March  3, 2003

CAMEDIA X-200 Digital Camera with 1.8-Inch LCD Monitor and Easy Operation

Large, 1.8-inch LCD monitor Easy, full-auto operation with 3.2-megapixel image quality Sliding lens barrier for outstanding portability and carefree shooting

FRONT		BACK
CAMEDIA X-200

* The information contained in this news release applies only to the Japanese market.

Summary

Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. ( President : Tsuyoshi Kikukawa ) is pleased to announce the introduction of the CAMEDIA X-200, a sleek new digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens and 3.2-megapixel imaging. The CAMEDIA X-200 is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in late March 2003.

The new CAMEDIA X-200 is an entry-level mainstream model that is designed to offer image quality, styling, and performance that are a cut above other cameras in its class. The compact and easy-to-carry body features a large, built-in, 1.8-inch color LCD monitor that lets users maximize the digital-camera advantage of LCD monitor shooting. Designed primarily for full-auto operation, the CAMEDIA X-200 allows users to simply open the lens barrier and begin shooting. It is also equipped with a full range of easy-to-use scene program modes, however, enabling virtually anyone to obtain superb image quality with exceptional ease. As a result, it is an ideal camera for entry- and intermediate-level users who are looking for a portable and easy-to-use camera for everyday shooting. Featuring all-in-one packaging that includes video and USB cables, and image editing and file management software, the CAMEDIA X-200 comes with everything needed for image storage, viewing, and editing, allowing even first-time users to get started right away. And because the camera can be operated on standard AA alkaline batteries, users don't need to worry about the availability of specialized batteries when they're traveling. The CAMEDIA X-200's beautiful, flowing body lines and overall design are appreciably more stylish and evolved than previous entry-level mainstream models. The full lens barrier securely protects the lens while enhancing portability, and is finished with an aluminum 'eye' motif that has a simple yet timeless elegance.

Top Features

Built-in, 1.8-inch LCD monitor Full-auto shooting ease with 3.2-megapixel image quality All-in-one packaging and standard alkaline battery power capability for entry-level user convenience Full lens barrier and evolved design with flowing body lines

Main Features

Large, 1.8-inch LCD Monitor Although the camera body is compact and extremely portable, it is equipped with a large, built-in, 1.8-inch LCD monitor. Offering an exceptionally clear view that makes it easy to use as a viewfinder when shooting, the 85,000-pixel high-definition monitor also provides high-quality display for image playback. Easy, Full-Auto Operation and 3.2-Megapixel Image Quality As is appropriate for a mainstream model aimed at entry-level users, the CAMEDIA X-200 offers full-auto operation that allows users to get beautiful results simply by pointing the camera at their subject and pressing the shutter button. Superb image quality is provided by a 3.2-megapixel CCD, a high-performance 3x optical zoom lens, and exclusive TruePic image processing technology, which assures that image data from each of the CCD sensor elements is used, regardless of the sized of the final image. The high-quality lens also incorporates three aspherical lens elements. All-in-One Packaging All-in-one packaging includes everything necessary for image viewing, downloading, and editing, making it easy for novice digital camera and computer users to enjoy the benefits of digital imaging. Video Cable A video cable is included to allow images to be shared with family and friends even if a personal computer is not available. By using the video cable to connect the camera to a TV, users can confirm images after they are taken or view them with a group of friends. When traveling, it's also a great way for users to view photos shot during the day. USB Cable A USB cable is included to connect the camera to a personal computer. No driver software is required, so users can quickly and easily download images to their PC. * * Win 98 / Win 98 SE needs driver install from the bundled CD-ROM. CAMEDIA Master 4.1 Image Editing and Management Software Easy enough for computer novices to use, CAMEDIA Master 4.1 image editing and management software is included to maximize digital imaging enjoyment. Featuring a user-friendly interface, the software lets users download images from the camera to a PC, and edit and organize them. It also makes it easy to create original calendars and image albums. Evolved, Flowing Body Design with Full Lens Barrier Featuring the same lens barrier and beautiful, flowing lines that have made our CAMEDIA compact series a popular success, the CAMEDIA X-200 boasts an even more highly evolved body design. The camera's simple, yet timelessly elegant bodylines are designed to provide lasting satisfaction and easy handling to a wide range of users. In addition, the full lens barrier functions as an ON/OFF switch, protecting the lens securely and eliminating worries when the camera is carried in a bag or backpack.

Other Features

QuickTime Motion-JPEG Shooting QuickTime Motion-JPEG movies with a frame advance speed of 15 frames per second can also be recorded. Up to about 15 seconds can be recorded at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, and up to about 60 seconds can be recorded at a resolution of 160 x 120 pixels. By limiting the size of each motion-JPEG file to a manageable size, this helps ensure that there is always plenty of storage capacity for still-image storage. Scene Program Modes Menu-activated Scene Program modes ( Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, and Self Portrait ) make it easy for users to obtain optimum image quality in a wide range of shooting situations. Versatile White Balance Settings In addition to an auto white balance mode that assures faithful reproduction of skin tones, four preset white balance settings are provided ( Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light ). Exposure Compensation Exposure compensation of up to +-2EV can be set in 1/2EV-step increments. Easy-to-Use In-Camera Image Editing Functions A number of still-image editing operations can be performed directly in the camera, eliminating the need to download images to a personal computer for editing. Because the edited version is automatically stored in a separate area of memory, there is no need to worry that the original image will be overwritten.   Crop and Merge ( 2-in-1 ) Function When this feature is activated, the camera automatically combines the next two shots into a single split-screen image. It's a convenient way to combine images of a person's face and business card, or a product and its descriptive label, into a single image. Monochrome & Sepia Modes Monochrome or sepia-tone versions of photos taken in color can be saved separately at the touch of a button. Resize Function The Resize function saves a smaller-sized duplicate of the original image, allowing users to resize images without worrying about the danger of overwriting the original image data. If, on the other hand, the original image data is no longer needed, it can easily be erased to free up memory for further shooting. AA Battery Compatibility for Worry-Free Shooting on the Go Standard AA alkaline battery compatibility means that users don't need to worry about the availability of specialized batteries when they're traveling away from home. Standard AA alkaline batteries ( included ) provide power for approximately 100 shots under normal operating conditions, and optional CR-V3 ( LB-01 ) lithium batteries provide power for approximately 500 shots under normal operating conditions. An optional AC power adapter, and NiCad or NiMH batteries can also be used as a power source. * Test conditions for normal operation: repeated 2-shot shutter release followed by 10 minutes of rest at 25-degrees ambient temperature; HQ mode; LCD monitor on when shooting; flash activation on 50% of shots; one zoom round trip per shot; no digital zoom, image display or file downloading.