With a 5-megapixel imager and a 3x optical zoom lens, which is the equivalent of 35 to 105 mm in the 35 mm format, the Olympus C-5050 Zoom Camera can be considered a serious camera.
While it has a built-in flash, a hot shoe allows it to be supplemented by an external flash for better lighting. Also, in addition to its optical viewfinder, it has an LCD display that can be rotated and repositioned for taking over-the-head and worm’s eye view shots. The locations of the controls are designed with ergonomics in mind. These are all within easy reach and manipulation is straightforward.
The world of the Olympus C-5050 can be greatly expanded with the PT-015 Underwater Housing. It can take the camera to depths of 135 feet to capture photos of a colorful and vibrant underwater world.
The PT-015 is made of transparent polycarbonate within which the C-5050 Zoom Camera can fit snugly. It has 19 push buttons and rotating dials which provide full access to camera controls. These buttons are made of stainless steel nickel-plated brass and are sealed with Buna-type o-rings to keep water out.
The C-5050 camera is inserted into the PT-015 housing via the swing-open back door. Double o-rings installed on this door guarantees against any seepage of water into the housing.
The lens port of the PT-015 is constructed out of fluorite (FL) glass with a 67 mm metal lens ring. This ring is compatible with most of the external lenses available from Olympus, Sea & Sea, and Inon. With this, you have a wide choice of lenses to choose from, from wide angle to macro lenses.
To improve the visibility of the LCD display, a removable rubber shade can be mounted on the housing. There are molded rails running along the top and bottom of the LCD display into which the shade can be inserted. This is useful when diving in shallow water where the sun can still affect your view of the LCD.