Olympus E-3
September 9th, 2008
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.
