New Olympus FE models refresh manufacturer's budget line

Olympus has refreshed its FE series of budget-conscious ultracompacts with three new models: the 10 megapixel FE-3000, and the 12 megapixel FE-3010 and FE-5010.

All three slim, auto-exposure only cams are built with the casual shooter in mind. But like previous FE models, Olympus's updates to this line go beyond budget camera basics with large monitors, sleek metal bodies, and, in the case of the FE-5010, more zoom range than your average point-and-shoot.

Olympus's press release outlines the key differentiators and talking points for each model as follows:

FE-3000

• 3x optical zoom
• 10 megapixel sensor
• Intelligent Auto mode and 16 scene presets
• 2.7 inch LCD
• TruePic III image processor

FE-3010

• Same basic features as the FE-3000, but with more resolution (12 megapixels versus 10)

FE-5010

• 5x optical zoom
• 12 megapixel sensor
• Dual Image Stabilization (sensor-shift stabilization, plus ISO boost)
• 2.7 inch LCD
• TruePic III image processor
• Advanced Face Detection, Smile Shot, and Expression Edit

The FE-5010 and FE-3000 will be available in January, with the FE-3010 going up for sale in February. Suggested retail prices for the three models are $139.99 (FE-3000), $149.99 (FE-3010), and $189.99 (FE-5010).

We'll post specs and additional details on the new FE cameras once we have time to pull them together.