Olympus SP-510 UZ
Oympus has announced a raft of new models in its FE, Mju (Stylus) and SP ranges. First up is the replacement for the SP-500UZ, the SP-510UZ. Aside from a silver paint job there's a resolution increase to 7 million pixels, and several enhancements, including sensitivity up to ISO 4000 (1600 at full resolution).
Olympus Stylus 1000
Next up is the new flagship of the Mju (Stylus) range, the Mju 1000, which boasts 10.0 million pixels and full resolution sensitivity of up to ISO 1600 (ISO 6400 at 3 million pixels). The weatherproof Mju 1000 also sports a 3x zoom lens and 2.5-inch LCD.
Olympus Stylus 725 SW
Those of you with an adventurous (or just clumsy) side will be pleased to hear that Olympus has updated the shockproof and waterproof Mju 720 SW. The new Mju 725 SW is now waterproof to 5m, can survive being dropped 1.5m, and features the same 7.1MP resolution and 3x optical zoom as its predecessor.
Olympus Stylus 740 & 750
Next up in the Mju (Stylus) series of metal-bodied weatherproof compacts are two new models sporting more powerful 5x optical zoom lenses; the Mju 740 and Mju 750. The latter also boasts a CCD-shift image stabilization system. Both have 7.1 megapixel CCDs and Bright Capture technology offering sensitivity up to ISO 1600
Olympus Stylus 730
Just in case there weren't enough Mju (Stylus) models to choose from, meet the Mju 730, a slim-bodied weatherproof 7.1 megapixel compact with a large 3-inch LCD, 3x optical zoom and ISO 1600 (using 'Bright Capture Technology').
Olympus FE-200
Olympus has also beefed up its affordable FE range with four new models. First up is the metal-bodied FE-200, which boasts a 5x optical zoom (covering a useful 28-140mm equiv. range), 6.0 megapixel CCD, 2.5-inch screen and Lithium-Ion battery. Just goes to show how far we've come when a camera like this is described as 'entry-level'!
Olympus FE-190
Pre-Photokina 2006: The second 'entry level' FE model is the slim, metal-bodied FE-190, a 6.0 megapixel compact with 3x zoom and 2.5-inch LCD screen. Although there's no mention of 'Bright Capture' the FE-190 still offers a respectable top sensitivity of ISO 1000 at full resolution.
Olympus FE-170 & FE-180
Last but not least we have the Olympus FE-170 and FE-180, a pair of 'no-nonsense' budget models with 6.0 million pixel CCDs, 3x zoom lenses and, in the case of the FE-180, a top sensitivity of ISO 1000. The other differences are minor, and to be honest inexplicable unless Olympus intends them to be sold through different channels.