33x zoom limited edition Evolution Kit

Cologne, 22 September 2008 – The new limited edition Olympus Evolution Kit packs a commanding array of E-System power and versatility to master any photographic challenge. Representing the perfection of miniaturised optics and integrated portability, the kit is a stunningly affordable showcase of the benefits innate in the Olympus E-System, which is based on the award-winning Four Thirds Standard. To complement the superior imaging quality of the Olympus E-520 D-SLR, the kit boasts four outstanding lenses from the E-System line-up, providing a staggering 33x zoom focal length range of 9-300mm (18-600mm*). It also adds flexibility to flash photography by including the new Olympus FL-50R remote control (RC) wireless flash unit to free photographers from the need for tiresome cables. Rounded out by memory cards, a swing bag and other handy accessories, the comprehensive yet compact Evolution Kit represents unbeatable value. It will become available in limited quantities from October 2008.


Superior E-520 performance
For adventurous photographers wanting serious portable equipment, the comprehensive new Evolution Kit is a dream come true. At the heart of the kit, the new Olympus E-520 D-SLR features exceptional Live View capabilities, including on-screen exposure control and white balance, as well as the display of Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology modifications in real time on the 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD. Meanwhile, the Olympus Supersonic Wave Filter dust protection system guards against the effects of dust during lens changes. Like all photographic components adhering to the Four Thirds Standard, the 10.0 Megapixel E-520 guarantees the unbeatable quality associated with a system that was engineered from scratch to meet the demands of digital photography. The E-520 also features 32 convenient shooting modes to match all occasions, and a choice of 10 languages for on-screen menus.

Full spectrum lens power
The all-seeing Evolution Kit boasts a phenomenal 33x total zoom range stretching from the extra wide field of view of the extreme wide-angle ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm) to the new high-performance ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 (140-600mm). The kit also includes the 3x wide angle standard zoom ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 (28-84mm), and the compact and lightweight 3.8x zoom ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 (80-300mm).

With just these four lenses, an amazing focal length range that spans from 9-300mm (18-600mm) is covered. All feature the superior optical quality inherent to the entire ZUIKO DIGITAL family and, thanks to the trend-setting superior performance and advanced compatibility of the Four Thirds Standard, each is extremely compact and lightweight. From wide-angle to ultra-tele, the kit’s outstanding interchangeable E-System lenses let ambitious photographers choose their weapon of choice to master any shooting situation – from far off horizons shimmering in the distance to the fine grain detail of close up action. And because the E-520 features image stabilisation, shots come out razor sharp regardless of which lens the photographer is using.

FL-50R
Ready for any challenge, the dynamic Evolution Kit even has the answer to challenging low-light shooting conditions. The E-520’s built-in flash is supplemented by its remote flash capabilities and an Olympus FL-50R wireless flash unit to ensure a photographer’s creativity is not limited by cables or complicated set-ups. The E-520’s wireless flash control makes it possible to command the FL-50R directly from the camera. And because it is capable of controlling up to three separate flash groups with an unlimited number of flash units, lighting options can be extended quickly and easily by adding further wireless flashes should the need arise. Settings for the FL-50R including illumination intensity and operating mode can also be adjusted from the camera.

Handy accessories sweeten the deal
To ensure storage flexibility, the Olympus Evolution Kit comes with two 1GB CompactFlash memory cards. In addition, a convenient swing bag allows the camera and four lenses of this fully integrated E-System solution to be safely packed in a very small space for easy mobility. The kit is rounded out with a special lens cloth and an LCD protector.

Available only as a limited edition, the Olympus Evolution Kit will become available from October 2008.

The limited edition Olympus E-520 Evolution Kit:
• E-520 body
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 (28-84mm)
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 (80-300mm)
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 (140-600mm)
• FL-50R wireless flash unit
• Swing bag
• Two 1GB CompactFlash memory cards
• LCD protector
• Lens cloth

The Olympus E-520 digital SLR – main features:
• Effective image stabilisation for sharp shooting regardless of lens
• Autofocus Live View**
• Excellent dust reduction system
• 100% D-SLR quality
• Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology
• 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD
• 10 Megapixel Live MOS sensor
• 3.5fps with up to 8 images in RAW buffer
• Built-in flash and wireless flash control
• 32 shooting modes
• Optional underwater case available
• Four Thirds Standard
• Compact and ergonomic design
• Bracketing functions
• ISO 100-1600
• AF/ AE lock functionality
• Depth of field preview
• Anti-shock (mirror lock) function
• One-touch white balance
• Perfect shot preview
• 100% field of view via LCD
• TruePic III image processor
• Detailed playback info screen with histogram
• Hi-Speed USB 2.0

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm) lens – main features:
• Extreme wide angle capabilities from 9-18mm (18-36mm)
• 2x zoom
• Minimum focusing distance of 25cm
• 79.5 x 73mm
• 280g
• One aspherical ED lens element and two aspherical lens elements

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm (28-84mm) 1:3.5-5.6
• Close focusing distance of 25cm
• ED lens element and two aspherical lens elements
• 65.5 x 61mm
• 190g

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:4.0-5.6
• Close focusing distance of 90cm
• ED lens element
• 65.5 x 72mm
• 220g

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm (140-600mm) 1:4.0-5.6
• 4.3x zoom with tremendous tele capabilities to 300mm (600mm)
• Extremely compact and lightweight
• Three ED lens elements
• 80 x 127.5mm
• 620g

* Figures in brackets represents 35mm camera equivalent throughout.

** Full contrast AF performance is available with new Olympus lenses including the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6, and the new ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 “pancake” lens. A free firmware update can be downloaded via Olympus Master or Studio software from the Olympus homepage to enable this feature for lenses that were purchased previously.


For questions or additional information, please contact:

Julia Rauther
Olympus Imaging Europa GmbH
Tel.: +49 40 23773-4258
Email: julia.rauther@olympus-europa.com

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