Olympus SZ-31MR iHS camera unveils: 16 megapixels, 24x optical

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS camera packs incredible power and performance into a single, compact and lightweight body thanks to new enhancements to the popular Long Zoom line. Like its predecessor, the SZ-31MR iHS incorporates revolutionary Multi-Recording functionality that simultaneously captures 1080p HD Video and 16-Megapixel still images without missing a frame. But the innovative Olympus SZ-31MR iHS goes further by combining an outstanding 24x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens (25-600 mm zoom equivalent in 35-mm format) with a new touch panel LCD and powerful new iHS (Intelligent, High-Sensitivity and High-Speed) technologies that capture excellent images and videos in the most challenging backlit and low light conditions.

New iHS technology achieves consistently sharp and vivid images in any situation. iHS draws on the camera’s 16-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor and two separate TruePic V image processors, originally developed for DSLR cameras, to dramatically improve low-light performance, speed up camera response time, enhance scene and subject recognition and double zoom magnification without sacrificing image quality. Combined with High-Speed Sequential Shooting (10 frames-per-second) and high-speed autofocus, iHS reduces picture noise and enhances resolution and color gradation despite fast-moving subjects, night scenes and other tricky shots.

Thanks to the ingenious Multi-Recording feature that enables users to combine various photo and video recording modes simultaneously, you’ll never have to choose between capturing 1080p Full HD Videos or still images again. A simple tap on the LCD screen captures a photo while you’re recording video – all without interrupting your movie making.

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS brings you close to your subjects with its lens, and while you can’t physically touch them from afar, the camera‘s touch-sensitive, 3.0-inch 920,000-dot LCD display helps you effortlessly capture and display images, change camera focus, shutter speed and zoom, or navigate the Live Guide controls by simply touching the screen. Whether you’re trying to capture your child’s first time at bat from a distant bleacher seat or zooming in on a delicate wildlife subject unaware of your presence, the action will feel so close, you can almost touch it.

Multi Motion Movie IS (Image Stabilization for video) and Dual Image Stabilization (for still images) all but eliminate blur, even when you’re moving and shooting at the same time. Hand-Held Starlight Mode enables you to shoot blur-free, beautiful night scenes while holding the camera in your hands and without a tripod.

Twelve Magic Art Filters power your creativity by adding a whole range of special effects to both your images and videos directly in the camera. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS offers three new Magic Art Filters. Reflection takes the image and duplicates it across a horizontal or vertical plane of symmetry creating powerful illusions, Fragmented turns an image into a photo composed of multiple tiles, similar to puzzle pieces, and Dramatic partially changes the contrast of the image for a vividly surreal look.

When you’re back from your adventures, enjoy Full HD Video and HDMI control in broadcast-quality 1080p when played back on an HDTV. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS also makes photo slideshows even more entertaining by incorporating music and transition effects.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will be available in late April and ships with a Strap, USB Cable, USB-to-AC Adapter (F-2AC), Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-50B), Quick Start Guide, A/V Cable, Instruction Manual on CD-ROM, a software CD-ROM including [ib] (Windows) and OLYMPUS Viewer 2 (Win/Mac), and a Warranty Card.

Estimated Street Price: $399.99 (Available in Silver and Black)

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS specifications