The Olympus SP-350 and Olympus SP-310 digital cameras are announced. The Olympus SP-350 and Olympus SP-310 have 8 megapixel and 7 megapixels respectively. Both cameras offer a 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38-114mm and a 2,5 inch LCD monitor. Available from October, the SP-350 and SP-310 are priced at around £310 and £270 respectively with the SP-310 exclusive to Jessops.

Olympus Press Release

Creativity lies in the palm of your hand

London, 29 August 2005 – Offering 8.0 and 7.1 million pixels respectively, the new Olympus SP-350 and SP-310 are an enthusiast’s dream. Four exposure modes hand the photographer the freedom to experiment whilst a precision 3x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 38-114mm on a 35mm camera), ensures that crisp and razor-sharp images are produced each and every time.

Featuring a range of focusing options from regular iESP autofocus to spot and multi-spot AF both models also have a manual focus option. In addition a histogram function is available, both in playback mode and in real-time whilst framing, to enable exposure distribution to be checked on the extra-large 6.4cm LCD.

For those looking to extend the camera’s capabilities even further, a whole host of accessories are available including lens converters, an underwater case and flash units that simply clip onto the camera’s hotshoe mount.

The Olympus SP-350 and SP-310 – main features:
· 8.0 / 7.1 million pixels
· Bright 3x zoom lens (equiv. 38-114mm on a 35mm camera), 1:2.8-4.9. 15x total magnification incl. digital zoom
· 6.4cm/2.5” LCD monitor
· Auto, Programme, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and manual exposure, 24 scene modes
· Focusing options: Spot with option to select AF area with 143 points, iESP autofocus and manual focus
· Super Macro mode up to 2cm
· Histogram function in shooting and playback modes
· Recording in JPEG or RAW formats
· Very long battery life (up to 510 shots)* and uses standard AA batteries
· TruePic TURBO image processor· 25MB internal memory plus xD-Picture Card slot· Movie recording with sound
· USB Hi-Speed AutoConnect
· PictBridge compatible
· Availability of lens converters WCON-07F, TCON-17F and underwater case PT-030
· TTL hot-shoe connector (SP-350 only) for attaching external flashes* Under ideal conditions using the included CR-V3 battery pack

A range of optional accessories gives the SP-350 and SP-310 a further edge on their competitors. Photographers can greatly extend the cameras’ capabilities with the WCON-07F lens converter for wide 27mm shots or the TCON-17F for 193mm tele views (35mm camera equivalent / usage requires CLA-4 adapter). An underwater case is also available and external flash units, such as the Olympus FL-20, can be added to the SP-350 via its hotshoe.

The Olympus SP-350 and SP-310 are both ultra-compact and lightweight yet have a robust feel to them and fit snugly in the hand. Perfect for the experienced photographer who needs a compact model in their kitbag both models come with an Olympus CR-V3 battery pack that lasts for more than 500 shots. Both are PictBridge compatible and downloading images to a PC or printer couldn’t be simpler using the USB Hi-Speed AutoConnect provided.