Photography News: Olympus DSLR Cameras Archives

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.