For 2003 Olympus takes their best-selling 35mm point-and-shoot film camera series and adapts them for today's digital consumers. The new Stylus Digital line of cameras are stylish, ultra-compact, weather resistant and very easy to use. The first members of this new line are the 3.2 Megapixel Stylus 300 Digital which is available now and the 4.0 Megapixel Stylus 400 Digital, available starting in April.

The Stylus 300 Digital has a sliding lens barrier accented in silver and the Stylus 400 Digital is accented in gold. Measuring an ultra-compact 3.8" long x 2.2" high x 1.3" wide, and weighing just 5.8 ounces, the Stylus Digital delivers maximum portability and durability for an active, on-the-go lifestyle. These cameras are not only attractive, they're also weather resistant for great shots come rain or shine. The lightweight and ergonomic aluminum body provides all-weather protection from the elements and can even survive a downpour. To learn more about the Stylus Digital's weatherproof body click here.

The Stylus Digital cameras offer basic point-and-shoot simplicity for flawless picture taking. For photographers who want optimum results in a wide variety of settings, the easy-to-use Creative Scene Modes provide fully automatic exposure adjustments for Portrait, Self-Portrait, Landscape-Portrait, and Sports or Action photography. Other controls include Digital ESP multi-pattern and spot metering; auto white balance; multiple flash settings including slow sync flash; and auto bracketing and exposure compensation. The camera comes with a built-in flash that offers 6 settings to provide the widest range of options.

The cameras have an optical viewfinder as well as an easy-to-view 1.5" color LCD display on the back of the body for composing and reviewing shots. Menu navigation is easy to control with the push of arrow buttons. Transferring images to the computer is easy with the Auto-Connect USB (that does not require software drivers) for hassle-free image downloads. Images may also be viewed on a television with the video cable.

Stylus 300 Features at a Glance:

• 3.2-megapixel effective CCD for images up to 2048 x 1536 pixels
• 3x optical zoom lens, equivalent to a 35-105mm zoom on a 35mm camera
• Durable all-metal body lets you shoot in almost any weather condition
• 5 Scene program modes for various shooting situations
• 1.5-inch TFT color monitor with 134,000 pixels
• Movies up to 16 secs at 320x240 (up to 40 secs at 160x120)
• Shutter speeds from 1/1000 to 1/2 second (up to 4 secs in night mode)
• Built-in flash with auto, fill and red-eye reduction modes
• ISO sensitivity; Automatic (80 - 320 equivalent)
• xD-Picture Card media, 16MB card included
• Auto-Connect USB for quick and easy image transfer to computer
• Epson Print Image Matching II compatible
• Lithium rechargeable battery and charger included

The Stylus Digital 300 is available now and ships with a 16MB xD-Picture Card, a Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger, wireless shutter release, wrist strap, manuals and Camedia Master software for a street price of $399.00

Stylus 300 Specifications

STYLUS DIGITAL Weatherproofing

The Olympus STYLUS DIGITAL is the first metal-bodied digital camera in the world to feature protection equivalent to IEC standard publication 529 IPX4 (protection against water splashed from any direction). Behind this achievement stand three exclusive Olympus technologies.

Double Chassis Protection

Inside the STYLUS DIGITAL's contoured metal body is a separate plastic chassis. It is this double-chassis protection that forms the basis of the camera's all-weather performance.

All-Weather Seals

Specially coated ultra-durable rubber materials are used to seal the gaps between individual components, and to prevent moisture from entering the camera. A very large number of parts are treated, and a particularly high level of technology is required for moving parts such as zoom lens components.

Years of research in "compact bodies" and "all-weather functions" are utilized to achieve the desired results without changing the body's compact size.

Airflow Control

When a camera body is tightly sealed against the elements, the zoom lens assembly and other moving components can generate considerable air pressure as they move. It is therefore important to control the flow of air in and out of the camera to ensure active airflow control technology also plays an important smooth zooming action. In addition, proper air flow plays an effective role in preventing and dissipating heat buildup in the electronic components.