Olympus Imaging Corporation (President: Masaharu Okubo) is pleased to announce the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6, a super-wide-angle zoom lens compliant with the Four Thirds System standard for digital SLR cameras and scheduled for release by the end of 2008.

Based on the Four Thirds System standard, Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are interchangeable lenses with a digital-dedicated design that maximizes the performance of the image sensors used by digital SLR cameras. The newly announced ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 — which will join Olympus's Standard series^*1 of Olympus interchangeable lenses, is a super-wide-angle zoom lens covering a wide focusing range equivalent to 18-36 mm on a 35-mm camera lens. Representing the commercialization of the "super-wide-angle zoom lens" described in the ZUIKO DIGITAL Interchangeable Lens Roadmap currently promoted on our website.
Until now, super-wide-angle lenses tended to be big, heavy, and expensive, making it difficult for most camera users to take advantage of them. The newly announced ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 promises to change all this. With its ultra compact and lightweight design and the outstanding portability, thanks to the DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) lens, available only with the Four Thirds System, this lens will make super-wide-angle photography friendlier and more affordable. Despite its compact size — it's just 73 mm long and weighs a mere 280 grams (current plan)^*2 — this lens boasts a long focusing range equivalent to 18-36 mm on a 35-mm camera lens.

No manufacturer has yet released a zoom lens in the super-wide-angle domain that has both a focal distance equivalent to less than 20 mm on a 35-mm camera lens and a built-in image stabilization mechanism. However, when used with an Olympus digital SLR camera body with a built-in image stabilization mechanism such as the E-3 (released in November 2007), the E-510 (released in June 2007) or the newly announced E-520, the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 enables super-wide-angle handheld shooting at a focal distance equivalent to 18 mm on a 35-mm camera lens without using a tripod even at night. And with any one of these combinations, users will also enjoy the benefits of the Live View shooting function, which makes it possible to create compositions using unique and unusual perspectives that are difficult to obtain with conventional viewfinders.

*1

The OLYMPUS ZUIKO DIGITAL series of interchangeable lenses is comprised of three lines: 1) the Standard series, which prioritizes high cost efficiency and reduced size/weight; 2) the High Grade series with advanced functions and high performance including a splash- and dust-proof design; and 3) the Super High Grade series, which features the professional specifications and superior imaging required by top professionals.

*2

Specifications may be subject to change without prior notice.

Pricing & Launch Date

Product Name	MSRP	Launch date
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6	Not determined	Before end of 2008