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Olympus Europe have confirmed what we guessed earlier, that the C-1 will
be called the digital µ[mju:] C-1 in Europe (and probably SE Asia).
The press release we've picked up is dated 22 March 2001 (CeBit time)
but is currently visible on Olympus Europe's website.
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| Olympus digital µ[mju:] C-1 |
Olympus µ[mju:] (35mm Film) |
Press release (Olympus Europe):
The Olympus digital µ[mju:] CAMEDIA C-1
Hanover, 22 March 2001 "Digital photography for everyone."
Now, Olympus introduces the affordable and user-friendly CAMEDIA C-1 to
bring the benefits of Digital Imaging to those who, until now, have remained
shy of the new photo technology. Since entering the DI market in 1996,
Olympus has always maintained that digital photography should take its
cue from analogue models. With the digital µ[mju:], the opto-digital
specialist has created a synthesis from the advantages of the two worlds.
The C-1 reflects the smart, compact looks, effortless operation and high
performance of the worlds best-selling analogue camera series
the µ[mju:] which has sold over 18 million worldwide. Meanwhile,
it also delivers the performance and versatility of the Olympus CAMEDIA
digital cameras.
For many consumers, digital photography is still a mystery. Talk of megapixels,
CCD chips, TFT displays, image files and computer connection make it seem
miles apart from the more common analogue system. However, this perception
need no longer apply. With the C-1 no technological knowledge or computer
is required to "shoot digital". Of course, with a PC and home
photo printer, the more adventurous user is able to fully explore digital
photography.
With its stylish, flowing design the digital µ[mju:] C-1 is a camera
for everyone. The compact size, 110(W) x 62(H) x 34(D) cm, lets it to
slip in the pocket so it may be taken everywhere. Besides its attractive
design and compact form, however, this camera also insures impressive
results. Similar to its analogue Olympus namesake, it offers first-class
optics and a host of excellent functions. For example, the a high-quality
4.5 mm lens (equivalent to 35 mm on 35 mm camera) and a range of automatic
metering options for the best results at the press of a button. For example,
the Through The Lens (TTL) autofocus ensures super sharpness while the
ESP (multi-zone) metering system takes readings from various points to
determine the optimum exposure settings. Accurate skin colour reproduction
is assured by a choice of auto or manual white balance options. Digital
zoom capabilities are also included. By re-calculating the available image
data, the camera is able to deliver 2x magnification. No additional lenses
are required, thereby saving on weight and cost.
The C-1 uses a CCD chip with 1.3 million light-sensitive sensors, or
pixels. These ensure the resulting images have sufficient resolution to
deliver postcard-size prints that rival those from analogue cameras. Today,
processing labs are easily able to print the digital images saved on the
SmartMedia storage cards.
Of course, the C-1 can also be used with all CAMEDIA printers to enjoy
quality photo printing at home. An ideal accompaniment to this compact
digital camera is the small, portable Olympus printer, P-200. Allowing
optional battery operation, it permits images from the C-1 to be printed
out anywhere.
The C-1 saves the digital images on SmartMedia cards. These small, lightweight
and removable memory cards represent a superb storage solution. For example,
with a single 64 MB card the C-1 may take approximately 146 frames in
the high quality SHQ format before the media is full. With the new 128
MB cards there is room for about twice as many. Unwanted pictures can
be deleted from the card at any time to provide more space. This is made
easy by the integrated colour LCD screen which displays the saved images
to check the results or show others.
Thanks to USB Storage Class support, image data transfer to the computer
is effortless. For example, no driver needs to be installed* and the camera
appears as a regular drive after connection. Once the pictures are on
the PC, the possibilities for fun and creativity are radically extended.
Besides viewing and editing, the photos can also be used to spice up emails.
The C-1 comes with a highly energy-efficient lithium battery that allows
hundreds of shots to be taken. This compact model also accepts many regular
or rechargeable AA batteries. The included CAMEDIA Master software enables
image files to be archived and managed with ease while the USB cable permits
fast image data transfer to the PC.
Boasting a proud tradition of excellence in photography, and a leading
role in the opto-digital revolution, Olympus now opens the world of digital
photography to everyone with the compact and stylish C-1. This user-friendly
and affordable CAMEDIA model is planned for release in April 2001. A optional
leather case or soft case with carrying strap are optionally available.
| Sensor |
1/3.2" 1.3 megapixel (1.25
megapixel effective) |
| Lens |
Fixed 35 mm (35 mm equiv.) F2.8 |
| Image Sizes |
1280 x 960 (SHQ, HQ)
640 x 480 |
| Image Format |
JPEG |
| Storage Media |
SmartMedia (4 - 128MB), 8 MB SmartMedia
supplied |
| White Balance |
Auto, Sunny, Cloudy, Incandescent,
Fluorescent |
| Digital Zoom |
Yes, 2x |
| Exposure compensation |
+/-2 EV in 0.5 EV steps |
| Metering |
Digital ESP |
| ISO sensitivity |
Auto |
| Apertures |
F2.8, F8.0 |
| Shutter speed range |
1/2 - 1/1000 sec |
| Auto Focus |
TTL AF |
| Focus Range |
Normal: 0.5 m - Infinity
Macro: 0.1 - 0.5 m |
| Continuous |
2 fps up to 4 frames |
| LCD |
1.5" TFT, 113,000 pixels |
| Flash |
Built In |
| Flash modes |
Auto, Red-Eye reduction auto, Forced
Off, Forced On |
| Flash range |
0.2 - 3.5 m |
| Self timer |
12 seconds |
| Connections |
DC input, USB, Video Out |
| Power |
2 x AA or CR-V3 Lithium
(powers on automatically upon sliding front cover) |
| Dimensions |
110 x 62 x 34 mm |
| Weight |
165 g |
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