The Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS combines incredible durability with iHS technology, the world’s first high-speed bright f2.0 lens on a Tough camera and converter-lens compatibility to create a versatile system camera. The combination of durability and outstanding image quality make it possible to shoot in even the harshest conditions.

Around the 4x 25-100mm zoom lens, Olympus built in a removable surround that allows you to screw on an adapter for converter lenses. A fisheye lens for dramatic wide-angle shots as well as a telephoto converter lens will be available to extend the optical zoom from 4x to 6.8x. Both lenses can be used down to 40 feet.

The TG-1 has a bright f2.0 maximum aperture. While it probably won’t give you a shallow depth of field like you’d get with an f2.0 lens on a digital SLR or mirrorless compact system camera, it will let in more light, which will come in very handy underwater and in other low-light situations. The ring around the lens easily unscrews, allowing you to attach the converter ring.

The Olympus Tough TG-1 lens may not be terrifically fast at the long end of the zoom but is usefully bright at its wide angle setting, especially for underwater photography. There will also be the option to add a full underwater housing for working at greater depths. The TG-1 is tougher than previous Tough models, being waterproof to 12m (40ft) and shockproof from a height of 2m (6.6ft) and will have optional waterproof fisheye and telephoto converter lenses available. The TG-1 iHS is built around a 1/2.3″-type 12MP back-lit CMOS sensor and a TruePic VI processor to make the most of its output.

The TG-1 is designed specifically to keep up with the on-the-go photographer, the new Super Sport Mode combines high-speed autofocus with extra fast shutter speeds – up to 1/2000 – to freeze the action. Conveniently located on the dial, this mode captures five shots in a high-speed burst to ensure crisp shots in even the most extreme action sport settings. Low Light Mode is perfect for capturing the mood of low-light indoor scenes, beautiful sunsets or late night outdoor festivities without ruining the ambience with a bright flash. Shoot like a pro with 10 frames-per-second high-speed burst shooting and 1080p Full HD videos (1920×1080 pixels) or 60 frames-per-second (3mp) at the touch of button, allowing for slow-motion playback.

The camera has built-in GPS and an electronic compass. Adding to the TG-1 iHS’s higher-end features is a very fast autofocus speed–Olympus says it’s the same fast autofocus system found in its interchangeable-lens Pen cameras–and Linear PCM audio recording in video mode.

The Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS looks like an advanced point-and-shoot camera that just happens to be rugged, thanks to a wide-aperture F2.0 lens, a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor optimized for low-light shooting, a 3-inch-diagonal OLED display, and 1080p high-definition video capture.

It also includes a 1080p Full HD Video, 4X optical zoom, 8x digital zoom (“super-resolution”), 3-inch high resolution OLED display (610k dots), LED illuminator in the front, geo-tagging with GPS and e.compass functions enabling route tracking using Google Earth and Picasa web applications.  The converter ring allows expanding the optical capabilities with a lens converter adapter, waterproof Fisheye Converter Lens or Teleconverter Lens.

Feature highlights:

•     Bright F2.0* high-performance 4x zoom lens
•     Advanced GPS with high-speed satellite
•     acquisition and E-Compass
•     Waterproof to 12m, Shockproof to 2m, Freezeproof to -10C, Crushproof to     100kgf
•     12 megapixel BSI-CMOS Sensor
•     iHS technology for enhanced picture
•     quality even in low-light, and super-fast
•     autofocus and camera response speeds
•     New generation TruePic VI image processor
•     1080P Full HD video recording with stereo
•     sound in MOV and H.264 format
•     Reinforced 3” OLED screen with 610K
•     pixel resolution
•     New waterproof Fisheye and
•     Tele-converter options
•     Built-in LED macro light

Specifications:

Body type    Compact
Sensor
Max resolution    3968 x 2976
Other resolutions    3968 x 2232, 3264 x 2448, 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480
Image ratio w:h    4:3, 16:9
Effective pixels    12.0 megapixels
Sensor size    1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type    BSI-CMOS
Processor    TruePic VI
Image
White balance presets    4
Custom white balance    Yes
Image stabilization    Sensor-shift
Uncompressed format    No
File format

JPEG

Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)    25 – 100 mm
Optical zoom    4×
Autofocus

Contrast Detect (sensor)
Multi-area
Center
Selective single-point
Tracking
Face Detection

Digital zoom    Yes (4x)
Normal focus range    60 cm (23.62″)
Lens mount    Unknown
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD    Fixed
Screen size    3″
Screen dots    610,000
Viewfinder type    None
Photography features
Maximum aperture    F2.0 – F4.9
Minimum shutter speed    4 sec
Maximum shutter speed    1/2000 sec
Scene modes

Portrait, Beauty, Landscape, Night Scene, Night + Portrait, Indoor, Candle, Self Portrait, Sunset, Fireworks, Cuisine, Documents, Beach & Snow, Underwater Snapshot, Underwater Wide 1, Underwater Wide 2, Underwater Macro, Pet (Cat), Pet (Dog), Snow, Panorama, 3D, Backlight HDR

Built-in flash    Yes
Self-timer    Yes (2 and 12 sec)
Metering modes

Multi
Spot

Exposure compensation    ±2 EV (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Format

H.264

Microphone    Stereo
Speaker    Stereo
Connectivity
USB    USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI    Yes (Type D)
Wireless    None
Physical
Battery    Battery Pack
Battery description    LI90B
Battery Life (CIPA)    220
Weight (inc. batteries)    221 g (0.49 lb / 7.80 oz)
Dimensions    100 x 65 x 26 mm (3.94 x 2.56 x 1.02″)

Features:

• Class leading compact wide-angle ultrazoom
  24x wide angle ultra-telephoto zoom lens with 25-600mm range
• High performance image sensor
• 16 megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor with ISO range 100 to 6400
• iHS technology
• for greatly enhanced picture quality and super-fast autofocus and camera response speeds.
• Multi-Recording
• Unique technology utilising dual TruePic V image processors for simultaneous video and still, twin video stream, or twin still recording at full resolutions
• Powerful image stabilisation
  Highly effective Multi-Motion IS in video recording and Dual IS for still shooting
• Full HD video
  1080P Full HD video recording with Linear PCM stereo sound
• Touchscreen convenience
  Touch-screen 3” LCD with 920,000 dot resolution enables tap-shooting and touch playback control

The SZ-31MR offers the same 16 megapixel backlit sensor and 24x (25-600mm) optical zoom as its predecessor, but adds in a new image processor in the shape of the dual engine TruePic V. It is equipped with a 24 x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens, 25-600 mm zoom equivalent in 35-mm format, and 16 megapixel sensor. Which allows it to simultaneously capture 1080p HD Video and 16-Megapixel still images without missing a frame.

The new Olympus SZ-31MR combines the extreme opposites of super wide-angle and ultra-telephoto lens capability in an outstandingly small and lightweight camera. Its 25-600mm* super-compact zoom lens utilises professional-grade ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) and Olympus proprietary Dual-Sided Aspherical lens elements to achieve its extraordinary zoom range and high imaging performance. This remarkable 24x zoom lens represents the cutting-edge of optical engineering.

The new SZ-31MR brings touch-screen convenience with many powerful options. A simple tap of the high-resolution screen focuses the lens at the chosen point in the scene and takes the shot almost immediately. Other applications include LiveGuide touch control and touch-enabled picture playback.

The SZ-31MR is equipped with a touch screen LCD panel, and the camera is fitted with a High-Speed Sequential Shooting feature that enables 10 frames-per-second to be captured, together with high-speed autofocus. The Olympus SZ-31MR also comes with a selection of twelve power filters enabling you to add creativity to your shots.

The body of the SZ-31MR is just slightly tidier than that of its predecessor, thanks to the removal of one control, and the relocation of another. The Menu button is gone, it’s functionality taken over by the LCD touchscreen. The flash release lever, meanwhile, jumps from the side of the lens barrel to the top of the camera body, immediately adjacent to the flash.

The Olympus VR-340′S 16 megapixel CCD image sensor is capable of recording 720p HD video. A simple, one-touch button allows you to record video clips with amazing clarity in high-definition, right from your camera. With sophisticated AF tracking, you can have confidence in capturing fast moving subjects like kids & pets.

The Olympus VR-340 is a 720p video device, though it’s also possible to shoot in 480p or 240p. Zoom control access is unlocked while a recording is in progress, so it’s possible to zoom in or out on your subject without pausing the movie.

The VR-340 comes with a 10x super wide optical zoom lens (24-240mm*).  When you zoom right in for an expressive close-up, the grip makes it a lot easier to hold the camera steady and avoid blurring your shot. It’s more proof of Olympus’ determination that its slim cameras should deliver stills and movies that live up to its reputation for the very highest image quality. With 16 Megapixels (instead of 14), higher ISO for shooting in poor light and some new technological trickery for enhancing your shots with creative effects, both these cameras succeed.

The Olympus VR-340 includes all the technology you’d expect from more expensive compact cameras, including a standout 16-megapixel sensor, AF Illuminator and higher ISO for shooting in low light, designed to enhance your shots.

The olympus VR-340 also has an AF Illuminator and upgraded ISO capabilities to enhance the quality of low light photography.  Beauty Make-up Mode is a new feature this year making it onto many other Olympus cameras. It allows you to add eyeliner and other make-up effects to photos as well as physically altering your photo subjects in-camera without the need of expensive software like Adobe Photoshop.

The Olympus VR-340 digital camera condenses 10x optical zoom into a pocketable chassis, and captures shots on a new 16 megapixel CCD. This small camera is moderately comfortable to hold in either one hand or two. We appreciate the addition of a rubberized thumb rest on the rear panel.

Features:

• 10x super wide optical zoom lens (24-240mm)
• 16 megapixel CCD image sensor
•  3.0″ LCD view screen
•  AF Illuminator
•  Magic Art Filters
•  Beauty Make-up Mode
•  AF Tracking
•  720p HD video

 Reviews:

digitalcamerainfo.com reviews writes:

“Shooting with the VR-340 feels…okay. Not great, but passable. The interface can be simple for those who want it that way, but the sluggish operation will slow down experienced users. Physical handling is the same way: the new rubber is decent, but there’s really not much that can be done about the ultracompact form factor. Our outlook for this camera is neither good nor bad. With features as plain as they are, and no information about image quality, it’s just too early to tell. And with so many similar models out there in this highly competitive segment, we think the success of the VR-340 could go either way.”

 

 

Specifications:

The Olympus VR-350 utilizes the same slim body with that of the VR-360. The VR-350 features a super-compact large-ratio zoom lenses, which utilise Olympus’ high-performance ED glass (Extra-low Dispersion glass) and proprietary dual-sided aspherical lenses. The VR-350 is perfect for photographers who want big zoom performance in slim compact camera designs. It’s the ideal everyday zoom camera.  The Olympus VR-350 camera features 15 Scene Modes for automatic settings that suit specific condition.

The Olympus VR-350 features an exceptionally compact high-performance 10x and 12.5x zoom lenses. It has 9 Magic Filters for instant picture enhancement – Pop Art, Pin Hole, Drawing, Fisheye, Soft Focus, Punk, Watercolour, Sparkle, Reflection. This Premium full-metal bodied camera is available in silver, black,  and purple.

The Dual Image Stabilization ensures sharp shots even at high-zoom. Boasting 16 megapixels and a wealth of premium features – including an enhanced Intelligent Auto mode (i-Auto), 15 scene modes including 3D and nine Magic Filter effects. It lets you capture consistently clear, crisp and creative shots.

The VR-350 features a 3X (38-114mm in the 35mm format) f/2.8-4.9 all-glass aspherical zoom lens. When the camera is powered down the lens is retracted inside of the body and a builtin shutter closes to protect the lens.  The Olympus VR-350 uses a contrast detection autofocus system with a focus-assist lamp to help illuminate the subject for accurate focusing.

Features:

• 16 Megapixels
  A high high-resolution 16 megapixel CCD delivers superior image quality. Create poster-sized prints without losing detail.
• 10x Super Wide Angle Optical Zoom
  The 24-240mm optical zoom lets you get closer to the action while the 24mm wide-angle setting lets you capture wide landscapes, large interiors or big group pictures easily.
• 3.0″ LCD Screen
  The large LCD with 460K dots features an extra-wide viewing angle for clear composing and shooting.
• HD video with Magic Filters
  A simple, one touch button allows you to record movies with amazing clarity in high definition, right from your camera.
• Dual Image Stabilisation
  Dual Image Stabilisation combines Sensor-Shift Image Stabilisation with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds to capture crisp, clear images in any situation.
• Intelligent Auto (improved)
  The Intelligent Auto setting identifies the scene you’re shooting — portrait, landscape, night portrait, macro, or sport – and adjusts the settings to optimise results. A new improved algorithm means even better automatic shots.
• AF (Auto Focus) Tracking
  AF Tracking automatically tracks unpredictable, fast-moving subjects such as kids and pets, and continuously adjusts the focus and brightness so you can capture these photogenic whirlwinds with ease.
• Face Detection
  Face Detection automatically focuses on your subjects’ faces and optimises exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.
• Magic Filters Still and Movie
  Add style and artistic flair to your photos with 9 Magic Filter effects. Pop Art, Pin Hole, Drawing, Fish Eye, Soft Focus, Punk, Watercolor, Sparkle* and Reflection instantly transform ordinary scenes into fun and creative ones (*exception for video)

 

REVIEWS Coming

Specifications:

The Olympus VG-160 features an Intelligent Auto (iAuto) automatically that recognizes shooting conditions that match any of 29 built-in scene modes, such as self-portrait, landscape & night + portrait, and then adjusts the focus and exposure for the perfect balance of color and clarity.  A single one-touch HD Video button ensures instant access to movie mode on the Olympus VG-160, so you can start recording in 720p High-Definition without changing menu settings. Built-in Digital Image Stabilization ensures your images and videos will have amazing clarity.

The 14-megapixel VG-160 sports a superb 5x optical zoom and a wide-angle lens (26-130mm) packed into a super-slim body that gets you close to your subject. At just 19.3mm deep, the VG-160 slips easily into ones pocket, and includes all the capabilities needed in one compact camera. The VG-160 is packed with in-camera Magic Art Filters, HD Video and an intelligent, iAuto.

The Olympus VG-160 has a large 3.0-inch LCD that offers a clear preview of your images, and technological enhancements like AF Tracking, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Face Detection which captures images.

This is capable of capturing a range of everyday shooting situations, from wide angle scenes to close-up portraits. It is equipped with a 14 megapixel sensor and a 3-inch LCD screen, the VG-160 also shoots HD video with 720P resolution.

Features:

• Super compact all-metal chassis
• High performance 26-130mm wide-angle zoom (5x)
• Large 3” LCD screen with 230,000 dots
• HD video recording 720P
• Magic Filters – seven filter effects that instantly transform normal photographic scenes into special creative shots

 

REVIEWS COMING

 

Specifications:

The new Olympus SZ-12 is a 14-megapixel CCD sensor, a 24x optical wide-angle zoom lens (25-600mm equivalent*), a 3-inch LCD display (460K) and built-in Dual Image Stabilization.  The SZ-12 offers the new Reflection magic filter takes the image and duplicates it across a horizontal or vertical plane of symmetry creating powerful illusions.

The super-slim SZ-12 is packed with state-of-the-art Olympus technology that delivers excellent image quality. A new, retro-chic “smart grip” at the front of the camera combined with built-in Dual Image Stabilization, helps cut out blur caused by imperceptible camera shake, allowing you to zoom right in for expressive close-ups and vivid HD 720p video.
This new superzoom gives you the flexibility to zoom right in and shoot brilliant close-ups without sacrificing versatility and image quality.

This camera features Telephoto Macro that helps you can capture the small details of an object and shoot at very close range (inches). The high-speed shooting mode shoots seven still images per second which is great for taking pictures of fast-moving subjects, like kids playing sports.

The SZ-10 is nicely configured and slips easily into any pocket, thanks to its 38mm slimness. It’s only when the power button is tapped that the lens emerges, nearly doubling the body depth. The maximum aperture is only f3.1, shrinking to f4.4 when the tele is fully extended, so you may need to dial in a slightly higher than normal ISO setting for out and about photography. Or lug a tripod with you to use a lower ISO and benefit from less noise in the image.

Features:

• camera strap
• USB Cable
• USB-AC Adapter (F-2AC)
• Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-50B)
• Audio/Video cable, Quick Start Guide
• Instruction Manual and OLYMPUS Software CD-ROM
  a Warranty card.

REVIEWS:

digitalcamerainfo.com writes:

“Other than a few tweaks to this camera’s outward appearance, the SZ-12 is remarkably similar–indeed suspiciously similar to its predecessor. That is, except for zoom. When manufacturers do this, we get nervous. Longer optical zoom does not necessarily suggest better image quality, in fact the two are often inversely related. The SZ-12 appears to be a classic optical zoom cash-in. Identical specs, plus a longer lens, plus a fresh coat of paint, equals profit. Right?”

 

MORE REVIEWS COMING

Specifications:

Body type    Compact
Sensor
Max resolution    4288 x 3216
Other resolutions    4288 x 2416, 3264 x 2448, 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480
Effective pixels    14.0 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors    14.5 megapixels
Sensor size    1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type    CCD
Image
ISO    Auto, High Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
White balance presets    5
Custom white balance    No
Image stabilization    Sensor-shift
Uncompressed format    No
File format

JPEG 2.21

Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)    25 – 600 mm
Optical zoom    24×
Autofocus

Contrast Detect (sensor)
Multi-area
Tracking
Single
Face Detection

Digital zoom    Yes (4x)
Manual focus    No
Lens mount    None
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD    Fixed
Screen size    3″
Screen dots    460,000
Touch screen    No
Live view    Yes
Viewfinder type    None
Photography features
Maximum aperture    F3.0 – F6.9
Minimum shutter speed    4 sec
Maximum shutter speed    1/1700 sec
Exposure modes

Program AE

Scene modes

Portrait
Beauty
Landscape
Night Scene
Night + Portrait
Sport
Indoor
Candle
Self Portrait
Sunset
Fireworks
Cuisine
Documents
Beach & Snow
Pet (Cat)
Pet (Dog)

Built-in flash    Yes
External flash    No
Flash modes    Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in
Drive modes

Single
Continuous
Self-timer

Continuous drive    Yes (0.6 fps)
Self-timer    Yes (2 or 12 sec, pet auto shutter)
Metering modes

Multi
Spot

Exposure compensation    ±2 EV (at 1/3 EV steps)
WB Bracketing    No
Videography features
Format

MPEG-4
H.264

Microphone    Mono
Speaker    Mono
Resolutions    1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 180 (30fps)
Storage
Storage types    SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity
USB    USB 2.0 (480Mbit/sec)
HDMI    Yes (Type D)
Wireless    None
Remote control    No
Physical
Environmentally sealed    No
Battery    Battery Pack
Battery description    Lithium-ion rechargeable LI-50B battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)    220
Weight (inc. batteries)    226 g (0.50 lb / 7.97 oz)
Dimensions    106 x 69 x 40 mm (4.17 x 2.72 x 1.57″)
Other features
Orientation sensor    Yes
Timelapse recording    No
GPS    None