Olympus has introduced the SP series, with the launch of the 7-megapixel SP-310 and the 8-megapixel SP-350. Both cameras offer the option of manual settings for creative control or 30 selectable shooting modes, along with 2.5-inch LCDs, optional lenses and optional underwater housings.

The addition of manual aperture priority and shutter priority modes gives users versatility and control. The SP series features threaded barrels for easy attachment of wide-angle or telephoto conversion lenses. The SP-350 also has a hot shoe for external flashes.

Olympus also has developed new high-refractive-index aspherical lens elements specifically for digital cameras. The lens provides the equivalent of 38-114mm focal length, f/2.8-4.9 in 35mm photography, with 15x combined total zoom (3x optical and 5x digital), and a super-macro mode for work as close as 2 cm.

The cameras measure 3.9 x 2.6 x 1.4 inches, and weigh less than seven ounces. The SP-310 and SP-350 are priced at $349 and $399, respectively.