Olympus Imaging Corporation (President: Masaharu Okubo) is pleased to announce that it has received two 2009-2010 EISA Awards. The Olympus Pen E-P1 Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens system camera cited as the best "European Camera 2009-2010", and the µ TOUGH-8000 Compact Digital Camera also won the "European Adventure Compact Camera 2009-2010" award.

The European Imaging & Sound Association (EISA) is an organization representing 50 leading camera, imaging and audio magazines in 20 European countries. Each year it selects outstanding products and technologies from a wide spectrum of audiovisual product categories.

Olympus Pen E-P1 Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens system camera
Winner of the European Camera 2009-2010 award

The EISA jury was clearly impressed with Olympus' first Micro Four Thirds camera, the revolutionary Olympus PEN. Confirming the groundbreaking benefits of the E-P1's key features, they noted:

"The Olympus PEN is an elegant camera with an appealing retro design. The camera utilises the new mirror- and prism-less Micro Four Thirds system, which allows the E-P1 to be very compact and lightweight. Besides the compact Micro Four Thirds lenses, users can fit existing Four Thirds, OM and Leica M mount lenses to the body via an adaptor".

And in recognition that the image quality of the E-P1 matches D-SLR results, the esteemed EISA jury summed up by saying:

"As the sensor is larger than that found in compact cameras better image quality and lower noise levels can be achieved".

With a range of features to choose from, the Olympus E-P1 is also a dream for anyone with creative ambition. The popular Art Filters can even be applied to its HD movies, which are recorded in high quality linear PCM sound.

Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens system camera "Olympus Pen E-P1"	The "European Camera 2009-2010" award

µ Tough-8000 Compact Digital Camera
Winner of the European Adventure Compact Camera 2009-2010 award

Designed to deliver impeccable results under the toughest conditions imaginable, the robust all-terrain 3.6x wide zoom lens Olympus µ TOUGH-8000 has already earned itself a formidable reputation. After winning a TIPA award, the rugged camera has now gone on to win another "photography Oscar". Waterproof to depths of 10m^*, shockproof against falls from 2m^**, freezeproof to -10°C^*** and crushproof to 100kg, the µ TOUGH-8000 was able to convince the discerning EISA jury to name it as best "European Adventure Compact Camera 2009-2010". In its accompanying remarks, the jury noted the camera's suitability for active lifestyles:

"The Olympus µ TOUGH-8000 is the ideal companion for photographers with an active outdoor life. Designed to be used both underwater and for normal photography, the µ TOUGH-8000 is waterproof down to 10 m^* and even has a built-in pressure gauge that indicates its actual depth. The camera is shock-proof against drops onto hard surfaces from a height of up to 2 m^**, and those who enjoy winter sports will find they can use the camera in temperatures of minus 10°C^***."

The jury even extended its recognition of the sturdy model to the camera's handling, noting:

"Many functions can be controlled by tapping the camera's sides, making it easy to use even when wearing gloves" (EISA).

*	waterproof equivalent to IEC Standard Publication and 6059 IPX8(Based on Olympus in-house testing).
**	Based on Olympus in-house testing.
***	The number of recordable pictures will be reduced; in-house testing with Olympus xD-Picture Card and lithium-ion battery (Indivisual component guarantees limited to 0°C and above.).

µ TOUGH-8000	The "European Adventure Compact Camera 2009-2010" Award