Olympus announces new cameras and printer

The new FE series of digital cameras is targeted toward casual users and consumers relatively inexperienced with digital photography. The FE-100, FE-110, and FE-120 are inexpensive point-and-shoot digital cameras with 4-, 5-, and 6-megapixel sensors, respectively. The FE series of cameras will cost between $150 and $230, and they should be available in September.

The new SP-310, SP-350, and SP-500 UZ digital cameras have large 2.5-inch LCD screens, dozens of shooting modes, and threaded barrels for use with additional lenses. The 7-megapixel SP-310 and the 8-megapixel SP-350 will have 30 shooting modes and 3X optical zoom lenses. The 6-megapixel SP-500 UZ will have 27 shooting modes and a powerful 10X optical zoom lens. The new SP-series cameras will cost between $350 and $400 and should be available in October.

The new Stylus 600 also has a 2.5-inch LCD screen, all-weather construction, and high-sensitivity modes for low-light shooting. The camera's interior components are protected by rubber gaskets to make it resistant to rain, snow, and other environmental affects. Of course, we still wouldn't try soaking it in a bathtub. The Stylus 600 will cost $300 and should be available in September.

The new P-11 is a dye-sub printer that Olympus claims can pump out almost two pages a minute. The P-11 offers full-bleed prints at 4x6 or 3.5x5 inches, and it is PictBridge compatible for printing images directly from Olympus digital cameras. The printer will cost $150 and should be available in October.