Category Archives: Olympus

Olympus E-520 Digital SLR Camera

Olympus has launched the E-520, an update of its E-510 digital SLR camera released in June last year. The key new features in the Olympus E-520 include in-body image stabilizer with a compensation effect of up to 4 EV steps allowing image stabilization shooting across a wide range from super-wide-angle to super telephoto at up to 33x, enhanced "Live View" shooting with new "High-Speed Imager AF", "Face & Back Control" for clearer reproduction of both faces and backgrounds, as well as a new 10-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic III image processing engine.

Other features of the Olympus E-520 include: Dust Reduction System, 3.5 frames-per-second sequential shooting, Built-in flash with wireless flash control, Continuous AF mode with improved focus tracking, 11-point multi-area auto focusing, "Perfect Shot Preview" function to compare the results of various effects before actual shooting, ISO Sensitivity up to 1600, and a new 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD monitor with improved visibility in Live View shooting and picture playback.

Olympus E-520

Olympus E-520 Features:
  • 10-megapixel Live MOS Sensor
  • TruePic III image processing engine
  • In-body image stabilizer
  • 11-point multi-area auto focusing
  • 9-point Multi-Pattern Metering available as well as centre-weighted average metering and spot metering
  • ISO Sensitivity up to 1600
  • Dust Reduction System
  • 3.5 frames-per-sec. sequential shooting
  • Built-in flash with wireless flash control
  • 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD monitor with improved visibility in Live View shooting and picture playback
  • 5 scene programme modes and 20 scene select mode available
  • "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

Front Olympus E-520

Back Olympus E-520

Side View Olympus E-520

Olympus E-520 News Release

Everything Comes Into Focus With Olympus E-520 Digital SLR: Advanced In-Body Image Stabilization And Autofocus Live View Deliver Sharp Images  

In-Body Image Stabilization Steadies Any Lens; Take-Anywhere Portable Design Means You’ll Capture It All

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 13, 2008 – The new Olympus E-520 digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera delivers brilliant images thanks to advanced technologies that help take the blur out. Industry leading Image Stabilization built into the portable camera body compensates for movement so that images are sharp and blur-free with any lens and even at slow shutter speeds. Autofocus Live View brings subjects into sharp focus on the camera’s HyperCrystal™ II LCD. Together, these technologies produce amazing results, along with the following features that further expand the DSLR experience:

  • In-Body Image Stabilization with Supersonic Wave Drive™ technology provides blur-free images when using any of the more than 30 digital-specific lenses;
  • Face Detection Technology targets and locks on faces to ensure they are in focus and blur-free for amazing portraits;
  • Shadow Adjustment Technology opens up detail in the shadows that other cameras would render too dark or underexposed while maintaining detail in the highlights; and
  • Perfect Shot Preview enables photographers to view and select White Balance and Exposure Compensation effects right on the LCD, and see how the image will look before they even capture it.

"Beyond a successor, the Olympus E-520 features an array of new technologies that help photo hobbyists and serious digital photographers take remarkable images,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager – DSLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Its image stabilization system now lets photographers pan while holding the portable camera vertically – perfect for capturing everything from a sprinter breaking from the pack to the bride and groom walking down the aisle."

Enhanced In-Body Image Stabilization
For the first time, in-body Mechanical Image Stabilization has three modes for increased versatility. IS-1 mode for general shooting adjusts the sensor on both the X and Y axes to compensate for movement by the photographer so images stay sharp even at slow shutter speeds. To capture the motion of athletes and animals, and other moving subjects, the E-520 offers two specialized modes. IS-2 mode is ideal for capturing a racecar flying down the track, preserving the sense of motion while panning with the moving subject and holding the camera horizontally to dramatically portray the car’s high speed. For sharp images of moving subjects like a basketball player charging up the court, the IS-3 mode allows a photographer to hold the camera vertically while panning. The artistic effects of panning enhance the shot and render the player in sharp detail with blurred background.

The Live View Experience
The portable E-520’s advanced autofocus Live View enables photographers to compose their images and bring them into sharp focus on the HyperCrystal II LCD – just like a point-and-shoot camera. By simply pressing the shutter button halfway, subjects come into focus on the LCD, so when the perfect moment occurs it is easy to compose, focus and capture sharp images while viewing on the LCD. Live View makes it possible to shoot upward from a low angle for dramatic composition, in close for detailed macro photos of an exotic insect, or over a crowd of people at a tennis tournament.

New and Improved HyperCrystal II LCD
The E-520’s viewable HyperCrystal II LCD is the key to its Live View capabilities. While some LCD screens force photographers to squint to preview images in bright sunlight or a dimly lit room, the E-520 features a large, bright 2.7-inch LCD display that incorporates new technology. It also offers twice the contrast for better viewing in extreme light conditions, a larger color gamut that displays a greater range of color detail, and a 176-degree viewing angle.

Always Find a Face in the Crowd
The E-520’s Face Detection reduces the chance of blurred subjects in photography by distinguishing between people’s faces and the background. It tracks up to eight faces within the image area even if people are moving and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.

In Sunshine or the Shadows, Never Miss a Detail
Shooting scenes with shadows can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The E-520 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment Technology that compensates for extreme contrast and maintains visible detail in both the shadow and highlight areas of the scene. Now users can preview and capture images showing the shadow detail they saw. This feature is also available in the Edit menu after the shot has been taken.

Preview a Multitude of Possibilities
Perfect Shot Preview enables users to preview and select from a variety of thumbnail previews of the photographic effects of white balance and exposure compensation adjustments live on the LCD before taking the photograph. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, visually, without having to scroll through menu options. With 20 preset scene-select modes for every imaginable shooting scenario from underwater photography to fireworks, and program, automatic modes and full manual controls, the E-520 offers a world of possibilities to photographers.

Experience Life under the Sea
Olympus will offer the PT-E05 optional underwater housing for the E-520 to allow photographers to document the richness of life in the depths. Capable of reaching depths of 130 feet underwater, the housing will ensure that divers will not miss an image during their journeys to the abyss. Special underwater scene modes on the E-520 will assure that the camera is set up correctly for underwater use.

Wireless Flash Capability
Sometimes wireless flashes can help photographers cast the best light on their subjects and capture great images. For this reason, the E-520 is compatible with the Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes that are designed exclusively for digital photography. When these flashes are used in combination with the E-520, wireless multi-flash photography is possible. The E-520 can control up to three wireless flash groups independently, with multiple flash units in each group.

TruePic III for Image Clarity & Speed
The 10.1 megapixel E-520’s TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos using all of the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible for every photo with accurate color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal representation in between. TruePic III also lowers image noise by one step to reduce graininess in images shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.

Dust Reduction System for Spot-Free Images
Life moves too fast to spend time worrying about dust ruining the perfect image. Olympus’ proven Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter™. The patented ultrasonic technology vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor and captures it on a special adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on. These spot-free photos liberate users from hours spent retouching photographs at the computer or sending their cameras back to the manufacturer to remove dust trapped inside.

Easy to Handle, Easy to Operate
The E-520 is extremely portable, measuring 5.35 inches (width) by 3.6 inches (height) and 2.68 inches (depth), excluding protrusions, and weighing 16.75 ounces (body only). The new camera has a classic penta-mirror design that is light and compact enough to shoot with all day. It features a comfortable ergonomic grip to ensure that the camera fits snugly in the hand. Beyond its portable size, the E-520 has an expanded menu for greater control and buttons on the body for quick and easy direct access to the most common settings. Accepting both CompactFlash Type I & II, Microdrives and xD-Picture Cards, the camera provides a choice of data-storage options for enhanced flexibility, and it is possible to transfer image files from one card to the other right inside the camera.

100% Digital-Specific Lens for Sharpness and Rich Colors
The E-520 outfit includes a compact, Zuiko Digital 28-84mm equivalent (ED 14–42 mm Four Thirds) f3.5–f5.6 lens that perfectly matches the imager so light strikes the sensor directly to ensure rich, accurate colors and edge-to-edge sharpness. Its 3x ED Glass zoom lens covers the range most frequently used in photography and weighs just 7.5 ounces, offering users an extremely dynamic, portable, everyday-use zoom. Close-ups as near as 9.84 inches (0.25 m) are possible throughout the zoom range. This lens is part of Olympus’ expanding line of 100 percent digital lenses – designed specifically for digital photography. Unlike other camera companies, Olympus does not rely on old film lenses, which often result in images with soft edges or other imperfections.

Availability
The Olympus E-520 Digital SLR will be available in July 2008. It includes: E-520 Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLM-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCM-2), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Warranty Card.

U.S. Pricing/Product Configurations
E-520 body Estimated Street Price: $599.99
E-520 with ED 14–42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens Estimated Street Price: $699.99

Olympus Stylus 1030 SW Review at Trusted Reviews

Olympus Stlyus 1030 SWTrusted Reviews has reviewed the Olympus Stlus 1030 SW, a rugged little camera with 10.1 megapixel point and shoot camera with a 3.6x wide angle optical zoom lens, 2.7 inch LCD monitor. The 1030 SW is shockproof, waterproof, freeze proof, crushproof and dustproof.

They write: “For those possessed of an adventurous spirit, such as skiers, gap year backpackers or snorkelling enthusiasts, the Olympus mju 1030 SW could be the answer to their dreams. The build of this camera is fantastic and a remarkable feat of engineering in what is usually a delicate electronic instrument…. Images from the Olympus mju 1030 SW, don’t quite match up to more generic cameras, with some lens problems coming from the folded optical array. There’s a tendency to lose definition at the edges of the frame, and some minor fringing, though nothing too serious….Noise is more of a problem, especially at sensitivities higher than ISO 400. Certainly by ISO 1600, although nice to have that high ISO, the images are frankly terrible, so I’d recommend using lower settings whenever possible.”

Get a price at Amazon for the Olympus Stylus 1030SW 10.1MP Digital Camera

Read more about the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW

Olympus E3 Review

Olympus E3Lets Go Digital have reviewed the Olympus E3, a digital SLR camera featuring 10.1 megapixel Live MOS image sensor (with live preview), five frames per second shooting, 2.5 inch LCD (able to be tilted and swiveled), 11 point auto focus sensor and shutter speed range up to 1/8000.

They write: “The image quality the camera is offering is excellent, although not belonging to the top. At high ISO noise is visible and the dynamic range decreases fast. It requires correct exposure but the E-3 tends to overexpose somewhat. Colour reproduction is fine and so is the sharpness. All in all the Olympus E-3 impressed greatly. It is a very well thought-out camera with emphasis on the user. That doesn’t go for many other camera brands. I won’t be surprised to see many E-1 users making the step to the Olympus E-3 after having waited all this time. Just as potential buyers from competitive brands will probably start looking at the Olympus and get convinced. I am also curious as to how the Olympus E-3 will be received by the professional photographer. The Olympus E-3 is a real photo-beast, meant for the real stuff, very impressive!”.

Read more about the Olympus E3

Get a price at Amazon for the Olympus Evolt E-3 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Mechanical Image Stabilization

Olympus E-3

Olympus E-3The Olympus E-3 (announced 16 October 2007) is the top of the line DLSR from Olympus.

The E-3 features a 10.1 megapixel Live MOS image sensor (with live preview), five frames per second shooting, 2.5 inch LCD (able to be tilted and swiveled) and 11 point auto focus sensor.

It has a shutter speed range of up to 1/8000 second and takes both Type II CompactFlash and xD-Picture cards. It also features a 100% accurate high eyepoint optical viewfinder, dust reduction system and rugged magnesium alloy construction. Continue reading

Olympus FE-310

Olympus FE 310The Olympus FE-310 (announced 22 January 2008) is an 8 megapixel point and shoot digital camera with a 5x optical zoom lens (37mm – 185mm equivalent)  and 2.5 inch LCD.

The FE 310 features Face Detection, dual image stabilization and Olympus’s ‘Perfect Shot Preview’, 17 shooting modes and allows you to record AVI movies with sound.

The Olympus FE-310 will have a retail price of $149.99 USD. Continue reading

Olympus SP-570 UZ

Olympus SP 570 UZThe Olympus SP-570 Ultra Zoom (announced 22 January 2008) is a 10 megapixel digital camera with a massive 20x optical zoom (26mm – 520mmequivalent focal range).

The Olympus SP-570 Ultra Zoom features a maximum aperture range of F2.8 – 4.5 at the ends of it’s focal range, 2.7 inch LCD, Dual Image Stabilization (software based stabilization as well as image sensor), and Face Detection

The ISO on the Olympus SP-570 Ultra Zoom is 50-6400 and allows full manual control.

The Olympus SP-570 Ultra Zoom will have a retail price of $499.99 when released in March. Continue reading

Olympus Stylus 1030 SW

Olympus Styus 1030 SWThe Olympus Stylus 1030 SW is a 10.1 megapixel point and shoot camera with a 3.6x wide angle optical zoom lens (38 – 114 mm equivalent in 35mm photography) and 2.7 inch HyperCrystal II LCD.

The Stylus 850 SW has been designed with the outdoor adventurer in mind as it’s shockproof, waterproof, freeze proof, crushproof and dustproof!  This rugged little camera features a special LED light for macro photography, 14.7 megabytes of internal memory and has face detection, digital image stabilization and a fast charge battery.

It has dimensions of 3.7″W x 2.4″H x 0.84″ D (93.6mm x 60.9mm x 21.3mm) and weighs 4.8oz (136g). Continue reading

Olympus Stylus 1020

Olympus Stylus 1020The Olympus Stylus 1020 (announced 22 January, 2008) is a 10.1 megapixel point and shoot digital camera with a 7x opitcal zoom (37mm – 260mm).

The Stylus 1020 features a 2.7inch LCD (HyperCrystal II type), 15 megabytes of internal memory, in camera editing, face detection technology, digital image stabilization.

The Olympus Stylus 1020 comes in a variety of colors and will have a retail price of $349.99 USD. Continue reading