

Mio technology the well known gps manufacturer, in September 2007, announced new product, Mio DigiWalker(TM) C720t, GPS Device with digital camera. This portable gps is perfect for traveling. The innovation of this GPS, is built-in digital camera in this device.

It will change how you are traveling. You can shot target when traveling and save to this device, embed with longitude and latitude of this object. After end of the day you can review again your travel path and see the photo in that path.

The camera sensor size is 2MP, it’s enough to take picture when you are traveling. With 4.3 inch LCD, it’s big enough to see your path and the image inside. 

Press Release 

NEW YORK, Sept. 27 — At the DigitalLife technology tradeshow, Mio Technology, a leading worldwide supplier of personal GPS navigation devices, unveiled its newest portable navigation and entertainment device designed for those looking to maximize their travel experience. The Mio DigiWalker(TM) C720t combines the convenience of GPS technology with useful tools including a two-megapixel camera, real-time traffic updates, a 4.3-inch widescreen display, text-to-speech driving instructions and enhanced Bluetooth(R) capabilities. Whether traveling across the country or simply driving through town, the C720t’s integrated tools make it a perfect companion for a modern explorer’s digital lifestyle.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
The C720t makes it fun and easy to capture and store digital photos of your travels. The integrated two-megapixel camera allows users to embed GPS coordinates into images and navigate back to the photographed location. Business card recognition software is also included with this feature, automatically inputting data into your contacts list by simply taking a photo of a business card. Adventures with family, friends or colleagues can now be easily stored, organized and enjoyed over and over again.“We are confident that the C720t will dramatically alter the perception of GPS technology,” said Kiyoshi Hamai, North American sales director, Mio Technology Ltd. “Mio Technology is committed to moving beyond simple driving directions by combining GPS with other portable technologies, and we see the ability to navigate to destinations shown in photos and to sort images by location as a natural evolution of the Mio Technology promise. We’re thinking outside the car.”

Navigate in First Class
To help users avoid traffic jams and car accidents, the C720t comes with a Traffic Messaging Channel (TMC) cradle and three-month paid TMC subscription. Real-time updates, provided by ClearChannel’s network of affiliates, can be easily viewed on the C720t’s split-screen interface, which will instantly allow you to route around the obstruction.The device includes full maps of the U.S. and Canada, as well as additional map information for Mexico City, Guadalajara, Aguascalientes and major roads throughout Mexico. With expanded map data and integrated features, you’re ready to cross every border in North America - unless your dog eats your passport.

Mio DigiWalker C720t Product Specifications
To top off this all-in-one GPS device, Mio has incorporated essential features in the C720t, including integrated Bluetooth support and a built-in media player for sharing photos, music and videos. The C720t also comes packaged with a car mount, USB cable and protective carrying case. With pre- loaded maps, the C720t is ready to operate in minutes with no computer set-up required. Digital video, audio and photo files are easily loaded using the built-in SD/MMC slot.

Price and Availability
The MSRP for the Mio DigiWalker C720t is $599.95 U.S. The device is available immediately at select Best Buy locations as well as other national consumer electronics retailers.

About Mio Technology Ltd. (MTL)

Mio Technology Ltd. (MTL) operations are worldwide. Foreseeing that the mobile lifestyle and mobile commerce will be mainstays of life in the near future, the company is dedicated to the development of enabling devices. Its main business is the sale of Mio DigiWalker(TM) - branded mobile communication products, such as smartphones, Pocket PCs and handheld GPS systems. For additional information on MTL and its products, the North American headquarters are located at 47988 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538. Phone (510) 252-6950 fax (510) 252-6930 e-mail at sales@miogps.com. The company is online at www.mio-tech.com.

Website: http://www.mio-tech.com/

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 21, 2007 – Memorable photos are at your fingertips with two new slim, yet powerful Sony Cyber-shot® T-series cameras. Both offer an intuitive touch screen that allows you to instantly select the subject you want to focus on (in shooting mode) and what you want to view or where you want to zoom (in playback mode). The cameras also feature a new smile shutter function, which helps capture the most important part of a photo – the smile.

The ultra-thin, 8-megapixel DSC-T200 model raises the bar with a 3.5-inch wide LCD touch-panel that controls all of the camera’s settings and a 5x Carl Zeiss® optical zoom lens. This model will be available in silver, black and red. The 8-megapixel DSC-T70 camera features a 3-inch wide LCD touch panel and a 3x Carl Zeiss optical zoom lens. It will be offered in silver, black, white and pink.

Photographing the High-Def Life

The only thing better than taking an amazing photo is sharing it with your closest friends. With the T200 and T70, you can view digital photos the same way you watch your favorite TV shows – in full 1080 high-definition resolution. The new cameras can be connected to an HDTV set via HD component cable or an HD cradle (both sold separately). Both are equipped with a built-in slide show function so you can view photos, complete with dynamic transitions choreographed to your choice of programmed music clips or by adding your own. Further, when these cameras are connected to a new Sony BRAVIA® HD television, photos are optimized for television viewing with Sony’s new “Photo TV HD” mode. This mode brings the look of actual printed photography to the television, reproducing high-quality digital photos by fine-tuning image parameters like sharpness, gradation and color specifically for photographs.

Shoot Where and When the Smiles Happen

With the cameras’ new “smile shutter” function, which automatically detects and captures a person smiling, you’ll never miss a smile due to shutter lag or distractions. The function is turned on or off by pressing the shutter while in smile shutter scene mode. Combined with such other Sony innovations as face detection, image stabilization and a high sensitivity (ISO 3200) the T200 and T70 models are nearly foolproof. Once an image is captured, the new T-series cameras can edit and enhance the image with the touch of a finger. The cameras offer a selection of designs or frames, and stamps to enhance the images, which can then be recorded in a format optimized for either 4×6-inch prints or HD photo viewing.
The cameras also allow multiple options for re-sizing photos like to a 4:3 ratio (ideal for emailing or blog postings) or a 16:9 aspect commonly used on most flat-screen televisions. And for viewing images directly on the camera, T-series Clear Photo LCD screen provides a bright, clean-line look so photos look more natural, even in sunlight.

The Cyber-shot DSC-T200 and DSC-T70 digital cameras will ship in September for about $400 and $300, respectively. They can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges, and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin on Aug. 23 at www.sonystyle.com.