Olympus announces superzoom compacts

Olympus has added two new large zoom compacts to its line-up, with the SZ-31MR offering 24x optical zoom.The company also claims that the new SZ-31 MR has the lightest and smallest of any 20-plus optical zoom lens camera.In 35mm terms, that zoom offers a 25-600mm focal length, while it is also fitted with new iHS technologies to help with shooting in low light conditions.Featuring a 16 million backlit CMOS sensor and two separate TruePic V image processers which were originally developed for DSLR cameras, Olympus claims that this camera is able enhance low-light performance, speed up camera response and enhance scene and subject recognition.Dual Image Stabilisation is available to help reduce motion blur, even when walking and shooting at the same time. IS is also useful when shooting macros or close-up subjects.Multi Recording and Multi Framing are both features, which allow you to do two things at once. In the case of Multi Recording, this allows for stills to be shot while capturing full HD movie.Meanwhile, Multi Framing allows for movies at different focal lengths to be captured at the same time. Both can be done via the touchscreen.The 3 inch 920k dot touchscreen also offers touch shutter and touch AF.Other features include Smart Panorama, HDR Backlight Adjustment, Handheld Starlight Mode and Face Detection.The Olympus SZ-31 MR UK price is £299.99 and it will be available from late March. The second superzoom announced by Olympus fits into the company's "Traveller" range and features a 12.5x zoom.It has also been equipped with new iHS technologies, which includes a backlit 16 million pixel backlit CMOS sensor.Also included is full 1080p video recording, Multi-motion Movie IS and Dual Image Stabilisation.A 3 inch touch screen can be found on the back of the camera, while it is also equipped with GPS and an electronic compass with three sensor technology for orientation.The Olympus SH-25MR UK price is £229.99 and it will be available from April 2012.