Four new SDHC-based Olympus Stylus models feature 1gb+ on-board memory to help with the SDHC transition

Fleeing from the xD tyranny, a rag-tag fleet of Olympus Stylus models escapes to the SDHC Universe! Three xD-based models were announced at CES 2009, four new SDHC-based Stylus models are announced now at CES 2010. Viva Olympus for ditching xD for SDHC :)

Being the caring mother of xD users that it is, Olympus is offering either 2gb or 1gb of internal memory on each of these four cameras, so loyal Olympus fans can get them without having to buy SD/SDHC cards immediately. Although considering the current prices of SD/SDHC memory cards, it is almost a non-issue. But regardless, bonus points to Olympus for paying attention to the transition.

These four new cameras use the 14mp 1/2.3" sensor. All four of them! All except for the 730, record 720p video.

We start with new Stylus 9010, which, just like its predecessor, has a 10X optical zoom lens, and it is Olympus's latest entry in the increasingly crowded field of fun-compact-zooms. Obviously it has image stabilization! But also the 14mp 1/2.3" sensor.

This has not been announced in the US market, but has been announced in Europe with an opening price of 300 euro.

Stylus 7040 and 7030
Another positive step is that the 7X lenses of the 7040 and 7030 are now starting at 28mm, while the 7000 started at 37mm which was not quite as versatile from a general-use point of view.

The opening prices are $250 and $200 respectively, which differentiate on video-mode (720p vs VGA), screen-size (3" vs 2.7"), and on-board memory (2gb vs 1gb).

Stylus 5010
Likewise, Olympus went wide with the 5010, which keeps the 5X zoom ratio but starts at a versatile 26mm. The 5000 model started at 36mm. The camera has 720p video and its opening price is $200. It has 1gb on-board memory for those who are transitioning from xD.

Non-waterproofness reminder
Please note that the recent Stylus models are not waterproof. Olympus has shifted the element-proof features to its "Tough" series of cameras.

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