The Olympus Stulus 1s, a premium compact that was first announced as a Japan-only model back in October, will soon be available in the UK. Essentially an evolutionary upgrade to the venerable Stylus 1 (read review), the Sylus 1s features a new step-zoom function, a smaller auto focus target, plus focus peaking and interval shooting functionality. It is powered by a BLS-50 battery that provides enough power to take 450 shots according to CIPA standards. Most of the other technical specifications - including the 1/1.7-type 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, the 28-300mm (eq.) f/2.8 lens, the 7fps continuous shooting mode, the ISO 100-12800 sensitivity range and the 1.04-million-dot, 3" touchscreen - are unchanged versus the Stylus 1. The new Stylus 1s comes with the latest Stylus 1 firmware, which adds compatibility with wide-angle converters to deliver greater focal range with constant brightness, starting with the impressive wide-angle potential of 22.4mm (in 35mm terms). The Stylus 1s premium compact goes on sale from early summer for £429.99.

Olympus Press Release

STYLUS 1s soon available

Southend, 17th June 2015 – Olympus has given its red dot award-winning compact flagship added appeal with a lens and design upgrade that makes it more powerful, easier to use, easier to hold, and more stylish. The new STLYUS 1s comes with the latest STYLUS 1 firmware, which adds compatibility with wide-angle to deliver greater focal range with constant brightness, starting with the impressive wide-angle potential of 22.4mm* and extending right up to 510mm* telephoto shots.

This new eye-to-the-viewfinder, premium compact goes on sale from early summer** for £429.99.

Extended zoom range takes aim at DSLR

The STYLUS 1s may be compact, but its i.ZUIKO DIGITAL lens clearly aspires to – and even surpasses - the advanced imaging capability of entry-level DSLR cameras. The lens is now compatible with the slim WCON-08X Wide Angle Converter Lens*** that together with the TCON -17X extends the focal range without affecting the 1:2.8 aperture. This makes the top-of-the-range STYLUS ideal for the landscapes and indoor scenes beloved of photography enthusiasts who enjoy frequent travel. Another bonus for anyone looking to keep kit to a minimum: the Step Zoom lets you easily set the zoom lever to common 35mm-equivalent focal lengths without the hassle of switching single-focal-length lenses.

Flagship compact shows its true colours

Like its predecessor, the new STYLUS 1s feels – and looks – great in your hand. However, new textures make it easier and more pleasant to hold and there’s an even more solid quality to the slim, all-metal casing. Ever on the lookout for an eye-catching detail, Olympus’ style-conscious designers have also added the elegant blue ring familiar to fans of the high-end ZUIKO DIGITAL lens family.

Light and quick beats slow and bulky

The STYLUS 1s challenges traditional camera categories by delivering the creativity and hands-on shooting style of a DSLR with none of the bulk of mandatory external lenses. The automatic eye sensor makes it quick and easy to use the Electronic Viewfinder, which displays the conventional 35mm equivalent. Other new features include remote wireless shutter release from a smartphone (via OI.Share v2.5), Interval and Time Lapse Shooting, pinpoint focusing, and Focus Peaking – for the easier manual focusing that ambitious hobby photographers crave.

Warranty offer

Owners of Olympus cameras now qualify for a free six-month warranty extension by registering their camera at MyOlympus. The extension is valid

STYLUS 1s ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

>Comprehensive manual and automatic control system including analogue/digital Hybrid Contol ring and two selectable zoom levers, assignable sub-dial and fn2 button, plus Fast AF and touch-sensitive shutter release for instant, intuitive subject selection

>Compatibility with OI.Share v2.5 for remote shutter release from a smartphone via WiFi

>Compatibility with slim and lightweight WCON-08X wide converter lens and CLA-14 adapter, for wide angle shots to 22.4mm* at 1:2.8 aperture without heavy equipment

>Compatibility with TCON-17X teleconverter lens and CLA-13 adapter, for telephoto zoom up to 510mm* at 1:2.8 aperture

>35mm equivalent shown in focal length display in Electronic Viewfinder and LCD monitor

>Interval Shooting and Time Lapse Movie for capturing spectacular phenomena over 24 hours

>Step Zoom for instantly setting popular 35mm focal lengths in steps, from 28mm to 300mm

>Small Target AF for pinpoint autofocus

>Focus Peaking for easier Manual Focus

For full details of STYLUS 1s features, go to http://www.olympus.co.uk/stylus_1s

For more information on Olympus ZUIKO lens quality go to http://cameras.olympus.com/zuiko/

Product specifications are subject to change without notice. Please check the Olympus website at http://www.olympus-europa.com/stylus for the latest specifications.

* 35mm equivalent.
** Sales starting date might vary per country.
*** CLA-14 adapter required

Your Comments