Olympus Press Release 12/02/04

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. And Sigma Corporation To Support Fourthirds System Standard For Dedicated Digital SLR Camera Systems

Olympus Corporation (President: Tsuyoshi Kikukawa) is pleased to announce the addition of three more firms to the roster of companies supporting the FourThirds System standard for digital SLR camera systems. The three firms (in alphabetical order) are: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.* (best known for its “Panasonic” brand products), Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. and Sigma Corporation. The FourThirds System standard continues to be open to all, and the participation of additional firms is being encouraged.

The FourThirds System standard defines a standard for the design and development of an entirely new generation of digital SLR camera systems and was established in an effort to fully realise the potential user and performance benefits offered by modern digital imaging technology. The FourThirds System uses a four-thirds-type image sensor, making it possible to design extremely compact lenses that also have the optical characteristics needed to maximise sensor performance. In addition, the system defines an open standard for lens mounts that provides consumers with a wider range of choice by assuring compatibility between FourThirds System bodies and lenses produced by different manufacturers. In October 2003, Olympus introduced a range of FourThirds System products that included the E-1 interchangeable-lens-type digital SLR and other Olympus E-1 System components.

The FourThirds System standard was announced in September 2002 by Olympus Corporation and Eastman Kodak Company of the United States, and has been supported since its inception by Fuji Photo Film Co, Ltd. In the future, we will continue to promote industry-wide participation by encouraging other manufacturers to join in developing this open standard to the benefit of all.
* Image sensor standard support

Note: The company names and product names specified in this release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of each company.