Olympus has announced the successor to the TIPA-winning C-310, which was only announced at PMA in February. The Olympus C-315 Zoom boasts a higher resolution at 5.1 megapixel but a slightly shorter 2.8x zoom. Looks-wise the C-315 is practically the same; 1.8-inch LCD and basic controls. Like its predecessor it's aimed at the 'ambitious' beginners. It will be available at the end of July.

The new Olympus C-315Z boasts the same special blend of design, performance, handling and affordability. It’s resolution has also been significantly increased to 5.1 million pixels to provide higher picture quality but what won’t ibe changing is the camera’s great value for money.

Available from the end of July, the Olympus C-315Z comes highly recommended for first-time digital camera buyers and all those who are budget conscious yet still demand high-quality results.

Olympus C-315Z – main features:

5.1 million pixels
2.8x optical zoom (equiv. 38-106mm on a 35mm camera), 1:3.0-5.0
Super Macro mode: shooting from as close as 2cm
5 scene programmes (Portrait, Self Portrait, Night Scene, Landscape, Landscape with Portrait)
Movie recording function
TruePic TURBO image processor
PictBridge & ImageLink support
4.6cm/1.8” LCD with multi-language menu
Olympus Master software for easy file handling and editing provided