Olympus, the industry leader in opto-digital technologies and pioneer in the digital camera market, today introduced the µ DIGITAL 800 which redefines the notion of stylish, high-performance digital photography, by packing the power of 8 megapixels into a compact and weatherproof* metal body that is finished in glossy dark blue or silver.

Turns night into day
The µ DIGITAL 800 is equipped with Bright Capture Technology that not only enhances viewing conditions but also gives the camera a real edge. It enables a whole host of new functions to improve shooting performance – particularly when photographing in minimal light. Without using the flash, in Night Mode, the camera automatically increases sensitivity while reducing resolution to prevent noise.

Meanwhile, in Indoor Mode, this setting is coupled with the flash to guarantee that even the furthest corners of rooms are properly exposed. In addition, Bright Capture Technology provides extra protection against blurring shots of fast-moving action. By making better use of the available light, faster shutter speeds can be used, which in turn, significantly reduces the potential effects of camera shake.

Sharp shooting
The 8-megapixel image resolution of the µ DIGITAL 800 ensures extremely high-definition shots in razor-sharp clarity. To make full use of such tremendous imaging performance, Olympus has equipped this model with a bright, 3x optical zoom all-glass lens system which guarantees brilliant images under any conditions and also offers options for extended photographic freedom.

It incorporates a newly-developed, high-refractive-index aspherical lens element to capture images in true-to-life detail with virtually no distortion. The integrated TruePic TURBO image processor further optimises image quality by boosting contrast and colour, while also increasing processing speed.

Advanced LCD technology
A large 6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD makes framing shots and viewing image results a genuine pleasure. In addition to providing extraordinary viewing angles of up to 160°, it offers three times the contrast of ordinary LCDs to display clear pictures in just about any situation, even in bright sunlight. Furthermore, the technology utilised ensures minimal colour variation right across all of its 215,000 pixels, and the special cell construction virtually completely eradicates blur and after-images.

For extra-low-light situations, the camera’s innovative Bright Capture Technology comes into its own by drastically brightening the depictions in the LCD. This makes framing shots possible in lighting conditions that have a mere 1/5th of the luminosity previously required. Photographers can now capture excellent image results that were previously unheard of in extremely low-light situations, or even if there is only very little light, providing freedom for trouble-free night-time shooting.

Highly versatile, extremely user-friendly
The µ DIGITAL 800 offers photographers a huge choice for getting their compositions just right. Besides fully automatic shooting in Programme Auto mode, 19 scene programmes are on hand to provide the optimal camera settings for a broad range of situations – such as capturing sweeping landscapes in the great outdoors, taking expressive portrait shots, or holiday snaps at the beach or in the snow.

In most cases there is little need to consult the user’s manual. The built-in Guide Function shows photographers the purpose and recommended use of the various camera functions directly on the LCD.
Users also have the option of satisfying their more demanding creative impulses. The Aperture and Shutter Priority modes provide added control over the image results. Macro and Super Macro shooting provide plenty of opportunity for capturing the minutiae of subjects in fine detail from as close as only 3cm away. The camera is also equipped with a movie recording function that can capture the action with sound in VGA quality.

A 19MB internal memory allows images to be saved even if there is no memory card inserted. With optional xD-Picture Cards, available in various sizes up to a capacity of 1GB, photographers will never be caught short of storage space. The Calendar Function makes image viewing a breeze on the µ DIGITAL 800. It sorts pictures by date and can provide a monthly view with small sample icons. For the printing of photos, PictBridge support means that the camera can be directly connected to a compatible printer – without the need of going via a PC.

No matter rain or shine, night or day, the weatherproof* µ DIGITAL 800 enables users to keep shooting in just about all conditions. Its stylish good looks, 8-megapixel resolution, incorporation of Bright Capture Technology and exceptional array of image capture options elevate this model to a higher plane.

The Olympus µ DIGITAL 800 – main features:

• 8 megapixels
• Weatherproof* metal body with glossy surface in dark blue or silver
• Bright 3x zoom lens (38-114mm equivalent), 1:2.8-4.9
• Bright Capture Technology for superior performance under low light conditions
• Extra-large 6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD (with ultra-wide 160° horizontal and vertical viewing angles)
• 19 Scene Programmes (eg Programme Auto, Aperture priority, Shutter priority)
• Blur protection to guard against the effects of camera shake
• High-speed sequential shooting
• Movie function with sound (in VGA quality)
• Macro and Super Macro shooting (from as close as 3cm in Super Macro mode)
• TruePic TURBO image processor
• Calendar function
• PictBridge compatible
• Multilingual menu (more languages can be downloaded using the Olympus Master software)

* weatherproof equivalent to the IEC standard publication 529 IPX4

Availability
The Olympus µ DIGITAL 800 is available at all major retailers and dealers from July 2005 onwards at a recommended retail price of S$ 749 (inclusive of GST). The standard package comes shipped with rechargeable Li-Ion battery and charger, USB cable, AV cable and Olympus Master software.