0000 GMT: Olympus has today announced the first pocket-sized four megapixel digital camera. The C-40Z features a 4 megapixel sensor and a 2.8x F2.8 - F4.8 optical zoom lens. It looks quite square from the front on with a sliding front cover which also acts as a power switch. Two things stand out about this compact, it's got six apertures for exposure (most compacts have only two) and it has virtually all the functionality of the C-4040Z. It weighs just 270 g (9.5 oz) with batteries and measures 87 x 69 x 44 mm (3.4 x 2.7 x 1.7 in). (Known as the D-40Z in US / Canada)

Olympus C-40 / D-40 Zoom specifications

US press release:

Olympus Introduces the D-40 ZOOM World's Smallest 4 Megapixel Digital Camera

MELVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus announced today the D-40 ZOOM, the world's smallest 4 Megapixel digital camera. Capturing detailed images that will satisfy the most demanding photographer, the D-40 ZOOM measures just 3.4`` (wide) x 2.7'' (high) x 1.7`` (thick). The D-40 ZOOM is not only one of the smallest, but one of the most technologically advanced digital cameras on the market.

The D-40 ZOOM incorporates a new 2.8x optical zoom lens, matched to a 4 Megapixel effective image area for sharp, detailed photographs. To further improve image quality, the D-40 ZOOM features Olympus' new Enhanced Color Management system, a technology that customizes color settings for each of its unique shooting modes. Enhanced Color Management delivers better skin tones in portraits, truer blue skies and greener trees in landscapes, without any further operator programming. Users simply select the mode, point and shoot.

For night shots with longer exposures, the D-40 ZOOM employs a Noise Reduction mode for clear, colorful nighttime photos. The D-40 ZOOM produces 2272 x 1704 pixel resolution files that create prints up to 11`` x 14''. An Optimum Image Enlargement mode for applications requiring larger output gives users the flexibility to print images up to 16`` x 20''. The D-40 ZOOM offers great picture quality; is easy to use and builds a range of advanced features into a hassle-free camera that fits in the palm of a hand.

Designed to capture great pictures anywhere and anytime, the D-40 ZOOM is as easy to use as it is technologically advanced, offering features and functionality any level of photographer can enjoy. A new LCD menu interface gives users fast and easy access to commonly used functions. Three of the four default menu categories in the top menu can be programmed by the user as shortcuts, eliminating the need to navigate multiple screens to change camera settings. To further enhance operability, the D-40 ZOOM features a new 10-position Mode Dial, with creative modes pre-set to fine tune exposure, white balance and color saturation settings for any shooting situation. A new ``My Image'' mode gives users one-touch access to customized settings.

To download, save and share photos, the D-40 ZOOM also features Olympus' USB Auto-Connect technology. USB Auto-Connect executes fast and worry-free image file downloads without the need for additional software or drivers for Windows® 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP and Mac OS(TM) 8.6 - Mac OS X computers.

The compact and lightweight D-40 ZOOM is the perfect point-and-shoot digital camera for every level of photographer desiring the highest levels of image quality in a compact, easy to use design. It offers the ease of operation of a point-and-shoot camera, as well as a number of advanced features to make digital photography virtually effortless.

The D-40 ZOOM also offers a host of easy to use capabilities for maximum photographic image quality and creativity. The iESP multi-patterned White Balance system automatically adjusts camera settings to ensure proper color reproduction. Metering modes are automatic and feature a choice of ESP multi-patterned or spot metering for easy, yet advanced exposure control. In addition to full manual operation for users with more mature photographic skills, users can select from Aperture or Shutter Priority, multiple Program Scene modes, a two-frame-per-second Burst mode, Black-and-White and Sepia shooting modes, Auto Exposure Bracketing and Exposure Compensation settings. This robust feature set allows even novice digital photographers to capture the highest quality photographs with a minimum of effort.

FEATURES OF THE D-40 ZOOM:

• Noise Reduction System - For exposures of four seconds or longer, the Noise Reduction Mode (when activated) automatically compares the original image with an image taken immediately after the first exposure with no light. This frame contains only the background noise. The D-40 ZOOM then compares both images and cancels background noise in the original image for clearer, shaper pictures.
   
• Optimum Image Enlargement mode [OIE] - Enlarges images up to 3200 x 2400 pixels (7.7 Megapixels) in SHQ or HQ mode, matching image quality to the best output of the Olympus P-400 printer, for true dot-free, continuous-tone photographs. The D-40 ZOOM's OIE mode uses a new high-speed ASIC chip to maximize image quality and processing speed to create sharp, crisp inkjet prints as large as 16" x 20".
   
• 10 Position Mode Dial - Never miss another moment fumbling through layers of camera settings. The D-40 ZOOM's new 10-position Mode Dial provides for easier access to program scene modes such as Portrait, Self Portrait, Landscape-Scene, Night Scene and more.
   
• "My Image" mode - Create unique custom camera settings that can be accessed by simply turning the Mode Dial to the "My Image" position.
   
• Record motion footage with audio - A built-in speaker and microphone allow users to record and play back video with sound.
   
• Automatic Pixel Mapping - Allows users to correct the rare occurrence of dead (black) pixels or stuck (white) pixels without returning the camera for service. A simple command instructs the D-40 ZOOM to re-map the CCD if these problems ever occur.
   
  
• USB Auto-Connect - Connect to most any USB-compatible Windows computer (running Windows Me, 2000, or XP) or Macintosh (running MacOS 8.6 - OS X) in seconds. The camera is configured as an external hard disk for easy downloading of image files to computers without any additional software.

UK press release:

Olympus Camedia C-40 Zoom

The C-40ZOOM 4-megapixel [7.7 megapixel output]* digital camera from Olympus is so small it can almost be lost behind a credit card. This stylish aluminium-fronted camera with a 2.8x optical zoom (2.5x digital zoom) also features pixel mapping and noise reduction technology. It will be available in late October, priced at £699.99 [inc VAT].

The C-40ZOOM has a sensitive 1/1.8 inch 4.13 million pixel CCD. Despite its compact dimensions, the C-40 incorporates a 2.8x zoom lens and 2.5x digital zoom, providing a maximum of 7x zoom - and this with a camera that measures just 87 (w) x 68.5 (h) x 43.5 (d) mm, weighing only 190 g (without batteries).

In addition to programme and automatic modes, the C-40ZOOM offers many manually adjustable functions so that even the most difficult lighting situations yield superb results.
The C-40ZOOM is equipped with a new pixel mapping function. This technology automatically calibrates the CCD chip on request to ensure every single one of the 4 million pixels is ready for action.

The C-40ZOOM also boasts Olympus' new noise reduction system. It compares images against a black background to identify and then remove all noise from the image. This is a unique feature in digital cameras to minimise background noise for clearer, more precise pictures, particularly on longer exposures.

When printing in large formats, the C-40ZOOM maintains top quality by intelligently recalculating the image data. The camera increases the resolution up to 3,200 x 2,400 pixels using the raw image data and a purpose designed custom ASiC [Application Specific integrated Circuit] for more precise detail than previously possible through interpolation of compressed files.

The ultra-compact C-40ZOOM has universal appeal with a smart design, high-resolution 4-megapixel CCD and the latest in digital imaging technology.

For stockists information call 0800 072 0070 (UK).

* Interpolated resolution