Olympus Zuiko Lens Compact Camera Teased At Photokina

Olympus are teasing a new camera of their own today, in the shape of a new prototype that uses an integrated Zuiko lens.  Expected to make its commercial debut in Q1 2011, the so-far unnamed compact camera doesn't use a removable lens system like Olympus' Micro Four Thirds models, but does get the same accessory port.

That means it'll work with peripherals like Olympus' SEMA-1 external microphone, just not any of the interchangeable lenses that fit the PEN range.  Unfortunately beyond that – and some hyperbole about it being the company's new flagship – details are in short supply.

Looking at the back panel, the red button would suggest that video capture is supported, and we can also see a flash control and optical zoom lever.  The camera will be shown off at Photokina 2010 this week, so we expect we'll hear feedback from there and hopefully a few more specifications as well.

Press Release:

OLYMPUS DEVELOPING NEW FLAGSHIP COMPACT CAMERA WITH BUILT-IN ZUIKO® LENS

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., September 20, 2010 – Since 1936, photographers have appreciated Olympus's critically acclaimed Zuiko® lenses for their innovative design, high quality and superior reliability. Today, Olympus is pleased to announce that it is developing a new flagship compact camera that will be its first digital compact camera with a built-in Zuiko® lens. Olympus expects to introduce the camera in the first quarter of 2011.

Like the Olympus PEN® E-P2 and E-PL1 cameras, the new camera will include an accessory port so photographers will be able to expand its versatility by attaching optional accessories like the SEMA-1 external microphone adapter set.

A prototype of the camera will be displayed this week at Photokina 2010, the world's largest trade fair for the photographic and imaging industries held September 21-26 in Cologne, Germany. It will also be on display from October 28-30 at the 2010 PDN PhotoPlus Expo in the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

Journalists interested in more information and high-resolution images of the concept camera should contact Michael Bourne, Mullen Public Relations, (617) 226-9953 or michael.bourne@mullen.com, or Jennifer Colucci, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, PA 18034, ph: (484) 896-5719 or jennifer.colucci@olympus.com, or visit the Olympus website: http://www.getolympus.com.

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