Olympus has announced new cameras in many of its range, including the mid-level SP and design-led mju lines.

align=right border=0 />The SP-350 is a mid-range model that combines a 8.0-megapixel CCD with a 3x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 38-114mm on a 35mm camera). Focusing options include iESP (standard), spot, and multi-spot autofocus, plus manual focus. </p> <p> The camera offers four exposure modes: auto, programme, aperture priority and shutter priority - plus a manual mode. 24 scene modes allow the SP-350 to be used quickly in a wide range of circumstances. A Super Macro mode enables images as close as 2cm to be focussed on. </p> <p> Images can be captured in JPEG or RAW formats, with a histogram function showing the make-up of pictures in both shooting and playback modes on the SP-350

The SP-350 costs £265 plus VAT. A 7.1mp model, with otherwise identical specs, is available from Jessops as the SP-310 for £230 plus VAT. Optional accessories include 27mm wide angle and 193mm tele lens converters, an underwater case, and flash units through the SP-350's TTL hot-shoe connector.

A longer zoom

align=right border=0 />The SP-500UZ combines a 6.0-megapixel CCD with a 10x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 38-380mm on a 35mm camera). It features the same focusing and exposure modes as the SP-350, as well as a 2.5-inch LCD screen and histogram function. </p> <p> The Super Macro mode allows images as close as 3cm to be captured, and JPEG and RAW images can be recorded either to the camera

The SP-500UZ costs £255 plus VAT.

Mju view

align=right border=0 />The mju Digital 600 features Olympus

The mju Digital 600 is available in three colours: Navy Blue (pictured), Ruby Red and Arctic Silver. The 3x optical zoom lens is equivalent to 35-105mm on a 35mm camera. There's no manual functionality, with 23 scene modes designed to deal with different circumstances. The camera offers a histogram function, and a Super Macro mode down to 7cm.

The mju Digital 600 costs £185 plus VAT.