Olympus Digital Camera

The new flagship professional DSLR Olympus E-3 is the desired long-awaited successive replacement for the Olympus E-1, which was launched in November 2003. The E-3, originally codenamed Olympus E-P1, was announced on 17 October 2007.

The 10.1 megapixels (3648 × 2736) E-3, like the other cameras in the Olympus E-series, conforms to the Four Thirds System. It is Olympus Corporation's flagship camera, positioned as a professional DSLR camera. The E-3 has several novel features, including a live preview full articulating screen, autofocus in live view mode, the ability to capture a scene with wide dynamic range using an image processing method called shadow adjustment technology. With the built-in pop up flash GN=13 at ISO 100, it has ability to wireless control for up to 3 external flash groups and 4 channels without external transmitters. The camera is also fully weatherproof even with the popup flash in the "up" position.

The camera, with the latest SWD (ultrasonic motor) lenses, is expected to appeal to professional users that want a rugged, portable and lightweight camera body with quality lenses and class leading autofocus.

Here's the main feature highlights that will make you want to purchase one:

- Fast autofocus (Olympus claims that this was the world's fastest autofocus at the time the camera was released (when used with the Zuiko ED 12-60 mm SWD lens @ 60mm, as of October 2007).

- 100% viewfinder with x1.15 magnification with a 50 mm lens (as 25 mm is the "standard" lens on the 4/3 format, this is equivalent to x0.57 in 35 mm format)

- 2.5" 230,000 pixel TFT LCD on full articulating multi-angle screen with live preview

- In-camera Image Stabilisation (IS)

- External white balance sensor

- 5.0 frames per second (frame/s) capture speed (19 images RAW buffer)

- 11 selectable biaxial cross auto-focus points that works at -2 EV at ISO 100

- In-body image stabilization achieved by moving the sensor (thus, it works with any lens)

- Environmentally sealed magnesium alloy camera body

- Dust reduction system (Supersonic Wave Filter)

- 'X' sync and External remote ports

- Shutter tested to 150,000 cycles

- Internal Viewfinder shutter

What is more, the camera is compatible with existing BLM-1 batteries used in the E-1, E-300, E-330, E-500 and E-510. The camera was reviewed by Digital Photography Review in February 2008 by Simon Joinson. The E-3 is equipped with a better sensor than other DSLRs marketed by Olympus, allowing the user to operate at higher ISO settings without producing as much noise. As well as other Olympus 4/3rds bodies, the E-3 has a very 'maintenance free' approach due to it having on-demand pixel mapping, the SSWF 'dust shaker', vignetting and distortion correction either in-camera or during editing with Olympus software. Moreover, draw attention to the great fact that Olympus have implemented on-demand firmware updates for all their bodies, lens and flash units. The E-3 is definitely the camera Olympus needs to break into this prosumer SLR market, which is already dominated by Canon and Nikon, with Pentax, Sony, and Panasonic starting to fill in the gaps.

Seeking a small compact camera with a lots of features? So you are on the right way! The E-420 is the world's smallest and lightest digital SLR with all the features you need to take wonderful pictures wherever you go, every day. The innovative and unique Olympus Autofocus Live View function allows you to frame and focus your photos using the large 2.7-inch LCD as a viewfinder. The E-420's Scene Select Modes make you an instant expert -- or switch to manual mode to expand your creative control. This feature-rich digital SLR also sports Shadow Adjustment Technology and Face Detection, both viewable in real time on the Live View LCD. The E-420 is small enough to fit into a purse or a jacket pocket and light enough to shoot with comfortably all day. Measuring 5.1 inches by 3.6 inches by 2.1 inches (excluding protrusions), it is the world’s smallest digital SLR. And at a featherweight 13.4 ounces, only its predecessor (E-410) weighs less.

Two advanced technologies combine to create a unique digital experience. The E-420’s on-Screen Autofocus works as seamlessly as a point-and-shoot to display subjects in focus on the LCD the instant the shutter is pressed half way. And the Live View LCD, enables photographers to hold the camera away from their faces and at angles they just cannot reach by using the optical viewfinder alone.

The E-420’s Face Detection feature distinguishes between people’s faces and the background. This innovative technology tracks up to eight faces within the image area and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Whether you use Live View or not, the Face Detection system is still active, recording at least one face location so that you can zoom in and check focus after capture, a very useful feature.

Shooting scenes with shadows can be problematic because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The E-420 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment Technology that compensates for extreme contrast when shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. This technology works automatically when using Face Detection Mode, Live View and in Scene Select Modes.

New and Improved HyperCrystal II™ Technology delivers twice the contrast and better viewing in extreme lighting conditions, a broader range of color detail, and a wider angle of view on the LCD so you and your friends can see it up to 176 degrees off-center.

Get incredibly detailed, colorful and clear images with the 10-megapixel Live-MOS image sensor. This high-resolution sensor captures all the detail needed to make large prints, or even crop without losing detail. The E-420 sensor's high dynamic range, accurate color rendition and low noise characteristics let you capture great images, even at high ISO settings. The E-420's Digital Image Stabilization, activated as a Scene Select Mode, allows high ISO sensitivity and faster shutter speeds so you can freeze the action to capture sharp, blur-free images even if you or your subject is moving.

The external controls of the Olympus E-420 are styled in a fashion typical of entry-level digital SLRs and almost identical to the E-410. The power switch on the Olympus E-420 is sculpted around the mode dial, just behind and to the side of the shutter button. The mode dial is one of three major controls on the top right portion of the camera. The other two are the exposure dial and the shutter button. The placement of the power control makes it easier to access than if it were on the camera's back, though not as fast as wrapping the power button around the shutter release, which is common on Nikon and Pentax cameras.

No longer relegated to just professional digital SLRs, the Olympus E-420 is graced with dual card slots for CompactFlash and xD media. CompactFlash is the conventional form of storage for digital SLRs, typically offering the most in the way of speed and capacity, while the additional xD slot supplies a nice backup for overflow or to split media when shooting RAW + JPEG. Camera fits a lithium-ion battery with decent stamina, achieving roughly 500 shots on a charge when using the optical viewfinder exclusively. Its endurance drops noticeably when relying on the Live View mode, however. Consumers drawn to the Olympus E-420 for constant, point-and-shoot-like Live View may want to consider an additional battery for longer shoots.

You don't have to spend time worrying about dust ruining your images, life moves pretty fast, but technology moves faster! Olympus’ proven Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the high-class Supersonic Wave Filter™. The patented ultrasonic technology vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor and captures it on a special adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on.

In sum, the E-420 is the best cutting-edge digital camera for SLR lovers, they feel the dominant power in their hands if they are using it, so join them faster!