DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

Olympus Super-Wide-Angle Zoom Lens Captures more in Every Frame

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 13, 2008 – Olympus has applied its optical expertise to develop the Zuiko Digital 18-36mm equivalent (ED 9-18mm Four Thirds) f4.0-f5.6, a super-wide-angle zoom lens covering a wide focal length range. This compact ultra-wide-angle zoom lens can be used on any of the Olympus E-System digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera bodies, and measures only 3 inches long and weighs a mere 9.88 ounces for greater portability.

The lens’ lightweight design coupled with In-Body Image Stabilization – available in the flagship E-3, E-510 and the newly announced E-520 – makes capturing amazing, blur-free images possible even without a tripod. Olympus now offers two super-wide-angle zoom lenses (9-18mm affordable consumer lens and 7-14mm splash-proof lens for the pro photographer) that feature both a focal distance equivalent to less than 20mm on a 35mm camera and image stabilization. E-System owners also realize the benefits of Live View, which makes it possible to shoot from unique perspectives that are difficult with an optical viewfinder alone, including over a crowd or at ground-level to catch a toddler’s first steps.

“Affordable super wide-angle lenses with equivalent focal lengths less than 20mm have not been widely available in digital SLR photography,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager – DSLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Pairing this lens or any of the other Zuiko digital lenses with the new E-520, and its in-body image stabilization, provides a combination ideal for lower light shots like a fountain at night. This combination offers image stabilization for a super wide-angle zoom not found in camera systems with in-lens stabilization.”

100% Digital-Specific Lens for Sharpness and Rich Colors
The 9-18mm lens is part of Olympus’ expanding line of 100 percent digital lenses – designed specifically for digital photography. Unlike other camera companies, Olympus does not rely on old film lenses, which often result in images with soft edges or other imperfections.

Extreme wide angle capabilities from 9-18mm (18-36mm)*

• Ultra-compact dimensions (79.5mm in diameter and 73mm in length) and light weight (280g)
• 2x zoom
• Minimum focusing distance of 25cm
• 13 lens elements in 9 groups, including 1 aspherical ED lens and 2 aspherical elements
• Based on the Four Thirds Standard
• Ideal complement to ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm
• 1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)* lens
  

Availability and U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations
The Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f.4.0-f5.6 will be available in the fall of 2008. The estimated street price will be $599.99.