Olympus Announces 8mm Fisheye Lens

Olympus has introduced the digital-specific
Zuiko Digital ED 8mm F3.5 Full Frame Fisheye
lens for its E-System Digital SLR cameras.
Designed to render sharp edge-to-edge
photos, the lens captures wide-angle
images of 180″? and features super-close
capacity with a minimum of just 0.79 in.
from lens front to subject, and a focus
length of 5.3 in.

Additional lens features include: an ED
lens element to minimize chromatic aberration;
a multicoating process to reduce
ghosting and flaring; a circular aperture
diaphragm for soft defocusing of background;
and sealed exterior for protection
against dust and water.

The lens can also be used underwater, in
conjunction with the Evolt E-300, the PT-EO1
underwater housing, and PPO-EO4 lens port,
and can be used at depths down to 196 ft.
Price: $799.95; shipping Jan. 2006.

Olympus also has announced the Stylus
800, specifically designed to capture
images in both low and bright light settings.
The 8-Mpxl camera offers Bright
Capture Technology for low-light photography;
HyperCrystal LCD for high-contrast
viewing; a metal, all-weather construction
for protection from the elements;
19 automatic preset scene modes; and
manual exposure and aperture settings.

The Stylus 800 utilizes Olympus' TruePic
Turbo image processor for enhanced image
quality, fast processing speeds for quick
startups (less than 1 sec), shutter release,
and playback. Price: $449.99; shipping
now. (Olympus Imaging America: www.olympusamerica.com)