By Shutterbug Staff

June 11, 2007 — The new PT-E03 housing is made specifically for Olympus’ EVOLT E-410 D-SLR camera. The E-410’s housing is compatible with many of the Olympus Zuiko Digital-Specific lenses and their respective underwater lens ports.

The new PPO-E05 underwater lens port is designed for the lightweight 14-42mm Zuiko Digital-Specific lens, which is the perfect complement to the portable E-410 and its underwater housing when diving. The versatile 14-42mm lens offers the most common focal lengths, including wide angle and close focusing, making it an essential tool for those recreational divers who want to capture images of their explorations. Additionally, all other Olympus PPO Series underwater lens ports (including macro) are compatible with Olympus’ E-Series underwater housings.

New underwater housings have been created specifically for Olympus’ recently announced point-and-shoot cameras, including the SP-550 UZ, Stylus 770 SW, Stylus 760 and FE-230. These cameras also offer underwater scene modes.

For the first time, Olympus is offering an underwater flash (UFL-1) for use with all new SP and Stylus camera housings introduced in 2007 as well as a majority of its pre-existing digital compact camera housings. The new slave flash requires no cables.

Other underwater accessories include an adjustable float strap, created specifically for the Stylus SW Series, which enables the camera to float at the water’s surface and provides surfers, kayakers and other active swimmers with the ability to strap the camera to their arm, freeing their hands when not taking photos. The float strap boasts a vibrant red color for high visibility.

New silicone skins are also available for the Stylus 770 SW. While the camera can reach depths of 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) without a skin or housing, the silicone skin provides a variety of stylish looks, offers improved handling in the water and is perfect for avoiding scratches on the camera’s body from rocks or other rough surfaces. The new skins are available in three trendy colors: orange, blue and clear.

The new Olympus underwater housings and accessories will be available at retailers in June 2007. The new housings – both compact and D-SLRs – are for use in depths down to 40 meters (approximately 133 feet). Comprehensive information on the complete family of Olympus’ underwater housings and accessories is available at www.olympusamerica.com/underwater.