Release Issued by Olympus:

Featuring the Four Thirds advantage with new lens

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* extreme wide angle lens for a unique perspective

London, 13 May 2008 – In yet another expansion to the rapidly growing E-System lens line-up, Olympus unveils the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* extreme wide angle lens. This affordable complement to the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm 1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)* enables stunningly original perspectives with an extra-wide field of view. And at just 280g, it weighs in at significantly less than those of the competition. The Four Thirds-based ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* extreme wide angle lens will go on sale from September 2008 in Olympus’ ‘standard’ range of lenses.

Focus on more with the larger depth of field afforded by the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* lens. This super-compact and light-weight addition to the E-System family is ideal for anything from sweeping desert landscapes to broad shots: emphasise the green of a cactus against burnt red cliffs, or capture the breadth of a farmer’s market in a single shot. Meanwhile, a remarkably compact design – featuring a diameter of 79.5mm, a length of 73mm and a weight of only 280g – ensures utmost mobility.

Enjoy the impeccable optical quality inherent in all ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses with this bright model: 13 lens elements in nine groups, including one aspherical ED lens and two aspherical elements award the ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* with a pronounced advantage over the competition. Coupled with the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm 1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)* lens, this affordable combination provides you with an incredible 9-180mm range (18-360mm)* for unparalleled versatility. A minimum focusing distance of 25cm round out this 2x-zoom model’s list of convenient attributes.

The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* lens will be available from September 2008.

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm)* lens – main features:

• ·            Extreme wide angle capabilities from 9-18mm (18-36mm)*
• ·            Ultra-compact dimensions (79.5mm in diameter and
  73mm in length) and light weight (280g)
• ·            2x zoom
• ·            Minimum focusing distance of 25cm
• ·            13 lens elements in 9 groups, including 1 aspherical ED lens
  and 2 aspherical elements
• ·            Based on the Four Thirds Standard
• ·            Ideal complement to ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm
  1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)* lens
• ·            Compatible with all Four Thirds Standard cameras including Olympus’ recently introduced E-420 and E-520

* Figure in brackets represents 35mm camera equivalent.