Global Corporate Information

"Building friendships through images." The Olympus Pen half-size camera was a huge hit in the 1960s through 1970s. Its popularity can be attributed to an epoch-making concept. Up until then, cameras were bulky and generally difficult to use, thus limiting their fan base. With this model, Olympus introduced a compact and lightweight automatic camera that was easy for anyone to use.

Stylish and user-friendly, Pen series cameras were popular among female users as well as among professional photographers, who adopted them as a second camera. Olympus continues this tradition of success, drawing on its longstanding optical technologies to introduce the pleasure of image creation to large numbers of people in innovative ways.

"Capturing for eternity priceless images of the earth and special moments in daily life." Since the introduction of the auto-focus function, SLR cameras have been getting larger and heavier. With the dawn of the era of digital cameras, which are not bound by the need to accommodate a 35mm film roll, Olympus saw a great opportunity to propose camera designs that were sized to meet the needs of users. In this light, Olympus started pursuing the ultimate balance between high image quality and ease of handling, ultimately creating the Four Thirds System.

The first model to adopt the Four Thirds System, the E-1 attracted public attention for its design specifically tailored to digital applications, small and lightweight interchangeable lenses, quality accessories, a Dust Reduction System and, most of all, high quality images. Today, the E Series digital SLR camera lineup has expanded to include a wide variety of models from the E-3, a model being used in the Olympus Space Project to photograph the earth, to the E-620, a camera that enables users to preserve precious images.

"Aiming for the ideal camera for the digital era." The complexity of operating a traditional SLR camera along with the often bulky body made many consumers avoid them. Olympus wished to help these people in particular enjoy a better photography experience. Based on the Four Thirds System, which was created for this express purpose, Olympus aimed for a slimmer body and higher resolution imaging. The result was the Micro Four Thirds System.

Overcoming the various restrictions of analog era cameras, Olympus was able to introduce an extremely compact interchangeable lens system digital cameras incorporating all-new concepts on the back of the practical application of the Micro Four Thirds System. It adheres to the basic concept underlying the Olympus Pen, specifi cally, units that are small, lightweight and easy for anyone to use. The Micro Four Thirds System enables the capture of beautiful images, including movies. This technology promises to expand the world of interchangeable lens system cameras.

"Expanding photography options for active lives." The µ[mju:] TOUGH series enables reliable photography, even in environments considered harsh for compact digital cameras. Equipped with a full range of functions as well as being waterproof, dust-proof, shock-resistant, low-temperature hardy and impact resistant, the µ[mju:] TOUGH series of thin and stylish cameras offer a fun photography experience in all kinds of situations, from severe weather conditions to formal occasions.

* Stylus TOUGH Series in the Americas

"We make products with customers in mind." Olympus's Voice of the Customer (VOC) activities aim to reflect customer opinions in its products. We have upgraded a number of products, including LS-10 Linear PCM Recorders, which faithfully capture original sound, and the VJ-10 Radio Server, which can record up to 2,500 hours of radio programming on a built-in hard-disk drive, based on customer opinions relayed to our call center. Consistently pursuing usability for customers, Olympus reflects customer opinions in the development of every product.