August 24, 1999 Update:February 20, 2001

The CAMEDIA C-2500L Digital SLR

2.5 million pixels Large 2/3-inch primary-color progressive CCD Large-aperture 3x optical zoom lens Advanced TruePic processing Natural and confident SLR handling Professional quality and consumer pricing

CAMEDIA C-2500L

Summary

Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that sales of the CAMEDIA C-2500L digital SLR will begin on September 15, 1999. The new release features a 2/3-inch primary-color progressive CCD with 2.5 million pixels-the highest figures in this class for both the size of the image sensor and the number of pixels. State-of-the-art processing technologies also contribute to unmatched image quality, while a large-aperture 3x optical zoom lens combines versatility and precision.

Intensifying Competition

New digital cameras with more than 2 megapixels have already raised the momentum during 1999, and the market is expected to grow further. As the race for higher resolution has heated up, image quality has improved dramatically. Today's models with more than 2 megapixels deliver results comparable to an A4-size color print from a 35 mm camera. Since entering the digital camera market, Olympus has focused on the consumer segment and led with a succession of products optimized for image quality. The launch of the CAMEDIA C-1400L digital SLR in the autumn of 1997 was a particular milestone. It features a large 2/3-inch progressive CCD along with a high-performance 3x optical zoom lens that makes the most of the CCD's sensitivity. It also has an SLR viewfinder that prevents parallax distortion. The combination has brought unprecedented image quality to digital photography. Acclaimed worldwide, the C-1400L has earned solid market leadership.

The New Flagship

As an improved version of the C-1400L, the C-2500L digital SLR promises to raise the pace again. The new flagship of the CAMEDIA lineup combines the latest digital advances with the optical technologies that Olympus has developed in decades of producing 35 mm cameras. The result is a top-of-the-line model that delivers the highest image quality achieved by a digital camera. The C-2500L has a large 2/3-inch primary-color progressive CCD with 2.5 million pixels-the highest number in a model for consumers. This sensitivity and image quality are optimized by the improved performance of the large-aperture Multivariator 3x optical zoom lens. Another breakthrough is the C-2500L's TruePic processing-the first time this revolutionary new image processing has been employed in a digital camera. Regardless of image size, TruePic uses information from all the pixels-up to 2.5 million-in processing an image. With this new method, it sets a higher standard for quality, creating sharper and more lifelike images in any size. Photographers will welcome the natural, solid feel of the L-shaped design and the expressive possibilities of a full range of functions. The versatile capabilities include the Super Macro Mode for moving in as close as 2 cm. Three exposure modes -Program, Aperture-Priority and Manual-are ready for the range of lighting conditions. And creative control is enhanced further by the Flash Synchronization Socket for an external flash unit. The C-2500L records images on SmartMedia cards-the mainstream storage solution for digital cameras. Offering more choices, it is also the first Olympus digital camera with a Compact Flash card slot as well. With this extra capacity, photographers can continue to shoot without worrying about having enough room.

Main Features

Ultra-High Image Quality

2/3-inch Primary-Color Progressive CCD with 2.5 Million Pixels The C-2500L's CCD has 2.5 million pixels-the highest resolution available in an affordably priced digital camera for consumers. Raising sensitivity to a new level, the 2/3-inch image sensor is the largest in a digital camera with more than 2 megapixels. The primary-color filter also ensures that colors are vibrant and lifelike. Large-Aperture 3x Optical Zoom Lens The bright F2.8-3.9 3x optical zoom lens offers coverage equivalent to the 36-110 mm range of a 35 mm camera. The potential of the CCD is optimized by seven glass lens groups with seven elements including an aspherical lens. Olympus' unique Multivariator zooming system also plays a part in the compact, lightweight design. With this high-performance configuration, images are clear and sharp, showing minimal aberration or fall-off light in the corners of the frame. Unprecedented TruePic Processing The C-2500L is the first digital camera to employ Olympus' original TruePic image processing algorithm. To achieve high-speed processing of the algorithm, a new IC was developed specially for the C-2500L. Even when the size of the image is changed, it takes full advantage of all 2.5 million pixels to create smooth, true-to-life images.

Easy and Natural SLR Handling

TTL Viewfinder Showing the image exactly as it is captured, the TTL SLR viewfinder has the precision of a 95% field of view, and it prevents parallax distortion. Dioptric correction is built in to compensate for eyesight problems. Convenient and Stable L Shape The high-performance 3x zoom lens is incorporated in an L-shaped design with the solid feel of a 35 mm SLR. The control keys and buttons are arranged to simplify operation, and frequently used settings can be assigned to a key. Super-Macro Mode In the Super-Macro Mode, the photographer can move in as close as 2 cm to shoot extreme close-ups. Full-frame images can be captured up to 45 x 35 mm. Manual Focus Along with autofocus, there is a Manual Focus system for enhanced creative control. The focal distance be selected from any of 16 points, and there is a convenient 16-step Quick Focus function that moves automatically to preset points between 0.3 m and infinity. This feature is especially handy with a fast-moving subject or in difficult lighting. Quick Shooting and Sequence Mode Specially developed new ASIC circuitry delivers high-speed processing, so the C-2500L's increased resolution does not slow recording. The Sequence Mode can be used in any quality mode to take up to five shots at about 1.3 frames/sec.

Full Creative Control

Two Metering Modes The C-2500L's Center-Weighted Mode takes the average of lighting across the frame, but emphasizes the center. Spot Metering can also be selected for an accurate exposure based on a particular part of the image. Three Exposure Modes   Program When the shutter button is pressed, the Program Mode automatically sets the optimal aperture and shutter speed. This automation ensures that even beginners will not miss an opportunity. Aperture-Priority To control the depth of field, the photographer can choose F2.8/F5.6 at a wide-angle focal length or F3.9/F7.8 at a telephoto setting. Manual Any shutter speed from 8 to 1/10,000 can be selected along with an aperture setting of F2.8/F5.6 at a wide-angle focal length or F3.9/F7.8 at a telephoto setting. The LCD panel shows the difference between the Manual selection and the Program Mode recommendation. Three White Balance Modes In addition to Auto White Balance, there is One Touch White Balance for the appropriate color balance regardless of the lighting source. Manual White Balance offers a choice of six color temperatures-3000K, 3700K, 4000K, 4500K, 5500K, 6500K-for complete control. Three Equivalent ISO Sensitivity Settings According to the scene, the CCD's sensitivity can be set to the rough equivalent of ISO 100, 200 or 400. This range comes in very handy for nighttime and indoors shots as well as when flash photography is prohibited. It can also be used to prevent camera shake at a telephoto focal length. Sharpness Adjustment The Sharpness Adjustment has Normal and Soft settings. They are especially useful for ensuring a shot is suited to a particular use, whether it is printed output or additional image processing. Slow-Synchro Setting This setting fills out the four flash modes-Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Off and Fill-in -with first- or second-curtain Synchro Flash effects. It is ideal for shooting in low light indoors, photographing a subject against nighttime scenery, capturing the flowing traces of moving lights or recording an after-image.

Other Digital Functions

File Name Setting With a number automatically assigned to all image files and folders, it is easy to keep track of shots, even when the storage card is changed. This feature also ensures that file and folder names are not duplicated when images are transferred to a PC. Video Output Use the video output terminal to connect the C-2500L to a TV monitor for large-screen display of images. A video cable is included.

Large-Capacity Storage and Friendly Data Handling

128 MB SmartMedia Card Compatibility The C-2500L currently works with 3.3 V SmartMedia cards holding up to 128 MB. Compact Flash Card Compatibility The C-2500L has a slot for a Compact Flash card as well as a SmartMedia card. Both of them can be used simultaneously, so there are no worries about sufficient capacity for high-resolution images. It takes only a touch of a button to switch image storage from one slot to another anytime during shooting. Files can be easily copied from one card to the other as well. Easy Data Transfer Eliminating the need to connect a cable, a range of optional accessories make data transfer to a PC easy and convenient. The USB-compatible MAUSB-2 SmartMedia card reader/writer will be released in September 1999, while the MAFP-2 floppy disk adapter and MA-2 PC card adapter are currently available.

Thoroughgoing Compatibility

Images can be recorded in the JPEG format as well as uncompressed TIFF. The JPEG format follows the DCF (Design Rules for Camera File Systems) specifications established by the Japan Electronic Industry Development Association (JEIDA). For simplified printing, recording is also possible in the Digital Print Order Format (DPOF). This compatibility ensures that the files will work easily with other products and processing services.

Optional Accessories

FL-40 External Flash The advantages of the C-2500L's versatile flash modes are enhanced by the compatibility of the FL-40 external flash scheduled for release on September 15, 1999. With its GN 40 rating, it is designed for greater creativity. Meeting every need in digital flash photography, it combines power with high-precision intensity control. It also features uniform distribution that ensures the edges of an image are bright and clear. The FL-40 can be used alone or with the camera's built-in flash. RM-1 Remote Control The multifunction RM-1 is available for convenient remote control of zooming, playback and Macro shooting functions as well as triggering the shutter release. When video output is used during shooting, the framing on the TV monitor can be adjusted with the RM-1. The combination can also add impact to a business presentation when the RM-1 is used to control playback of edited images on the TV monitor. Three Conversion Lenses The optional conversion lenses open up new paths in digital photography. The TCON-14 telephoto conversion lens extends the focus length 1.4x, while the wide-angle WCON-08 conversion lens reduces it 0.8x. The MCON-40 Macro conversion lens can take a full-frame image as large as 51 x 38 mm. CAMEDIA P-330 Digital Color Printer Consumers can enjoy photorealistic output at home with the quality of the P-330's dye-sublimation processing. It also offers the convenience of a SmartMedia card slot for output of A6-size (105 x 148 mm) prints without a cable or transferring data to a PC. The P-330 can print on 4-, 9- and 16-cut sheets, and there is no need to use a PC for simple editing such as trimming and sharpness adjustments.

Specifications