Photography News: Olympus DSLR Cameras Archives

March 31, 2009

The Olympus E-450 Compact DSLR Announced

Olympus E-450.jpg London, 31 March 2009 – With the Olympus E-450, the superior quality of E-System D-SLRs and ease-of-use of compact cameras are fused in a model that brings out the artist in anyone. Indeed, the successor to the renowned E-420 is packed with features that encourage novices to explore their creative potential and create masterpieces. Three in-camera Art Filters, for example, apply stylish effects to any image at the touch of a button. Meanwhile, image composition is simplified thanks to Live View depictions on the bright LCD. This latest addition to the Olympus E-System range is not only one of the smallest and lightest models on the market*, it also boasts all the benefits of the Four Thirds Standard at an affordable price. And, of course, the E-450 has a full range of Olympus’ innovative E-System technology on board. It will be available in stores from May 2009.

A creative powerhouse
Developed with amateurs in mind, the easy-to-use Olympus E-450 brings a high performance D-SLR to users with unbridled imaginations. A range of Art Filters allows photographers to stretch the limits of their creativity, without complicated software or a computer. Introduced with the E-30, this function gives pictures a make-over by selecting from one of three Art Filters. Inspired by the kaleidoscopic colours of the pop art movement, the Pop Art effect, for example, infuses photographs with rich shades to give pictures a livelier, dynamic feel. Soft Focus, on the other hand, makes pictures seem ethereal and otherworldly, while Pin Hole gives images an air of secrecy. Framing shots perfectly is also a breeze with the generous 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD with 176° viewing angle, which allows you to shoot from virtually any perspective and is even brighter than the E-420’s. The Live View functionality with the camera’s contrast AF** capabilities, on the other hand, allows you to comfortably judge exactly what results to expect, even before images are shot. This way, what you see is what you get, no matter what the perspective! Further guaranteeing pictures are optimally exposed, Face Detection Technology automatically detects and focuses on faces while Shadow Adjustment Technology balances out shadowy areas. 28 shooting modes, including automatic, semi-automatic and manual shooting options, ensure complete versatility. Nice pictures at the touch of a button – what more could you ask for?

Trusted and true
Olympus has packed the E-450 with everything an entry-level photographer needs to take high-quality pictures. It is equipped with Olympus’ proprietary dust reduction system, the Supersonic Wave Filter, which protects from the threat of dust – and has become the world’s leading solution against dust on the image sensor. Additionally, a powerful 10 Megapixel Live MOS sensor provides incredible resolution for crisp, detailed shots. This is supported by the incorporation of the TruePic III+ image processor: it guarantees exceptionally true-to-life image reproduction while reducing noise and enhancing processing speed. It is possible to shoot at up to 3.5fps in full Megapixel mode with up to eight images in RAW buffer. Compact and light, the E-450 boasts all the advantages of Four Thirds and Olympus state-of-the-art technology in a handy format everyone can appreciate.

Full range of accessories
The Olympus E-450 is compatible with nearly all E-System accessories, such as 19 lenses with a focal range of 7 – 300mm (equivalent to 14 – 600mm on a 35mm camera) and various flash systems. A perfect companion for this compact model, for example, is the short-barrelled and lightweight ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 (equivalent to 50mm on a 35mm camera) Pancake lens. The E-System D-SLR newcomer also ensures perfect light no matter what with up to three Wireless Flash groups familiar from the professional E-3. Available are the FL-50R and FL-36R wireless flashes. And in any situation where a flash is needed, new robust Olympus Flash Brackets, such as the FL-BK04, guarantee good light and maximum flexibility. Two flashes can also be mounted on the practical FL-BKM03 Twin Flash Bracket.

Rookie creative types will find everything they want from a digital SLR in the E-450. One easy-to-use package unites Olympus technology and incredible E-System features such as the Supersonic Wave Filter and Live View with artistic options like Art Filters. Look for the new E-450 in stores as of the end of May 2009.

The Olympus E-450 digital SLR – main features:

Usability
• Extremely easy operation – use it straight out of the box

Functionality
• Three Art Filters
• Improved Live View with contrast AF, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology & phase difference detection AF system
• Perfect Shot Preview to enable comparison of the results of various settings adjustments before actual shooting
• TruePic III+ image processor

Portability
• One of the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLRs providing the ultimate in portability

E-450 additional features:
• 10 Megapixel Live MOS sensor
• High-contrast 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD with 176° viewing angle
• The original Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection
• 28 shooting modes (5 Exposure Modes, 5 Creative Modes, 18 Scene Select Modes)
• Built-in flash (GN12, ISO 100) with commander function for wireless off-camera flash synchronisation
• Wireless flash control in up to 3 groups (separate press release available for Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R flash units)
• 3.5fps with up to eight images in RAW buffer
• One-touch white balance
• AE/AF-lock functionality
• ISO 100 to 1600 for wide-ranging sensitivity
• Depth of field preview function
• 49-segment digital ESP
• Bracketing function (Exposure)
• Detailed info screen with histogram
• Based on Four Thirds Standard
• Dual memory slot for CompactFlash and xD-Picture Card

The Olympus E-450 is available in the following configurations:
• Olympus E-450 body only
• Olympus E-450 Lens Kit
(E-450 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens)
• Olympus E-450 Double Zoom Kit
(E-450 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 and ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 lenses)

* As of 02.2009
** Full contrast AF performance is available with Olympus lenses including the
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6, ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6, ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6, ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6, ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 “pancake” lens and the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II.

Appendix

Art Filters
Enables special artistic effects to be created directly in the camera. The following Art Filters are available in the Olympus E-450

Pop Art: Enhances colours, making them stronger and more vivid to create high-impact pictures that express the happy, light-hearted feeling of the pop art style.

Soft Focus: Creates a soft tone which gives pictures an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. It renders pictures as though they were veiled in heavenly light, without obscuring details such as the hair or flower petals.

Pin Hole: Reduces the peripheral brightness like an image seen through a pinhole. Added to this is a unique colour tone that results in a style that has an air of secrecy or portrays the feeling of being lost in another dimension or space.

Face Detection Technology
A technology that searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. It then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that’s sharp in the right places and ideally exposed.

HyperCrystal
A high-grade, semi-transmissive technology used in LCDs, which employs an additional layer at the bottom of the LCD to reflect light from external light sources. This enhances the brightness of the LCD, so even in direct sunlight images are displayed sharply and with improved contrast compared to that of conventional displays. Also, it provides for particularly wide viewing angles without glare or shadow, so images can be framed from a variety of angles and viewed by several people at once.

Live View
Provides an alternative to framing shots through the viewfinder on a digital SLR camera. The image sent through the lens to the image sensor is displayed directly on the camera’s LCD. Whereas most compact digital cameras have been equipped with Live View functionality for many years, this feature has only recently become available on D-SLRs. The world’s first D-SLR to feature continuous Live View capabilities was the Olympus E-330.

RC Wireless Flash Control
The user can control wireless flash units remotely – eliminating the need for extra cables – by using the built-in flash as the system’s master unit. Control options include the ability to independently regulate flash mode and compensation settings for up to three groups of flashes, four channel settings to avoid interference as well as a wide range of brightness levels.

Shadow Adjustment Technology
A technology designed to improve exposure for pictures with dark areas. Using a sensor that works much like the human eye, dark parts of a composition (e.g. a shadow under a tree) are identified and the camera then adjusts the exposure settings accordingly for those areas. The result is a more realistic and detailed picture.

Supersonic Wave Filter
Dust entering digital SLRs, for example during lens changes, can cause damage to photos – unless it is removed. With the Supersonic Wave Filter, the potential for dust to ruin photos is eliminated. A transparent filter is located between the camera’s shutter and sensor. It makes sure no dust is able to land on the sensor. Instead, the particles settle on the filter and are then shaken off by a series of ultrasonic vibrations generated by the filter when activated. Olympus was the first manufacturer to incorporate dust protection in D-SLRs.

TruePic III+ image processor
Olympus’ latest-generation image processing engine. It automatically enhances important aspects of image quality including: colour reproduction (colour range, saturation and brightness), picture sharpness (reduced image noise, improved edge reproduction), as well as providing faster processing speeds. Furthermore, it supports Art Filters to enable unprecedented creative expression.

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February 25, 2009

Olympus E-620 DSLR Camera

London, 24 February 2009 – The world’s smallest and lightest creative D-SLR with built-in image stabilisation has finally arrived! The new Olympus E-620 combines the technical sophistication required by pros with easy-to-use functions desired by hobbyists. As a result, ambitious photographers everywhere can now take creativity to a whole new level. Outfitted with a custom 7-point Twin autofocus system, the E-620 provides consistent focus, as well as a generous 12.3 Megapixel High-Speed Live MOS. Additionally, the Live View technology as well as the 6.9cm/2.7” free-angle HyperCrystal III LCD make framing every shot a cinch. In-camera Art Filters entice users to be artistic by allowing them to apply stylish effects at the touch of a button. Indeed, the E-620 is everything that makes Olympus Four Thirds Standard D-SLR cameras great. The latest addition to the E-System range offers creative and technological power – all rolled into one. The new model will be available for purchase at the end of April 2009.

A license for creativity
Designed to stimulate creativity, the E-620 brings out the artist in anyone. This D-SLR comes packed with features that will give a different look to the shot that’s being captured, all without the need for a computer or special software. Effects can even be viewed in real time. Familiar from the E-30, the Art Filters enable a selection from one of six exciting themes. With this function, photos can for example be given striking colours in order to create a more intense, joyful feel by applying the Pop Art filter. This confers images a completely new artistic flair. Other fantastic effects include Pin Hole, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Colour, Light Tone and Grainy Film. On top of that, there’s the option to utilise the Live View display to overlay two images in shooting mode, or even three stored RAW images in editing mode, in order to create amazing new Multi Exposure masterpieces, all in real time. Plus, users can always frame their shot in a way that suits their fancy. All they have to do is choose between four different aspect ratios: 4:3 (standard), 3:2 (35mm equivalent), 6:6 (medium-format) or 16:9 (cinematic).

The E-620’s elegant body promotes creativity as much as the state-of-the-art technology packed inside. Guaranteeing pictures are a success no matter what the conditions or how far the subject is, built-in image stabilisation corrects camera shake up to four EV steps, assuring steadiness and making tripods unnecessary in most instances. Then there’s the free-angle 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD with 176° viewing angle, which means shots can be taken from almost any perspective. This way, you can even capture a field of daisies from a bee’s point of view! Working in terrific harmony with the camera’s contrast AF* capabilities, the Live View functionality allows you to comfortably judge results even before they are shot: what you see is what you get. Perfect light is a guarantee with the ability to use up to three separate, camera controlled, Wireless Flash groups – an option first introduced with the E-3. And with the attachable HLD-5 Power Grip, taking vertical photos becomes a breeze while the extra battery performance enables shooting for longer hours. With such an impressive array of functions, the potential of the E-620 can be stretched as far as the photographer’s imagination.

A camera with the works
A camera that inspires creativity needs to be extraordinarily functional as well, and the E-620 doesn’t disappoint. One of the D-SLR’s most exciting facets is the new 7-point Twin AF which features seven distance-measuring points, five of which are cross-points. This Olympus autofocus technology was developed for the professional E-3 after the comprehensive analysis of thousands of photographs and interviews with professional photographers. It has now been tailored to hobbyist needs: the five cross-points work by using horizontal and vertical sensor lines to supply data that determines the ideal focal points of each shot. This ensures every snap of the shutter produces blur-free results. In addition, the AF was specifically designed to work easily and rapidly with Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) lenses. With the E-620, being out of focus becomes a thing of the past.

Aside from the amazing AF, the E-620 also packs the one-two punch of a 12.3 Megapixel high-speed Live MOS sensor and the latest-generation TruePic III+ processor so that every picture is as clear as the real thing – even when shot at a blazing fast 4fps. If users aren’t taking advantage of the LCD to do their framing, they can employ the exceptional viewfinder which magnifies up to 0.96x and provides 95% viewing coverage. An Auto White Balance also helps reproduce vivid and true to life colours.

Goes where you go, does what you want it to do
One of the advantages of Four Thirds technology is perfectly incorporated into the E-620: it is so compact and light that it can be taken anywhere. And thanks to a design that provides a handy ergonomic grip, this model always feels comfortable to hold. It’s also equipped with Olympus’ exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter dust protection system – the most effective dust protection system on the market. In addition, the camera’s buttons illuminate to provide valuable aid when shooting at night.

The Olympus E-620 can be enjoyed with nearly all E-System accessories, such as 33 lenses and different flash systems. New robust Olympus Flash Brackets, like the FL-BK04, ensure maximum flexibility and good light in any situation where a flash may be needed. And two flashes are also not a problem with the practical FL-BKM03 Flash Bracket, on which any standard flash or the twin flash set STF-22 can be mounted. As for those who like to take a dive, Olympus’ new PT-E06 Underwater Case has you covered to depths of up to 40m.

Boasting all of Olympus’ technological know-how, this camera delivers everything creative types want in a digital SLR. It offers the ultimate in E-System features such as the Supersonic Wave Filter and Live View as well as artistic options like Art Filters in one innovative package. Look for the new E-620 in stores as of the end of April 2009.

The Olympus E-620 digital SLR – main features:

Creativity
• Art Filters, Multiple Exposure, Wireless Flash, Multi-Aspect
• Comfortable Live View thanks to high-speed contrast AF
• Free-angle 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD
• 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor

Functionality
• Built-in IS with max. 4 EV steps efficiency
• 7-point Twin AF (5 cross points)
• Optical viewfinder with approx 95% field of view and approx 0.96x magnification

Portability
• Small and light-weight body

Additional features of the Olympus E-620:• Multiple-exposure function with LCD monitor display of current view superimposed on top of previously captured image
• Auto gradation adjustment to prevent blown highlights and blocked-in shadows
• Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology
• Auto white balance control
• Perfect Shot Preview to enable comparison of the results of various settings adjustments before actual shooting
• Reliable Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system
• Built-in flash (GN12) with commander function for wireless off-camera flash synchronisation
• Wireless flash control in up to 3 groups (separate press release available for Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R flash units)
• Versatile bracketing functions for ISO, white balance, exposure, and flash
• Based on the Four Thirds Standard
• Illuminated buttons
• Ergonomic design of body, control buttons and GUI for easy operation
• AE/AF lock functionality for individual customisation
• ISO 100-3200 for wide-ranging sensitivity
• Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface
• High-speed data writing and lossless RAW compression for quick processing
• Simultaneous writing of RAW and JPEG
• 23 shooting modes (5 Exposure Modes, 5 Creative Modes, 13 Scene Select Modes)
• Wide dynamic range in highly lit areas
• Dual memory slot for CompactFlash and xD-Picture Cards (incl. support for UDMA High-Speed CF cards and Microdrive)

The Olympus E-620 is available in the following configurations:
• Olympus E-620 Lens Kit
(E-620 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens)
• Olympus E-620 Double Zoom Kit
(E-620 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 and ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 lenses)
• Olympus E-620 Pancake Lens Kit
(E-620 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 lens)

New accessories:
• HLD-5 Power Grip
• FL-BK04 Flash Bracket
• FL-BKM03 Twin Flash Bracket
• PT-E06 Underwater Case

* Full contrast AF performance is available with new Olympus lenses including the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6, the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6, the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 “pancake” lens and the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II.

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Mark Thackara
Olympus Uk Ltd
Email: thackara@olympus.uk.com

Appendix

7-point Twin AF
A high-speed 7-point autofocus system that uses 7 distance-measuring points, five of which are cross-points, to help determine accurate focus for the camera. It works by using horizontal and vertical sensor lines that form a hounds-tooth pattern to pick out actual focal points and then use the collected data to establish high-precision focus.

Art Filters
Enables special artistic effects to be created directly in the camera. The following Art Filters are available in the Olympus E-620:

Pop Art: Enhances colours, making them stronger and more vivid to create high-impact pictures that express the happy, light-hearted feeling of the pop art style.

Soft Focus: Creates a soft tone which gives pictures an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. It renders pictures as though they were veiled in heavenly light, without obscuring details such as the hair or flower petals.

Pale & Light Colour: The foreground is enclosed in flat, gentle light – similar to a flashback scene in a film – creating a sense of déjà vu.

Light Tone: Creates a picture with a gentle feel to it, similar to one taken under artificial lighting. Both the shade and highlight areas are rendered very softly to provide a sophisticated atmosphere.

Grainy Film: This effect recreates the feeling of reality evoked by grainy, high-contrast monochrome pictures. The strong presence and dramatic atmosphere make the subject stand out impressively.

Pin Hole: Reduces the peripheral brightness like an image seen through a pinhole. Added to this is a unique colour tone that results in a style that has an air of secrecy or portrays the feeling of being lost in another dimension or space.

Built-in image stabilisation
A type of image stabiliser that is built directly into the camera. This enables the photo-enhancing effects of image stabilisation to be enjoyed irrespective of the attached lens. In Olympus E-System cameras with built-in image stabilisation, a gyro sensor detects the precise direction of the shake. Using the on-board SWD, the shake is then compensated for by shifting the image sensor according to the movement data. For quick response at long focal lengths, cameras are equipped with two dedicated microprocessors: one to control the two supersonic motors that shift the unit vertically and horizontally, and one to provide high-precision control.

High Speed Live MOS Sensor
A high-performance image sensor that enables Live View capabilities and fast sequential shooting for D-SLR cameras. It combines the advanced specifications of a Full Frame Transfer (FFT) CCD with the low power requirement of a CMOS. Photodiodes are deeply embedded in the sensor to suppress image noise. The faithful reproduction of subject details with rich tones and natural, vibrant colours characterise this type of sensor.

HyperCrystal
A high-grade, fully-transmissive technology used in LCDs, which employs an additional layer at the bottom of the LCD to reflect light from external light sources. This enhances the brightness of the LCD, so even in direct sunlight images are displayed sharply and with improved contrast compared to that of conventional displays. Also, it provides for particularly wide viewing angles without glare or shadow, so images can be framed from a variety of angles and viewed by several people at once.

Multi Aspect
The E-620 lets photographers choose from four different aspect ratios that enable individualised framing of scenes. These provide a new means of adding expression to shots and the selected ratio can be seen directly on the camera’s LCD. The available aspect ratios include: 16:9, 3:2, 4:3 and 6:6.

Multi Exposure
Multiple exposures are possible with the E-620 in both Live View and viewfinder shooting. In Live View shooting, two images or previously shot RAW data is used as the base image and the final photo can be monitored by overlapping the image to be added on the LCD. Two images can be superimposed in a single multiple exposure sequence while three RAW images can even be over combined in editing mode.

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May 13, 2008

Olympus Launch E-520 Digital SLR Camera

Olympus Imaging Corporation (President: Masaharu Okubo) today announced the launch of the E-520, the latest addition to the Olympus E-System series of interchangeable lens type digital SLR cameras. Featuring a built-in image stabilization mechanism functional at up to 33x* when used with ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, the new E-520 is scheduled to be released at the end of May 2008.

Main Features
Thanks to a powerful built-in image stabilizer with a compensation effect of up to 4 EV steps**, image stabilization shooting is available at magnifications up to 33x over a wide range of focal lengths from super-wide-angle to super telephone when combined with ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses.

Enhanced "Live View" shooting with new "High-Speed Imager AF" that provides users to the same ease of use available with a compact digital camera.

"Face & Back Control" for clearer reproduction of both faces and backgrounds.

Advanced new 10-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic III image processing engine.

An advanced, updated version of the E-510 digital SLR camera (released in June 2007), the E-520 features a built-in image stabilization mechanism that actually shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera shake, as well as an impressive array of versatile functions that make it easier than ever for users to take exactly the photographs they intended. The image stabilization system incorporated in the E-520 uses SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) actuators to shift the image sensor and compensate for camera shake by up 4 EV steps*. As the E-520 is fully compatible with any lens compliant with the Four Thirds System standard, this means that image stabilization shooting is possible at up to 33x magnification across a wide range of focusing distances from 18mm (35mm camera equivalent) super-wide-angle to 600mm (35mm camera equivalent) super telephoto. To achieve this performance, the user can simply combine the E-520 with a Four-Thirds standard lens such as the newly released ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6, the ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 or ED 40-500mm f4.0-5.6, and ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 super telephoto zoom lens.

The E-520 also incorporates the same High-Speed Imager AF initially unveiled on the E-420 (released in April 2008). This sophisticated autofocus system uses contrast detection to assure fast, accurate focusing and improve the ease and comfort of Live View shooting. In addition, the E-520 boasts Olympus's sophisticated new Face & Back Control that uses a face detection function able to detect up to 8 separate faces and optimize exposure of both faces and background. This function assures beautiful portrait or group shots, in which both the faces of the subjects and the background are clear and sharp.

All of this performance and versatility is incorporated in a compact, lightweight body. Thanks to the new 10-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and the TruePic III image processing engine, the E-520 offers the same outstanding quality as the E-3, our widely praised flagship model. With its simplicity, convenience, and excellent portability, the E-520 is a great choice even for beginners, while its powerful function set and superb quality will satisfy advanced users as well.

* When used in combination with one of Olympus's four Standard Series lenses – the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6, the ED f3.5-5.6, the ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 or the ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 super telephoto zoom lens, the E-520's image stabilization is effective across a wide range of focal lengths from super-wide-angle of 18mm (35mm camera equivalent) to super telephoto of 600mm (35mm camera equivalent), with magnifications up to 33x.

** Under our in-house test conditions

Development Background
In the autumn of 2006, Olympus began writing Chapter Two in the story of the Olympus E-System with the declaration, "we will continue to develop revolutionary features that extend the frontiers of DSLR photography, and to strengthen the Olympus E-System body, lens, and accessory line-up. We will continue to develop Olympus E-System bodies, lenses, and accessories for a wide range of genres, so that even more people are able to take photographs that could never be taken before."

All three models launched in 2007, the E-410, E-510 and E-3, embodied the concept set forth in "Olympus E-System Chapter Two" declaration through the incorporation of the Live View function, and, in the cases of the E-510 and E-3, through the incorporation of an integrated image stabilization mechanism.

The newly announced E-520 incorporates advanced versions of both functions. The Live View function is now easier to use and more reliable thanks to face detection and a High-Speed Imager AF, while the built-in image stabilization is now even more effective in more situations thanks to the enhancement of the lens line-up. When combined with the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 image-stabilized super-telephoto shooting at 600mm (35mm camera equivalent) is possible, while with the newly announced ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 image-stabilized super-wide-angle shooting of 18mm (35mm camera equivalent) is possible. This means makes possible handheld super-telephoto shooting of a distant subject with a compressed effect as well wide-angle shooting of city lights at night.

With these features, the E-520 and the Olympus E-System series of cameras have written the climax of Chapter Two the Olympus E-System story, fulfilling Olympus's goal of making it possible for "even more people... to take photographs that could never be taken before."

Other Features
Reliable Dust Reduction System
Fast 3.5 frames-per-sec. sequential shooting
Built-in flash with wireless flash control
New large 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD monitor with improved visibility in Live View shooting and picture playback
"Perfect Shot Preview" function to compare the results of various effects before actual shooting
Continuous AF mode with improved focus tracking
Super Control Panel with excellent visibility and operability
Large, ergonomic grip that fits the hand and direct-access buttons for quick setup.

Pricing & Launch Date

Price: Open pricing

Launch Date: The end of May, 2008

March 05, 2008

Olympus E 420 compact digital SLR camera with Autofocus Live View

Olympus lE-420.jpg The latest addition to the Olympus E-System, the E-420, represents a winning formula for both seasoned photographers and entrants to the D-SLR domain alike. Users benefit from the remarkable quality only D-SLR photography can deliver, yet also enjoy the ease of use usually only associated with a compact camera. This includes Live View depictions on the LCD, which can significantly simplify image composition. In addition, as one of the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLRs, mobility is hardly an issue. The E-420 will fit just about anywhere – from a small daypack to a lady’s handbag. This makes it a perfect companion for journalists, travellers or other adventurers who appreciate the one-of-a-kind portability, performance and value for money it delivers. The easy-to-use 10.0 Megapixel E-420 features 28 shooting modes to suit a multitude of photographic situations and is ready to use straight out of the box.

Summary of Main Features

World's most compact D-SLR*
Exceptional ease of use
Comfortable viewing with Autofocus Live View
100% D-SLR quality
6.9cm / 2.7'' HyperCrystal II LCD
10 Megapixel Live MOS sensor
Face Detection for perfectly focused and exposed faces
Shadow Adjustment Technology
Excellent dust reduction system
Built-In flash and wireless flash control
3.5fps with up to 9 images in RAW buffer
Four Thirds Standard
28 shooting modes
ISO 100-1600
TruePic III image processor
One-touch white balance
AF / AE lock functionality
Depth of field preview
Anti-shock (Mirror lock) function
Beginners’ and advanced info screen
100% field of view via LCD
Detailed playback info screen with histogram
Bracketing functions
Perfect image control
Hi-speed USB 2.0

*As of March 2008

**Full contrast AF performance available with ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6, ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 and new ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 “pancake” lens. For all other lenses contrast AF is used in combination with the phase detection AF.

Availability

The Olympus E420 will be available in stores from late April 2008.

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October 22, 2007

Olympus Announce E3 Digital SLR Camera

Olympus Imaging Corporation (President Masaharu Okubo) is pleased to announce that the eagerly awaited "E-3," the new flagship of Olympus E-System digital SLR cameras for professionals and serious amateurs, will be released in November 23, 2007.

Main Features
High-speed performance thanks to the world’s fastest AF*1 with 11-point-full twin cross sensoring, high-speed sequential shooting at 5 frames/sec., and high-speed shutter up to 1/8000 sec.

Ultrahigh image quality thanks to a built-in image stabilization mechanism with a compensation range up to 5 EV steps, an advanced 10.1-megapixel High-Speed Live MOS Sensor, and the "TruePic III" image processing engine.

Expanded shooting possibilities thanks to Free-Angle Live View that uses a dual-axis flexible-angle HyperCrystal LCD monitor with free horizontal/vertical swiveling.

High reliability thanks to a large optical viewfinder with 100% field of view and 1.15x magnification, a high-powered, always-on Dust Reduction System, dust- and splash-proof magnesium-alloy body that stands up to the most severe conditions, and a durable shutter design tested to more than 150,000 releases*2.

As the new flagship model of Olympus’s E Series - the world’s leading line of compact, high-performance digital interchangeable-lens SLR cameras, the E-3 has been carefully designed to offer demanding professionals the highest possible levels of picture quality, mobility and reliability. Ruggedly constructed from lightweight, rigid magnesium alloy to withstand the most severe operating conditions, the dust- and splash-proof E-3 boasts substantial improvements in performance that include the world’s fastest AF*1 with an 11-point-full twin cross AF sensor system, high-speed sequential shooting capability at 5 frames/sec., and a high-speed shutter up to 1/8000 sec.

That top-level image capturing performance is supported by an industry-leading built-in image stabilization mechanism that’s already been proven on the E-510 to effectively eliminate blur with a camera shake compensation effect of up to 5 EV steps*. Picture quality is further assured by a powerful 10.1-megapixel High-Speed Live MOS Sensor and the high-speed "TruePic III" image processing engine, while increased data reading speed enables high-speed sequential shooting possible. Put it all together and you’ve got a camera that offers today’s highest level of digital shooting quality and performance.

The E-3 is also the first camera in its class to incorporate Olympus’s exclusive Live View function, which allows users to compose their shots on a rear-panel LCD monitor. Now made even more versatile with a dual-axis flexible-angle HyperCrystal panel that can be rotated for easier vertical shooting, Live View promises to expand the world of photographic expression into new and uncharted territory.

Traditional shooting styles are supported as well by a bigger optical viewfinder that provides a brighter, more comfortable view with a 100% field of view and 1.15x magnification. Equally importantly, the E-3 is built to withstand the rigors of professional shooting day in and day out. Made of a lightweight, rigid magnesium alloy and sealed to keep out dust and splashes, the E-3 incorporates a powerful Dust Reduction System that effectively removes any dust that gets inside the camera and a durable shutter tested to 150,000 releases*2.

*1 Among digital SLR cameras available as of October 17, 2007.When the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD lens is used with the E-3 at a focal length of 60mm(120mm: 35mm equivalent).Based on Olympus's in-house measurement conditions.

*2 Based on Olympus in-house testing.

Development Background
The first chapter in the Olympus E-System story began in the fall of 2003 with the launch of the award-winning E-1. Since then, seven cameras have been released as part of the designed for digitalEOlympus E-System and the series continues to set new benchmarks for professional image quality, performance, mobility, and reliability thanks to compact, lightweight designs supported by innovative industry-first features like our advanced Dust Reduction System, a feature now indispensable for any digital SLR.

At Photokina 2006, Olympus exhibited a prototype of the successor to the E-1, declaring, "Chapter Two in the history of Olympus E-System will begin next year, we will continue to develop revolutionary features that extend the frontiers of DSLR photography, and to strengthen the Olympus E-System body, lens, and accessory lineupE We will continue to develop Olympus E-System bodies, lenses, and accessories for a wide range of genres, so that even more people are able to take photographs that could never be taken before."

Chapter Two actually began this spring, when Olympus released two digital SLR camera models, the E-410 and E-510, and announced the upcoming release of the E-1s successor, the E-3 announced today. While the E-410 and E-510 were targeted at a wide range of users, including entry-level users who are new to SLR photography, the new E-3 is designed to meet the needs of professionals and represents the culmination of our development efforts so far, marking a major step forward in every aspect of performance and functionality, featuring the highest-possible picture quality, excellent mobility, enhanced reliability, and a rugged design thats ready to handle the toughest conditions a professional photographer might face. The E-3 will be released in November 2007, taking its position as the flagship of the E-series and completing our line of digital SLR models Ea lineup that now meets the needs of all users, including beginners, advanced users and professional photographers.

In the years ahead, Olympus is determined to continue developing innovative functions that are possible only with digital technology and to expand and enhance our lineup of lenses and accessories.

Other Features
· Picture mode and record mode with various setting capabilities
· Gradation Auto for under-/over-exposure adjustment with Shadow Adjustment Technology
· Loss-less compression of raw data without image degradation
· High-precision 49-zone metering system
· Secure grip enhances mobility
· Instant-response control system
· Super Control Panel with excellent readability and controllability
· Built-in flash with commander function
· Dual slots for multiple storage media

February 27, 2006

Olympus and Panasonic Announce Four Thirds System Digital SLR Cameras

Olympus Corporation (Olympus) and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Panasonic) have been engaged in joint development of cameras that comply with the Four Thirds System standard for interchangeable-lens-type digital SLR cameras, and will display the fruit of their labors at the PMA 2006 International Convention and Trade Show that starts today, February 26, in Orlando, Florida. Olympus will exhibit the E-330, a recently introduced product that incorporates jointly developed technologies, and Panasonic will announce development of the DMC-L1, its first digital SLR camera. A prototype of the DMC-L1 will also be exhibited

The two cameras are the result of an agreement announced on January 13, 2005, under which Olympus and Panasonic agreed to jointly develop underlying technologies and key components, and promote the introduction of digital SLR camera products that take full advantage of the significant user benefits offered by the Four Thirds System standard.

The jointly developed mirror box unit and Live MOS sensor used in the two new cameras have significant implications for SLR performance, and have made it possible to develop products with capabilities that go far beyond digital SLR cameras of the past

The mirror box unit integrates a quick-return mirror, viewfinder, and AE sensor, and effectively functions as the heart of the SLR camera. It was specifically designed and developed so that it could be used in both Olympus and Panasonic products

The Live MOS sensor is a new-generation sensor that offers the high image quality of a CCD sensor and the low power consumption of a CMOS sensor, thereby making it possible to display Live View images on a digital SLR camera for an extended period of time. In addition, because the sensor features simplified circuitry, the distance from the microlenses to the photodiodes is short, ensuring improved response and higher image quality when light strikes the sensor at an angle.