The new FD-1 diffuser accessory for the Stylus TG-4 improves flash illumination for better macro pictures. Price & availability TBA. Firmware update v2.0 (available now) enables flash activation and enhanced control in the microscope shooting mode.
The new FD-1 flash diffuser (left) promises beautifully diffused illumination for macro photography with Olympus’ ruggedised compact camera – Stylus TG-4 (right).
Olympus has announced the launch of the FD-1 Flash Diffuser accessory for the Stylus Tough TG-4 compact camera.
Feature Highlights for the new flash diffuser
- Dedicated for use with the Stylus Tough TG-4
- Directly attaches via camera lens mount
- Creates diffused direct flash illumination for macro photography
- Effective flash range (in Microscope mode): 20 – 300mm
- Built-in switch provides mechanical reduction of flash power by -1.4EV for enhanced flash power control in extreme macro photography
- Usable lens focal length of 5.5mm to 18mm (30-100mm equivalent zoom range)
- Dimensions: 80.6mm (W) × 60.7mm (H) × 19.8 mm (D)
- Weight: 20g
- Mountable when the silicone jacket CSCH-122 is used
- Usable underwater
The FD-1 creates attractive illumination for the macro photography of nature subjects and small objects, by improving the light quality of the camera’s built-in flash.
Complementing the launch of this new accessory is a new firmware for the TG-4, version 2.0.
The latest firmware provides additional flash functionality for macro photography.
The application of direct, on-camera flash illumination brings many benefits to macro photography with the TG-4, making close-up imaging possible in poor ambient lighting conditions.
The aesthetics of direct flash illumination expands the range of creative expression available to the macro photographer.
Sharper, clearer close-up shots can be also captured with a motion freezing burst of flash illumination that helps to overcome camera-shake.
The optimum colour temperature of flash illumination further enables the photography of macro subjects with better colour accuracy than most natural, ambient light sources permit.
The added functionality and features in this new firmware update are:
- FD-1 added to the “Accessory Settings” in the shooting menu
- Fill-in flash can now be activated in the Microscope mode; flash compensation (+/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps) is now available to prevent overexposure or fine tune flash intensity
- Microscope mode exposure program is optimised for the FD-1 (when used), and a low ISO sensitivity is automatically set for high image quality results with low noise, when flash is used.
- Shooting settings can now be saved in the A (Aperture Priority), P (Program), and Microscope shooting modes
- Interval shooting of up to 299 shots
- File name memory selection from Reset or Auto
Olympus’ new FD-1 Flash Diffuser helps TG-4 camera users capture better, more attractive macro flash pictures by eliminating the typically harsh appearance of direct flash illumination.
It does this by channelling and diffusing the light from the camera’s built-in flash to produce an even, ‘on-axis’ illumination.
Weighing just 20 grams, the FD-1 conveniently attaches to the TG-4’s accessory lens mount.
A new firmware, version 2.0, for the Stylus Tough TG-4 will be simultaneously launched with the FD-1.
It complements the FD-1 by enabling flash to be activated, and flash intensity to better controlled, when the camera is used in the special “Microscope Mode” for extreme close-up imaging.
Stylus TG-4 camera owners should consult the product support pages on relevant Olympus product websites for instructions on how they can self-update their cameras.
Tags: accessories, cameras, firmware, Flash, macro, Olympus, software, STYLUS, TG-4, underwater, update