Olympus announces the high-end C-5060 WIDE ZOOM compact digital camera. The C-5060 WZ offers a 27mm-110mm equivalent wide angle zoom - the widest currently available - and is packed with a full compliment of features and manually-adjustable photographic functions. The 5 megapixel C-5060 WZ is one of the fastest digital cameras on the market today, with a start-up time of just 3 seconds and a release time lag (including Auto Focus time) of 0.4 seconds. Available from November 2003, RRP £599.99. For stockist information call freephone 0800 072 0070 or visit www.olympus.co.uk.


The C-5060 WZ boasts a bright f2.8-4.8, 4x optical zoom [3.5x digital zoom] lens. At 27mm [35mm equivalent] the wide-angle of the zoom range extends to 110mm; this increases to a super wide 19mm with the new wide-angle converter. At the other of end of the scale, the C-5060 WZ's macro mode records the tiniest of detail close-up. Furthermore, the dual Auto Focus system will ensure that a subject is perfectly focussed in order to achieve precise, bright, colourful results.


To avoid the problem of corner shading (a loss of picture quality at the edge of the frame), often seen when using a wide-angle lens with a digital camera, the C-5060 WZ boasts first-class optical elements, arranged to permit the ‘telecentric' transmission of light. This ensures that light hits the camera's sensor at a right angle.


Not only does the C-5060 WZ take just a fraction of a second from pressing the release to taking the picture, it also boasts a shooting speed of three HQ frames per second in speed sequence mode. Users can also experiment with the six different scene programmes such as landscape and sports, as well as a movie recording function


The camera's four different exposure modes (programme, shutter priority, aperture priority and fully manual) are not only easy to use but give you room for professional creativity. Additionally, the new high power Lithium Ion battery supplied with the C-5060 WZ will allow up to 600 shots; an optional power grip over 1000 shots.


However you are positioned to take a shot, you can see your subject clearly thanks to the C-5060 WZ's multi-angle high-resolution LCD monitor. This is fixed to a flexible hinge which can be tilted up and swivelled round by 270º. The C-5060 WZ looks great too with a full magnesium body and sleek black finish perfectly reflecting the model's pro capabilities.


The C-5060 WZ is also compatible with a range of CAMEDIA system accessories such as a hot shoe, external flash systems, a power grip, filters plus a tele and wide angle lens converter. A variety of newly-developed accessories are also available including a direct filter mount and bayonet conversion lens system.