Introduce to new E-3 Olympus

The new Olympus E-3 DSLR
The E-3 features the world’s fastest* auto-focusing speeds thanks to an advanced AF system and new ZUIKO DIGITAL SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) lenses. Matched with shutter speeds of up to 1/8000th sec. and 5fps sequential shooting (with a 19 image RAW buffer in burst mode), the E-3 gives photographers a crucial edge to help capture that decisive shot.

Ensuring the best image quality in the widest range of situations, this new professional model also incorporates a powerful built-in image stabilisation system which is capable of compensating against the effects of camera shake to the equivalent of up to 5 EV steps. This is complemented by a 10 Megapixel High Speed Live MOS sensor and Olympus’ TruePic III image processing engine. Together with the ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses – which are custom-made for the needs of D-SLR photography – photographers can rely on optimal results each time.

Meanwhile, the camera’s Live View capabilities provide the freedom to shoot with more versatility: Whether wanting to keep eye-contact with the subject or shooting above the head or close to the ground, compositions can be framed with ease on the 2.5”/6.4cm multi-angle HyperCrystal LCD, which also faithfully displays the effect of camera adjustments in real time.

In addition to Live View, photographers can also choose to use the camera’s large viewfinder which provides 100% coverage. Like all Olympus E-System cameras, the E-3 incorporates the most effective dust reduction system available – the Supersonic Wave Filter. Reliability of the camera system is further heightened under all types of shooting conditions thanks to dust and splashproof protection of both body and most E-System lenses. Moreover, a shutter life of 150,000 operations guarantees that the E-3 will tolerate the treatment of even the most active photographer with ease.

Introduction
Olympus finally delivers the long-awaited E-3: a 10.1-megapixel, Four Thirds System digital single-lens reflex camera body that claims to be “the ultimate choice for the professional photographer … [providing] the highest levels of speed and image quality as well as Live View capabilities and the ultimate in reliability.” Indeed, the Olympus E-3’s pro-oriented features will set you back about $1,699 (retail list price). This camera has been more than four years in the making. Was it worth the wait? In short, yes.

Features
The Olympus E-3 is packed with features well suited to how photographers actually work. The most-used photographic controls are close at hand and quick and easy to adjust — just what you would expect from a professional-level camera. Most of the dedicated button controls are the hold-down-and-turn-dial variety, which work great.

The E-3’s relatively large viewfinder features a 100 percent field-of-view, a built-in eyepiece cover for Live View shooting and a display that includes the ISO setting.

Olympus boasts the fastest auto focus system to date (as of October 2007) when used with their new Zuiko 12-60mm SWD zoom lens. I did not directly compare it with other systems, but my impression is that it is at least on par with them, if not faster.

Olympus E-3 Specifications

Olympus E-3 Specifications

* Sensor: 10.1Mp 4/3 Hi-speed Live MOS sensor
* Lens: Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm or 12-60mm
* Focus: TTL phase difference detection, 11 point Auto/Manual
* ISO range: ISO100-3200
* Shutter speed: 1/8000-60sec plus bulb up to 30 minutes
* Exposure: Program/AP/SP/M
* Metering: Multi Pattern/ESP/Spot/Centre-weighted
* Monitor: 2.5in Hypercrystal LCD
* Storage: Compactflash, xD Picture card
* Batteries: BML-1 Lithium Ion
* Video Output: NTSC & PAL
* Size/Weight: 142.5 x 116.5 x 74.5mm/810g
* Transfer: USB 2.0

1.

Hotshoe
The E3 comes with a hotshoe for external flash to be fitted which helps for low light portraiture or when the pop up flash just can't cope.
2.

Flip out Live view LCD screen
The screen of the E3 is not just Live view capable, but also flips out and swivels for getting those shots that are normally impossible, like over someone's head if you're at the back of a crowd or shooting from ground level. It also flips totally over on the body to act as a full protector.
3.

Top plate display
The top LCD display screen will show critical information like Activated AF points, Exposure information, Drive, Flash and Metering modes. Other information like White balance and ISO can be also be seen on this display.
4.

Navigation pad
The Navigation pad is for finding your way around the Menu systems of the E-3.
5.

IS button
The IS button is to activate the Image stabiliser which is built into the body and will help steady camera shake if using a long telephoto or a slow shutter speed in low light. IS works with all lenses and can be set to full two dimension IS mode or one dimension that can be used when panning a moving subject.
6.

Display button
The Display button will toggle through the display preferences of the E-3 showing information like a histogram, image information, shutter speed and aperture, ISO rating, White balance and how many pictures are left on the card.

Olympus' new Stylus 1030 SW can withstand a drop from 6.6 feet

Among the coolest of Olympus' compact cameras are their rugged, waterproof, dustproof, Stylus models. This year, the company is updating both of their go-anywhere cameras, offering the all-metal chassis 10.1-megapixel Stylus 1030 SW and the slightly more stylish 8-megapixel Stylus 850 SW. Both models include face detection for autofocus and auto exposure, ISO-boost Digital Image Stabilization instead of the more-effective mechanical stabilization found in some of Olympus' other Stylus models, and a handful of in-camera editing functions, including red-eye removal, panorama stitching of up to three shots and more. Like all of their compact cameras this year, these two will come with adapters so you can use MicroSD cards with the cameras' xD Picture Card slots.

The more hard-core of the two tough cameras is the Stylus 1030 SW. It can bounce right back from a drop of 6.6 feet and withstand up to 220 pounds of pressure. You can take pictures with it down to 33 feet underwater and it's made to operate at temperatures as cold as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (that's -10 degrees Celsius for you metric folk). Conveniently, the 1030 SW has a 3.6X optical 28-102mm f/3.5-5.0 zoom lens. While I always like a wide zoom on a compact camera, it's especially helpful when shooting underwater, so it makes even more sense to include it here. As you might expect, Olympus includes multiple underwater scene modes in the 1030 SW, as well as scene modes for use in snow and beach conditions. The 1030 SW also includes a 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD screen. Olympus says that this new update to their old HyperCrystal LCDs can yield a higher contrast ratio and more accurate color reproduction. The Stylus 1030 SW will be available in March for about $400.

If you're wiling to trade a little bit of ruggedness for a splash of style, the Stylus 850 SW offers the ability to withstand a drop of up to 5 feet, can shoot submerged down to almost 10 feet in water, and can operate in cold down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Since the 850 SW's casing isn't all metal, it made it easier for Olympus to make it available in blue, pink, yellow, black, and silver colors. The camera also sports a 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD instead of the fancier newer-version LCD found on the 1030 SW, as well as a not-as-wide 3X optical 38-114mm f/3.5-5.0 zoom lens. The Stylus 850 SW hit stores this month for about $300