Olympus E-300, Olympus µ-mini [mju:] DIGITAL and the Nikon COOLPIX 8400 are the latest DIWA Silver Award winners.

DIWA Press Releases

Olympus E-300 achieves DIWA Silver Award

Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), an international organisation of websites focusing on digital imaging, today announced a DIWA Silver Award to Olympus E-300 D-SLR. The camera, a high resolution entry-level priced E-System D-SLR, received very high scores for its system features and overall handling from a number of reviews made by DIWA members throughout the world, rating the Olympus E-300 to win a DIWA Silver Award.

The Olympus E-300 is the second D-SLR camera based on the FourThirds Standard and delivers a high resolution of 8 Megapixels. Like its professional brother, the Olympus E-1, the E-300 incorporates a Supersonic Wave Filter that prevents dust and other foreign particles to ruin the captured image. This is just one of many features distinguishing the E-300 from its rivals, another being its unique appearance in an ultra-compact body. The silver medal represents recognition of high overall performance and is a summary of numerous rigorous tests conducted by DIWA camera experts.

Back in 1972, Olympus launched the OM-1 camera, the world’s smallest SLR at the time. With the E-300, Olympus yet again demonstrates remarkable talent for radical and ground-breaking camera designs, making it possible to adopt an entry-level priced model to the professional Olympus E-System.

The DIWA testing methodology filters out the good products from the poor and the average. Only the best are rewarded and the Olympus E-300 is an outstanding example of clever engineering at a remarkably low price. Today, Olympus’ merit has been recognised with a DIWA Silver Award.

SILVER DIWA Award to Olympus µ-mini [mju:] DIGITAL

Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), an international organisation of websites focusing on digital imaging, today announced that the Olympus µ-mini DIGITAL has won a DIWA Silver Award for its high performance. Last year, the same model received a DIWA Design Award for its unique shape, weather-proof construction and elegant finish.

The Olympus µ-mini DIGITAL met the requirements from the DIWA testing experts with very high scoring results. The average score qualified for a DIWA Silver Award, which is excellent for a camera in its price range and targeted consumers. Good image quality from a 4 Megapixel image sensor, impressive lens performance from a very compact 2x zoom lens and efficient image processing deliver suitable images for casual amateur photographers.

Additionally, the µ-mini DIGITAL features a weather-proof exterior, considered by the DIWA experts to be a vital advantage for active users, on the beach, in a boat, in the ski slopes or other similar environments, normally considered to be hostile to a camera. Simple and easy-to-use camera controls, well tuned automatic functions and a bright 1.8” LCD-screen complete the picture of a well composed camera for everyday use.

Nikon COOLPIX 8400 honoured with a DIWA Silver Award

Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), an international organisation of websites focusing on digital imaging, today announced a DIWA Silver Award to Nikon COOLPIX 8400. Excellent features, ergonomic design and high image quality are the core benefits of this high-end digital compact camera. Several product samples were examined by DIWA experts, unanimously praising the camera’s performance to meet the criteria for a DIWA Silver Award.

Nikon COOLPIX 8400 is an advanced compact digital camera for the connoisseur, rugged and reliable with many desirable features. Equipped with a revolutionary 3.5x Zoom Nikkor ED lens of astonishing quality, with a wide angle equivalent to 24 mm, the COOLPIX 8400 is in a class of its own. The 2/3” CCD image sensor delivers image files of 8 Megapixels, capable of making poster-size prints.

The lens, the image sensor, the 256-segment Matrix exposure meter and the fast image processor all contribute in delivering true Nikon quality images. A powerful, pop-up flash makes sure to deliver sufficient light in dark surroundings, with little risk of causing red eyes. For composition, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder supports the multi-angle swivelling 1.8” LCD colour screen.

DIWA experts from Europe and USA have concluded that the Nikon COOLPIX 8400 provides many features missing in other cameras in its class, with excellent scores for both build quality and image quality.

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 product category. 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 or email us at [email protected].