Olympus has announced the 7.1 megapixel SP-310 and 8 megapixel SP-350 digital cameras. Both units come with a 3x optical zoom, a 2.5 inch LCD monitor on the back, 4 exposure modes and 24 scene modes, histogram in shooting and playback modes, Super Macro down to 2cm, and 25 MB internal memory with an xD-Picture Card slot. Both cameras are PictBridge compatible and can record in JPEG or RAW formats.
The SP-310 will sell for $349 and the SP-350 will sell for $399 when they are released in October.
Click on the headline of this story for the Olympus press release.
Creativity lies in the palm of your hand
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
More experienced photographers know it is essential to have the freedom to adjust exposure parameters individually. Both the SP-350 and SP-310 enable full manual control, in addition to automatic shooting options, and whether using Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or the Full Manual mode, the results are only limited by the photographer’s imagination. All results can be recorded in both JPEG and RAW formats.
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.
Olympus has announced the 7.1 megapixel SP-310 and 8 megapixel SP-350 digital cameras. Both units come with a 3x optical zoom, a 2.5 inch LCD monitor on the back, 4 exposure modes and 24 scene modes, histogram in shooting and playback modes, Super Macro down to 2cm, and 25 MB internal memory with an xD-Picture Card slot. Both cameras are PictBridge compatible and can record in JPEG or RAW formats.
