June 15, 2000

CAMEDIA C-990ZOOM Compact Digital Camera

Quickly responsive shooting engine Motion picture shooting QuickTime Motion JPEG format High picture quality and easy to operate Compact digital camera with 2.11 megapixel 3x zoom lens

FRONT		BACK
C-990ZOOM

* This news release is only for Japanese market.

Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (President: Masatoshi Kishimoto) is pleased to introduce the CAMEDIA C-990ZOOM compact digital camera. The camera features a built-in 1/2.7 inch 2.11-megapixel CCD with 3x optical zoom lens, QuickTime Motion JPEG format*1, sequential shooting and high-speed processing at around one second interval and greatly enhanced speed for recording and playback by the increased power of the shooting engine.

The CAMEDIA C-990 Zoom can take approximately 300 shots with alkaline batteries and approximately 800 shots*2 with the optional lithium batteries. With a simple-to-understand design, it is easy for even novices to use. This is the best standard model in terms of balance of high quality image, functionality and ease of operation in 2-megapixel class cameras. The multi-variator 3x zoom lens makes full use of the CCD performance, achieving vivid, highly detailed pictures for both wide angle and telephoto shots. The refined, pearl gold body includes setting modes with a range of flash modes, sharpness, and ISO settings, as well as a range of shot functions that allow the photographer to express his or her wishes. The back of the camera features arrow key buttons. Optional Lithium batteries LB-01 degreesR-V3) giving a stronger power source for shots are compatible. With digital cameras featuring increasingly higher pixels, cameras in the 1-2 megapixel class have maintained their popularity thanks to easier PC interface and their cost performance. Since launching its digital cameras in 1996, Olympus has paid great attention to create products with a conventional "camera-like" feel. The company has focussed on high picture quality to allow maximum enjoyment of prints, ease of operation to enable anyone to use the cameras and sound grip design to reduce camera shake. The CAMEDIA C-900ZOOM series, the predecessor to the CAMEDIA C-990ZOOM, has been a long-time bestseller since its launch in 1998.

*1	QuickTime Motion JPEG is a registered trademark of Apple Macintosh of the United States.
*2	With LCD monitor on and when using 50% of flash and zoom function. (According to Olympus data)

Main Features

Super High Image Quality

Improved CCD with 2.11-megapixel   With a 1/2.7-inch CCD with 2.11-megapixel and a high performance lens, the camera produces the highest level of resolution and natural color reproduction in its class. Multi-variator 3x Zoom Lens   Small and lightweight, the C-990ZOOM's multi-variator 3x zoom produces exceptional high quality images by minimizing aberration and luminance variation even around the edges of the frame. Composed of a six-group layout with eight lens elements including two aspherical glass elements, it boasts the highest resolution in its class. The focal length is 5.4 mm-16.2 mm (equivalent to 35-105 mm in a 35mm format) which covers a wide range of shots. When combined with the digital zoom, it can create a maximum effect of 7.5x zooming. Motion Image Shooting   The motion picture mode can be set using the menu. A sequence of JPEG images can be captured at 15 frames/sec. for up to 15 sec. in using 320 x 240 pixels or up to 60 sec. in 160 x 120 pixels. It also features a motion image edit function that can cut the beginning and end of shots to leave only the section required, so it is convenient for creating home pages and presentations. Playback of Motion JPEG Image recordings includes frame-by-frame and reverse as well as auto. A variety of editing function includes selecting a once-in-a-life shot from a sequence of images using Olympus' optional CAMEDIA Master 2.0 software.

High cost performance

This is a high cost performance digital camera with 2-megapixel excellent image quality, comfortable operation, plus top level of design. It satisfies users who ask for a high image quality.

Outstanding handling, portability and stylish design

The pearl gold color imparts a more sophisticated look to the small, stylish design. Miniaturization technology has been applied to create easy operation and portability featuring ergonomic design. The sliding lens cover, which is functioned as the power switch, can protect the lens for safe transportation.

Improved handling

Quick Shooting   Storage of picture data in the 8MB buffer memory allows shots at around one second interval. The remaining capacity in the buffer memory is displayed on the LCD monitor, and high-speed recording will be taken up to the limit of the memory. Sequence Mode   Sequence mode can produce high-speed sequential shooting at around 1.5 frames/sec. even in using the maximum 1600 x 1200 pixels. Reduction in Recording and Playback Times   Recording time is around one second in HQ mode, and playback time is about 3 seconds in the same mode. Long-lasting LB-01 (CR-V3) Lithium Battery Pack   As well as alkaline, Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries, the LB-01 (CR-V3) lithium battery pack can be used. Capable of capturing 2-3 times as many shots as alkaline batteries, it makes digital photography carefree, even over an extended period.

Full range of functions for clear shots

Versatile Flash Modes   In addition to Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Off and Fill-in, the camera features Slow Synchronization. It is ideal for shooting in low light, photographing a subject against nighttime scenery, capturing the flowing traces of moving lights or recording an after-image. Four ISO Sensitivity Settings   The Auto setting automatically adjusts the ISO from approximately 100. The Standard setting has a fixed sensitivity of approximately ISO 100, the 2x setting is for the range up to approximately ISO 200, and the 4x setting raises the sensitivity up to approximately ISO 400. This versatility is particularly handy for capturing a natural ambience indoors or when flash photography is prohibited. It can also be used to prevent camera shake in telephoto shots. Two Metering Modes   The 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 backlight or high-contrast situations, the system prevents under- and overexposure. There is also Spot Metering for an accurate exposure based on any point in the frame. Preset White Balance   In addition to Auto White Balance setting, four color temperatures can be set: daylight, overcast, tungsten light and fluorescent light. Users can take shots with the correct color balance even when Auto White Balance may encounter difficulties. Manual Exposure Compensation   In addition to programmed auto exposure, the camera features exposure compensation for fast and accurate setting of the exposure. It has the range and precision of +/- 2EV with fine adjustment in 1/2 EV steps. Fine-tuned Settings   The Sharpness Function can be selected from Soft and Normal settings. Convenience has been enhanced by a Power Off Mode Memory that preserves manual settings for the next time the camera is turned on.

Digital functions for extra fun

Digital Tele and Close-up Mode   In addition to the 2x Digital Tele Mode, the camera features 1.6x and 2.5x Tele Mode. Together with the optical 3x zoom, it is possible to take zoom shots up to a maximum 7.5x. After recording, you can magnify images taken up to 3x as well as 1.5x, 2x, 2.5x on the LCD. Images also can be scrolled smoothly top to bottom and left to right. AV Output   A video output terminal can be used to connect the C-990ZOOM to a TV monitor with the video cable that comes with the camera, allowing the images to be enjoyed on a TV screen.

SmartMediaTM card storage and large capacity 64MB compatible

8MB SmartMediaTM Card (bundled)   A standard SmartMediaTM 3V (3.3V) card (panorama function included, 8MB) is included. It can also use a large capacity up to 64MB SmartMediaTM card. Simple PC Interface   Images can be easily transferred to a PC simply by inserting a SmartMediaTM card when the optional accessories are used. They include the USB-compatible MAUSB-2 SmartMediaTM reader/writer, the MAFP-2N floppy disk adapter and MA-2 PCMCIA card adapter. Function Card   Olympus' SmartMediaTM cards offer image processing functions as well as storage capability. With the included 8MB card, the Olympus CAMEDIA Master 2.0 software bundled in the optional PC connection kit C-8KP (10,000yen) can automatically composite a number of Panorama Stitching Mode shots into a single Panoramic image. In addition, there are various function SmartMediaTM cards like calendar Card, which makes it easy to make an original calendar, Template Card, which combines shots with built-in illustrations, and Title Layer Card, which combines shots with handwritten text and illustrations to create original cards.

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 DPOF-compatible products. Compatibility with equipment produced by other manufacturers has been improved, making it extremely convenient.

Optional accessories

CAMEDIA P-330N Digital Color Printer   Bringing photorealistic output to the home, Olympus' dye-sublimation type digital color printer CAMEDIA P-330N (64,800yen) can print high-volume image files up to 10 MB without a PC. It also offers the convenience of a SmartMediaTM card slot for direct output of A6 size prints. Trimming and sharpness adjustments can be made, and the P-330N can print not only on photo paper but also on label paper with photo quality. Optional PC Interface accessories Product name Launch date PC connection kit: C-8KP Now on sale Floppy disc adaptor: MAFP-2N PCMCIA card adaptor: MA-2 USB-SmartMediaTM reader/writer: MAUSB-2

Specifications