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Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. ( President: Tsuyoshi Kikukawa ) is pleased to announce the introduction of the 4.0-megapixel µ-20 DIGITAL compact digital camera. The new camera is the second model in the Olympus µ DIGITAL series, which is the first line-up of metal-bodied digital cameras in the world to offer all-weather performance.
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The new µ-20 DIGITAL features the superior image quality of a 4.0-megapixel CCD and is positioned in the product line-up above the previously introduced µ-10 DIGITAL. It shares the stylish metal body and sleek flowing lines of the µ DIGITAL series, and boasts the enhanced elegance "Ocean Pearl" sliding lens barrier. Thanks to its compact size, it is exceptionally easy to carry and use in daily life.
In functional terms, the camera's all-weather body allows it to be used at beaches, pools, ski resorts, and other locations where water or inclement weather may be a source of concern. Despite its compact size, it features a newly developed compact, high-performance lens and 4.0-megapixel CCD that deliver truly amazing image quality. Although designed primarily for full-auto operation that allows users to simply open the lens barrier and begin shooting, it is also equipped with a full range of easy-to-use scene program modes. In addition, it offers the startup speed of a top-class digital camera, and boasts a shutter release lag time that is comparable with compact film cameras.
The µ DIGITAL series is a new series of digital cameras designed to offer "stylish design" and "beautiful imaging with incredible ease ". With the two-camera line-up of 3.2-megapixel µ-10 DIGITAL and 4.0-megapixel µ-20 DIGITAL, Olympus offers all-weather performance to a wide range of customers.
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| Main Features |
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The World's First All-Weather Metal-Bodied Digital Camera
Equipped with protection equivalent to IEC Standard Publication 529 IPX4 ( protection against water splashed from any direction ) , the μ-20 DIGITAL allows worry-free shooting in rain or snow, and is a perfect camera to take along to the beach, pool, or ski resort.
To achieve this level of water-resistance on a metal-bodied camera required the use of structural plastics between outer body and internal components, and of special rubber seals between individual body components. To achieve it while also making the body more compact - and the camera faster and more responsive - required an extremely high level of technology. Thanks to Olympus All-Weather Technology, however, it was possible to achieve these diverse and conflicting goals.
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Compact Metal Body With Stylish, Contoured Design
Thanks to its flowing, natural lines, the advanced metal body is a pleasure to touch and to hold. While taking advantage of the textural richness of metal, the camera utilizes the reflective characteristics of various parts of the body to emphasize "light" as a visual design concept. The lens barrier, for example, features an acrylic insert that draws on Olympus lens manufacturing technologies to produce a unique effect by which light seems to radiate in four directions from the 'M' in 'OLYMPUS.' To differentiate the µ-20 DIGITAL from the µ-10 DIGITAL, an elegant "Ocean Pearl" color was used.
Exclusive Olympus bonding technologies were also used to develop a compact new lens that incorporates three aspherical elements. Coupled with the use of ultra-compact xD Picture Cards for storage, and a dedicated lithium-ion battery for power, camera thickness was significantly reduced, resulting in an ultra-slim body that measures just 33.5mm ( D ) x 99mm ( W ) x 56mm( H ), and weighs a mere 165g.
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Easy, Full-Aut Operation With 4.0-Megapixel Image Quality
Although designed primarily for users who prefer the point-and-shoot simplicity of full-auto operation, the µ-20 DIGITAL also has five Scene Program modes: Portrait, Night Scene, Landscape-Portrait, Landscape, and Self-Portrait. As a result, users can instantly apply settings that are optimized to suit these frequently encountered shooting situation. To further simplify operation, the number of buttons and controls has been kept to a minimum.
Image quality is always a priority at Olympus. On the µ-20 DIGITAL, a 4.0-megapixel CCD and compact, high-performance lens are teamed with the proven performance of our exclusive TruePic image processing technology, assuring truly outstanding image quality from an extremely compact body.
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Top-Class Digital Camera Speed And Responsiveness
New algorithms significantly improve the user experience by giving the µ-20 DIGITAL the startup speeds and responsive shooting capabilities of a top-class digital camera. When the power is switched on, the camera is ready to shoot in approximately two seconds. In addition, the long shutter-release lag time that has traditionally plagued digital camera users has been reduced to approximately 0.4 seconds, ensuring quick shutter-button response that is comparable with compact film cameras. |
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| Other Features |
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Versatile White Balance Settings
In addition to an auto white balance mode that assures faithful reproduction of skin tones, four preset white balance settings are provided ( Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light ) .
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Two Light Metering Modes
Two light metering modes are offered: digital ESP metering, which ensures natural-looking exposures even when shooting in backlight or in high-contrast situations, and spot metering, which sets exposure values to suit a specific area of the composition.
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Exposure Compensation and Auto-Bracketing
Exposure compensation of up to +-2EV can be set in 1/3EV-step increments.
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Easy-to-Use In-Camera Image Editing Functions
A number of still-image editing operations can be performed directly in the camera, eliminating the need to download images to a personal computer for editing. Because the edited version is automatically stored in a separate area of memory, there is no need to worry that the original image will be overwritten. |
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Crop and Merge ( 2-in-1 ) Function |
| When this feature is activated, the camera automatically combines the next two shots into a single split-screen image. |
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Monochrome & Sepia Modes |
| Monochrome or sepia-tone versions of photos taken in color can be saved separately at the touch of a button. |
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Resize Function |
The Resize function saves a smaller-sized duplicate of the original image, making it easy for users to create photo e-mail attachments without using complicated image-editing software.
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All-in-One Package for Image Editing and Storage
All-in-one packaging includes everything necessary for image editing and storage, allowing entry-level users to begin enjoying digital photography right away.
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Long-life Batteries for Worry-Free Shooting
To ensure worry-free shooting, the dedicated rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides power for approximately 150 shots under normal operating conditions. Recharging time is approximately 2 hours.
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Test conditions for normal operation: repeated 2-shot shutter release followed by 10 minutes of rest; one zoom round trip per shot; HQ mode; LCD monitor and flash used on 50% of shots; no digital zoom, image display or file downloading; 25 degrees ambient temperature. |
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QuickTime Motion-JPEG Shooting
QuickTime Motion-JPEG movies with a frame advance speed of 15 frames-per-second can also be recorded. Up to about 16 seconds can be recorded at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, and up to about 70 seconds can be recorded at a resolution of 160 x 120 pixels. |
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| Optional Accessories |
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Remote Control
The RM-1 Remote Control is a multi-function unit that allows users to operate the zoom and shutter release from a distance. In addition, it can also be used as a playback controller when viewing images.
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Water Protector
The PT-016 Water Protector allows the µ-20 DIGITAL to be used underwater at depths of up to 40 meters.
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Camera Case and Neck Strap
A variety of cases and neck straps that complement the µ-20 DIGITAL's sophisticated design are also available.
| Camera Case |
| CSCH-08 |
Genuine leather, beige |
| CSCH-09CG |
Soft case, champagne gold |
| CSCH-09BL |
Soft case, blue |
| CSCH-09OR |
Soft case, orange |
| Neck Straps |
| CNS-01SV |
Metal, silver |
| CNS-01BL |
Metal, blue |
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xD-Picture Card Media
In addition to the 16MB xD Picture Card bundled with the camera, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, and 256MB xD Picture Cards are also available.
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*Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. was changed to OLYMPUS CORPORATION as of October 1, 2003.
