DIWA Press Release

Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - The eleven member websites within DIWA Awards continuously test and review digital imaging products for their readers. For digital cameras, more than 200 details must be checked, tested and evaluated. Then, each review is carefully monitored and compared by DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) to ensure error-free, reliable and comprehensive test results. Top ranked products will receive DIWA Awards in the value of gold, silver or bronze, based on summarized average scores. At the end of each year, one of the gold winners from each of the three digital camera categories is selected by the members as the best of the best, honoured by a ”DIWA Platinum Award”. For 2004, the DIWA group of experts has decided the following digital camera to be worthy winner of this Platinum DIWA award:

Olympus CAMEDIA C-8080: DIWA Platinum Award 2004 for ”Best Advanced Digital Camera”

The Olympus CAMEDIA C-8080 WIDE ZOOM receives the DIWA Platinum Award after being chosen by the DIWA members as the best of the gold winning ”Advanced digital cameras” in 2004. Its high speed wide angle zoom lens proved to be a perfect match with the 8 Megapixel 2/3” image sensor, providing low-noise images with natural, vibrant colours and remarkable sharpness. The C-8080 WIDE ZOOM combines the benefits of a reasonably compact design with the flexibility of automatic and full manual controls. This is highlighted by super macro capability, a comfortable grip, a user-friendly adjustable 1.8” LCD screen and a detailed electronic viewfinder, as well as support for external flash and optical converters. In addition to its outstanding performance and numerous features, the Olympus CAMEDIA C-8080 WIDE ZOOM delivers excellent value for money.

About DIWA
A fast growing independent, authoritative, industry organization
The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) is a fast growing group of independent Web-based specialist publications dedicated to digital imaging. DIWA harnesses the collective talent and expertise of its members, resulting in industry awards that command unparalleled confidence and value, both for consumers and the industry, alike. DIWA awards come in the form of bronze, silver and gold medals.

Unique bullet-proof test scoring procedure
DIWA product test awards are exclusively decided through the analysis of multiple test scores from different DIWA testers, testing different samples of the same product. A very detailed and comprehensive standardized scoring procedure is employed, tailored carefully for each category of product. Multiple testing eliminates the chance of an isolated unrepresentative product sample or test error, or even hidden bias, from affecting the trustworthiness of the overall result.

Awards throughout the year
DIWA is also unique in its policy in issuing awards for deserving products throughout the year, culminating in annual best of the year Platinum medal awards.

DIWA Awards members:
- Czech Republic:  www.fotoaparat.cz
- Denmark:  www.digitalmagasinet.dk
- Germany:  www.digitalkamera.de
- France:  www.photographyblog.com
- Netherlands:  www.letsgodigital.org
- Norway:  www.digit.no
- Poland:  www.fotopolis.pl
- Slovenia:  www.e-fotografija.com
- Spain:  www.nuevafotografia.com
- Turkey:  www.diginorm.com.tr
- United States:  www.steves-digicams.com

The DIWA multi-lingual Web site
At the heart of the DIWA organisation is its multi-lingual Web site, www.diwa-awards.com, where you can find links to the latest reviews published by DIWA member publications. The site also archives DIWA awards and is designed to aid consumers in their choice of imaging products.

For further information about DIWA please visit our Web site - http://www.diwa-awards.com- or email us at [email protected].