*Waterproof equivalent to the IEC standard publication 529 IPX8.
**Shockproof complying with MIL Standard (MIL-STD 810F).

Small and tough – the Olympus µ [mju:] 725 SW 

Sometimes life can be hard, so you need a digital camera that’s as hard as nails, such as the Olympus µ [mju:] 725 SW. Waterproof to 5m* and shockproof to 1.5m**, the µ [mju:] 725 SW is more than a match for today’s active lifestyles. Earlier in the year, Olympus introduced the innovative µ [mju:] 720 SW and its waterproof and shockproof protection proved a huge hit. The new Olympus µ [mju:] 725 SW is the worthy successor to its crown, being waterproof to an even greater depth of 5m*.

The µ [mju:] 725 SW takes its protection from a durably-constructed and yet great looking metal body, which is available in three colours: Deep Blue, Cherry Red and Titanium Grey. Image quality is equally impressive, due to a 7.1 million pixel CCD and a sharp 3x optical zoom lens (equiv. to 38-114mm). Framing photos on its large, 6.4cm LCD screen couldn’t be easier either – even underwater. Whether it’s being taken snorkelling in a rock pool, mountain biking over rough terrain, or put in the hands of a butterfingered four-year-old, you need never worry about the µ [mju:] 725 SW.

Whether you’re into extreme sports, lead an active lifestyle, or simply would like to pass a camera around at a children’s party without worrying that the kids might drop it, you’ll appreciate what the µ [mju:] 725 SW will put up with on your behalf. And, as it’s an Olympus, this ruggedness in no way compromises the quality of the photos it delivers. A 7.1 million pixel CCD ensures pictures are packed with detail, and a precision 3x optical zoom lens (equiv. to 38-114mm on a 35mm camera) lets the photographer delve into the middle of the action. As this specially constructed lens is housed wholly within the camera’s metal body and doesn’t protrude like conventional lenses, the chance of it getting knocked if play gets rough is significantly reduced.

The µ [mju:] 725 SW is simple to use. A choice of 24 special scene modes are on hand to take the fuss out of photographing special subjects and the µ [mju:] 725 SW can even record movies with sound (in 640x480 pixel quality) with the duration of the clip only limited by the amount of memory available.

Framing photos is easy on the 6.4cm LCD screen which, thanks to BrightCapture Technology, really comes into its own in low-light conditions – such as when photographing beneath the waves! And should the photographer ever get flummoxed as to what to do, they can consult the Guide Function, which gives brief explanations of the camera modes directly on the LCD screen – just like having the instruction book built in!

When other manufacturers say their cameras can “cope with anything” they usually mean awkward lighting or focusing, they don’t mean being dropped on the ground or dunked in water! Shockproofing up to 1.5m** and waterproofing up to 5m*, as featured on the Olympus µ [mju:] 725 SW, give a whole new meaning to the phrase. This camera, perfect for active lifestyles, will be in stores from October 2006.