Olympus Europe Press Release 08/01/04

A truly small and beautiful 35mm compact zoom
The weatherproof Olympus ?[mju:]-III 80

Hamburg, 8 January 2004 ? Constant evolution. That is the key to the phenomenal success of the Olympus ?[mju:] ? the world?s bestselling camera series. The latest addition to the range, the ?[mju:]-III 80, adds its own special stamp to the series? winning formula of high quality photo technology, a compact form and style. Its redesigned flash combines the advantages of a reduced size with excellent flash coverage. This camera can be brought along to any party, family gathering or holiday. Even when surprised by a spring shower or caught by a splash of water at the seaside, you can carry on shooting ? the weatherproof body will keep out the moisture. As with all ?[mju:] models, this one ensures great results with the minimum of fuss. It has a 3-Way Light Metering AE System for optimum exposure. The Multi-Wide Autofocus System plus a Camera Shake Indicator also help deliver perfect pictures. For the perfect gift, the ?[mju:]-III 80 is available in a kit* with everything needed to start shooting straight away.

The next generation of a winning model
Released in 1998, the ?[mju:]-II ZOOM 80 immediately established itself as a very desirable compact. With sales of around 3.4 million, it is one of the world?s bestselling 2x zoom cameras. Now, around six years later, the ?[mju:]-III 80 is set to continue this remarkable success. Sharing the 38?80mm 2.1x zoom lens of its namesake, it also has two aspherical elements inside the optical system for superior picture quality. A host of new attractions are also included.

A style icon in a weatherproof body
Good looks run in the ?[mju:] family as does a weatherproof construction. The result: you can capture those special moments even in the rain, when splashed by water or if your hands are wet.

11-Point Multi-Wide Passive AF
The ?[mju:]-III 80?s autofocus sensor takes measurements from up to 11 points so it can automatically recognise the main subject ? even if it is not in the centre of the frame. This guarantees sharp images every time.

3-Way AE Light Metering System
Taking readings with three different optical sensors, the automatic 3-Way AE light metering system ensures optimally exposed shots, delivering bright, colourful photos at all times ? even under fluorescent lights.

Camera Shake Indicator minimises risk of blurred shots
In case the camera is shaken or it is unstable, the Camera Shake Indicator in the viewfinder warns the user. In case the warning is overlooked the camera automatically selects the next fastest shutter speed to help minimise the possibility of blurred photographs.

Newly-designed flash
Another special feature in the ?[mju:]-III 80 is the built-in, fixed-position compact flash. Developed by Olympus, patent registration for this unique technology is already underway. The unit has been beautifully worked into the camera?s compact design and can be easily controlled by the six flash modes. Unlike conventional compact camera flash reflectors, which have a cylindrical shape, the ?[mju:]-III 80’s reflector combines a cylindrical surface with angled surfaces above and below. By combining this form with a new Fresnel lens, the new reflector can still offer excellent flash coverage but in a more compact design.

?[mju:]-III 80 Kit: the ideal gift
Containing a film, case, battery and strap, the Kit Edition has everything needed for the fun to start immediately. Topped by an attractive price, this is the perfect gift for anyone who wants to shoot in style.

The ?[mju:]-III 80 is planned for release in February, 2004

Main features:

Fully-automatic 35mm compact camera

2.1 x zoom lens 38 ? 80mm (with two aspherical lens elements)
Camera Shake Indicator
Multi-Wide AF System (up to 11 points)
3-Way AE Light Metering System
Spot exposure metering
6 flash modes
Infinity/Landscape mode
Optional remote control at a max. distance of up to 5m
Dimensions: 111.5(w) x 59(h) x 40(d)mm
Weight: 180g (without battery)

* The Quartzdate model is not available in the kit version.