Olympus unveils Stylus Tough 6000 and 8000

CES 2009: Olumpus has announced two new models in its Stylus TOUGH (µ TOUGH in Europe) series of shock-, water- and freezeproof compact cameras. The Stylus TOUGH-8000 features a 12 megapixel sensor while the sister model TOUGH-6000 captures 10 megapixel images. Both cameras come with a 3.6x (28-102mm equivalent) zoom lens and feature Olympus' TAP control technology for easy operation when wearing gloves, ideal for all sorts of outdoor activities.

Press Release

Tough cameras for tough situations

Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 (µ TOUGH-8000 in Europe)

The µ TOUGH-8000 and µ TOUGH-6000 – action heroes!

London, 7 January 2009 – Olympus’ unique range of waterproof, shockproof and freeze proof TOUGH cameras has grown with the addition of the 12 Megapixel µ TOUGH-8000 and the 10 Megapixel µ TOUGH-6000. Both models feature 3.6x wide zoom lenses, great for taking awesome wide-angle photos of rugged terrain and for zooming in on the distant bits that you can’t get to! Blur caused by camera shake is virtually eradicated on the two new TOUGHS, thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation and, as both cameras feature TAP Control, they can be operated by simply tapping on their casings – very handy if you’re wearing ski gloves. The µ TOUGH-8000 and µ TOUGH-6000 let you take extremely good photos in extreme conditions, and enjoy the experience.

The new top-of-the-range µ TOUGH-8000, is hard as nails and perfect for those who want to push things to their limits. It’s waterproof to 10m***, shockproof to falls from up to 2m**, freezeproof down to temperatures as low as -10°C and crushproof to weights of up to 100kg****. Fellow newcomer, the µ TOUGH-6000 is no wimp either. As well as being freezeproof, this model is waterproof to 3m*** and impervious to drops from up to 1.5m**.

Both models inherit the versatile 3.6x wide optical zoom first seen on the EISA Award winning Olympus µ 1030 SW. Starting at 28mm* wide-angle, fantastic for landscapes and architectural photos, this lens zooms up to a useful 102mm*, which is ideal for concentrating on more distant subjects. And Dual Image Stabilisation significantly reduces image blur caused by camera shake, even when the µ TOUGH-8000 and µ TOUGH-6000 are being used in challenging situations, such as being buffeted by the waves.

Being tough doesn’t mean that the new models aren’t sensitive. The µ TOUGH-8000 and µ TOUGH-6000 are packed with features that make beautiful photos a cert. And, with 12 and 10 Megapixels resolution respectively, results can be enlarged as big as you wish. Capable of recognising up to 3 faces, the µ TOUGH-8000’s Face Detection Technology guarantees that human subjects are always perfectly focused and exposed. The µ TOUGH-6000, which boasts Advanced Face Detection Technology, goes one better and can detect up to 16 faces. It also has a handy Smile Shot feature which automatically takes the picture as soon as the subject smiles and, for even happier results, Beauty Mode can retouch their skin as the shot is being taken, removing lines and wrinkles for a smooth glowing complexion.

To further improve picture quality Shadow Adjustment Technology has been included to boost shadow detail that would otherwise be lost. And for the ultimate in photography convenience, Intelligent Auto Mode analyses the image being photographed and matches it to one of five commonly-used scene modes, automatically selecting the best choice.

As an alternative to the intuitive on-screen menus displayed on their 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD screens, the µ TOUGH-8000 and µ TOUGH-6000 also feature Tap Control. This allows fast access to a range of settings simply by tapping the camera body – even when wearing gloves, such as when skiing.

The µ TOUGH-8000 and µ TOUGH-6000 are waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof, and available in a range of great colours – so picking the right one might prove tough too! Expect to see them in UK stores in mid-January and early February 2009 respectively.

The Olympus µ TOUGH-8000 – main features:

Shooting in toughest situations – shockproof to 2m**, waterproof to 10m***, crushproof to 100kg**** and freezeproof to -10°C
Available in Platinum Silver, Midnight Black, or Steel Blue
High-precision 3.6x wide optical zoom (28-102mm*) to capture landscapes through to stunning close-ups even in extreme conditions
Avoids camera shake and blurry images thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation (combines mechanical and digital image stabilisation)
TAP Control Menu for great convenience also when wearing gloves
12 Megapixels to make prints up to poster-size
6.9cm/2.7" HyperCrystal III LCD for best ever preview even in brilliant sunlight and at extreme angles (230,000 dots)
Face Detection for perfectly focused and exposed faces. In combination with Shadow Adjustment Technology, other main parts of the picture are also correctly exposed.
The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto Mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
Easy checking of air and water pressure thanks to on-screen manometer
LED illuminator to lighten up underwater or macro sceneries
Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound
(up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
xD-Picture Card and microSD Card***** compatible

The Olympus µ TOUGH-6000 – main features:

Shooting when it's getting tough, wet and cold – shockproof to 1.5m**, waterproof to 3m*** and freezeproof to -10°C
Available in Lemon Yellow, Pure White, Arctic Blue or Sunset Orange
High-precision 3.6x wide optical zoom (28-102mm*) to capture landscapes through to stunning close-ups even in extreme conditions
Avoids camera shake and blurry images thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation (combines mechanical and digital image stabilisation)
TAP Control Menu for great convenience also when wearing gloves
10 Megapixels to make prints up to poster-size
6.9cm/2.7" HyperCrystal III LCD for best ever preview even in brilliant sunlight and at extreme angles (230,000 dots)
Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces. In combination with Shadow Adjustment Technology other main parts of the picture are also correctly exposed.
The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto Mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
LED illuminator to lighten up underwater or macro sceneries
Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
xD-Picture Card and microSD Card***** compatible

* Equivalent to a 35mm camera
** Equivalent to MIL Standard (Olympus test conditions)
*** According to IEC standard publication 529 IPX8
**** According to Olympus test conditions)
*****microSD is a trademark of SD Card Association