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September 10, 1998
THE CAMEDIA Compact Digital Camera
and Peripherals LINEUP
C-900ZOOM: High-performance 3x optical zoom lens and the world's lightest design in this class
C-830L: Setting the standard for portability and cost performance
P-330: Convenient photorealistic printing at home
CAMEDIA C-900ZOOM CAMEDIA C-830L
CAMEDIA C-900ZOOM CAMEDIA C-830L
CAMEDIA P-330
CAMEDIA P-330
Summary
Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. is pleased to introduce the C-900ZOOM and C-830L compact digital cameras. They are accompanied by the launch of the P-330 digital color printer.
C-900ZOOM AND C-830L COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERAS
Extending the capabilities of the earlier C-840L, the C-900ZOOM has a new Multivariator 3x zoom lens that balances compact lines with high resolution. It also features the easy portability of trim lines that make it the lightest model in this class. Still other advances include a number of functions that boost image quality.
Combining new features and an attractive price tag, the C-830L builds on the earlier C-840L as well. The results set the standard for handling and image quality in a compact digital camera.
P-330 DIGITAL COLOR PRINTER
The P-330 adds new capabilities to the design of the earlier P-300 digital color printer- a design that was hailed for bringing photorealistic output to the consumer market. The latest model has a built-in SmartMedia card slot for direct printing as well as video I/O terminals. Image editing functions are also at hand for greater creativity and fun.
AHEAD OF THE REST
The first key to the outstanding resolution of the C-900ZOOM and C-830L is a high-performance CCD - an improved version of the earlier C-840L's 1/2.7-inch CCD with 1.3 million pixels. Determined to achieve both a smaller, lighter design and unmatched image quality, the Olympus engineers also developed the C-900ZOOM's new Multivariator 3' zoom lens with a focusing range equivalent to the 35-105 mm coverage of a 35 mm camera lens. Raising megapixel image quality to a new level, the combination of the CCD and lens ensures a sharp, detailed image and accurate color reproduction.
Even in difficult backlighting - Which can pose problems for other digital cameras - the C-900ZOOM delivers natural-looking results with Olympus' exclusive Digital ESP Metering and Spot Metering.
OTHER CREATIVE FUNCTIONS
Many other features also contribute to the C-900ZOOM's creative control, including the Manual White Balance function, Manual Exposure Compensation and a Macro Mode for full-frame shots of subjects as small as a business card. To achieve the effects they want, photographers can choose from a range of shooting modes.
The versatility of the C-900 also extends to advantages that only a digital camera can offer. With features such as 2x Digital Telephoto Mode and 3x Closeup playback and printing, it is suited to a range of needs and preferences.
SMARTMEDIA CARD RECORDING AND PROCESSING
The C-900ZOOM and C-830L record images on 3.3 V SmartMedia cards holding up to 16 MB of data. A 8 MB card is included with both cameras.
Optional function cards are available to make digital imaging even more fun. Along with the Calendar Card and Template Card, there is a Handwriting Title Card to superimpose handwritten notes or drawings on an image.
Main Features
CAMEDIA C-900ZOOM AND C-830L DIGITAL CAMERAS
New Multivariator 3x Zoom Lens (C-900ZOOM)
The C-900ZOOM features a new Multivariator 3x zoom lens. Not only is the optical system the lightest of its kind, but it delivers exceptional image quality. Along with minimizing aberration, it almost eliminates luminance variation around the edges of the image.
The six-group layout has eight lens elements including two with aspherical glass lens elements. Suited to further increases in CCD pixel integration, the configuration will be basic to the optical system of Olympus digital cameras to come.
The bright F2.8-4.4 lens has the high resolution of 200 lines/mm at the center. And its zooming range of 5.4-16.2 mm* is suited to every possibility from Macro shots to landscape photography.
* Equivalent to the 35-105 mm range of a 35 mm camera.
Advanced 1.3 million-pixel CCD (C-900ZOOM and C-830L)
Both new digital cameras have a 1/2.7 inch CCD with 1.3 million square pixels. The C-900ZOOM's version has been engineered specifically for a zoom lens, while the C-830L's CCD offers improved performance.
Taking the pulse of the response to earlier CAMEDIA models, Olympus engineers refined the design to raise image quality and ensure accurate color reproduction. A complementary-color filter has been added to the C-830L, while the sensitivity of the C-900ZOOM's image sensor has been increased. The processing performance of the original Olympus algorithm has also been enhanced.
Exclusive Digital ESP Metering System (C-900ZOOM)
The C-900ZOOM's Digital ESP Metering System is an exclusive Olympus innovation. Using a new measurement program, it determines the appropriate exposure by taking separate readings around the edges of the frame as well as in the center. In backlit or high-contrast situations, the system prevents murky dark areas and washed-out white portions, along with delivering natural-looking results in low-contrast lighting. The camera also has Spot Metering, so the photographer can check the exposure at any point in the frame.
Four Image Quality Modes Including New Noncompression SHQ Mode (C-900ZOOM and C-830L)
Since the data are less affected in the new Noncompression SHQ Mode, there is no loss of image quality. To balance quality and storage requirements, digital photographers can now choose from four Quality Modes - Noncompression SHQ, SHQ, HQ and SQ.
OUTSTANDING IMAGE QUALITY
COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT AND STYLISH (C-900ZOOM AND C-830L)
The easy operation and portability of the C-900ZOOM and C-830L reflect Olympus' long-standing expertise in designing 35 mm cameras. Even with its 3' lens, the C-900ZOOM measures 127 (H) x 66.5 (H) x 53 (D) mm, and it weighs only 270g - an achievement that makes it the lightest digital camera in its class.
With their sliding lens barrier doubling as the power switch, both models offer trim good looks and worry-free portability. The C-830L is ready for shooting approximately 1 sec. after the barrier is opened, while the C-900ZOOM take s about 3 sec.
EASY OPERATION AND COMPLETE CONTROL
Manual White Balance (C-900ZOOM)
In addition to the Auto White Balance system used in earlier CAMEDIA models, the C-900ZOOM has a new Manual White Balance function. To ensure the color balance is right - which is sometimes difficult with Auto White Balance -the photographer can choose from four color temperatures for sunlight, overcast skies, incandescent light or fluorescent light.
Quick Focus (C-900ZOOM)
Along with its autofocus system, the C-900ZOOM has a new Quick Focus function that automatically sets the focal distance to infinity or 2.5 m.
Manual Exposure Compensation (C-900ZOOM and C-830L)
Both the C-900ZOOM and the C-830L have Manual Exposure Compensation as well as programmed exposure. With this fine-adjustment capability, image quality can be enhanced further.
Optical Viewfinder with Dioptric Correction (C-900ZOOM)
The C-900ZOOM's optical viewfinder has dioptric correction, so those with eyesight problems will have a clear view.
DIGITAL FUNCTIONS FOR EXTRA FUN
Closeup Functions (C-900ZOOM and C-830L)
Both new models have a 2x Digital Telephoto Mode for recording in the SQ Mode. Combined with the C-900ZOOM's 3x optical zoom lens, this feature offers 6x zooming. The C-900ZOOM and C-830L also bring the flexibility of 3x Closeup to playback and printing.
Video I/O
The video I/O terminals offer additional input capabilities or output to a TV monitor simply by connecting the camera with the included video cable.
3.3 V SMARTMEDIA CARD RECORDING (C-900ZOOM AND C-830L)
Up to 16 MB of Storage
Both new digital cameras are compatible with 16 MB SmartMedia cards. They come with a 8 MB card that includes a Panorama Composite function. The 8 MB card can hold at least 122 shots in the SQ Mode, 36 in the HQ Mode, 18 in the SHQ Mode and 2 in the Noncompression SHQ Mode.
Easy PC Downloading
Now there is no need to use a cable to download image files to a PC. With the MAFP-1N floppy disk adapter, it is as easy as inserting the camera's 3.3 V SmartMedia card and putting the adapter in the drive, just as if it were a 3.5-inch floppy disk. The MA-2 PC card adapter is also available for transferring data to a notebook computer through its PC card slot.
Processing Capabilities
To make digital imaging more fun, Olympus SmartMedia cards come with image processing functions as well as storage capabilities. With the included 4 8MB card, a number of shots taken in the Panorama Composite Mode can be combined in a single Panorama image. The optional 4 MB Calendar Card makes it easy to create an original calendar, while the optional 4 MB Template Card holds illustrations that can be combined with digital images. With the optional Handwriting Card, handwritten notes or drawings can be superimposed on an image to create original greeting cards.
NEW EXIF 2.1 RECORDING FORMAT (C-900ZOOM AND C-830L)
The C-900ZOOM and the C-830L are the first CAMEDIA models to adopt the Exif 2.1 recording format. Following JEIDA standards, Exif 2.1 ensures compatibility with printers from any leading manufacturer. The format is also suited to the output systems used by professional service bureaus and labs.
CAMEDIA P-330 DIGITAL COLOR PRINTER
PHOTOREALISTIC QUALITY
Making the most of the cameras' exceptional image quality, the P-330 delivers photorealistic output with its dye-sublimation processing, 306 dpi resolution and sharp reproduction of 16.7 million colors. With this exceptionally high quality, the output is comparable to silver-halide photographs.
 
DIRECT SMARTMEDIA CARD OUTPUT
Eliminating the need to transfer data to a PC, the P-330 has a new SmartMedia card slot that makes direct output as easy as inserting the camera's card. The printer is compatible with the C-900ZOOM, C-830L and all other CAMEDIA models except the C-80OL, C-410L and C-400L. The P-330 can be used for printing from a PC as well.
* The C-1400XL, C-1400L and C-1000L can also be connected to a PC with their included cable.
 
SMARTMEDIA CARD READER FUNCTION
Since it has a SmartMedia card slot, the printer can serve as a card reader for downloading images to a PC running Windows '98, Windows '95 or Windows 3.1.
 
VIDEO I/O
With the advantages of the printer's new video I/O terminals, images can be displayed on a TV monitor, and the P-330 can serve as video printer - a feature that brings new capabilities to a home imaging lab.
 
MORE FUN AND CREATIVITY
The P-330 has many other features that increase the fun of digital imaging and make it easy to create a home photo lab
 
New multi-image output on 4-, 9- and 16-cut sheets.
New sharpness adjustment function to enhance image quality.
New Preview Mode for checking an image on a TV monitor.
New trimming function to create zoom effects.
New laminated output capability on an optional medium for preserving a memorable image.
Index and mirror print output.
Multiple-print output.
 
*Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. was changed to OLYMPUS CORPORATION as of October 1, 2003.
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