Olympus E-3

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Olympus E-3
Type Digital single-lens reflex
Sensor Four Thirds System 18.00 x 13.50 mm Live MOS
Maximum resolution 3648 × 2736 (10.1 megapixels)
Lens type Interchangeable (Four Thirds System)
Shutter 1/8,000 to 60 s computerized focal plane shutter
Exposure Metering TTL, evaluative (ESP), center-weighted, spot
Exposure Modes Program, shutter-priority, aperture-priority, manual
Metering modes ESP multi patterned, Center-weighted average (60%), Spot (2%)
Focus areas 11 biaxial cross auto-focus points, selectable
Focus modes Single, continuous, manual
Continuous Shooting 5.0 frames per second (19 images RAW buffer)
Viewfinder Optical TTL with pentaprism 100% field of view and x1.15 magnification
Flash built-in pop up flash GN=13 at ISO 100, wireless control for up to 3 external flash groups and 4 channels
Rear LCD monitor 2.5" 230,000 pixel TFT LCD on full articulating multi-angle screen with live preview
Storage CompactFlash(CF) or XD Picture-Card
Battery Olympus BLM-1 1500mAh Lithium-ion battery

The Olympus E-3 is the long-awaited successor to the Olympus E-1, which was launched in November 2003. The E-3, originally codenamed Olympus E-P1, was announced on 17 October 2007.[1][2]

The 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 [3] and the ability to control up to three wireless flash groups without external transmitters. The camera is also fully weatherproof even with the popup flash in the "up" position.

The camera, with the new 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.

Additional features include:

  • 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, 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)
  • External white balance sensor
  • 5 frames per second (frame/s) capture speed
  • 11 point biaxial cross AF sensor 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)
  • Shutter tested to 150,000 cycles

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.[4]

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Olympus E-3", DPReview.com, Amazon.com, 2007-10-17. Retrieved on 2007-10-18. 
  2. ^ "Olympus E-3 DSLR Preview", photographyreview.com, 2007-10-17. Retrieved on 2007-10-20. 
  3. ^ "Olympus E-3 Digital SLR Review", ePHOTOzine, 2007-11-07. Retrieved on 2007-12-25. 
  4. ^ Olympus E-3 Review, February 2008, Simon Joinson. Digital Photography Review (February, 2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-22.

[edit] External links

Olympus Four Thirds System Digital SLR Timeline
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2
Professional E-1 E-3
Midrange - Pentamirror/Prism E-500 E-510 E-520
Midrange - Porro mirror E-300 E-330
Entry-Level E-400 E-410 E-420
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