Olympus - µ [mju:] 780 compact digital camera

Press release:
Get ready to experience compact digital photography in a new light! With an attractive metal body in silver or black and a 5x optical zoom, the Olympus µ [mju:] 780 bestows photographers with both beauty and brawn. The powerful lens lets users zoom in for candid shots at a party, or frame nature scenes with added ease and flexibility. Integration of Dual Image Stabilization, combining a mechanical image stabiliser with high ISO settings, ensures images are doubly protected against unwanted blur caused by fast-moving subjects or camera shake – a feature that’s especially handy for shooting at higher magnifications. In addition, its weatherproof* construction mean the µ [mju:] 780 can be used in all manner of situations – rain, snow or shine – so photographers can keep shooting while others have to stop. Packed with an ample 7.1 Mp, this high-performance, stylish all-rounder is just what you’ve been waiting for.

A clever package

Finished in a choice of stylish silver or black, the metal-bodied µ [mju:] 780 offers endurance and power in one solid bundle. This weatherproof* model not only can handle unexpected raindrops, but rewards photographers with picture-perfect results every time. Incorporation of a 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 36-180mm) provides great versatility to frame subjects, while Dual Image Stabilization ensures double-barrelled protection against the effects of camera shake.

Brighter and better in low light

With the µ [mju:] 780, there’s no need to fear the dark. The integration of BrightCapture Technology makes framing shots a cinch by providing a brighter view on the 6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD. In addition, the ISO value is increased to 1600 while retaining full resolution. Pictures taken in low light situations are therefore considerably brighter and clearer than is customary – so it’s easy to capture the ambience of faces around a campfire or atmospheric indoor shots in great quality. This technology is applied in various scene modes plus for movie recording (30fps). For added comfort in the dark, illuminated buttons are included to help improve shooting and menu navigation. Shadow Adjustment Technology optimises the exposure of scenes with shadowy or other dark areas – so the results closely resemble that which the human eye sees.

Handling ease for confident shooting

Clever design and a user-friendly interface make this powerful µ [mju:] model incredibly easy to use. A Hi-Speed USB port (up to 480 Mbit/s) allows direct connection with a computer or printer, making the transfer of photos both fast and easy. The availability of 20 scene modes – including Candle, Available Light and a variety of underwater modes – lets users quickly select the one best-suited for the particular shooting situation to ensure the finest results. And with 25 different languages on board to choose from, no one will have a problem understanding the on-screen menus. There’s also plenty of room to expand storage space with both internal memory and a built-in xD-Picture Card slot.

With the Olympus µ [mju:] 780, style, functionality and versatility unite to provide a rewarding all-round photographic experience. The weatherproof*, 7.1 Megapixel camera will become available late April 2007.

The µ [mju:] 780 main features:

• 7.1 Megapixels
• Weatherproof* silver or black metal body
• Shadow Adjustment Technology
• 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 36-180mm on a 35mm camera) 1:3.3-5.0
• 6.4cm/2.5” HyperCrystal LCD with 230,000 pixels
• Dual Image Stabilization (combination of a mechanical image stabiliser with high ISO settings)
• BrightCapture Technology – also in movie mode (30fps)
• 20 scene modes (including Portrait, Sports, Night Scene)
• Internal memory plus xD-Picture Card slot
• Hi-Speed USB
• 25 languages on board
• Illuminated buttons
• Supplied with Olympus Master software, LI-42B battery and LI-40C charger

Weatherproof equivalent to the IEC standard publication 529 IPX4

Appendix

BrightCapture Technology

A technology developed for better shooting results in low light situations. BrightCapture 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 colour 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.

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.

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.

HyperCrystal LCD

A semi-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 with three times the contrast of conventional displays. Also, it provides for viewing angles of up to 170° without glare or shadow, so images can be framed from a variety of angles and viewed by several people at once.