The Olympus mju Tough 8000 and mju Tough 6000 are new waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof cameras. Both the 12 megapixel mju Tough 8000 (also known as the Stylus Tough 8000) and the 10 megapixel mju Tough 6000 (also known as the Stylus Tough 6000) feature a 3.6x wide zoom lens (28-102mm), Dual Image Stabilisation and TAP Control which allows the cameras to be operated by taps on the casing. The Tough 8000 is shockproof to 2m, waterproof to 10m, crushproof to 100kg and freezeproof to -10°C, and the Tough 600 is shockproof to 1.5m, waterproof to 3m and freezeproof to -10°C. The Olympus mju Tough 8000 / Stylus Tough 8000 will be available mid-January for £340 / $399.99, and the Olympus mju Tough 6000 / Stylus Tough 6000 in early February for £280 / $299.99.

Olympus Europe Press Release

Tough by name, tough by nature

The Olympus µ TOUGH-8000 & µ TOUGH-6000

Hamburg, 7 January 2009 – It doesn’t matter where your photographic exploits take you, the Olympus µ TOUGH series has all bases covered. Whether pursuing active interests like snorkelling, mountain climbing or snowboarding – or simply enjoying life with friends and family in the back yard – this unique range of waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof cameras expands photo-taking potential and provides peace of mind. The two latest additions to the line-up boast trademark tough characteristics and are armed with high-performance attributes that guarantee perfect results. Both the 12 Megapixel µ TOUGH-8000 and the 10 Megapixel µ TOUGH-6000 feature a 3.6x wide zoom lens which spans a focal length spectrum of 28-102mm* to facilitate brilliant wide-angle shots. Blur caused by camera shake is also all but eradicated thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation, and TAP Control allows the cameras to be operated by taps on the casing. The µ TOUGH-8000 and µ TOUGH-6000 let you enjoy extremes while taking exceptional photos without a care. They will become available mid-January and early February respectively.

As tough as you like
With the µ TOUGH-8000 and µ TOUGH-6000, users can choose the level of toughness they need. The top-of-the-line model in the tough range, the µ TOUGH-8000, is perfect for those really wanting to take things to the limit: waterproof to 10m***, shockproof to falls up to 2m**, freezeproof down to temperatures as low as -10°C and crushproof to withstand weights of up to 100kg****, it can take a veritable beating and still return excellent results. Its sister model, the µ TOUGH-6000, is no softy either. In addition to freezeproof attributes, it is waterproof to 3m*** and provides shockproof protection against drops of up to 1.5m**.

Expand your shooting horizon
Both new cameras inherit the versatile 3.6x wide optical zoom which was first seen in the µ TOUGH series’ EISA Award winning µ 1030 SW predecessor model. The lens offers a focal length range that starts at just 28mm* for fantastic group photos and close-range architectural motifs, extending to 102mm for bringing distant subjects in close.

Say goodbye to blur
Dual Image Stabilisation joins the image-enhancing features of the µ TOUGH-8000 and µ TOUGH-6000. It ensures that photos impress with their blur-free fidelity even when the shooting environment means some camera shake is inevitable.

Maximise camera control and imaging performance
Besides an intuitive on-screen menu that can be displayed on the 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD in up to 39 languages, these models feature an additional innovative approach to controlling the camera. The Tap Control mode gives users fast access a range of settings simply by tapping the camera body – which also means that adjustments can easily be made even when wearing gloves.

Being built for tough action doesn’t mean the µ TOUGH-8000 and µ TOUGH-6000 skimp on image quality. Boasting 12 and 10 Megapixels respectively, both provide ample resolution to faithfully record scenes to the smallest detail. Furthermore, each model incorporates clever features that ensure spectacular results. Capable of recognising up to 3 faces, the µ TOUGH-8000’s Face Detection Technology guarantees that human subjects are always perfectly focused and exposed. And the µ TOUGH-6000, which boasts Advanced Face Detection Technology that can detect up to 16 faces, also has a handy Smile Shot feature which enables the camera to take the picture as soon as the person smiles. Meanwhile, Shadow Adjustment Technology assures that optimal contrast levels are attained across the entire image. Shooting ease is also enhanced through the inclusion of Intelligent Auto Mode: it identifies the scene being framed and automatically adjusts camera settings to one of five commonly-used scenes. In addition, Beauty Mode smoothes the skin of subjects while the shot is being taken, making for more even and brilliant skin tones.

The resilient µ TOUGH-8000 and µ TOUGH-6000 are a natural choice for anyone looking for a camera that can keep up with their own active lifestyle. Waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof, they hit stores in mid-January and early February 2009 respectively.

The Olympus µ TOUGH-8000 – main features
• Shooting in toughest situations – shockproof to 2m**, waterproof to 10m***, crushproof to 100kg**** and freezeproof to -10°C
• Available in Platinum Silver, Midnight Black or Steel Blue
• High-precision 3.6x wide optical zoom (28-102mm*) to capture great scenes through to stunning close-ups even in extreme conditions
• Avoids camera shake and blurry images thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation (combines mechanical and digital image stabilisation)
• TAP Control Menu for great convenience also when wearing gloves
• 12 Megapixels to make poster-size prints if you want to
• 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD for best ever preview even in brilliant sunlight and at extreme angles (230,000 dots)
• Face Detection for perfectly focused and exposed faces. In combination with Shadow Adjustment Technology, other main parts of the picture are also correctly exposed.
• The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto Mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
• Easy checking of air and water pressure thanks to on-screen manometer
• LED illuminator to lighten up underwater or macro sceneries
• Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound
(up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
• xD-Picture Card and microSD Card compatible

The Olympus µ TOUGH-6000 – main features
• Shooting when it’s getting tough, wet and cold – shockproof to 1.5m**, waterproof to 3m*** and freezeproof to -10°C
• Available in Lemon Yellow, Pure White, Arctic Blue or Sunset Orange
• High-precision 3.6x wide optical zoom (28-102mm*) to capture great scenes through to stunning close-ups even in extreme conditions
• Avoids camera shake and blurry images thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation (combines mechanical and digital image stabilisation)
• TAP Control Menu for great convenience also when wearing gloves
• 10 Megapixels to make poster-size prints if you want to
• 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD for best ever preview even in brilliant sunlight and at extreme angles (230,000 dots)
• Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces. In combination with Shadow Adjustment Technology other main parts of the picture are also correctly exposed.
• The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto Mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
• LED illuminator to lighten up underwater or macro sceneries
• Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
• xD-Picture Card and microSD Card compatible

* Equivalent to a 35mm camera
** Equivalent to MIL Standard (Olympus test conditions)
*** According to IEC standard publication 529 IPX8
**** According to Olympus test conditions
microSD is a trademark of SD Card Association

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