Olympus UK Press Release

ZUIKO DIGITAL Top Pro lens range and Olympus µ 720 SW both win EISA Awards

London, 15 August 2006 – Olympus has received two of the recently-announced 2006 European Imaging & Sound Association (EISA) Awards. Honoured were both the water and shockproof µ 720 SW digital camera and the splash proof ZUIKO DIGITAL Top Pro range of lenses. Comprising five bright, fixed-aperture lenses, the ZUIKO DIGITAL Top Pro range is a part of the Olympus E-System and secured the “European Professional Lens 2006-2007” award on the basis of its professional quality and extreme performance attributes. Meanwhile, the compact µ 720 SW was crowned the “European Pocket Camera 2006-2007”. Waterproof to a depth of 5m* and shockproof against falls of up to 1.5m*, it represents the perfect partner for active photographers and those pursuing outdoor sports. EISA comprises 50 leading magazines in the areas of audio, mobile electronics, video and photography from 20 European countries. To reach their verdict, the jurors look for new products that combine the best in technology, features, design and ergonomics as well as value for money.

Michael Handa, Executive Managing Director, Olympus Imaging Europe: “We are very proud of these two latest EISA awards which again prove Olympus’ leading position in terms of innovation, design and performance across the board in the field of digital photography.”

The EISA jury was duly impressed with the Olympus products. Justifying its decision to bestow the “European Pocket Camera 2006-2007” award on the µ 720 SW, it was explained that: “The Olympus µ 720 SW is a pocket camera that is designed to withstand the knocks of family use. Its shock-proof design means its body can withstand a fall from the table, up to 1.5 meters. Taking pictures underwater to a depth of up to 3 meters is also possible, without the aid of an extra waterproof body. Even as a pocket camera the µ 720 SW looks good: it offers a 2.5-inch display, 3x zoom and a resolution of 7.1 million pixels.”

EISA was also clearly impressed with the ZUIKO DIGITAL Top Pro range of lenses. Commenting on their verdict to confer the “European Professional Lens 2006-2007” award, EISA commented: “The Olympus ZUIKO range of lenses for the FourThirds system now offers a Top Pro series which includes three zooms and two prime lenses: ED 7-14mm f/4.0, ED 35-100mm f/2.0, ED 90-250mm f/2.8, ED 150mm f/2 and ED 300mm f/2.8. These compact and robust lenses are perfect choices for sports, event or nature photography. Enthusiasts and professional photographers can now reach top performance with this light and compact equipment range.”

Shockproof according to MIL Standard (MIL-STD 810F).
Waterproof equivalent to the IEC standard publication 529 IPX8.