Olympus Digital Camera

Olympus Stylus 1020

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:32:00 +0000

The Olympus Stylus 1020 is another 10.1 megapixel point and shoot digital camera with a 7x opitcal zoom. It features a 2.7inch LCD (HyperCrystal II type) and 15 megabytes of internal memory.

The Olympus Stylus 1020 has in camera editing, face detection technology, digital image stabilization and come in a variety of colors.

The Olympus Stylus 1020 will have a retail price of $349.99 USD.

Olympus Stylus 1020 News Release

SLIM IS IN! OLYMPUS FITS 7X OPTICAL ZOOM INTO ULTRA-SLIM STYLUS POINT-AND-SHOOT BODIES, LESS THAN ONE INCH THICK

Three New Stylish Models Launch with Dual Image Stabilization, Large 2.7-Inch LCDs, and Perfect Shot Preview

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 22, 2008 – Olympus today takes the Stylus series to new heights with the 10-megapixel Stylus 1010 and Stylus 1020, boasting an ultra-compact 7x optical zoom lens that brings the red carpet celebrity or homeplate slugger seven times closer! A 7x lens (37mm-260mm equivalent in 35mm photography) that fits in camera bodies less than one inch thick is a marvel of modern design. Moreover, all three of the new Stylus cameras being announced today (Stylus 840, Stylus 1010 and Stylus 1020) feature Dual Image Stabilization to prevent blurry images caused by a shaky hand or moving subjects, brilliant 2.7-inch HyperCrystalTM LCDs to view everything in amazing clarity, and Perfect Shot Preview to see the effects of the specific settings before pressing the shutter. The Stylus cameras do it all in fashion with a rainbow of colors to choose from that suit your personal tastes.

“The Stylus series of premium point-and-shoots now has Dual Image Stabilization, large 2.7-inch LCD screens and Perfect Shot Preview in every model for an incredible photography experience,” said Tomoko Matsunaga, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “We’ve also broken the zoom barrier in ultra-slim bodies with the powerful 7x optical zoom of the Stylus 1010 and 1020. The Stylus cameras are more than just attractive fashion accessories to see and be seen with, they are the seamless blending of innovative features and stunning form.”

Large Zoom in a Small Package

Great images begin with great optics, and the new Stylus line-up offers amazing optics with stunning design flourishes. The Stylus 1010 and Stylus 1020 feature new lens technology that enables the 7x optical zoom lens (37mm-260mm equivalent in 35mm photography, f3.3-5.3) to magnify the subject by seven times, and then tuck away into a compact body just one inch thick. The new Stylus 840 has a 5x optical zoom (36-180mm equivalent in 35mm photography, f3.3-5.0), which consists of an ultra-compact lens made from precision-crafted glass.

Blur-Free Photos Two Ways

Dual Image Stabilization combines two technologies – mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization – to provide one powerful anti-blur solution for capturing great images whether the photographer or the subject is moving. Olympus' mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the CCD image sensor to compensate for camera movement, which often occurs in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. Digital Image Stabilization freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds that prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject. By combining the two technologies, users of the Stylus 840, Stylus 1010 and Stylus 1020 are able to take crystal clear images in any shooting situation.

Large 2.7-Inch HyperCrystalTM LCD

The Stylus 840 and Stylus 1010 cameras are equipped with large, high-resolution 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD screens with high contrast and anti-glare technology for clear visibility, even when pictures are composed in bright sunlight. The HyperCrystal LCDs also offer a wide-viewing angle, greater than 140 degrees in every direction, enabling photos to be composed from a range of angles and viewed by several people at once. Additionally, the Stylus 1020 – the flagship of the Stylus line – boasts an advanced HyperCrystal II LCD, which is Olympus’ next generation of LCD technology. This new technology increases the LCD’s dynamic contrast ratio and color reproduction performance, ultimately providing users with more precise image displays.

Millions of Pixels for Superior Image Quality

The 10.1-megapixel Stylus 1010 and Stylus 1020 as well as the 8.0-megapixel Stylus 840 enable consumers to achieve consistently sharp and vivid images when producing large-format prints or cropping/enlarging a portion of an image.

A Rainbow of Colors in All Designs

Feeling blue today? How about pretty in pink? Glossy black goes with everything, surely. The new Stylus line-up offers colors for every mood (and outfit!). The Stylus 840 will be available in silver, black, blue and pink; the Stylus 1010 will be available in silver, black, blue and purple; and the Stylus 1020 will come in blue, pink, black and silver. The exterior of the Stylus 1020 has a premium glossy finish that gives it an ultra-modern look and feel. All three new Stylus cameras feature illuminated button icons for ease of use and savvy style.

Face Detection

Face Detection tracks faces within the frame and automatically focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE) for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Even if your subject is moving, the camera continuously tracks your subject's face without having to press the shutter button.

Shadow Adjustment Technology

Shooting outdoors in bright daylight can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark shadowed areas and bright sunlight areas. While the human eye is capable of detecting the nuances between dark and light and all the details in between, image sensors traditionally have not been quite as sensitive. The Stylus cameras address this challenge head-on with a new Shadow Adjustment Technology, which compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. With the new technology, users can preview and capture images that have the same contrast as seen with the naked eye.

Perfect Shot Preview

The new Stylus cameras feature Perfect Shot Preview that enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-window screen before snapping the shot. This feature enables users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring users are capturing the exact image they want. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as zoom, exposure compensation, white balance and metering.

Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing

The Stylus cameras offer Red-Eye Fix and Shadow Adjustment Edit, in-camera editing features such as resizing, frames, text options, and saturation adjustments, enabling users to edit photos right in the camera.

In-Camera Panorama

In-Camera Panorama mode captures three images and stitches them together to create one amazing panoramic picture. Simply press the shutter button and slowly pan across a panoramic scene. The second and third images will be captured automatically and stitched together with the first image – resulting in one seamless panorama-size picture. To create the ultimate panoramic picture, consumers can use the Olympus MasterTM Software 2 to stitch up to 10 images together.

TruePic™ III Image Processor

The Stylus cameras feature Olympus’ exclusive TruePic III image processor developed for the demanding performance of digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. Olympus’ enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures crisp, clear images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos.

Memory

All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture Card media. The Stylus 840, Stylus 1010 and Stylus 1020 will also come equipped with an adapter, which will enable microSD memory cards to be used when capturing images. The microSD cards are emerging in consumer electronic devices, including mobile phones and PDAs. Users can also easily display photos on their HDTVs.

OLYMPUS Master 2 Software

OLYMPUS Master 2 Software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are easily organized by folders or albums and searchable by date in Calendar view. Additionally, with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or e-mailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee™ Theater Pack to create professional quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates.

Underwater Photography

Capturing brilliant images underwater is a snap with Stylus cameras when paired with their respective underwater housing. The new PT-042 housing fits the Stylus 1010 and Stylus 1020, enabling users to take images down to the recreational scuba depth of 130 feet (40 meters). Underwater scene modes offered in the two cameras help users to capture brilliant images of their underwater adventures.

Olympus Premium Cases

Olympus also offers premium cases in a variety of new designs, including cream plaid, gray plaid and a brown leather, which offers a masculine wallet-like look. Premium cases are also available in black, pink and red leather. A new olive neoprene case is perfect for active or outdoor situations. The sporty neoprene case is also available in black.

New Powerful Battery

The Stylus 1010 and Stylus 1020 include the new LI-50B Li-Ion battery, which charges 2.5 times faster (two hours instead of five) than its predecessor. The new 925-mAh battery boasts a 25 percent increase in power.

Availability

The Stylus 840 will be available in January 2008, and the Stylus 1010 and Stylus 1020 will be available in March 2008. The cameras ship with: a wrist strap, WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, LI-42B Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger (Stylus 840), the new LI-50B Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger (Stylus 1010 and Stylus 1020), manual, warranty card and a CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master 2 Software.

U.S. Pricing

Stylus 840 Estimated Street Price: $249.99. (U.S.)

Stylus 1010 Estimated Street Price: $299.99. (U.S.)

Stylus 1020 Estimated Street Price: $349.99. (U.S.)

Olympus Stylus 1030SW

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:26:00 +0000

The Olympus Stylus 1030SW is a 10.1 megapixel point and shoot camera with a 3.6x wide angle optical zoom lens and 2.7 inch LCD.

This camera has been designed with the outdoor adventurer in mind as i'ts shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, 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 will have a retail price of $399.99 USD.

Olympus Stylus 1030SW News Release

OLYMPUS STYLUS 1030 SW: WORLD'S TOUGHEST POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERA ADDS EVEN MORE BRAINS AND BRAWN

Durable Digital Camera Goes the Distance with 10.1MP Image Sensor, 3.6x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom, 2.7-Inch Advanced HyperCrystal II LCD, and Innovative Imaging Technologies
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 22, 2008 – Scuba divers, mountain climbers and adventurers worldwide rejoice today as Olympus unleashes the new 10.1-megapixel Stylus 1030 SW, the toughest point-and-shoot camera in the world. This shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof and dustproof model builds on the Olympus Stylus SW series’ reputation of delivering amazing images while enduring extreme expeditions and everyday adventures, including life with kids.
Even more durable than its predecessors – it can withstand a drop from 6.6 feet – the camera has also been pumping up its power with a 3.6-inch wide-angle optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD screen and digital imaging advances, including Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and a TruePicTM III Image Processor to capture rich, vibrant detail with every shot.
“The Stylus 1030 SW is one of, if not the toughest camera on the market, built strong enough to withstand some of the harshest conditions,” said Mark Hoffman, director, Product Marketing, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Now with more pixels, a bigger, brighter LCD, and greater durability, it features innovative technologies designed to make getting the best image easier than ever.”
Shockproof and Crushproof DesignAfraid the mountain winds might sweep a camera out of your gloves? Never fear, the Stylus 1030 SW can withstand a 6.6-foot drop with its shock-absorbing technology, which minimizes the impact on the lens and circuitry. In addition, the Stylus 1030 SW features a crushproof body that can withstand up to 220 pounds of crushing pressure.
Waterproof for Underwater PhotosThe Stylus 1030 SW performs as well underwater as it does on land because its lightweight, stainless steel and aluminum exterior is matched with interior rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal out the elements. It can be fully submerged to capture beautiful images down to 33 feet (10 meters) underwater, and features a built-in manometer, making it ideal for more serious underwater adventurers who want to know the depth of where their images were taken. The inclusion of four preset underwater scene modes makes the Stylus 1030 SW perfect for taking photos while snorkeling or scuba diving. Additionally, movies are simple thanks to an underwater movie mode. The camera also features a water-repellant lens coating to prevent water droplets from forming on the lens to get crystal-clear shots no matter how wet the shooting environment.
Freezeproof for Icy ActionUnlike other point-and-shoot cameras that freeze up in frosty weather, the Stylus 1030 SW still performs when the temperature dips well below freezing (14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius) so it is ready to climb the mountain or hit the slopes when you are.
Dustproof for Desert WindsThe rugged Stylus 1030 SW is an ideal companion for an expedition in the Sahara because its airtight construction is impervious to dust, dirt and other particles. When the camera gets dirty, just rinse it off with your canteen.
Advanced HyperCrystalTM LCDThe Stylus 1030 SW – the flagship of the SW line – boasts an advanced HyperCrystal II LCD, which is Olympus’ next generation of LCD technology. It reproduces true colors with a dynamic contrast ratio of more than 180 percent and a color reproduction performance of more than 160 percent compared to HyperCrystal LCD.
Wide Optical Zoom in Ultra-Slim Body DesignThe Stylus 1030 SW features a 3.6x wide optical zoom (28-102mm equivalent in 35mm photography, f3.5-5.0) so that even more of the subject makes it into each shot – perfect for underwater photography. The lens does not protrude from its body so it is further protected from harsh conditions.
Face DetectionFace Detection tracks faces within the frame and automatically focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE) for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.
Digital Image StabilizationThe Stylus 1030 SW features Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) to capture crisp, clear pictures. By boosting the camera’s ISO sensitivity and shutter speed, DIS freezes the action and provides blur-free images, even when you or your subject is moving.
In-Camera PanoramaIn-camera panorama mode captures three images and stitches them together to create one amazing panoramic picture. Simply press the shutter button and slowly pan across a panoramic scene. The second and third images will be captured automatically and stitched together with the first image – resulting in one seamless panorama-size picture. To create the ultimate panoramic picture, consumers can use the Olympus Master Software 2 to stitch up to 10 images together.
Shadow Adjustment TechnologyShooting outdoors in bright daylight can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark shadowed areas and bright sunlit areas. While the human eye is capable of detecting the nuances between dark and light and all the details in between, image sensors traditionally have not been quite as sensitive. The Stylus 1030 SW addresses this challenge head-on with Shadow Adjustment Technology, which compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. With this technology, users can preview and capture images with the same contrast as the naked eye.
Perfect Shot PreviewThe Stylus 1030 SW features a Perfect Shot Preview mode that enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-window screen before snapping the shot. Perfect Shot Preview enables users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring users are capturing the exact image they want. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as zoom, exposure compensation, white balance and metering.
Perfect Fix In-Camera EditingThe Stylus 1030 SW offers Red-Eye Fix and Shadow Adjustment Edit, in-camera editing features such as resizing, frames, text options, and saturation adjustments, enabling users to edit photos right in the camera. With the Perfect Fix function, multiple editing features can be applied at once.
LED IlluminatorAn LED Illuminator works like a mini-flashlight on the front of the camera to enhance focus and exposure for macro shooting – great for underwater close-ups where light is scarce. The LED also works in conjunction with Bright Capture to help illuminate your subject when taking low-light portraits.
TruePic III Image ProcessorOlympus’ enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures sharp images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos.
MemoryAll Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture Card media. The Stylus 1030 SW will also come equipped with an adapter, which will enable microSD memory cards to be used when capturing images. The microSD cards are emerging in consumer electronic devices, including mobile phones and PDAs. Users can also easily display photos on their HDTVs.
New Powerful BatteryThe Stylus 1030 SW includes the new LI-50B Li-Ion battery, which charges 2.5 times faster (two hours instead of five) than its predecessor. The new 925-mAh battery boasts a 25 percent increase in power.
Practical and Fashionable AccessoriesOlympus offers a number of optional accessories, specifically designed for the Stylus 1030 SW. For users looking to capture their underwater adventures deeper than 33 feet (10 meters), Olympus offers the PT-043 underwater housing, which enables users to take pictures as deep as 130 feet (40 meters). A highly visible floating wrist strap frees users’ hands when swimming or chasing the next big wave. Stylish silicone skins protect the camera from scratches. Skins are available for the Stylus 1030 SW in a new stealth gray color.
Additionally, Olympus offers premium cases in a variety of colors, including a new cream plaid, a new gray plaid as well as camel and red leather. The premium cases are now also available in a new brown leather wallet-like design. Durable, sporty neoprene cases are perfect for active or outdoor expeditions. The neoprene cases are available in black and a new olive color. Carabineers now come with the neoprene cases so they can be hooked to a bag, swimming suit or hiking shorts.
OLYMPUS Master™ 2 SoftwareOLYMPUS Master 2 software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to a computer quick and simple. Images are easily organized by folders or albums and are searchable by date in the Calendar View. With one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee? Theater Pack to create professional-quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates.
AvailabilityThe Stylus 1030 SW will be available in March 2008. It includes: a wrist strap, camera WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, LI-42B Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger, manual, warranty card and OLYMPUS Master 2 software (CD-ROM).

Olympus E-620

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:01:00 +0000

The Olympus E-620 is a close cousin to the company's recently introduced E-30. Both models provide 12.3-megapixel resolution, six elaborate Art Filter special effects modes and in-camera multiple exposures. When it comes to price, though, the E-620 body runs just $699.99, while the E-30 sells for $1299.99. We had the opportunity to shoot with a pre-production version of the E-620 to prepare this First Impressions review. Since the camera was not final (it won't ship until May), we couldn't evaluate image quality or provide you with sample shots here. Based on the features provided and our first-hand experience shooting with the E-620, though, we're impressed with the range of capabilities offered at a reasonable price. In addition to full auto mode, the E-620 offers Art Filters plus thirteen preset scene modes that let relative newcomers produce more dramatic photos with minimal effort. At the same time, more sophisticated shooters will find extensive customization options, including precise white balance control and Picture Modes with fine adjustments for contrast, sharpness and saturation.

Overview

The 12.3-megapixel E-620 is an extraordinarily petite SLR, along the lines of the company's existing E-420, weighing just over a pound (475g) and measuring 5.11 x 3.70 x 2.36 inches (130mm x 94mm x 60mm). It will sell for $699.99 for the body alone, or $799.99 bundled with the ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 kit lens, as shown here.

Front

The right grip is shallow, without enough depth to fill your palm while holding the camera. On the grip is a combination self-timer lamp / remote control lamp/ remote control receiver. The small white circle below the mode dial is a white balance sensor. The lens release button sits to the right of the lens mount, looking from the front.

The grip is nicely textured, but shallow.

Back

The most noteworthy feature on the camera back is a 2.7-inch LCD that pivots out horizontally from the camera and 270 degrees vertically. To the left of the optical viewfinder are the MENU and INFO buttons, to the right is the Autoexposure lock/Autofocus lock button. There's a diopter adjustment dial on the right of the viewfinder. The ON/OFF switch is a horizontal throw around the mode dial. Completing the suite of controls at the top of the camera back are the programmable FN (Function) button and the autofocus target button beside it.

There's a substantial curved, textured thumb rest above the four-way controller. To its left are the Playback and Live View buttons. The sections of the four-way controller, in addition to maneuvering through menus, are used for direct access to (clockwise from the top) white balance, autofocus mode, ISO settings and metering mode. The two buttons below include the red trash can for image erase and the IS button for controlling the image stabilization setting. A nice bonus feature here: the buttons illuminate when pressed, making navigating the camera in dark environments much more practical.

Finally, there's a small rubber door that opens to reveal a single USB port used for both data and video connections.

Most camera features have a direct-access button.

Sides

On a camera body bristling with buttons, the left side offers a bit of breathing space, with only a metal tab for connecting the neck strap.

The left side is decidedly clutter-free.

The right side offers the other strap connection plus a door that slides back to reveal dual memory card slots, one for CompactFlash, one for xD card.

Push the door back to gain access to dual memory card slots.

Top

Our tour of the top begins at front left with the flash button, which is used to pop up the built-in flash and then bring up the flash intensity control. The multipurpose button behind it accesses drive mode and self-timer controls.

The pop-up flash in the middle is hinged in front of a hot shoe for connecting an external flash unit. To its right is the mode dial, with positions for full auto and PASM (program, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual) exposure control plus Art Filters/Scene Modes and direct access to five frequently used scene modes: night portrait, sports, macro, landscape and portrait.

The lamp labeled SSWF lights when the automatic dust removal system is working. In front of that is the shiny silver shutter button and beside that, the exposure compensation control. Behind these is a single control dial that spins 360 degrees. When shooting in manual exposure mode, pressing the exposure compensation button toggles the control dial function between shutter and aperture adjustment.

The E-620 has a single control dial on the right side:
the pricier E-30 has two, useful for manual control.

Bottom

The battery compartment door, with a sliding lock mechanism, is on the left, and the metal tripod socket is centered behind the lens, with a textured surface to provide extra grip.

A ribbed surface helps keep the camera
in place during tripod shooting.

Viewfinder

The viewfinder is comfortably cushioned, with an effective diopter control dial. According to Olympus, it provides approximately 95% view with 0.96 magnification.

The viewfinder is bright and clear, though eyeglass wearers may
have trouble seeing the bottom readout.

LCD

There's a lot to like about this LCD. First, the pivoting mount provides extraordinary flexibility when composing shots with the camera held overhead, down low or off to the side. It's also nice to be able to flip the LCD around 180 degrees, so the screen itself faces the camera and only the solid back is exposed to the elements. We've seen this kind of screen mount before, of course, but it's unusual on an SLR.

The pivoting LCD bracket adds to your shooting flexibility

The other impressive quality of the 2.7-inch screen, with an ordinary 230,000-dot resolution, is its extraordinary performance in bright sunlight. Olympus uses a type of LCD it calls "HyperCrystal" that lets some of the background lighting pass through the screen and reflect back, creating brighter illumination. The E-620 uses the latest HyperCrystal III version of the technology, and we found it worked very well: even standing outdoors in the glaring sunlight we could easily read the menus, compose a shot and review the results.

This indoor-outdoor screen is particularly useful when shooting in Live View mode. Live View can be accessed with a single button press. The on-screen image keeps up nicely as you move the camera, without the smearing and blurring we've seen on some cameras. Of course, the more troubling speed question with any camera when shooting with Live View is autofocus performance. So far we've only shot with one camera, the Micro Four Thirds-format Panasonic Lumix G1, that had a Live View autofocus system fast enough to keep up with active subjects. The Olympus E-620 can't match that performance, but it is pretty quick: good enough for shooting in a party situation, for example, though we'd still hestiate to try capturing a soccer game using Live View.

There are six available Live View display options.

The Live View display toggles through six modes, beginning with a completely clean screen. Pressing the Info button brings up a helpful overlay grid: we used the X-Y axis displayed here, but you can choose from two ruled grids if you prefer via the custom settings menu. Another press provides all the basic shooting info, and another brings up a luminance histogram. Next up is the magnification screen: move the on-screen green box to the position of your choosing and press the OK button to see a 5x magnified view (turning the control knob zooms in to 7x and 10x view, all very handy for manual focusing). A final press reveals another interesting feature: four live thumbnail displays which show the effect of different exposure compensation and white balance adjustment possibilities.

Flash

The pop-up flash has a guide number of 12 at ISO 100. There is an extensive array of flash settings, including auto, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction slow sync, slow sync at 1st curtain, slow syn at 2nd curtain, fill flash (i.e, mandatory firing), manual at 1/4/ 1/16 and 1/64 intensity and flash off. Flash intensity can be adjusted ±3 stops in 1 EV steps, and 3-frame flash bracketing is also provided. In addition, the E-620 provides wireless control of compatible external flash units (the FL-50Rand FL-36R).

Light from the pop-up flash seemed bright and
reasonably even in our test shooting.

Lens Mount

The E-620 is a Four Thirds format camera, which means the effective magnification of a given lens is double what it would be when mounted on a 35mm camera. The 14-42mm kit lens we used, for example, is the equivalent of a 28-84mm lens in 35mm photography. that's good news for those looking for compact telephoto capability, less so for shooting wide-angle and landscapes. Lens selection in the Four Thirds format is reasonable, with all the basics well covered, but it isn't as extensive as you'll find with a Canon or Nikon mount.

The E-620 accepts Micro Four Thirds format lenses.

Jacks, Ports & Plugs

Both the computer connection and video out are handled through a single proprietary port located on the back of the camera, under a protective door. The two required cables are provided.

The USB port is used for both data and video connections

Battery

The BLS-1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides approximately 500 shots when using the optical viewfinder, according to Olympus.

A sliding clip holds the rechargeable battery
in place when the door is open.

Memory

The E-620 accepts Olympus' proprietary, increasingly antiquated xD card format (maximum capacity of 2 gigabytes and none too fast at moving data), but there's good news to be found in the memory compartment as well: a standard CompactFlash slot. Both slots can be filled at the same time and it's simple to toggle between the two storage locations.

The E-620 will take both xD and CompactFlash
cards simultaneously.

Design & Appearance

The design is boilerplate digital SLR, short on pizzazz but with nicely rounded surfaces on the right side of the back and on the front grip.

Size & Handling

The small-handed of either gender will be most comfortable shooting with the E-620. For this large-pawed reviewer the camera body is just a bit too wee to hold effectively, requiring quite a bit of maneuvering to keep my index finger over the shutter button and my hand in a proper grip position. On the flip side, smaller size means increased portability: the camera body measures just 5.11 x 3.70 x 2.36 inches (130mm x 94mm x 60mm) and weighs 16.76 ounces (475g) for the body alone, without lens or battery.

Our lovely hand model has fairly small mitts, yet the petite
E-620 is barely visible when viewed from the front.

Menu

The key to controlling the E-620 effectively is the Super Control Panel, the display that fills the LCD screen when not in Live View mode (and can be brought up as an overlay in Live View as well). As shown here, this screen includes information on nearly every current camera setting. By pressing the OK button, the screen become live and each of these settings can be chosen (by moving a highlight cursor using the four-way controller) and changed. When an item is highlighted, turning the top control dial cycles through all available options. If you prefer to see all the options laid out on a separate screen, a second press of the OK button brings up the full menu page for the highlighted item. And pressing MENU returns you to the non-interactive information display.

The Super Control Panel offer instant access
to a wide array of settings

Most of the key picture-taking settings, including white balance, ISO settings, metering mode, autofocus settings, image stabilization settings, flash settings and drive mode/self-timer have dedicated buttons somewhere on the camera body. Between the Super Control Panel and this bevy of button-based shortcuts, navigating the standard Menu system is required infrequently. When you do visit, by way of the MENU button, you'll find five tabs, as seen below.

The menu system is divided into give sections

The setup menu indicated by the gears icon is particularly interesting. As shown below, it offers enough customization settings to please most demanding photographers, from the basics of turning the autofocus illuminator on or off to more esoteric behaviors, like adjusting which way the lens moves when you turn the focus ring in a given direction.

The E-620 provides a surprising depth of
customizability for a sub-$1000 SLR.

Ease of Use

One of the striking features of the E-620 is the way Olympus has straddled the line between consumer-oriented simplicity and the fine controls and customization more sophisticated photographers desire. In addition to full auto for point-and-shoot control, there are 13 scene modes plus six Art Filters (discussed below) to tailor the camera to the shooting conditions at hand with minimal effort. The number of buttons, controls and options may look intimidating to an SLR newbie, but they can be safely ignored for point-and-shot photography. And for those who want to take greater control over their photographic efforts, the Super Control Panel and well-labeled buttons makes accessing sophisticated features fast and simple.

Olympus FE-3010

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:34:00 +0000

The Olympus FE-3010 is a very small and lightweight digital camera. It forms part of the Olympus Simple and Easy range. These cameras have fewer features than more advanced and expensive digital cameras. The upside of this is that it makes cameras like the FE-3010 amongst the most straightforward cameras on the market.

Olympus has found room for 12 megapixels on the sensor. This gives the FE-3010 enough pixel power for very large prints or even the ability to be able to produce a print after a photo has been cropped. The 3x zoom lens is standard for an entry level camera.

You should have no problem at all slipping this camera into a pocket. It is available in black, silver and a deep pink.

Power is supplied by a rechargeable lithium ion battery. Olympus supplies both a battery and a charger in the box. Images can be stored on either xD Picture cards or micro SD cards.

Olympus FE-3010 Specification

Style	Simple and Easy
Megapixels	12
Print Ratios	4:3, 16:9
File Formats	JPEG
Memory Cards	xD Micro SD
Zoom	3x
Focal Length Equivalent	36 - 108 mm
Shutter Speed	4 seconds - 1/2000 seconds
Aperture	f3.1 - f5.9
Sensitivity	ISO 100 - 1600
White Balance Settings	Auto, Sunlight, Tungsten, Overcast, Flourescent 1, Flourescent 2, Flourescent 3
ExposureCompensation	-2EV to +2EV (in 1/3EV steps)
Viewfinder	No
LCD Screen	2.7 inches
Shooting Modes	Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Night Scene with portrait, Sports, Indoor, Candle, Self-portrait, Sunset, Fireworks, Cuisine, Documents, Underwater Wide 1, Underwater Wide 2, Underwater Macro
Maximum Movie Resolution	640 x 480 pixels
Maximum Movie Frames Per Second	30 fps
Maximum Movie Duration	To capacity of memory card
Macro Focus	5cms
Metering	ESP
ManualControls	None
Image Stabilisation	No
Lens Converters	No
Self Timer	12 seconds
Video Out (TV Playback)	Yes
Computer Connection	Yes
Batteries	Lithium-ion Rechargeable
Dimensions	93.0 x 55.8 x 20.1mm
Weight	108g

Olympus MJU 840

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:21:00 +0000

The MJU 840 Olympus digital camera is a stylish, little camera that should fit into a pocket. The MJU 840 has 8 megapixel and a 5x optical zoom lens. The lens being that bit longer than standard can help you to get in that bit closer when you need to. The camera is not over burdened with features and should appeal to someone looking for a simple, point and click model.

Image Quality

Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom)
Looking at my first test shot taken with the Olympus MJU 840 digital camera, the first points I notice are the colour and brightness of the photo. The colours have plenty of depth without being overpowering, while I also like the brightness of the picture.

In terms of sharpness the photo is not as sharp as some digital cameras manage and I would rank this camera in the middle rank when it comes to focusing. Sun glare is handled well, but I would like to have seen a bit more definition in some of the more shady areas of the shot.

Outdoor 2 (No Zoom)
The second test shot runs along similar lines to the first one. The colours are very strong. This gives a very powerful blue sky. I would say the sky is a darker shade of blue than it was at the time the picture was taken.

Focusing is again about average. The picture is sharper in the centre with the focusing slipping out towards the edges. This is true for many cameras.

Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom)
I like the way this photo looks. Focusing is softer than with some of the other cameras I have reviewed recently. This should not be a problem if you are planning to print at say 7 x 5 inches, but if you blow the photos up to be larger than this the prints are likely to have a soft feel to them.

Outdoor 4 (Building)
This is another decent photo. Again I like the colour and brightness of the shot. Focusing is much better than with the Olympus FE-310 digital camera I reviewed recently.

Outdoor Portrait
By using a white balance setting of cloudy the outdoor picture takes on a slight orange colour caste. Without changing the white balance the original picture was rather dull.

Indoor Portrait with Flash
Using the flash has created plenty of light. The MJU 840 does well to ensure that although the photo is bright there is still plenty of colour left in the picture. Many digital cameras blast out the skin tones when flash is quite strong, but here the camera manages to preserve them.

Indoor Portrait without Flash
Without the flash this Olympus digital camera struggles to produce a sharp focus. The lighting I use for this photo is quite good and to be honest I am disappointed the camera is unable to produce a sharper picture considering the conditions. This means that once the light begins to dip you will nearly always have to revert to flash.

Colours
Colours have been strong through my test shots. In places you may feel they are too strong.

Macro
My macro test shot is roughly in line with my expectations. It is certainly bright, but it lacks a bit of definition. As with other Olympus digital cameras the MJU 840 gives the photo a small purple tinge in places.

ISO 400
At ISO 400 the camera produces another bright photo. Noise levels are quite acceptable and there is still plenty of detail in the shot.

ISO 1600
When you push ISO up to 1600 the camera really starts to struggle and most of the detail has been lost to noise. I would only use this setting when there is no other way to grab a picture.

Overall
I found the pictures produced by the Olympus MJU 840 digital camera to be colourful and bright. Focusing could be a shade sharper in places, but overall I am happy with the picture quality.

Style
The MJU 840 is just about small enough to slip into a pocket. The front of the camera slopes away giving it a look that is different to so many similar digital cameras. It is available in black, silver, pink and blue.

Dimensions
96.4 x 56.5 x 24mm

Weight
130g

Batteries
Lithium ion. A battery and charger are supplied with the camera.

Memory Cards
Olympus have built enough memory into the MJU 840 for about 8 photos. It is compatible with xD picture memory cards.

Ease of Use Rating
Good. This is an unfussy digital camera. Most of the key controls can be found on the back of the camera and you should not have to dip into the menu system too often.

Points I Like
Design - ease of use

Where it Could Improve
Lowlight without flash

Alternatives
If you are looking for a waterproof Olympus digital camera that is also shockproof to drops from a small height try taking a look at the : Olympus MJU 1030 SW.

Verdict
The Olympus MJU 840 digital camera may not be top drawer, but it does the job it sets out to do well enough.

Front View

Back View

Top View

Sample Menus

Specifications

The Olympus MJU 840 is a smaller compact digital camera that should fit into most pockets. It has a slight slope to the front of the camera giving it a more unique look than the more typical, standard rectangular shape. It is available in a choice of colours: black, silver, pink and blue.

Although the MJU 840 offers the simplicity of a point and shoot camera it also has one or two extra features that make it a clear step up from an entry level camera. These include image stabilisation and a longer than standard 5x optical zoom lens. While this does not exactly put the MJU 840 into the super zoom category every little helps with additional zoom, especially on these smaller cameras.

There is also a good sized 2.7 inch LCD screen for composing photos and accessing the menu system. It also has face detection technology for sharper portrait shots.

Style	Ultra Compact
Megapixels	8
Print Ratios	4:3, 16:9
File Formats	JPEG
Memory Cards	xD
Zoom	5x
Focal Length Equivalent	36 -180 mm
Shutter Speed	1/2 - 1/2000 s / <>
Aperture	f/3.3 - 5.0
Sensitivity	ISO 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
White Balance Settings	Sunlight, Tungsten, Overcast, Flourescent 1, Flourescent 2, Flourescent 3
ExposureCompensation	-2EV to +2EV (in 1/3EV steps)
Viewfinder	No
LCD Screen	2.7 inches
Flash Modes	AUTO, On, Off, Red Eye Reduction
Flash Range	3m
Shooting Modes	Portrait, Landscape, Landscape with Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene with portrait, Sports, Indoor, Candle, Self-portrait, Available Light Portrait, Sunset, Fireworks, Cuisine, Behind Glass, Documents, Auction, Shoot & Select 1, Shoot & Select 2, Beach and Snow, Pre-Capturing Movie
Maximum Movie Resolution	640 x 480 pixels
Maximum Movie Frames Per Second	15 fps
Maximum Movie Duration	10 seconds
Macro Focus	3cms
Metering	ESP, Spot
ManualControls	None
Image Stabilisation	Yes
Lens Converters	No
Self Timer	Yes
Video Out (TV Playback)	Yes
Computer Connection	Yes
Batteries	Lithium ion
Dimensions	96.4 x 56.5 x 24.0 m
Weight	130g

Olympus E-30

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:40:00 +0000

The Olympus E-30 single-lens reflex digital camera is aimed at what are often referred to as "prosumer" users, who lie somewhere in between the casual consumer and the professional photographer. Prosumer photographers typically seek a little more control over the artistic process than is afforded by an entry level camera, but don't necessarily have the need for bullet-proof ruggedness and top-of-the-line performance that would demand an expensive professional camera. This is the first time that Olympus has offered a digital SLR in this category, with the Olympus E-30 positioned between the company's existing E-520 and E-3 DSLRs.

Olympus is looking to differentiate its new camera from other prosumer models such as Canon's EOS-50D and Nikon's D90 with the inclusion of some interesting in-body features that will appeal to artistic types. Perhaps the most unusual is a selection of "art filters" which are performed in-camera and considered when calculating exposure variables, with each of the filters bringing a different effect to the final image. There's also a nifty multi-exposure function, and a "digital leveler" which helps ensure the camera body is properly oriented, keeping horizons level and perspective true.

The Olympus E-30 digital SLR will cost $1,299 body-only when it ships from January 2009. Three kit versions will also be offered, although it isn't currently clear which of these will be available in the US market. Along with the Olympus E-30 body and related accessories, the E-30 kits will include either a ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 lens, a ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 SWD lens, or a ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm F2.8-3.5 II lens.

New aperture design - rounded vs. angled.

The 14-54mm lens is a new model that's being introduced alongside the E-30 body, and has two main changes from its predecessor with the same specifications. The aperture is now truly circular to yield a more attractive look to out-of-focus areas of images, where the previous version had a 7-leaf aperture that produced somewhat angular bokeh. The new 14-54mm lens will also be capable of contrast-detection autofocusing, for compatibility with Olympus' Live View function. By itself, the updated 14-54mm lens will be priced at $599, and it should be available from January 2009, at approximately the same time as the E-30 body.

Olympus E30 Key Features

With dimensions of 5.6" x 4.2" x 3.0" (142 x 108 x 75mm), the Olympus E-30's body is almost identical to that of the company's existing E-3 model in terms of width and depth, but just slightly (0.3" / 10mm) less tall. The Olympus E-30's body is made of structural plastic rather than the magnesium alloy build of the E-3, and it also lacks the splashproof / dustproof environmental sealing of its pro sibling, but on the positive side these changes (amongst others) also mean it's quite a bit lighter than its pro-oriented sibling, with a body-only weight of 23.1oz (655g), the Olympus E-30 places almost exactly midway between the heft of the E-520 and E-3 models. The Olympus E-30 features a Four Thirds-format lens mount, compatible with lenses from Olympus, as well as from Four Thirds partners Panasonic / Leica and Sigma.

12.3 megapixel Live MOS sensor.

The E-30's sensor resolution of 12.3 effective megapixels is a little higher than the 10 megapixels offered by the E-3 and E-520. The Olympus E-30 uses a newly developed Four Thirds-format Live MOS image sensor which we're told should yield similar noise levels to the previous generation (despite the necessarily smaller pixels), thanks to improvements in the microlens and photo diode design. Burst shooting is possible at up to five frames per second with a burst depth of up to 12 Raw frames, and lower burst speeds can also be set between 1 and 4 frames per second. The number of JPEG frames which can be recorded in burst mode wasn't stated in the preliminary specifications we received.

Newly developed viewfinder prism.

Olympus has developed a new prism for the E-30's optical viewfinder, which has a fixed focusing screen and offers 98% accuracy / 1.02x magnification, along with an unusually high 24.2mm eyepoint. (That high eyepoint will be welcomed by many eyeglass wearers.) The view isn't quite as large, nor the framing quite as accurate as that from the Olympus E-3, which offers 100% coverage and 1.15x magnification. However, with these slight sacrifices, Olympus was able to reduce the volume of the viewfinder assembly by 60%, as well as reducing the weight by 50% - another factor in keeping the overall size and weight of the camera body down. An eye-piece cover is included with the Olympus E-30, and the viewfinder also features an interchangeable eye cup.

Olympus E30 Display

"Super Control Panel" info display.

As well as the optical viewfinder, images can also be framed on the Olympus E-30's rear-panel LCD display, courtesy of the camera's Live View mode which streams data from the camera's Live MOS image sensor. The Olympus E-30 has a generously sized 2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD panel with 230,000 pixel resolution, and a claimed 176 degree viewing angle. The LCD is mounted on a articulating tilt / swivel mechanism, allowing to be seen from almost any direction - great for shooting with the camera above your head, low to the ground, around corners, or even with both the LCD and lens aimed at the photographer. The design also allows for the LCD panel to be closed facing inwards against the camera body, protecting it from accidental knocks and scrapes.

Flexible Information Display

Accessed via Setup screen D	Separate options for Playback and Live View

Playback options	(Just filling a box in the table ;-)

Live View options, page 1	Live View options, page 2

Unusually, the Olympus E-30's LCD display allows adjustment not only of brightness, but also of color temperature. Both variables can be adjusted over a wide 15-step range, potentially making the E-30's display more useful for judging color and exposure than most. Olympus has also made the E-30's LCD display particularly customizable, allowing photographers to separately adjust the info display for Live View and Playback modes, enabling or disabling options such as histograms, highlight / shadow indication, face detection, and more. A variety of grids can also be overlaid on the Live View display, to help facilitate precise framing of images. As well as the image sensor's native 4:3 aspect ratio, Olympus offers eight alternate aspect ratios through the E-30's menu system (3:2, 16:9, 6:6, 5:4, 7:6, 6:5, 7:5, 3:4). If shooting in Live View mode on the camera's LCD display, the selected aspect ratio is masked on the display, and only the area inside this mask is recorded when the shutter button is pressed. Since there is no masking when shooting through the optical viewfinder however, the full 4:3 aspect ratio image is always recorded, although the EXIF header of images can be tagged with the alternate aspect ratio if desired. (The EXIF tag could presumably be used to signal post-processing software to make the crop automatically, once the file has been downloaded to a computer.)

Olympus E30 Autofocus System

AF sensor unit, located at the bottom of the mirror box.

While the Olympus E-30 uses the same 11-point autofocusing system as that of the E-3, the company says that it has improved the autofocus speed over its previous models. The Olympus E-30 offers the ability to fine-tune focusing for up to 20 lenses, with a 20-step adjustment range for each lens. Several other companies offer this sort of focus fine-tuning, but this is a first for Olympus, and 20 lenses with a 20-step range is a pretty robust implementation. As with the E-3, it is possible to magnify the Live View display by either five, seven or ten times to assist with precision focusing.

AF target layout, and primary subject position.

Olympus notes that the layout of the AF points (which is unchanged from that in the E-3) was determined by analysis of the primary subject location among thousands of photographs as well as interviews with professional photographers. The image on the right shows the location of the eleven AF points, and interestingly also indicates the results of Olympus' analysis of the primary subject location - warmer colors showing areas more likely to be the primary subject, and cooler colors showing areas that are less likely.

The Olympus E-30 also features a Face Detection system - a feature which is available in the consumer-oriented E-520, but not the E-3. Available when using Live View or Playback modes, the E-30's face detection function can detect up to eight faces per image. In Live View mode, this information is taken into account when determining both autofocus and autoexposure, and the Function button can be assigned to allow the photographer to quickly activate face detection as needed. In playback mode, the face detection function lets photographers quickly zoom in on the primary face in recorded images to check expression / focus / exposure, and then quickly step through the other faces detected in the image. Also, the Playback mode Image Edit function can take account of detected faces when using its Red-Eye Removal and Shadow Adjustment functions.

Live View AF mode selection.

In common with other recent models from Olympus, the E-30 offers contrast-detect AF, phase-detect AF, and a hybrid mode that combines the two. As laborious as phase-detect AF is in a Live View SLR (drop mirror, focus, raise mirror, expose, drop mirror, raise again for next Live View display), it's still sometimes faster (and sometimes considerably faster) than contrast-detect AF in SLRs. Nikon recently chose to go exclusively with contrast-detect AF in their new D90, we count it as an advantage in its favor that the Olympus E30 offers both AF modes.

Olympus E30 Exposure and Flash

The Olympus E-30 features a wide range of 25 different shooting modes. As well as the typical Auto, Program, Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority and Manual exposure modes you'd expect to find on any digital SLR, there are five "Creative" Modes (commonly used Scene modes which merit their own separate positions on the Mode dial - Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sport, and Night + Portrait), as well as 11 Scene Select modes (Beach & Snow, Candle, Children, Digital Image Stabilization, Documents, Fireworks, High Key, Low Key, Nature Macro, Sunset, and xD Panorama), and six Art Filter modes (more on these in a moment).

The E-30 features 49-area multi pattern Digital ESP metering system, with additional options for both center-weighted average or 2% spot metering. ISO sensitivity ranges from a minimum of 100 to a maximum of 3,200 equivalents, set either automatically or manually in 1/3 or 1EV steps. The shutter mechanism in the E-30 is identical to that in the pro-oriented E-3 model, offering shutter speeds ranging from 1/8,000 to 60 seconds, plus a bulb mode that allows exposures as long as 30 minutes.

When Wireless Flash is enabled, the rear-panel LCD produces the display shown above,
with status info for all three flash channels combined with exposure info.

The E-30 includes a built-in flash strobe with a guide number of 13 meters at ISO 100, and provides for external flash strobes with a hot shoe, x-sync terminal, and the ability to control Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R flash strobes wirelessly. Wireless flash control is similar to that in the Olympus E-3, allowing flashes to be controlled in three groups, with each group set to either TTL, Auto, Manual or Off, and allowing exposure level of each group to be controlled separately. So-called x-sync flash synchronization is possible at 1/250 second or less, although Olympus' FL-50R and FL-36R external flash units permit FP-sync operation all the way up to 1/8,000 second.

Aspect ratio selection.

As well as the image sensor's native 4:3 aspect ratio, Olympus offers eight alternate aspect ratios through the E-30's menu system (3:2, 16:9, 6:6, 5:4, 7:6, 6:5, 7:5, 3:4). If shooting in Live View mode on the camera's LCD display, the selected aspect ratio is masked on the display, and only the area inside this mask is recorded when the shutter button is pressed. Since there is no masking when shooting through the optical viewfinder however, the full 4:3 aspect ratio image is always recorded, although the EXIF header of images can be tagged with the alternate aspect ratio if desired. (The EXIF tag could presumably be used to signal post-processing software to make the crop automatically, once the file has been downloaded to a computer.)

The Olympus E-30 also offers Shadow Adjustment Technology, Olympus' name for dynamic range expansion which adjusts contrast to prevent loss of detail in highlight and shadow areas of contrasty scenes. The effect can be previewed on the Live View LCD display, as can the effects of white balance, exposure compensation, and depth of field preview (with the gain being boosted during this latter function so as to keep the brightness of the preview the same).

Sensor shift stabilization mechanism.

The Olympus E-30 includes in-body sensor shift-type image stabilization, allowing for true mechanical stabilization when shooting with any Four Thirds lens. Olympus' documentation says the system will offer "up to 5 stops" of correction - a very aggressive claim which we're looking forward to testing out when we received a production sample. There are three operating modes for the system. I.S. 1 compensates for shake in all directions, while I.S. 2 restricts the compensation to vertical shake only (allowing for horizontal panning). Finally, I.S. 3 compensates for horizontal shake only (and hence allows for vertical panning).

As you'd expect, the Olympus E-30 also includes the company's "Super-Sonic Wave Filter" Dust Reduction system, which when activated vibrates a filter in front of the image sensor at 30KHz to shake off dust. The removed dust then settles onto an adhesive strip below the filter, preventing its return. The filter also serves a dual purpose by holding dust further away from the sensor to minimise its effect in images, and the area between filter and sensor is hermetically sealed to prevent ingress of dust onto the sensor itself. It's a system that has been in every Olympus digital SLR since the initial E-1 model, and has since been mirrored by other manufacturers - perhaps a testament to its utility.

Olympus E30 Level Sensors

Rock and Roll - Well, maybe Pitch and Roll... Here's the interpretation of those terms as they apply to the Olympus E30's level sensors.

A new feature in the Olympus E-30 is that it includes a roll / pitch sensor, capable of detecting whether the camera is level (and if not, how close it is) both in terms of forward / backward pitch, and left / right roll around the central axis of the lens. Both roll and pitch can be shown by gauges on the LCD display during Live View mode, and the camera can also display left / right roll on the optical viewfinder's status display, and on the top panel status LCD display. Note, though, that pitch cannot be shown on these latter two displays. It's a clever system nonetheless, which should help photographers ensure level horizons and true perspective (no converging vertical lines) in their images. An example of the possible indications can be seen above, however, do note that we're told the exact display method in live view mode may be slightly different on final production models.

Olympus E30 Image Processor, Artistic Effects

Built into the Olympus E-30 is a new image processor chip, which Olympus is calling the TruePic III+. (The previous version was the TruePic III.) They didn't go into details about this chip in our briefing, but it appears to be both faster than the prior TruePic III, and also incorporates some special hardware features to accelerate the "Art Filter" processing offered by the E-30, and that we're told will be incorporated into all Olympus SLRs going forward.

We'll get into the details of the Art Filter effects in a moment, but for now, consider the illustration above. (Click on the illustration to see a slightly larger version in a separate window.) This diagram illustrates the processing enabled by the new TruePic III+. The prior TruePic III implemented the processing chain shown across the top of the illustration, basically taking data from the image sensor, processing it and storing the result on the memory card as a final image.

The new TruePic III+ adds the new processing block shown across the bottom of the figure, which Olympus is calling the "Art Engine." What's shown schematically here is that the new Art Engine processor interacts with the sensor electronics, the flash, and the lens to achieve the effects found in the new Art Filter options. Rather than simply applying a canned effect to whatever it receives from the sensor, the new Art Engine adjusts exposure, tonal range, color rendering, and perhaps even focus to achieve the final effect. (We're not certain about that last; Olympus didn't go into detail as to the nature of the interaction between the art engine and the lens. It seems likely that focus would be involved though, because one of the filters is a soft-focus one.) Thanks to the hardware acceleration provided by the TruePic III+ processor, shooting in an Art Filter mode didn't seem to be any slower than shooting normally. The chosen effect is also displayed on the LCD in Live View mode, in real time, which was fairly impressive, given the relatively rapid refresh rate of the LCD display.

Olympus E30 Art Filter Options

Pop art: Boosts colors, but it's more than just a saturation bump, the effect is something different, "pop art" is as good a description as any.	Soft Focus: Just what it says. It wasn't clear in the briefing to what extent the prototype was actually shifting focus optically vs just applying a filter.	Pale & Light Color: From Olympus: "Uses muted color tonalities to create a mood embraced in a gentle light."

Light Tone: Tones down highlights, opens shadows. (Kind of like the Highlight/Shadow filter in Photoshop.)	Grainy Film: Wow, this one was nostalgic for us: It really brought back memories of souping Tri-X black & white film in the darkroom. We found it very appealing.	Pin Hole: Softer focus, vignetting, and skewed color to evoke the feeling of images shot with a pinhole or toy camera.

The net result of the added Art Engine processing is filter effects that in many cases would take considerable work by an experienced artist to create in Photoshop. Olympus wouldn't give us any actual images shot with the camera to illustrate the various Art Filter modes, as they said that the camera is still at too early a stage to show image samples from it yet. Instead, see the table above for the menu screens for the Art Filter options, with brief descriptions.

As you'd expect/hope, the Art Filter effects are applied only to JPEG images. If you're shooting in JPEG mode, the images saved to the card will have the chosen effect applied to them. If you're in RAW+JPEG mode, though, the JPEGs will have the chosen filter applied, while the RAW files will be undisturbed. (We asked, and it doesn't appear that the effects will be able to be applied after the fact, to saved RAW files; they can only be applied at the time of capture.)

In the product briefing, Olympus seemed to be banking quite a bit on the Art Filter feature to attract new users and differentiate their cameras from the competition. We guess there may be some people who'd find these special effects compelling enough to buy one camera over another, but we don't think there'd be great numbers of them. While engaging, these effects don't seem to us like something that's going to grab a large chunk of the mass market. We could see designers and creative professionals gravitating toward them, though, as they could certainly be a quick way to generate images with a number of different "looks" for inclusion in comps for advertising or merchandising clients.

Olympus E-30 Multiple Exposure Feature

We confess we've never been big fans of the multiple-exposure features that are finding their way onto more and more cameras, but we're sure there's a subset of photographers that find them engaging and fun.

Olympus E30 Multiple Exposure Feature Menu Screens

Select Multiple Exposure via Shooting Menu #2.	Choices are number of frames, auto gain setting for merging images and overlay image selection.	You can choose to combine from two to four frames into a single image.

Auto gain adjusts the brightness of each shot as you merge them, so all images are combined equally in the final frame.	The third option on the menu lets you choose a single RAW file from the memory card to use as the first image of your composite.

The multi-exposure feature on the Olympus E30 goes further than most, in that it lets you combine up to four frames into a single image, and you can also choose a RAW file from the memory card to use as the first image of your composite. This first image will appear on the LCD screen while you're shooting the first new image, and will be merged into the final image just as if you'd shot it as part of the series. You can only merge-in one image from the memory card, and it must be a RAW file. The screenshots above show the menu options that control the multiple exposure feature, but, as before, note that these menu screens may be be slightly different on production models.

Here's a simulation of how the multi-exposure feature works. (Looks like it could come in handy for making Halloween masks. :-) As we said, it can certainly be a fun option, but it generally does take some fiddling to compose your shots so there's no distracting detail in one interfering with the image from another. Getting the relative exposures right can be tricky too, although the Olympus E-30's auto gain feature would presumably help with that.

Olympus E30 Memory and Battery

Dual cards - Olympus continues to support the xD format, but the E-30 also accepts the more common CF cards.

The Olympus E-30 has two storage slots, accepting xD-Picture cards and CompactFlash Type-I or Type-II cards respectively. The CF card slot is UDMA-compatible for improved write / read speeds with the latest generation of CF media, and also accepts Microdrives, in case you still have any of that older format in use. Images are stored as either 12-bit RAW or JPEG files, and the E-30 is also capable of simultaneously storing duplicates of each image in both formats. One nice touch: If the memory bay cover is opened during writing, the camera will immediately halt the write operation so as to prevent accidental corruption - but importantly, the remaining data is held in the camera's buffer and the write operation resumes as soon as the cover is closed again.

For transferring images to a computer and remote control of the camera, the Olympus E-30 includes USB 2.0 High Speed connectivity. There's also NTSC / PAL-format standard definition video output for viewing images on a television sharing the same connector and the USB port also doubles (triples?) as a wired remote control connector for Olympus' RM-UC1 cable remote. As mentioned previously there's also a hot shoe and external sync connector for flash strobes / systems. Finally, a 9V DC-in jack accepts Olympus' optional AC-1 AC power adapter.

Custom Battery Warning - Want a bit more (or less) warning that your battery is getting low? The Olympus E30 lets you set the warning threshold yourself.

The Olympus E-30 draws its power from a BLM-1 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery pack, and can also accept the same optional HLD-4 portrait battery grip that's first shipped with the E-3 digital SLR. The HLD-4 grip includes duplicates of the camera's main shutter button, front and rear control dials, function and AF target buttons positioned for easy reach in portrait mode shooting. It also accepts two BLM-1 batteries or - via an included tray - six AA alkaline or lithium disposable batteries, for extended battery life. A rather nice touch on Olympus' part is that the E-30 allows the user to set a custom threshold level at which to warn of low battery power. This level can be set to one of five steps, and allows the user to program separate warning levels for Alkaline, NiMH or Lithium batteries.

Olympus E-30 Summary

The Olympus E-30 could be an important camera for Olympus: It's their first serious effort to go after the true "enthusiast" shooter, who in the digital era have long been the almost exclusive market for Canon and Nikon SLRs. The Olympus E30 certainly hits a lot of the notes required for a camera in that market segment, and its kit lens will undoubtedly be of notably higher quality than those that most manufacturers offer as part of bundles. (The earlier version of this lens tested very well on SLRgear, where we've generally found Olympus lenses to perform well.) That said, a list price of $1,299 body-only seems pretty steep, and could be a challenge for Olympus in the marketplace.

Of course, stay tuned, we'll have full test photos, performance measurements and analysis as soon as we can get our hands on a production sample!

Specifications

Links
Model Name:	Olympus E-30
Check Prices:	Check Now!
Photo Gallery URL:
Device Forum URL:
Manufacturer URL:	Mfr. Website
General
Model Number:	E30
Camera Format:	SLR
Currently Manufactured:	Yes
Retail Price:	$1299.00
Street Price:	$1027.39
Date Available:	2009-01-15
Tripod Mount:	Yes (Metal)
Weight:	655 g 23.1 oz.
Weight With Batteries?	No
Size:	142 x 108 x 75 mm 5.6 x 4.2 x 3.0 in.
Image Sensor
Sensor Type:	N-MOS
Sensor Manufacturer:
Total Megapixels:	13.1
Effective Megapixels:	12.3
Sensor Format:	Four Thirds
Sensor Size (dia.):	0.85"
Focal Length Multiplier:	2.0
Color Filter Type:	RGBG
Self-Cleaning:	Yes
Sensor-shift Stabilized:	Yes
Image Capture
Image Resolution:	4032 x 3024 (12.2 MP, 4:3), 3200 x 2400 (7.7 MP, 4:3), 2560 x 1920 (4.9 MP, 4:3), 1600 x 1200 (1.9 MP, 4:3), 1280 x 960 (1.2 MP, 4:3), 1024 x 768 (0.8 MP, 4:3), 640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3)
Image File Format:	JPEG (EXIF 2.2), RAW (.ORF)
Video Capture
Movie Mode:	No
Movie Resolution:	n/a
Movie Frame Rate:	n/a
Movie Audio:	n/a
Movie File Format:	n/a
Optics
Lens Mount:	Four Thirds mount
Kit Lens:	n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):
Zoom Ratio:
Aperture Range:
Lens Thread:
Normal Focus Range:
Macro Focus Range:
Optical Image Stablization:	No
Digital Zoom:	No
Digital Zoom Values:	n/a
Filter Thread:	n/a
Auto Focus
Auto Focus:	Yes
Auto Focus Type:	11-point, all cross-type, TTL Phase Detection (Contrast Detect in LV mode with Face Detection)
Face Detection:	Yes
Auto Focus Assist Light?	Yes
Manual Focus:	Yes
Optical Viewfinder
Optical Viewfinder:	Yes
Optical Viewfinder Type:	SLR type; eye-level pentaprism, 98% coverage, 1.02x mag., 24.2mm eyepoint, -3.0 to +1 diopter
Display
LCD Viewfinder:	Yes
LCD Size (inches):	2.7
LCD Resolution (pixels):	230,000
Articulating LCD:	Yes
Max Playback Zoom:	10.0x
Exposure
ISO Settings:	100 - 3200 (1/3, 1 EV steps)
Auto ISO Mode:	Yes
White Balance Settings:	Auto, Lamp, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Daylight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, Customized WB, One-touch WB
Shutter Speed Range:	60 - 1/8000
Bulb Mode:	Yes
Exposure Compensation:	+/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes:	49-zone Digital ESP, Center Weighted Average, Spot (2% with Highlight/Shadow mode)
Program AE:	Yes
Aperture Priority:	Yes
Shutter Priority:	Yes
Full Manual Exposure:	Yes
Creative Exposure Modes:	Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sport, Night + Portrait, Children, Sport, High Key, Low Key, DIS mode, Nature Macro, Candle, Sunset, Fireworks, Documents, Panorama* (* Available with the Olympus xD-Picture Card), Beach & Snow
Self Timer:	2 or 12 seconds
Time Lapse:
Flash
Built-in Flash:	Yes
Flash Modes:	Auto, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction slow sync., Slow sync at 1st curtain, Slow sync at 2nd curtain, Fill-in, Manual (1/4, 1/16, 1/64), Off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100):	13 m / 43 ft.
Flash Range Description:	Depends on lens aperture
Max Flash Sync:	1/250
Flash Exp Compensation:	+/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Ext Flash Connection:	Hot Shoe, PC sync socket
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types:	CF1 / CF2 / Microdrive / xD
Memory Included (MB):
File System:	FAT32
DCF Compliant:	Yes
Connectivity
Composite Video Out:	Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable:	Yes
Video Usable as Viewfinder:
HD Video Out:	No
HD Video Connection:
Built-In Wi-fi:	No
Computer/Printer:	USB 2.0 High Speed
PictBridge Compliant:	Yes
DPOF Compliant:	Yes
Remote Control:	Yes
Remote Control Type:	RM-1 IR or RM-UC1 cable
Other Connection:	DC Input, Multi-connector (Video: NTSC/PAL selectable, Optional Remote cable RM-UC1 is available), PC Sync
Power
Battery Form Factor:	Proprietary BLM-1
Usable Battery Types:	Lithium Ion rechargeable
Batteries Included:	1 x Proprietary BLM-1 Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included:	Yes
CIPA Rating:	650
Software
Included Software:	OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM
OS Compatibility:	Windows, MacOS
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features:	Sensor-shift Image Stabilizer, Articulating LCD, Digital Leveler, Art Filters

Olympus E-3

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:09:00 +0000

Olympus has finally announced their long-awaited flagship DSLR camera, the E-3. Billed as a pure pro camera, the Olympus E-3 is really more comparable to the cameras by Olympus's competitors that we've been categorizing as semi-pro, such as the Pentax K10D, Canon 40D, and Nikon D200. Whatever you call it though, there's no question that the new E-3 represents a sizable leap forward in technology and sophistication for the Olympus SLR line.

With the E-3, Olympus introduces their first new autofocus sensor in years: an 11-point array, each point consisting of twin cross-type AF sensors. They're claiming this is the fastest AF system on the market. Combined with greater 1.15x magnification in the E-3's viewfinder, framing and focusing with this Four-Thirds camera is a lot easier than past Olympus models.

A new shutter mechanism in the Olympus E-3 delivers 1/8,000 second speed, and 1/250 flash sync, and an expected lifetime of 150,000 cycles. Mirror blackout time is also said to be low, but there are no official numbers yet. Three dedicated processors handle three separate functions: one for image stabilization, one for autofocus, and the TruePic III for image processing. A UDMA-compatible CompactFlash slot promises fast write times, and the additional xD-Picture Card slot adds extra storage.

Body-based image stabilization is built into the Olympus E-3, taking advantage of the company's Supersonic Wave Drive motor technology to drive the anti-shake system. A separate motor drives the Supersonic Wave Filter to remove dust.

Though the Olympus E-3 has a 10-megapixel sensor like the E-510 and E-410, the new sensor has been improved to support the faster read speed to help enable five-frame-per-second continuous shooting. Metering options include 49-zone ESP metering, Spot, Center-weighted, and a new Highlight/Shadow spot metering mode.

Another major highlight to the Olympus E-3 is the articulating LCD on the camera back, which makes Live View mode so much more valuable. It's not the first such design to appear on a digital SLR, that distinction goes to the Panasonic Lumix L10, Olympus's Four-Thirds partner, but it's an incredibly versatile design, with the ability to face up down, left, right, and even forward, toward the subject.

Built on a magnesium alloy frame the Olympus E-3 feels solid, and is sealed against dust and splashes. Connections include a USB 2.0 high-speed jack, an AC power jack, video out, remote control, and an x-sync terminal. The introduction also includes five new optics and two new flashes that can be remote controlled from the Olympus E-3's onboard flash in three groups. A new battery grip works with the E-3 to double capacity, and duplicate key controls for vertical shooting.

The E-3 is exactly the camera Olympus needs to break into this prosumer SLR market, which is already dominated by Canon and Nikon, with Pentax, Sony, and Panasonic starting to fill in the gaps. Expected to retail for about $1,700, the Olympus E-3 is slated to ship in November 2007.

Olympus E-3 Hands-On Preview

Look and feel. Aimed squarely at the Nikon D300 and Canon 40D, it's no surprise that the Olympus E-3 is big and teeming with buttons and controls. Its overall feel is very tight, solid, hefty, and well-thought-out. It is easily the finest experience I've had with an Olympus SLR, and probably the best Live View experience I've had with any SLR to date.

The Olympus E-3's large pentaprism protrudes proudly above its sloping shoulders, just a bit higher than its competitors. Inside is a real glass pentaprism that's bigger and brighter than any Olympus has offered on its Four-thirds cameras. Its 1.15x viewfinder is big and bright, appearing just slightly larger than the Canon 40D, despite the E-3's smaller sensor size.

The Olympus E-3's viewfinder status display runs along the bottom, not off to the right as on the E-410 and E-510. It's still a little tight to see all of the frame plus the status display with my glasses on, but there's a nice big rubber eyepiece protector to prevent my glasses from scratching.

The Olympus E-3's grip is very comfortable, shaped a little differently from the E-510, a little less aggressive on the forward curve, which gives the middle finger a more confident grip overall. It's also a little fatter and contoured, with a nice, tacky rubber surface for excellent traction.

Though it looks a little high in pictures, the Olympus E-3's shutter button is in just the right position when I grip the camera, with a nice finger well to guide me to the button. On the rear, the thumb grip is so comfortable it's easy to forget it's a grip at all. Function and AF-point selection buttons are nearby, but not easy to press accidentally.

Olympus has moved the Olympus E-3's Main Dial on the back relative to the more recent models, but this is indeed where it's located on the Olympus E-1, so they stuck with what upgrading E-1 owners will be used to. Also, both the E-410 and E-510 had no monochrome status display on the top deck, so there was room for a top-mounted Main Dial. The Olympus E-3's dial does not have as good a feel as the metallic dial on the E-510, but it does have good, firm detents. The same goes for the Sub-dial on the front of the Olympus E-3's grip.

Speaking of dials, there's no Mode Dial on the Olympus E-3, instead you press a button on the top deck, left of the pentaprism, and roll the Main or Sub-dial, while changes appear on the Status display.

The E-3's four-way navigator, which Olympus calls an Arrow pad, is well-positioned for easy access, and it's even angled a bit toward the right to accommodate the thumb's angle of attack. Other buttons on the back and top are clearly marked for easy comprehension. The Olympus E-3's rear LCD also serves as a Status display whose settings are accessible via a press of the center OK button.

The Olympus E-3's Power switch is located in a familiar place for Canon prosumer SLR owners, just off the lower right corner of the LCD display

Opening the Olympus E-3's Card cover is awkward at first, but if you just rock the camera to the left and hold it in your left hand, a simple upward flip of the right thumb moves the release lever and the door pops open to reveal not only a CF card slot, but an xD-Picture Card slot as well.

Build. The Olympus E-3's body is a die-cast magnesium alloy whose two shells pretty well completely enclose the E-3 for a very solid feel. Olympus says they use a Thixomold process to make these shells, a method that promises greater durability, with less potential for bubbles or seams in the magnesium alloy shell structures. We don't know whether other manufacturers do the same, but this low-temperature technique is one of three major methods to cast this increasingly popular metal, and is supposed to give better crystalline structure to the material than the more common hot die-cast method.

Without a lens, but with a battery and a CF memory card, the Olympus E-3 preproduction camera weighs just under two pounds (1.97 pounds), or 31.6 ounces (896 grams). Add a lens, and the E-3 is hefty, but it's a good heft. It is a lot of body for a Four-Thirds sensor, but regardless of sensor size, I prefer some substance in an SLR. For comparison, the Canon 40D weighs 1.86 pounds, or 29.8 ounces (844 grams) with card and battery, and the Nikon D300 weighs 1.8 pounds (825 grams) without battery and card.

The body of the Olympus E-3 is sealed against dust and water, even the flash and swiveling LCD. Technically, the body is splashproof, not fully waterproof.

Size comparison: Olympus E-3 vs Canon EOS 40D

Slightly bigger. Though the Canon 40D got bigger than its predecessors, the Olympus E-3 is bigger still. Nevertheless, it's a great fit in most hands, with an excellent grip and good control placement. I also like that the E-3 has a slightly better grip area on the left of the camera, for better two-hand control when working the menu and looking at photos.

11-point AF. Olympus says they analyzed thousands of photos to determine the most common positions of the primary subjects in photos to determine where to place the E-3's 11 autofocus points. They also interviewed professional photographers. The above pattern shows where the main subjects most frequently appear, overlaid with the 11 AF points.

Multi-point AF. Olympus has had a three-point autofocus system since way back in the film days with the Olympus IS-1 ZLR. That's finally changed, and in no small way, as the E-3 has an 11-point autofocus system. Each of those points is a twin cross-type for greater accuracy across the frame, and greater accuracy at each point. 11 small squares are arrayed across the frame, looking very similar to Canon's AF-indicators, and they light when a given point is in focus.

You can select focus points manually, let the Olympus E-3 do the picking, or confine the pattern to a group of four to five AF points across the array, and again let the camera do the selection from those points. Changing among these three modes is the only difficult part, as you have to use your thumb to press and hold the AF area button on the back and use the Sub-dial on the front to choose.

You can also set the E-3's autofocus sensitivity to the sensor's full width (Normal), or confine the focus to consider only the area inside each AF box for greater precision.

In use, I found the AF system on the prototype we saw to be pretty reliable, and though it sometimes took its time deciding where to focus, it fairly zipped into focus once the decision was made, thanks to the SuperSonic Wave Drive motor on the new 12-60mm lens. This of course was a prototype, so the finished Olympus E-3 could very well be faster at the decision-making aspect. Olympus says they will be calling their AF system the fastest on the market, so we'll be interested to run the production version through our tests.

Articulating LCD. While having a live LCD view can be useful for taking shots from odd angles, its value is not complete without a display that can turn to face you from at least a few of those angles. The Olympus E-3's LCD looks rather military-grade, but feels a little lighter than I expected. You have to insert your left thumb into the relief on the right of the LCD and give it a good tug to release the frame from the locking cam down inside. Then it articulates pretty much like we've seen on most Canon-style swivel-screens. You can view it from in front of the Olympus E-3, from the left or right, and from above and below, and you can fold it in toward the camera to protect it. The hinge is just a little loose, but again, this is a prototype camera, so we'll reserve judgment.

There's an Illumination sensor in the upper left corner of the Olympus E-3's LCD that can be set to dim or brighten the LCD automatically depending on the ambient light.

Interviews: Dave Etchells talks to a few photographers at the October 16, 2007 launch event about how they use a some of the special features of the Olympus E-3 digital SLR camera.

Live View. All 11 AF points appear in the Olympus E-3's Live View mode, and light up very similar to how they do in the optical viewfinder, except that the whole dot illuminates. There's not much else new to Live View, it works just like the E-510, except that there are more autofocus points. You can still preview the exposure, white balance, and depth-of-field accurately on the screen, a major benefit to Live View, and there's a new Shadow Adjustment Technology that helps you assure that you'll maintain detail in the shadows.

To focus when in Live View mode, you have to press the AEL/AFL button, or just press the shutter release and the Olympus E-3 will focus before it captures the image. As is true with all Live View SLRs, there's significant shutter lag, but that's the price of the feature at this point. Though the E-3 by default re-focuses whether you've pre-focused with the AEL/AFL button or not, you can set it Release Priority S or C and it won't attempt to refocus. There will still be some delay as the Olympus E-3 re-checks exposure, but not nearly as long or as random as it can be while the camera tries to focus.

Finally, you still have to close the Olympus E-3's optical viewfinder's shutter when enabling Live View to prevent stray light from affecting the exposure. I submit that they should have either built-in an electronic viewfinder shutter that closes automatically, or let the shutter-close switch also activate Live View.

Shutter. Shooting with the Olympus E-3 was a great experience. The shutter is very quiet, with no buzzing or winding like many other cameras do, including the E-410 and E-510. Viewfinder blackout is brief enough that you can stay on your subject.

The Olympus E-3's new mechanism can deliver up to 1/8,000 second shutter speed, and can actually stick with you for up to 60 seconds on long exposures, twice as long as the usual 30 seconds. X-sync is up to 1/250 second, and FP mode can sync up to 1/8,000 second.

Flash. Which brings us to Olympus's new flash system. Two revised strobes, based on the existing flashes, will allow the Olympus E-3's built-in flash to wirelessly control the new FL-50R and FL-36R strobes. The new RC Data Transfer System built into the E-3 allows the built-in strobe to control up to three groups of RC flashes inside a 120 degree area in front of the camera without requiring an separate on-camera commander unit.

At right you can see the Olympus E-3's on-camera commander screen, which seems to allow the E-3 comprehensive control options.

Sensor. Though it's still a 10-megapixel sensor, Olympus says that the E-3 uses a newly developed Live MOS sensor. The two major changes include less space between the microlens array and the light sensitive area, and a faster readout speed to help enable five-frame-per-second shooting.

Meter. Information from the Olympus E-3's new 49-zone metering sensor is paired with data from the autofocus sensors, according to the company. It's part of a revised ESP algorithm.

A 2% spot meter is also available on the Olympus E-3, marked by the circle in the center of the viewfinder frame. Of course there's also Center-weighted average metering. A new Highlight/Shadow metering mode biases exposure to maintain either shadow or highlight detail. Details on this mode were not available as of this writing.

Dust Reduction. Like all Olympus SLRs, the E-3 has the company's Super Sonic Wave Filter, which shakes the sensor's cover glass at more than 30,000 times per second. There appears to be nothing new here. Be aware that no current dust reduction technology can completely remove dust from a sensor, but Olympus's system is quite good.

Battery pack. An optional battery pack/vertical grip is available for the Olympus E-3 as well, the HLD-4. The pack duplicates the Function and AF-selection button, the Main dial, the Sub-dial, and the shutter button. It takes two BLM-1 lithium-ion batteries, and also comes with an AA battery holder for alternate power. It uses a tower that goes up into the E-3's battery socket, so it only doubles the Olympus E-3's capacity. There's also a grip strap available, as shown at left.

Lenses. Four new lenses and a 2.0x teleconverter were also announced with the Olympus E-3: the Zuiko 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 SWD; the Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 SWD; the Zuiko 14-35mm f/2.0 SWD; and the Zuiko 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6. The first three three use Olympus's new Supersonic Wave Drive focusing motor, which the company calls the "World's quickest."

Interview: Dave Etchells talks to Toshiyuki Terada, Olympus's Digital SLR Planning Manager, at the October 16, 2007 launch event.

We were able to try Olympus E-3 with the Zuiko 12-60mm SWD, which offers the equivalent of a 24-120mm lens, and were impressed. We haven't tested its optical quality, but its feel and focusing speed were quite good. I've used a lot of autofocus SLRs over the past 20 years, and this may be the fastest I've seen. That's just a sense, though, so we'll have to try to figure out a way to either compare or test this when we get the shipping unit.

Analysis. The Olympus E-3 is by far the most advanced Olympus digital camera I've used, very satisfying to shoot with, and one of the more compelling SLRs launched this season. Its design, though big, is ergonomically pleasing and handsome, and it gives you a feel of confidence and control. The E-3's build matches the sturdy feel of Olympus's high-end lenses, which are some of the tightest we've seen.

At this point we can't comment on image quality, because what we saw wasn't final, but overall mechanical performance was quite good.

The Olympus E-3 is expected to ship in November 2007, at an estimated street price of US$1,699, body-only.

Olympus E-3 Design

Roll-over the various controls and features with your mouse for a brief description.

Front View.

Left View.

Right View.

Top View.

Back View.

Bottom View.

Olympus E-3 Operation

The Olympus E-3 is big and teeming with buttons and controls. Its overall feel is very tight, solid, hefty, and well-thought-out. It is easily the finest experience I've had with an Olympus SLR. While you can quickly feel comfortable using the Olympus E-3, getting to know everything it can do can take a little time, given the large number of custom settings and setup options. However, once you get the hang of it, the control layout and overall feel of the camera should become natural. Right out of the box, you could probably snap a few images with just a cursory look at the manual, but plan on investing more time to get better acquainted with all of the camera's controls and settings.

Olympus E-3 Control Panel LCD

As with most prosumer and pro DSLRs, the Olympus E-3 is equipped with an illuminated top-panel data readout LCD that communicates a lot of information about current camera settings, and provides an interface for setting many camera functions when used in conjunction with the various buttons and dials. Whenever you press one of the control buttons to change a setting (exposure compensation, white balance, ISO, etc), the current value of the chosen parameter appears in the top-panel readout. This makes for very fast and easy settings changes, without having to resort to the main LCD menu system. The illustration below (courtesy of Olympus) shows the meaning of the various icons and readouts in this display.

Olympus E-3 Main LCD

Record Mode Display
In record mode and not in Live View mode, the main LCD monitor displays a "Super Control Panel" that you can navigate around in and make changes to menu options (ISO, White Balance, flash mode, etc.). If you're in optical viewfinder mode, pressing the Info button displays the Super Control Panel. Pressing it again turns the LCD monitor off. Pressing the OK button in Live View mode also displays the Super Control Panel. See the illustration below (courtesy of Olympus) for callouts of the info that is available.

Live View Display

In Live View mode, the LCD displays the subject, along with optional overlaid information, showing AF points, exposure mode, shutter speed, aperture, metering mode, file format and which memory card is in use, the number of exposures that can be stored on the card with the current settings, etc. A live histogram is also available. See the illustration below (courtesy of Olympus) for callouts of the info that is displayed in Live View mode.

In Live View mode, you can also optionally display various alignment grids over the image, as an assist for lining up subjects. While in Live View mode, pressing the Info button a few times brings up a small green box. You can use the arrows to move the box around the screen and press the OK button to enlarge the center of the frame 5x, 7x or 10x for more precise focusing or focus verification (manual focus must be enabled in advance).

Playback Mode Display
In Playback mode, the default image display shows the most recently captured image, with a modest information overlay present. Pressing the Info button cycles through the main display (with no information), a basic information overlay, more detailed information overlay, a thumbnail display with main and RGB histograms, a main histogram overlay, a blinking highlight display, and a blinking shadow display. Pressing the Display button returns you to the status display or Live View mode, depending on the last setting.

Turning the main Control dial to the left cycles through a four, nine, 16, and 25-image index display, and finally a Calendar display. Turning the main Control dial to the right enlarges the captured image from 2x to as much as 14x. You use the four arrow keys to move around the zoomed image.

Olympus E-3 Exposure

Metering
Five metering systems are available on the Olympus E-3: Digital ESP, Center-weighted, Spot (approx. 2% of viewfinder screen), Spot HI (highlights), and Spot SH (shadows). All are accessed through the Metering button on the camera's top panel. Depressing it and rotating the front dial selects the current Metering mode. It can also be changed from the Super Control Panel menu. Under the default Digital ESP setting, the camera takes an exposure reading from 49 zones or segments and chooses the best exposure based on brightness and contrast across the entire scene, though there is an option (ESP + AF) that takes the active AF point into account. Center-weighted metering reads from the center of the frame, but from a fairly large area. Spot metering simply reads the exposure from the very center of the image, so you can pinpoint the specific area of the photograph you want properly exposed. (Spot metering is very handy when you have a subject that's backlit, or that has a very different brightness, either lighter or darker, than the background.) The two additional Spot options provide highlight and shadow control, whenever shooting in very bright or very dark conditions. Metering range is from 1 to 20 EV, at room temperature with a 50mm f/2 lens at ISO1 100.

An AE/AF Lock button locks the current exposure settings whenever pressed, so you can independently lock exposure and focus. (AE Lock is useful when you want to base your exposure on an off-center subject. Point the camera at the subject, lock the exposure, then recompose your shot however you like. Your subject will be correctly exposed, regardless of what might be in the center of the frame when you finally snap the shutter.) Through a Custom menu, you can designate the function of the AE/AF lock button, and how it works in conjunction with the Shutter button. This button will also lock the flash exposure.

In situations where exposure compensation is necessary, simply press the Exposure Compensation button and turn either Control dial (in all exposure modes except Manual and Bulb) and the EV value will display on the LCDs and viewfinder. You can increase or decrease the exposure in either 0.3, 0.5, or 1.0 EV increments (selected via a menu option), up to a maximum of +/- 5 EV. Or, you can use the Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) function to automatically bracket three or five frames at 0.3, 0.7, or 1.0 EV steps each. The auto bracketing will center its efforts around whatever exposure you've chosen as the starting point, including any exposure compensation adjustments you've made. AEB is handy for those times when you want to make sure you get just the right exposure for a critical subject.

White Balance
White balance options include Auto, Tungsten, Fluorescent 1, Fluorescent 2, Fluorescent 3, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Flash, One-Touch (up to four can be registered), and Custom, to accommodate a variety of lighting situations. Pressing the White Balance button and turning either Control dial adjusts the setting, and the Kelvin temperature is displayed in the LCD monitor. The Olympus E-3 offers a Custom setting, which lets you choose from a range of Kelvin temperature settings, from 2,000K to 14,000K. The One-Touch options are useful for basing the white balance on a white card. You can also adjust the white balance, controlling the amount of amber-blue and green-magenta bias in the color balance, in any of the selected modes. This ability to "tweak" the white balance, called White Balance Compensation, is very helpful when dealing with difficult light sources. The E-3 also features a white balance bracketing. If activated, the camera will take three successive images, either biasing between amber and blue or green and magenta. You can set the images to vary by two, four, or six arbitrary adjustment steps.

ISO Sensitivity
The Olympus E-3 lets you adjust its light sensitivity, in either 1 or 1/3 EV steps, with options of 100 to 3,200 ISO equivalents, or to an Auto mode in which the camera selects an ISO appropriate to the subject's brightness. You can set a maximum ISO point for the Auto mode which won't risk noise in bright situations, from 100 to 3,200, as well as the default (minimum) ISO. The higher ISO settings are helpful when you want faster shutter speeds under normal lighting, to help freeze fast action. There is also a unique ISO bracketing feature, where the camera takes three images, varying the ISO but keeping the shutter speed and aperture fixed. Of course, as with all digicams, the higher ISO settings produce photos with more image noise, in much the same way that higher-ISO films show more film grain. To combat this problem, the E-3 offers a Noise Reduction option through the Record menu, which reduces the amount of image noise from long exposures, particularly at the higher ISO settings, as well as variable high ISO noise reduction Olympus calls Noise Filter. Noise Filter options consist of Off, Low, Standard, and High.

Picture Modes
There are also options on the Record menu to set the color mode, which offers Vivid, Natural, Muted, Portrait, and Monotone, as well as custom options. Contrast, Sharpness, and Saturation levels may be adjusted in five steps for Vivid, Natural, Muted, and Portrait; while Contrast and Sharpness levels can be adjusted in five steps for Monotone. Yellow, Orange, Red, or Green filter effects are available for Monotone, as well as Sepia, Blue, Purple, or Green picture tones. In addition, the Olympus E-3 has a Gradation setting to control the brightness of the entire image. You can choose between the Auto, Normal, Low, and High Key settings. A color space option under the Record menu lets you choose between sRGB (for Windows machines) and Adobe RGB (for Adobe Photoshop) color options.

Self-Timer
The Olympus E-3 also offers two Self-Timer modes for self-portraits or those occasions when you don't want to risk camera shake on a long exposure by pressing the Shutter button to trip the shutter. You can choose between a 2 or 12 second countdown. The 2 second countdown is useful for times when you're taking a long exposure with the camera on a tripod. The E-3 also offers an Anti-Shock feature which lets you set the delay (from 1 to 30 seconds) between the mirror raising and the shutter actuation, for when you want to minimize any camera shake from mirror slap. The Drive setting also accesses the Remote Control modes, for use with an optional remote. You can specify immediate release, or two-second delay with a remote.

Sequential Shooting Mode
The Olympus E-3 offers two Sequential modes that mimics the motor drive on a film camera. Sequential High captures images at 5 frames-per-second (we managed about 5.2 frames-per-second in our testing), while the frame rate for Sequential Low is programmable to 1, 2, 3 or 4 frames-per-second in a Custom menu. As is usually the case, the number of frames you can capture continuously is limited by the camera's buffer memory capacity, the speed of your memory card, and the image file size and quality.

Recommended Software: Rescue your Photos!

Just as important as an extra memory card is a tool to rescue your images when one of your cards fails at some point in the future. We get a lot of email from readers who've lost photos due to a corrupted memory card. Memory card corruption can happen with any card type and any camera manufacturer, nobody's immune. A lot of "lost" images can be recovered with an inexpensive, easy to use piece of software though. Given the amount of email I've gotten on the topic, I now include this paragraph in all my digital camera reviews. The program you need is called PhotoRescue, by DataRescue SA. Read our review of it if you'd like, but download the program now, so you'll have it. It doesn't cost a penny until you need it, and even then it's only $29, with a money back guarantee. So download PhotoRescue for Windows or PhotoRescue for Mac while you're thinking of it. (While you're at it, download the PDF manual and quickstart guide as well.) Stash the file in a safe place and it'll be there when you need it. Trust me, needing this is not a matter of if, but when... PhotoRescue is about the best and easiest tool for recovering digital photos I've seen. (Disclosure: IR gets a small commission from sales of the product, but I'd highly recommend the program even if we didn't.) OK, now back to our regularly scheduled review...

Not sure which camera to buy? Let your eyes be the ultimate judge! Visit our Comparometer(tm) to compare images from the Olympus E-3 with those from other cameras you may be considering. The proof is in the pictures, so let your own eyes decide which you like best!

Specifications

Links
Model Name:	Olympus E-3
Check Prices:	Check Now!
Photo Gallery URL:
Device Forum URL:	Forum
Manufacturer URL:	Mfr. Website
General
Model Number:	E3
Camera Format:	Pro SLR
Currently Manufactured:	Yes
Retail Price:	$1699.00
Street Price:	$1279.06
Date Available:	2007-11-30
Tripod Mount:	Yes (Metal)
Weight:	889 g 31.4 oz.
Weight With Batteries?	Yes
Size:	143 x 117 x 75 mm 5.6 x 4.6 x 2.9 in.
Image Sensor
Sensor Type:	N-MOS
Sensor Manufacturer:
Total Megapixels:	11.8
Effective Megapixels:	10.1
Sensor Format:	Four Thirds
Sensor Size (dia.):	0.85"
Focal Length Multiplier:	2.0
Color Filter Type:	RGBG
Self-Cleaning:	Yes
Sensor-shift Stabilized:	Yes
Image Capture
Image Resolution:	3648 x 2736 (10.0 MP, 4:3), 3200 x 2400 (7.7 MP, 4:3), 2560 x 1920 (4.9 MP, 4:3), 1600 x 1200 (1.9 MP, 4:3), 1280 x 960 (1.2 MP, 4:3), 1024 x 768 (0.8 MP, 4:3), 640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3)
Image File Format:	JPEG (EXIF 2.2), RAW (.ORF)
Video Capture
Movie Mode:	No
Movie Resolution:	n/a
Movie Frame Rate:	n/a
Movie Audio:	n/a
Movie File Format:	n/a
Optics
Lens Mount:	Four Thirds mount
Kit Lens:	n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):
Zoom Ratio:
Aperture Range:
Lens Thread:
Normal Focus Range:
Macro Focus Range:
Optical Image Stablization:	No
Digital Zoom:	No
Digital Zoom Values:	n/a
Filter Thread:	n/a
Auto Focus
Auto Focus:	Yes
Auto Focus Type:	11-point, all cross-type, TTL Phase-contrast Detection
Face Detection:
Auto Focus Assist Light?	Yes
Manual Focus:	Yes
Optical Viewfinder
Optical Viewfinder:	Yes
Optical Viewfinder Type:	SLR type; eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 1.15x mag, 20mm eyepoint, -3.0 to +1.0 diopter
Display
LCD Viewfinder:	Yes
LCD Size (inches):	2.5
LCD Resolution (pixels):	230,000
Articulating LCD:	Yes
Max Playback Zoom:	10.0x
Exposure
ISO Settings:	100 - 3200 (1/3, 1 EV steps)
Auto ISO Mode:	Yes
White Balance Settings:	Auto, Lamp, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Daylight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, Customized WB, One-touch WB (4 settings)
Shutter Speed Range:	60 - 1/8000
Bulb Mode:	Yes
Exposure Compensation:	+/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes:	49-zone Digital ESP, Center Weighted Average, Spot (2% with Highlight/Shadow mode)
Program AE:
Aperture Priority:	Yes
Shutter Priority:	Yes
Full Manual Exposure:	Yes
Creative Exposure Modes:	Underwater program AE
Self Timer:	2 or 12 seconds
Time Lapse:
Flash
Built-in Flash:	Yes
Flash Modes:	Auto, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction slow sync., Slow sync at 1st curtain, Slow sync at 2nd curtain, Fill-in, Manual (1/4, 1/16, 1/64), Off.
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100):	13 m / 43 ft.
Flash Range Description:	Depends on lens aperture
Max Flash Sync:	1/250
Flash Exp Compensation:	+/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Ext Flash Connection:	Hot Shoe, PC sync socket
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types:	CF1 / CF2 / Microdrive / xD
Memory Included (MB):
File System:
DCF Compliant:	Yes
Connectivity
Composite Video Out:	Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable:	Yes
Video Usable as Viewfinder:
HD Video Out:
HD Video Connection:
Built-In Wi-fi:	No
Computer/Printer:	USB 2.0 High Speed
PictBridge Compliant:	Yes
DPOF Compliant:	Yes
Remote Control:	Yes
Remote Control Type:	RM-1 IR
Other Connection:	DC Input
Power
Battery Form Factor:	Proprietary BLM-1
Usable Battery Types:	Lithium Ion rechargeable
Batteries Included:	1 x Proprietary BLM-1 Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included:	Yes
CIPA Rating:	610
Software
Included Software:
OS Compatibility:
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features:

Olympus Stylus-7000

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:50:00 +0000

So sophisticated, so easy to use. Put an advanced digital camera in your pocket for less than you think. A powerful 7x optical zoom and a host of other advanced technologies are found in the STYLUS-7000's compact, stylish body. Now you can capture everything from the finer details in life to the most expansive panoramas with ease.

7x OPTICAL ZOOM.
More than twice the magnification of a 3x zoom. Get closer to the action at the game, or at the concert, with this ultra-thin 7x zoom.

DUAL IMAGE STABILIZATION.
The 2-in-1 anti-blur solution. Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization, which keeps your shot steady by compensating for camera shake, combines with Digital Image Stabilization to capture crisp, clear images in any situation.

INTELLIGENT AUTO.
Automatically identifies the scene you’re shooting – portrait, landscape, night portrait, macro, or sport – and adjusts the settings to optimize results.

ADVANCED FACE DETECTION WITH SHADOW ADJUSTMENT.
Tracks up to 16 faces in a frame, automatically bringing them into focus. Adjusts the exposure on faces and the background for optimal results, even in backlight situations.

IN-CAMERA PANORAMA.
Captures three images and stitches them together to create one amazing panoramic picture by simply pressing the shutter button and slowly panning across a panoramic scene.

Features and Benefits

	More than 12 million pixels in the high-resolution CCD create superior image quality. Create poster-sized prints without losing a single detail.
	Get more than twice the magnification of a 3x zoom with this ultra-slim 7x optical zoom.
	With improved contrast and color reproduction, the HyperCrystal™ II LCD offers a more accurate, precise image display as well as an extra-wide viewing angle and enhanced visibility in direct sunlight.
	Sensor-Shift Image stabilization combined with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds capture crisp, clear images even if the subject is moving.
	Intelligent Auto automatically identifies the scene you’re shooing and adjusts the settings to optimize results.
	Advanced Face Detection tracks up to 16 faces and automatically focuses and optimizes exposures for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.
	Brings out more details in shadows. Captures scenes exactly as you see them, even in difficult lighting situations like backlight shots.
	Captures three images and stitches them together to create one amazing panoramic picture by simply pressing the shutter button and slowly panning across a panoramic scene.
	Takes beautiful portraits by softening shadows and smoothing wrinkles and blemishes on your subject's face. Edits can also be made inside the camera after taking the picture.
	Using a live, multi-frame window on the LCD, you can preview the effects of various settings, select and capture the perfect shot.
	Smile Shot detects a smile on your subject’s face and automatically fires off three consecutive shots to capture that perfect smile.
	Developed for the professional Digital SLR, the TruPic™ III Image Processor delivers superior images with true-to-life color, sharper detail, and less noise.
	Display high-resolution images on high-definition televisions. Simply connect the camera to an HDTV with an HDMI™ cable.
	In addition to xD-Picture Card compatibility, the STYLUS-7000 comes with an adapter for microSD memory cards, an emerging electronic storage media for mobile phones, PDAs, and HDTVs.
	Easily upload your movies and images to YouTube™ and share with the world using OLYMPUS Master™ 2.0 Software.

Specifications

Image Sensor	12 Megapixels (effective), 1/2.33" CCD
Focal Length/Lens Configuration	6.6 – 46.2mm (37 – 260mm equivalent in 35mm photography) 9 Lenses in 6 Groups, 4 Aspherical Lenses, 1 ED Lens
Zoom	7x Optical Zoom + 5x Digital Zoom
Maximum Aperture	F3.5 (W) / F5.3 (T)
Display	3.0" (7.6cm) HyperCrystalTM II LCD with Backlight Boost, approx. 230,000 dots 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
Focus System	CCD Contrast Detection
Focus Range (from lens surface)	Normal mode: 27.6" – infinity (0.7m – infinity) Macro mode: Wide: 3.9" – infinity (0.1m – infinity) Tele: 23.6" – infinity (0.6m – infinity) Super Macro mode: 0.79" – 27.6" (2cm – 70cm)
Focus Mode	iESP Auto, Spot AF, Face Detection AF
Shutter Speed	1/2000 sec. –1/4 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode)
ISO Sensitivity (SOS: Standard Output Sensitivity)	Auto, High Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Exposure Metering	Digital ESP Metering, Spot Metering, Face Detection AE (when Face Detection AF is selected)
White Balance Control	Auto, Presets (Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten and 3 Fluorescents)
Exposure Compensation	±2 EV steps in 1/3 EV steps
Image File Format	Still Image: JPEG Movie: AVI Motion JPEG
Number of Recorded Pixels	12MP (3,968 x 2,976) 5MP (2,560 x 1,920) 3MP (2,048 x 1,536) 2MP (1,600 x 1,200) 1MP (1,280 x 960) VGA (640 x 480) 16:9 L (3,968 x 2,232) 16:9 S (1,920 x 1,080)
Motion Blur Suppression	Dual Image Stabilization
Shooting Modes	20 Shooting Modes; Intelligent Auto, Program Auto, Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization, Beauty Mode, Scene Modes (1. PORTRAIT, 2. LANDSCAPE, 3. NIGHT SCENE. 4. NIGHT+PORTRAIT, 5. SPORT, 6. INDOOR, 7. CANDLE, 8. SELF PORTRAIT, 9. SUNSET, 10. FIREWORKS, 11. CUISINE, 12. DOCUMENTS, 13. BEACH & SNOW, 14. SMILE SHOT, 15. PRE-CAPTURE MOVIE), Movie
Panorama	In-Camera Panorama, PC Panorama (Up to 10 frames automatically stitchable with OLYMPUS Master software)
Continuous Shooting	High speed2: 11 frames per second, 21 frames (3MP) High speed1: 6 frames per second, 21 frames (3MP) Normal speed: 1.0 frames per second, 3 frames (12MP)
Shooting Assist Functions	Perfect Shot Preview, Histogram, Frame Assist, Voice Recording
Movie Mode	AVI Movie with Sound: 640x480 (30/15fps) 320x240 (30/15fps)
Image Processing	TruePic™ III Image Processor
Noise Reduction	Set automatically at shutter speeds of 0.5 second or longer in specific scene modes
Image Playback	Still Image: Single, Index Display (5/10/15), Up to 10x Enlargement, Slideshow, Rotation, Calendar, Histogram, Voice Playback Movie: Normal, Fast-Forward, Reverse, Frame-by-Frame, Voice Playback
Playback Edit Effects	Still Image: Red-Eye Fix, Shadow Adjustment Edit, Beauty Fix, Resize, Cropping, Black & White, Sepia, Calendar, Saturation, Face Focus Movie: Movie Edit, Frame Index
Flash	Built-in
Flash Modes	Auto (for low light and backlit conditions) Red-Eye Reduction Fill-in Off
Flash Working Range	Wide: 0.33ft (0.1m) – 15.5ft (4.8m) at ISO 800 Tele: 2.0ft (0.6m) – 10.2ft (3.2m) at ISO 800
Self-Timer	12 Seconds
Memory	16 MB internal memory
Removable Media Card	xD-Picture Card™ (1GB, 2GB), microSD (MASD-1 is required)
Outer Connectors	Multi-Terminal (USB Connector, Audio/Video Output, DC Input), HD Output Optional DC Coupler (CB-MA1/CB-MA3) is required.
Auto-Connect USB	USB 2.0 High-Speed (USB Mass Storage)
System Requirements	Auto-Connect USB: Windows® 2000/XP/VISTA with USB port, Mac OS X 10.3 or later with USB port Software: Windows® 2000PRO/XP/VISTA, Mac OS X 10.3 - 10.5
Operating Temperature/Humidity	Operation: 32° – 104°F (0° – 40°C) Storage: -4° – 140°F (-20° – 60°C) Operation: 30% – 90% Storage: 10% – 90%
Power Source	Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-42B), AC Adapter (D-7AC) with the optional DC Coupler (CB-MA1/CB-MA3)
Battery Life (CIPA DC-002)	150 Shots
Dimension	3.8"W x 2.2"H x 1.0"D (96.4mm x 55.9mm x 25.3mm)
Weight	4.7oz (132g) without batteries and memory card

Olympus SP-570 Ultra Zoom

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:40:00 +0000

The Olympus SP-570 Ultra Zoom is a 10 megapixel digital camera with a massive reach when it comes to it's zoom lens. It's focal range is 20x (optical zoom) which gives it's user an equivalent focal range of 26-520mm!

The Olympus SP-570 Ultra Zoom features a maximum aperture range of F2.8 - 4.5 at the ends of it's focal range and has an LCD which measures 2.7 inches.

The ISO on the Olympus SP-570 Ultra Zoom is 50-6400 and it has Dual Image Stabilization (software based stabilization as well as image sensor)

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

NEW OLYMPUS 20X, WIDE-ANGLE SP-570 ULTRA ZOOM OFFERS SUPERIOR VERSATILITY FOR USERS OF ALL SKILL LEVELS

Amazing Optics, 10 Megapixels, Wide-Angle and Telephoto Lens, Dual Image Stabilization, and 2.7-Inch HyperCrystal LCD Screen Top the List of Innovative Features

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 22, 2008 – Olympus today announces its new powerful and versatile SP-570 Ultra Zoom digital compact camera, which stands out from the crowd with an astounding precision-crafted 20x, wide-angle optical zoom (26-520mm equivalent) and 10 million pixels of resolution for superior image quality in any shooting situation.

The SP-570 UZ offers the advanced manual controls that experienced photographers demand and find on a digital SLR (single lens reflex), including a new zoom ring and hotshoe for external flash, and RAW format capture. At the same time, users can easily set the camera to operate like a simple point-and-shoot with automatic scene modes. Beyond its impressive lens and pixel count, the SP-570 UZ delivers other key innovations, including:

* Dual Image Stabilization combines the benefits of Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization to compensate for both camera shake and moving subjects, ensuring beautiful, blur-free images in any situation;

* Face Detection continually tracks faces within the frame and automatically focuses, and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures even if your subject is moving;

* Shadow Adjustment Technology enables users to preview and capture images as the human eye sees them, compensating for difficult lighting situations and maintaining detail in highlights while improving the detail in the shadows to produce more balanced photos;

* Perfect Shot Preview takes the guesswork out of great photography by allowing users to preview and select various photographic effects live on the LCD screen, before snapping the shot; and

Large 2.7-Inch HyperCrystal™ LCD with anti-glare technology improves visibility in bright sunlight and provides a wider viewing angle (176 degrees in every direction) for easier composition and viewing of images during playback.

“The SP-570 UZ is the best choice for anyone who wants to dive deeper into digital photography with a sophisticated yet simple-to-use camera that will match their growing skills,” said Mark Hoffman, director, Product Marketing, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Thanks to its compact design and easy-to-use advanced technologies, the perfect image is only a click away.”

Capturing It All, Far and Wide

Precision optics is fundamental for producing quality images, and the SP-570 UZ comes fully equipped with the equivalent of three lenses in one complete camera. The bright, f2.8-4.5 lens provides the equivalent of 26-520mm focal length with 100x total seamless zoom (5x digital zoom). Users can get close to the action with the camera’s versatile yet compact 20x super telephoto zoom and at the same time, the wide-angle (26mm) lens captures more in each frame. Its super-macro capabilities capture the subtlest details from as close as one centimeter.

The compact lens construction combines high-refractive, aspherical and extra-dispersion (ED) lens elements to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness and clarity. Whether it is capturing fast-action sports or for everyday use, this sturdy compact body with a wide-angle and telephoto lens provides the versatility to get the job done.

Dual Image Stabilization

Dual Image Stabilization enables users to take crisp, clear pictures in virtually any shooting situation – adjusting for camera shake and a moving subject. Olympus’ mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the CCD to compensate for camera shake, which often occurs when zooming in on your subject and in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. Digital Image Stabilization freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds that prevent blur caused by a moving subject.

Full Manual Control

The Manual, Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes give users versatility and control for optimal performance in any situation. Users can express their creative vision – adjusting the f-stop for detailed portraits with softened backgrounds, or slowing the exposure speed to create the blurred effect of motion, or just sit back and let the camera do the thinking through the use of the automatic settings. Manual focus is also available for users who want to have full creative control.

Hotshoe for External Flashes

The SP-570 UZ offers a hotshoe for connecting an external flash, providing greater versatility for different lighting effects. Additionally, the SP-570 UZ supports wireless flashes, enabling a user to capture beautiful images even in difficult lighting situations.

Face Detection

Face Detection tracks faces within the frame and automatically focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE) quickly for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Now, your subject’s face is in focus whether it is in the center of the target area or not.

High-Speed Sequential Shooting and Pre-Capture

The SP-570 UZ is capable of capturing images at an incredible 13.5 frames per second (with a reduced image size of 3 megapixels). The inclusion of Pre-Capture technology, which works in conjunction with High-Speed Sequential Shooting, enables users to capture the action before and after fully pressing the shutter button. Pre-Capture begins working as soon as the focus is locked, automatically archiving five frames in the camera’s buffer memory prior to the shutter release – virtually guaranteeing that none of the action will be missed even if the user’s reaction time is slow. Perfect for situations where timing is essential, such as photographing a tennis player serving, children playing or a whale breaching.

2.7-Inch HyperCrystal LCD

The SP-570 UZ utilizes a HyperCrystal LCD designed to offer a wider viewing angle without glare or shadow. Now, images and movies appear crisp and clear on the LCD with a greater than 140-degree viewing angle (left-to-right or up-and-down), while composing or reviewing an image. Its electronic viewfinder is very sharp and includes a diopter to adjust to one’s own eye strength when not wearing glasses.

Shadow Adjustment Technology

Shooting outdoors in bright daylight can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark shadowed areas and bright sunlight areas. While the human eye is capable of detecting the nuances between dark and light and all the details in between, image sensors traditionally have not been quite as sensitive. The SP-570 UZ addresses this challenge head-on with a new Shadow Adjustment Technology, which compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. With the new technology, users can preview and capture images that have the same contrast as seen with the naked eye.

Perfect Shot Preview

The SP-570 UZ features a Perfect Shot Preview mode that enables users to preview and select various photographic effects (such as zoom, exposure compensation, white balance and metering) on a live, multi-window screen before snapping the shot. Perfect Shot Preview enables users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring users are capturing the exact image they want. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques.

Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing

Olympus’ Perfect Fix feature offers quick solutions for unanticipated image quality issues, which may be caused by several adverse conditions. Lighting Fix can be used to adjust any underexposed areas and Red-Eye Fix can be used to reduce the effects of red-eye sometimes caused by a direct flash. Additional in-camera editing functions can be quickly accessed right in the camera by the touch of a button; features available include resizing, trimming, frames, text options, black and white, and sepia.

TruePicTM III Image Processor

Olympus’ enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures sharp images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos.

31 Shooting Modes Including Multi-Fireworks

The SP-570 UZ makes it easy to take great photos in a variety of scenarios and lighting situations with 31 shooting modes, including a Multi-Fireworks mode. To capture the most stunning fireworks displays, this multi-exposure feature overlays the fireworks to create the memory of a lifetime. To activate any of the camera’s pre-set modes, simply select the desired mode for portraits, landscapes, night scenes, fast-action and more.

OLYMPUS Master™ 2 Software

OLYMPUS Master 2 software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are easily organized by folders or albums and searchable by date in Calendar view. Also, with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or e-mailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee™ Theater Pack to create professional quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates.

Availability

The SP-570 UZ will be available in March 2008. It will also include: Neck Strap, WIN/Mac USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, four AA Batteries, Manual, Warranty Card and OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM.

U.S. Pricing

SP-570 UZ Estimated Street Price: $499.99 (U.S.)

Olympus Stylus-9000

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:24:00 +0000

The big zoom that fits in your pocket. Get ready. The STYLUS-9000 will blow you away. Its pocket-friendly body hides an amazing 10x wide-angle optical zoom, so you can take impressive shots in a flash. Not to mention advanced technology features like Dual Image Stabilization. The STYLUS-9000 is the camera that does it all.

10X WIDE-ANGLE ZOOM LENS (28-280mm equivalent).
All the capabilities you need in one compact lens. The 10x optical zoom gets you close to the action while the 28mm wide-angle lens lets you capture breathtaking panoramas.

DUAL IMAGE STABILIZATION.
The 2-in-1 anti-blur solution. Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization, which keeps your shot steady by compensating for camera shake, combines with Digital Image Stabilization to capture crisp, clear images in any situation.

INTELLIGENT AUTO.
Automatically identifies the scene you’re shooting – portrait, landscape, night portrait, macro, or sport – and adjusts the settings to optimize results.

FACE DETECTION WITH SHADOW ADJUSTMENT.
Tracks your subjects’ faces in a frame, automatically bringing them into focus. Adjusts the exposure for optimal results, even in backlight situations.

IN-CAMERA PANORAMA.
Captures three images and stitches them together to create one amazing panoramic picture by simply pressing the shutter button and slowly panning across a scene.
Future Benefits

	Over 12 million pixels in the high-resolution CCD create superior image quality. Create poster-sized prints without losing a single detail.
	Compact lens has 10x optical zoom to get you closer while the 28mm wide-angle lens lets you capture more in your shot.
	The next generation of Olympus’ LCD technology – HyperCrystal™ III – displays twice as bright as previous versions so that you can see the details even more clearly even under direct sunlight.
	Dual Image Stabilization combines Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds to capture crisp, clear images in any situation.
	Automatically identifies the scene you’re shooting and adjusts the settings to optimize results.
	Tracks up to 16 faces and automatically focuses and optimizes exposures for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.
	Shadow Adjustment Technology brings out more details in shadows. Captures scenes exactly as you see them, even in difficult lighting situations like backlight shots.
	Captures three images and stitches them together to create one amazing panoramic picture by simply pressing the shutter button and slowly panning across a scene.
	Takes beautiful portraits by softening shadows and smoothing wrinkles and blemishes on your subject's face. Edits can also be made inside the camera after taking the picture.
	Using a live, multi-frame window on the LCD, you can preview the effects of various settings, select and capture the perfect shot.
	Use Perfect Fix to correct shooting mistakes instantly. With the touch of a button, lighten up shadows and remove red-eye, so a less-than-perfect shot can still turn out perfect!
	Developed for the professional Digital SLR, the TruPic™ III Image Processor delivers superior images with true-to-life color, sharper detail, and less noise.
	In addition to xD-Picture Card compatibility, the STYLUS-9000 comes with an adapter for microSD memory cards, an emerging electronic storage media for mobile phones, PDAs, and HDTVs.
	Easily upload your movies and images to YouTube™ and share with the world using OLYMPUS Master™ 2 Software.

Specifications

Image Sensor	12 Megapixels (effective), 1/2.33" CCD
Focal Length/Lens Configuration	5.0 – 50.0mm (28 – 280mm equivalent in 35mm photography) 9 Lenses in 6 Groups, 5 Aspherical Lenses, 1 ED Lens
Zoom	10x Optical Zoom + 5x Digital Zoom
Maximum Aperture	F3.2 (W) / F5.9 (T)
Display	2.7" (6.9cm) HyperCrystalTM III LCD with Backlight Boost, approx. 230,000 dots 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
Focus System	CCD Contrast Detection
Focus Range (from lens surface)	Normal mode: Wide: 19.7" – infinity (0.5m – infinity) Tele: 39.4" - infinity (1.0m - infinity) Macro mode: Wide: 3.9" – infinity (0.1m – infinity) Tele: 35.4" – infinity (0.9m – infinity) Super Macro mode: 0.39" – 19.7" (1cm – 50cm)
Focus Mode	iESP Auto, Spot AF, Face Detection AF
Shutter Speed	1/2000 sec. –1/4 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode)
ISO Sensitivity (SOS: Standard Output Sensitivity)	Auto, High Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Exposure Metering	Digital ESP Metering, Spot Metering, Face Detection AE (when Face Detection AF is selected)
White Balance Control	Auto, Presets (Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten and 3 Fluorescents)
Exposure Compensation	±2 EV steps in 1/3 EV steps
Image File Format	Still Image: JPEG Movie: AVI Motion JPEG
Number of Recorded Pixels	12MP (3,968 x 2,976) 5MP (2,560 x 1,920) 3MP (2,048 x 1,536) 2MP (1,600 x 1,200) 1MP (1,280 x 960) VGA (640 x 480) 16:9 (1,920 x 1,080)
Motion Blur Suppression	Dual Image Stabilization
Shooting Modes	19 Shooting Modes; Intelligent Auto, Program Auto, Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization, Beauty Mode, Scene Modes (1. PORTRAIT, 2. LANDSCAPE, 3. NIGHT SCENE. 4. NIGHT+PORTRAIT, 5. SPORT, 6. INDOOR, 7. CANDLE, 8. SELF PORTRAIT, 9. SUNSET, 10. FIREWORKS, 11. CUISINE, 12. DOCUMENTS, 13. BEACH & SNOW, 14. PRE-CAPTURE MOVIE), Movie
Panorama	In-Camera Panorama, PC Panorama (Up to 10 frames automatically stitchable with OLYMPUS Master software)
Continuous Shooting	High speed: 5.0 frames per second, 11 frames (3MP) Normal speed: 0.9 frames per second, 21 frames (12MP)
Shooting Assist Functions	Perfect Shot Preview, Histogram, Frame Assist, Voice Recording
Movie Mode	AVI Movie with Sound; 640x480 (30/15fps) 320x240 (30/15fps)
Image Processing	TruePic™ III Image Processor
Noise Reduction	Set automatically at shutter speeds of 0.5 second or longer in specific scene modes
Image Playback	Still Image: Single, Index Display (4/9/16/25), Up to 10x Enlargement, Slideshow, Rotation, Calendar, Histogram, Voice Playback Movie: Normal, Fast-Forward, Reverse, Frame-by-Frame, Voice Playback
Playback Edit Effects	Still Image: Red-Eye Fix, Shadow Adjustment Edit, Beauty Fix, Resize, Cropping, Black & White, Sepia, Calendar, Saturation Movie: Frame Index
Flash	Built-in
Flash Modes	Auto (for low light and backlit conditions) Red-Eye Reduction Fill-in Off
Flash Working Range	Wide: 0.66ft (0.2m) – 17.7ft (5.4m) at ISO 800 Tele: 3.0ft (0.9m) – 9.8ft (3.0m) at ISO 800
Self-Timer	12 Seconds
Memory	45MB internal memory
Removable Media Card	xD-Picture Card™ (1GB, 2GB), microSD (MASD-1 is required)
Outer Connectors	Multi-Terminal (USB Connector, Audio/Video Output, DC Input) Optional DC Coupler (CB-MA3) is required.
Auto-Connect USB	USB 2.0 High-Speed (USB Mass Storage)
System Requirements	Auto-Connect USB: Windows® 2000/XP/VISTA with USB port, Mac OS X 10.3 or later with USB port Software: Windows® 2000PRO/XP/VISTA, Mac OS X 10.3 - 10.5
Operating Temperature/Humidity	Operation: 32° – 104°F (0° – 40°C) Storage: -4° – 140°F (-20° – 60°C) Operation: 30% – 90% Storage: 10% – 90%
Power Source	Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-50B), AC Adapter (D-7AC) with the optional DC Coupler (CB-MA3)
Battery Life (CIPA DC-002)	250 shots
Dimension	3.8"W x 2.4"H x 1.2"D (96mm x 60mm x 31mm)
Weight	6.5oz (185g) without batteries and memory card

Olympus DP20 Digital Camera

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:50:00 +0000

The DP20 is a 2 megapixel digital color camera with an ultra-fast, full-resolution live image preview of 15 frames per second. This easy-to-use, stand-alone digital camera was designed to output the full 2 megapixel image at a real-time rate of 15 frames per second directly to a 1600 x 1200 Ultra eXtended Graphics Array, UXGA, high-definition monitor (not included).

The DP20 digital camera is ideal for a broad range of clinical, diagnostic, and educational applications with its rapid, real-time live display, stunning color, and crisp detail. Pathologists, cytologists, hematologists, and microbiologists are sure to love the accurate color reproduction of their specimens. This is also a great camera for a wide range of end users who require a camera for documentation purposes including bright fluorescence.

Broadcasting images for consultation or training is simple with optional MicroSuite™ FIVE software and the Olympus NetCam. DP20 users can share images easily with colleagues or students in other locations. The primary user can manually or automatically adjust the camera parameters while remote users can view live images at 800 x 600 or 640 x 480 pixel resolution.

The 2 megapixel DP20 uses a 1200 x 1600 pixel Bayer mask CCD and interfaces to a computer via USB2.0 technology for rapid image download. It uses a 12-bit analog to digital converter, recording subtle color differences important for accurate color reproduction. The result is images with outstanding color and fine detail.
Designed with the same photomicrography concept as other popular Olympus cameras, the DP20 is offered as an easy-to-use, stand-alone solution; ideal when precious bench space is limited. The camera is controlled from a convenient stand-alone handset control box which is newly designed and ergonomic; operation is smooth with the functional key layout. Imaging is quick and easy. Set the camera to automatically expose and white balance the image or fine tune the exposure manually. An over/under exposure notification ensures images are perfect every time.

Images are recorded to CompactFlash™, TypeI , storage media; up to 4 GB maximum. The included software downloads images rapidly, via USB2.0 connectivity, after which they can be easily viewed. The DP20 digital camera can be controlled by optional Olympus MicroSuite FIVE software.

DP20 Graphical User Interface The DP20 digital camera offers an assortment of simple tools that are designed to streamline workflow. A focus indicator combined with the 2X and 4X digital zoom and rapid display make framing and focusing effortless. A scale bar may be overlayed on the image with settings for up to seven magnifications. There are three simple measurement tools, allowing up to ten different measurements: Point-to-point distance, circle radius, circle diameter, circle area and distance between the centers of two circles. Measurement tool works on a UXGA display only. Highlights 2 Megapixel easy-to-use, stand-alone camera system; records images to CompactFlash® 12-bit color depth for outstanding color fidelity 15 frames per second live image preview at full resolution (1600 x 1200 UXGA) Color or monochrome mode USB2.0 connectivity with intuitive software to download images Automatic exposure and white balance. Manual mode for fine tuning 2X and 4X live zoom preview with panning 5 image quality modes: 1600 x 1200 SHQ TIFF or JPEG, 1600 x 1200 HQ JPEG, and 1280 x 960 SQ JPEG (high and low compression) 3 selectable ISO sensitivities; 100, 200, and 400 Exposure times ranging from 1/20,000 sec. to 2 sec. Autofocus aid for easy focusing Scale bar settings (seven) Simple measurement tools: Point-to-point distance, circle radius, circle diameter, circle area and the distance between the centers of two circles.

Olympus DP72 Digital Camera

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:27:00 +0000

Olympus brings you the latest in imaging technology with the DP72, a 12.8 megapixel cooled digital color camera. The full resolution live display runs at a rapid 15 frames per second for seamless viewing; framing and focusing has never been easier! The DP72 offers high resolution, high sensitivity, and high-speed data transfer; detailed images from demanding applications, including fluorescence, are captured effortlessly. Greatly increase sensitivity and reduce exposure times by working with the custom monochrome mode, minimizing cell damage.

The DP72 is a 12-bit camera that produces 36-bit RGB color depth for recording subtle color intensities and gradations. With 4 resolution options, a microscopist can utilize the full range of a microscope’s optics. Simply match the microscope’s resolution to the camera’s resolution. The final result is images that are created with outstanding color, clarity, and detail in under 2.5 seconds!

The DP72 uses a 1.45 million pixel CCD with a Bayer color filter. To increase the spatial resolution, the CCD is coupled to pixel-shifting technology; resulting in images with an ultra-high resolution of 4140 x 3086 pixels. It can be adapted to best suit imaging requirements with 4 different resolution options. This camera is an excellent choice for a wide range of imaging applications including fluorescence; incorporating excellent sensitivity, Peltier cooling, and a unique SFL (super fluorescence) auto-exposure mode. When sensitivity is critical, switch to our custom monochrome mode and drastically reduce exposure times and increase contrast. Experiments may be recorded as a series of images, an AVI, or streamed as an MPEG-1. The DP72 delivers superb image quality for a broad range of applications.

In addition to sRGB, the DP72 supports AdobeRGB, which provides a larger color gamut, is supported in addition to conventional sRGB, for higher-fidelity recording of slight differences in color in dye speciments. In Particular, green regions can be more clearly reproduced.
Developed by Olympus, the camera control software has easy-to-use menus and is packed with features that maximize and streamline workflow. The intuitive graphic user interface is based on an advanced, multi-functional photomicrography concept. Included in the program is an interface to control the Olympus IX81 or BX61 motorized microscopes. Acquired images are sent automatically to the image management interface and stored images, displayed as thumbnails, are easily dragged and dropped for viewing. In addition, there is a 7 channel image merging function where fluorescence and DIC combinations can be merged into one multi-color image.

This camera also makes a great tool for teaching or consults. Set the camera for full screen display, interface it to an LCD projector, and a room full of observers are able to view the specimen simultaneously.

Highlights:

12.8 Megapixel resolution for greater image detail
Intuitive, easy-to-use software, with customizable toolbar, for image acquisition and management
15 frames per second live display at full resolution (1360 x 1024)
3 live image preview windows: full screen, full resolution, and zoom
2X live zoom preview with panning
Peltier cooled to 10º C below ambient
12-bit color depth for superb color fidelity (12-bit saved as a 48-bit file)
4 selectable image resolutions: 4140 x 3096, 2070 x 1548, 1360 x 1024, & 680 x 512
4 selectable ISO sensitivities; 200, 400, 800, and 1600
Exposure times ranging from 1/44,000 sec. to 60 sec. (millisec. units also)
2 x 2 or 4 x 4 binning: increases sensitivity and preview frame rate
Levels adjustment: live and post processing
Time-lapse: acquire a series of images as an AVI, or MPEG-1 movie
IX81 and BX61 microscope control
Shutter control
3 Autofocus aids for easy focusing
Scale bar (calibrate objectives), annotation, and time/date labeling
Autosave files
Image merging with pixel registration
Shading correction
TWAIN interface: works with Microsoft applications, Photoshop, many Laboratory Information Software companies (LIS), and other 3 rd party software

DP72 Image Acquisition Interface:

The DP72 has advanced, multi-functional software developed to optimize real-time acquisition conditions. It is based on a simple easy-to-use photomicrography concept that utilizes spot metering and bracketing to fine-tune exposure settings.

Software Features:

An Auto Super Fl mode (SFL) utilizes a special algorithm (different from the autoexpose algorithm used for brightfield observation) that automatically sets the correct exposure time. The combination of a Peltier cooled CCD and the one-touch black background correction function enables acquisition of superb low-noise fluorescence images.Two available binning options increase sensitivity and preview screen frame rates for rapid framing and focusing. An ultra-fast full resolution (1360 x 1024) frame rate of up to 15 frames per second makes framing and focusing fast and easy.

A time-lapse function allows a series of images to be acquired in a sequence or in an AVI format and played back immediately. Or stream images at 15 frames per second to create an AVI movie. Images are acquired, saved, and viewed simultaneously with the easy-to-view thumbnail display system. Resulting images are saved as TIFFs, Multi-TIFFS, JPEG, BMP, and PICT.

Olympus DP70 Digital Camera System

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:18:00 +0000

The latest generation of digital cameras designed for wide-ranging applications in optical microscopy combine excellent resolution, high sensitivity, and rapid data transfer to a host computer. The Olympus DP70 is a 12.5 million-pixel cooled digital color camera system that incorporates the latest innovations in imaging technology to enable the capture of superb images in the most demanding current microscopy applications, including differential interference contrast (DIC), darkfield, phase contrast, polarized light, and most widefield fluorescence techniques.

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The control software for the DP70 camera system was developed to provide a multi-function photomicrography interface (incorporating several features from traditional film camera exposure monitors) that facilitates control of real-time image acquisition, as well as subsequent image management. In addition to the image acquisition user interface displayed in the tutorial window above, the DP70 software package includes an image management program through which stored images, displayed as thumbnails, may be easily viewed and manipulated by drag and drop procedures. A six-channel image merging function is provided that enables individual fluorescence channels and differential interference contrast optical sections, for example, to be merged into a single multi-color image.

This tutorial demonstrates the functionality of the DP70 digital camera image capture interface. Many, but not all, of the operational features of the actual camera control software are enabled in the tutorial, and may be explored by the viewer. Upon initialization, the image window displays a specimen image randomly chosen from a group of digital images captured utilizing a variety of optical microscopy techniques. A different specimen can be manually chosen by selecting it from the Choose A Specimen pull-down menu located beneath the camera control window. To the left of this menu is a Focus Adjustment slider that allows optimum focus of the image to be obtained by dragging the slider with the computer mouse. Each specimen name in the pull-down menu includes, in parentheses, an abbreviation designating the contrast mechanism employed in obtaining the image. The following nomenclature is used: (FL), fluorescence; (BF), brightfield; (DF), darkfield; (PC), phase contrast; (DIC), differential interference contrast (Nomarski); and (POL), polarized light.

The DP70 camera (illustrated in Figure 1) employs a single-chip charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor with Bayer RGB primary color filtration. The two-thirds-inch CCD chip incorporates 1.45 million effective pixels, which can be piezo-shifted during image acquisition to obtain a maximum effective resolution of 12.5 million pixels. Images may be acquired at the ultra-high resolution of 4080 x 3072 pixels or at any of three lower-resolution settings, as dictated by the optical system capabilities or the intended image use. With the Capture tab selected from the group appearing below the image window (the default tab selection), a Still-Image control panel provides a Size: pull-down menu for choosing the image resolution. When high numerical-aperture microscope optics are employed, the camera's maximum resolution is capable of exploiting the full range of the optics. The DP70 is a 12-bit camera, producing images with 36-bit RGB color depth, which are saved as 48-bit image files. This degree of color fidelity, coupled with high sensitivity enhanced by Peltier cooling of the chip, produces images with outstanding detail and color, which are created and transferred in approximately 3 seconds.

Displayed within the image capture window is a yellow-bounded square, which identifies the area utilized by the exposure metering system. With either Auto or SFL-Auto selected in the Exposure Mode control area, "spot" metering is enabled within the area defined by the yellow box. The box may be adjusted, as appropriate for the image characteristics, to 30 percent, 1 percent, or 0.1 percent of the image area by cursor selection of the corresponding button in the Spot panel of the control window. The metering area box can be positioned by dragging with the mouse cursor to any location within the image window, so that an image area appropriate for exposure metering can be chosen. The large button appearing to the immediate right of the Spot radio buttons re-centers the yellow box in the image window when clicked with the cursor.

The Exposure Mode control panel provides two other choices in addition to the default Auto mode, which employs an algorithm that is most suitable for brightfield imaging of conventional stained specimens. The SFL-Auto (Super FL) mode is designed for simplified automatic exposure adjustment during fluorescence image acquisition, and determines exposure time utilizing metering parameters developed specifically from fluorescence imaging experience. Selecting Manual mode disables automatic exposure adjustment and allows the preferred image brightness to be set by clicking and dragging the slider positioned in the Exposure Time panel. The image brightness in the display window will reflect changes in the slider position, and the corresponding exposure time is displayed in the window above the left-hand boundary of the slider scale. The camera's exposure time range is from one-44,000ths to sixty seconds. A pull-down menu labeled Adjust, to the right of the exposure time indication, is enabled in either of the auto exposure modes, and allows the metered exposure value to be compensated, or offset, by a fixed amount ranging from 2 exposure value (EV) units less (-2) to 2 EV units more (+2) exposure. The compensation chosen is reflected in the exposure time displayed.

The high-sensitivity CCD was developed specifically for the DP70 camera system, and with the benefit of Peltier cooling, achieves low-noise performance at sensitivity settings as high as the equivalent of International Standards Organization designation of ISO 1600. Settings ranging from ISO 200 to ISO 1600 are selected in the tutorial by clicking the corresponding radio button in the Sensitivity area of the control panel. High sensitivity is particularly beneficial in that it allows higher frame rates during image preview, facilitating focusing and framing prior to image capture, even when very faint fluorescence signals are being collected. The effective chip sensitivity can be further extended by utilizing pixel binning during image preview. This function can be explored by selecting the Preview panel tab beneath the image window. The DP70 provides both 2x2 and 4x4 binning options, selectable by clicking the appropriate radio button in the Binning control panel. When pixels are combined in this fashion, the camera allows live lower-resolution images (680 x 512 pixels) to be displayed at a rapid frame rate of up to 15 frames per second (depending upon the computer configuration) for preview purposes of focusing and framing. A frame-averaging feature can be selected by clicking the 2 frame radio button in the Real-time frame average panel to the right of the binning controls.

Several additional settings panel tabs located beneath the image display window provide further control possibilities. Selection of the Color balance tab provides several mechanisms for setting white balance or black balance. Within the White Balance control panel, two buttons are provided that enable automatic white balancing of the image, a function primarily employed in brightfield observation to provide accurate color rendition regardless of illumination variations. Selecting the button labeled One Push adjusts the image sensor response so that the entire image area is white. In practice, this setting would be performed with the slide removed from the light path in order to set a white background. Upon execution, the Manual radio button is enabled and the sliders for the Red, Green, and Blue color channels can be utilized to make any necessary manual adjustments to the color balance. For many specimens, better white balance adjustment may be achieved by manually selecting a white or neutral gray area for reference within the specimen image area, and the One Touch button can be used to enable pixel selection by mouse cursor. When the button is selected by mouse, an eyedropper icon (a white balance setting pointer) replaces the mouse cursor when it is positioned within the image area. Clicking the icon on a suitable reference area for white balance adjustment will result in the appropriate color adjustments being conducted, and the manual adjustment sliders will be enabled for further fine-tuning of the color balance. In the actual camera software, the cursor may be used to designate a rectangular marquis area by clicking and dragging from the upper left corner to the lower right corner of the region to be rendered as white. After either method of automatic white balancing has been employed, the adjustment made can be cancelled, returning to the original image, by selecting the Off radio button in the white balance control area.

A Black Balance control panel has functional features similar to the white balance controls, except a single level slider is provided to adjust the image brightness (offset), instead of the individual color channel sliders. Black balance adjustment is used primarily in fluorescence observation, in which the background area is dark, and white balance adjustment would not be appropriate. The One Touch button is utilized in the same manner as for white balance adjustment, although the eyedropper tool is used to select a black or dark area in the image for black balance reference. One Push setting is carried out on the black background with no specimen in place, and adjusts the brightness so that the entire image area appears black. In either white or black balance adjustment, the automatic-setting step can be skipped when fully manual control is desired, simply by selecting the appropriate Manual radio button as the initial step, followed by manipulation of the corresponding slider(s).

The tab labeled Level adjust may be selected to display histograms for each of the red, green, and blue color channels, allowing precise adjustment of the image sensor's response characteristics. This function allows the contrast and gamma of the preview image to be altered in order to improve both live visualization of the specimen and the quality of the captured image. Images captured with the DP70 camera will reflect changes made to the preview image through the level adjustment function. Input and output intensity values can be altered for the combined RGB signal, or for the individual color channels, by selection from the Channel pull-down menu. The upper slider appearing beneath the histogram window enables adjustment of input intensities, and the lower slider serves the same function for output levels. Modifications are made by dragging and dropping the set-point triangles along the sliders. Numerical values are displayed in the Input and Output windows as the setting marks are repositioned, or alternatively, the desired numerical values may be entered directly through the keyboard. The left-hand triangle on each slider corresponds to the shadow intensity level, while the right-hand marker controls the highlight intensity. The center triangle on the input slider adjusts the gray level, and functions effectively as a gamma adjustment, which should be varied as necessary by observing the histogram and the effect on the preview image. The level values for the image may be reset to the default condition by clicking on the Reset button.

Selection of the Scale tab enables the user to establish up a scale bar that is superimposed on the image as a reference for making approximate size measurements during specimen observation. The appropriate scale bar is generated by the DP70 software based on the objective and relay magnification values entered in the Objective Lens text box and selected from the Adapter Lens pull-down menu. In the tutorial, a sample scale bar is displayed, but does not change in response to values entered in the numerical fields, nor does the displayed objective magnification change in response to clicking the objective selection buttons. The Display area of the panel contains a check box labeled Show Scale that determines whether the scale is displayed or is turned off.

A simple time-lapse function is provided in the DP70 capture software, and is accessed by clicking the Timelapse tab beneath the image window. Although not enabled in the tutorial, this feature of the camera user interface allows the time and interval variables to be entered, and a series of images to be captured and converted to an AVI file for immediate playback.

Contributing Authors

Thomas J. Fellers and Michael W. Davidson - National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 East Paul Dirac Dr., The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, 32310.

Olympus rolls out E - 420 DSLR

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Olympus announces the E-420, world's thinnest, smallest digital SLR camera. It is comes with 10-megapixel sensor and a 2.7-inch LCD with Live View. This camera is equipped with On-Screen Autofocus, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview. It measures 5.1 x 3.6 x 4.6 inch and weighs 13.4 ounces. The Olympus E-420 DSLR is available at $600.

PRESS SUMMARY
Olympus announces ultra compact E-420 digital SLR - digital camera and photography newsUser-friendly Olympus E-420 marries an exceptionally compact design with professional quality

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, travelers 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. It will be available in stores from late April 2008.

More performance, more ease of use
With the E-420, Olympus proves that high performance D-SLR photography can be enjoyed by everyone. Despite packing even more potential than its predecessor, this new E-System model boasts extreme user-friendliness in an amazingly light and compact take-anywhere form. Whatever the photographer's level of experience, high-quality images are quite literally for the taking. 28 shooting modes, including automatic, semi-automatic and manual shooting options, ensure complete versatility – while retaining both ease of use and the distinct D-SLR quality advantages.

A powerful 10.0-Megapixel Live MOS sensor provides plentiful resolution for crisp, detailed shots. This is supported by the incorporation of the TruePic III image processor which enables the implementation of Shadow Adjustment Technology (SAT). It guarantees exceptionally true-to-life image reproduction while reducing noise and enhancing processing speed. Sequential shooting at up to 3.5fps in full Megapixels mode is possible with up to eight images in RAW buffer.

For state-of-the-art protection against the threat of dust, Olympus' own Supersonic Wave Filter is the E-System's native dust reduction system – and has positioned itself as the world's leading solution against dust on the image sensor.

Purely intuitive
The E-420 brings even the most advanced features into a natural framework that enables virtually anyone to achieve high-level photography. With continuous Live View, users can frame compositions on the camera's generous 2.7”/6.9cm HyperCrystal II LCD, which provides 100% coverage of scenes with the on-screen contrast, brightness and color of depictions all being easily adjustable. Thanks to Perfect Shot Preview, the effects of exposure compensation and white balance can also be monitored in real-time directly on the LCD. Furthermore, professional depth of field previewing is possible and users can see the effects of Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology in action. In addition, the LCD enables the magnification of subjects by a factor of 7 or 10 while framing. This makes manual focusing during macro shooting, for example, considerably easier and more accurate.

Autofocus performance has also been enhanced to boost user friendliness. On top of the phase detection AF system, the E-420 now also features a contrast AF system*. It allows subjects to be focused upon more conveniently as the mirror does not need to move to the down position for measurements to be taken. And as a major additional benefit for photographers, implementation of the contrast AF system lets the effect of autofocus be seen on the Live View LCD immediately.

A built-in flash adds to this model's flexibility. More shooting versatility is also provided due to the option of wireless flash control in up to three groups. Using the Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R flash units, multiple flash set-ups which can be controlled remotely – significantly extend lighting options. And thanks to the availability of sensitivities ranging from ISO 100 to 1600, the E-420 remains a versatile companion, even in less-than-perfect lighting conditions and in situations when a flash is not desired.

With 38 languages available, the E-420 enables ease-of-use no matter the user's native tongue. A USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) interface guarantees fast data transfer, and with its long-life rechargeable battery, shooting sessions can easily go into overtime.

Part of the E-System family
The E-420 is compatible with virtually all Olympus E-System accessories. Adhering to the Four Thirds Standard, these various accessories open the door to an amazing range of photographic options – without compromising quality. All Four Thirds lenses, for example, feature near-telecentric construction ensuring edge-to-edge sharpness. Furthermore, the Four Thirds System enables the design of smaller camera bodies and lenses to allow for much more compact photographic set-ups. This advantage is perfectly embodied in the go-anywhere E-420, one of the world's smallest and lightest D-SLRs. And to accentuate this fact further, a new so-called pancake lens is also being introduced. Featuring an extremely short-barreled, lightweight design, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 (equivalent to 50mm on a 35mm camera) represents the perfect accompaniment for the E-420. With its overall compactness, the set-up is reminiscent of the legendary improvement to mobility that the famous Olympus OM series provided.

Adding to this model's cool elegance, an attractive, retro-styled camera case that attaches to the base of the camera is also being introduced. Made entirely of leather, it will be available in a choice of white, brown or black.

The newest addition to the E-System family, the E-420 will hit stores from late April 2008.

The Olympus E-420 digital SLR – main features:
Extremely easy operation – use it straight out of the box
One of the world's smallest and lightest D-SLRs providing the ultimate in portability
10-Megapixel Live MOS sensor
Live View for easier compositions
Perfect Shot Preview for improved depiction of camera adjustments directly on the Live View LCD
Improved Live View with contrast AF, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology & phase detection AF system*
TruePic III image processor
High-contrast 2.7”/6.9cm HyperCrystal II LCD with 176° viewing angles
The original Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection
28 automatic, semi-automatic and manual shooting options (including 5 exposure, 5 creative & 18 scene select modes)
Built-in pop-up flash (GN 10)
Wireless flash control in up to 3 groups
3.5fps with up to eight images in RAW buffer
One-touch white balance
AE/AF-lock functionality
ISO 100 to 1600
Depth of field preview function
49-segment digital ESP
Bracketing function (Exposure, White Balance, Focus)
Beginner and Advanced information screens
Detailed info screen with histogram
Based on Four Thirds System
Dual memory card slots (for xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash)

The Olympus E-420 is available in the following configurations:
Olympus E-420 Lens Kit
(E-420 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens)
Olympus E-420 Double Zoom Kit
(E-420 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-420 Pancake Lens Kit
(E-420 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 lens)
Olympus E-420 (body only)

Olympus SP-590UZ

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:59:00 +0000

Olympus offers a new option for those seeking the ease of a compact digital with the control of an SLR, and packs a 26x optical zoom, the longest lens on the market. The SP-590UZ features 12-megapixel resolution that allows users to create their own photo-quality, poster-size prints. A 26x wide-angle optical dual image stabilized zoom also ensures that users will be able to get up close to the action without sacrificing photo quality. Additionally, the SP-590UZ's tough construction protects it from anything the elements can throw at it. A 2.7-inch Advanced HyperCrystal III LCD screen makes taking and reviewing photos easier than ever.

Olympus SP-590UZ Specifications

Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, crushproof, and all around lifeproof
12-megapixel resolution
26x wide-angle optical dual image stabilized zoom
2.7-inch Advanced HyperCrystal III LCD screen
Uses xD Picture Cards and microSD memory cards (not included)

These are the latest and greatest long zoom cameras available from manufacturers like Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Olympus. Perfect for serious photographers looking for SLR-like power without the added cost and maintenance of interchangeable lenses, these extended zoom cameras are a happy medium.

Product Information

Manufacturer : Olympus
Part Number: SP590UZ
UPC: 050332168497
Release Date: Jan 12, 2009
Price Range: $370.00 - $500.00 at 14 stores

The SP-590UZ is the ideal camera for shooting every aspect of your surroundings without the need to lug around loads of equipment.

Product Details and Features

Key Features
Image Sensor Type	CCD
Resolution	12.7 Megapixel
Optical Zoom	26x
Lens
Interchangeable Lens	Not Interchangeable Lenses
Optical Zoom	26x
35mm Zoom Lens	26 - 676 mm
Digital Zoom	5x
Focus Type	Autofocus & Manual Focus
Focus Range	3.94 in. to Infinity (w) / 66.93 in. to Infinity (t)
Macro Focus Range	3.94 in. to Infinity (w) / 66.93 in. to Infinity (t)
Focal Length	4.6 - 119.6 mm
Image Quality
Camera Resolution	12.7 Megapixel
Image Resolutions	640 x 480 • 2560 x 1920 • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 1280 x 960 • 1920 x 1080 • 3968 x 2232
Video
Video Resolutions	320 x 240 • 640 x 480 (VGA)
Video Speed	30 fps
Max Movie Length	4 Seconds
Video Format	AVI • Motion JPEG
Exposure Control
Aperture Range	f2.8/f5 (w/t)
Shutter Speed	1/2 - 1/2000 sec
White Balance	Auto • Manual • Fluorescent (Preset) • Tungsten (Preset) • Overcast (Preset)
Frames Per Second	25 Frames
Storage
Memory Type	Built-in
Compression Modes	Uncompressed
Compression Type	Raw Image • DPOF 1.1 • DCF • EXIF 2.21
Flash
ISO Speeds	Auto • 100 • 200 • 400 • 800 • 1600 • 80
Flash Type	Built-In & External
Flash Functions	Red-eye Reduction Flash
Viewfinder / Display
Viewfinder	Digital
LCD Panel	With LCD Panel
LCD Panel Size	2.7 in.
LCD Screen Resolution	230,000 pixels
LCD Protected Position	Without LCD Protected Position
Interfaces
Interface Type	USB 2.0 • HDMI
Video Interface	Video Out
Power Supply
Battery Type	4 x AA Batteries
Included Features
Self Timer	2 Sec. • 12 Sec.
Built-in Microphone	With Built-in Microphone
Built-in Speaker	With Built-in Speaker
Miscellaneous
Included Accessories	4 x AA Batteries • Software • USB Cable • Hand Strap • Driver • Lens Cap • AV Cable
Product ID	80362752

Olympus E - 620 Digital SLR

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:53:00 +0000

The Olympus Stylus E-620 was introduced in February of 2009. It is representative of the digital imaging industry's effort to make digital SLR cameras smaller, lighter and more advanced while at the same time adding the kinds of entertaining and useful features and functions that up to now have primarily been available in consumer point-and-shoot cameras.

The pitch

Having spent hundreds of hours with the Olympus Evolt E-330 and taken thouands of pictures both above and underwater with that remarkable camera, we're always thrilled to see a new Olympus dSLR. The 12.3 megapixel E-620 that bridges the gap between the E-520 and the recent E-30 looks like a great addition.

Perhaps as a sign of the times where more and more former point & shoot photographers are getting their first dSLR, Olympus concentrates on art filters and other onboard features in its press release intro as opposed to the cool new technology that attracted my attention.

Explaining the thought process behind adding a variety of fun things to the E-620, Olympus points out how children are encouraged to express their imaginations and how we proudly display their finger-painted artistic creations on refrigerators. As people grow older, Olympus says, they are taught to color inside the lines, so to speak, and we spend less time on art and eventually may lose touch with the satisfaction that comes from creating something unique. With the new E-620, Olympus wants to bring back the ability to experiment and enjoy the wondrous feeling of being inspired by our own art.

To that extent, the camera has a number of easy-to-use artistic filters and multiple exposures features built right into the camera. That can be fun for experts and beginners alike, and it also allows the creation of innovative images without using a computer and editing software.

The 12.3 megapixel E-620's other claim to fame is its compact size and light body that weighs only a pound. According to Olympus, the E-620 is also the world's smallest DSLR with in-body Image stabilization that works with any lens. There's also Live View shooting, first introduced with the Evolt-330, with a nicely sized swivel 2.7-inch LCD that that lets you shoot subjects from a range of angles.

Art filters

Applying playful filters has not traditionally been high on the list of digital SLR photographers, but with electronics making a huge range of new features and processing inside the camera possible, a bit of exploration is a good thing. To that extent, Olympus added a number of "art filters" to the camera with the goal of providing individual artistic control over an image. The filters are:

Pop Art to enhances colors, making them more saturated and vivid, creating high-impact pictures that express the joyful, lighthearted feeling of the Pop Art style of the 1960s

Soft Focus to create an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere that renders subjects in a heavenly light without obscuring details

Pale & Light Color to enclose the foreground of an image in flat gentle light and pastel colors reminiscent of a flashback scene in a movie

Light Tone to render shade and highlight areas softly to lend an elegant air to the subject

Grainy Film to evoke the feeling of documentary footage shot in monochrome with grainy, high-contrast film, and

Pin Hole to reduce the peripheral brightness of an image as though it were shot through a pin hole, connecting the viewer intimately with the subject at the center of the picture.

Needless to say, all of this can also be done in imaging software, but there's nothing wrong with exploring new boundaries and ways of manipulating images right in our increasingly more powerful cameras.

Multiple exposure shooting

The E-620 has a Multiple Exposure function that can be used to tell a visual story in a portrait, a landscape or a combination of both. The image capture options lets you either shoot in sequence or capture separate images and combine them in the camera later.

In-Body image stabilization

The E-620 has in-body Image Stabilization that can virtually eliminate blur with any lens attached. There are three image stabilization modes to cover any situation where blur might happen. The IS-1 mode adjusts the sensor on both the horizontal and vertical planes to compensate for movement by the photographer so images stay sharp in low light even at slow shutter speeds. This works for most general shooting situations. The IS-2 mode is for capturing subjects traveling by horizontally and preserves the sense of motion while panning. The IS-3 mode produces the same effect when the camera is held vertically.

Image quality

The camera's 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor was designed to deliver excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity, and a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit to reduce noise and capture fine image details in both highlight and shadow areas. It is complemented by Olympus' TruePic III+ Image Processor, which produces clear and colorful photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible. TruePic III+ was tweaked for accurate natural color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies, and precise tonal expression; it also lowers image noise in photos shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.

Swivel Live View LCD

Most camers have fixed LCDs that are not always accurate. Olympus uses a 270-degree swivel LCD that is also 100-percent accurate, allowing you to either use the optical viewfinder or the live view LCD. And since the LCD can be rotated freely photographers can compose at any angle, including overhead and down low. This comes in handy when you want to take pictures without attracting much attention as you can literally shoot from the hip.

When using the LCD in Live View mode you can instantly see the impact of settings like white balance and exposure. The LCD itself displays 230k pixels for a crisp, vivid color picture. The Olympus HyperCrystal technology is known to offers much better contrast than conventional LCDs for better preview and playback. The LCD also has a virtually perfect viewing angle of 176 degrees, meaning that you can see it from any angle.

Dual autofocus systems

Just like the E-620 offers two different ways to viewing (LCD and optical viewfinder), it also has two autofocus options. Fast Imager Autofocus in Live View lets you to compose, focus, and capture a shot without ever taking your eye off the LCD, just like with a point & shooter. Phase Detection AF is used with the optical viewfinder and the technology behind the new 7-point twin cross AF system provides super-fast and accurate focusing based on the speed of the advanced Olympus E-3. Extremely sensitive Twin and Twin Cross AF target points can measure focus both vertically and horizontally, so regardless of the subject, focusing is fast and simple, even when shooting moving subjects.

Shooting with different aspect ratios

These days we're used to a variety of different aspect ratios in movies, HDTV, video and pictures. The E-620 lets you shoot in the standard 4:3 aspect ratio that is perfectly suited for 8 x 10-inch enlargements; the 16:9 aspect ratio that's perfect on a widescreen television; and other popular aspect ratios such as 3:2 and 6:6. Select the desired aspect ratio before shooting so you can view it on the LCD throughout the shoot for optimal framing.

Face detection

Increasingly sophisticated face detection has become a standard feature in almost all consumer cameras, and is now becoming popular in dSLRs as well. The E-620 tracks up to eight faces within the image area, even if people are moving, and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp and optimally exposed portrait pictures. This is basic by compact standards, but still welcome.

Shadow adjustment technology

Shooting scenes with both highlights and shadows can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright. The E-620 uses Shadow Adjustment Technology that adjusts for extreme light variations and maintains visible detail in both the shadow and highlight areas of the scene. You can actually see and preview the gradation on the Live View LCD before capturing an image. This feature is also accessible in the Edit menu after the shot has been taken.

Alternate picture effect preview

Perfect Shot Preview lets you 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 actually taking the picture. This is helpful when first learning about the effects of different techniques without having to scroll through a long menu.

Wireless flash capability

There are many situations that require multiple flashes, and this is often best achieved with wireless flashes. The E-620 is compatible with the Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R wireless electronic flashes designed exclusively for digital photography. The E-620 can control up to three wireless flash groups independently, with multiple flash units in each group for dramatic flash effects.

Dust reduction system

Dust has always been the enemy of SLR photographers as specs can ruin pictures and make complex cleaning necessary. The Olympus Dust Reduction System, included in the E-620, uses the company's exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter, a patented ultrasonic technology that 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. This may save hours of fixing and cleaning pictures later.

Optional underwater housing

Olympus has a proud history of underwater photography and will offer the PT-E06 optional underwater housing for the E-620. The PT-E06 can handle depths of 130 feet underwater.

Bottom line

With a suggested price of US$699 for the body alone and US$799 for a system with a 14-42mm lens, the 12.3 megapixel Olympus E-620 costs quite a bit more than the E-420 and E-520, but significantly less than the E-30. Consider it an advanced entry-level digital SLR with more than adquate resolution and some very nice features, among them the swivel LCD, the 7-point autofocus and the multiple aspect ratio shooting.

We like:

Competent and compact 12.3-megapixel digital SLR smaller than most in its class

Suitable for underwater use with special PT-E06 housing

"Live View" via bright, swiveling 2.7-inch wide viewing angle LCD

Fully automatic settings for beginners yield very good pictures

Large number of scene modes make for easy picture taking

Dual card slots (CF and xD)

Art filters, face recognition, multiple exposure and other onboard tricks

Shooting in different aspect ratios helps framing properly

Dust removal technology

Flexible image stabilization

Not so much:

No movie mode

Numerous buttons and menus require learning curve

Status	Added 02/2009
Camera Type	Digital SLR
Size	5.1 x 3.7 x 2.4 (exclusing protrusions)
Weight (oz.)	16.5 (camera body only)
Effective Pixels	12.3 mp
CCD Type	1/1.33 high-speed live MOS sensor with primary RGB color filter
Max pixel size	4032 x 3024
File formats	RAW (12-bit lossless compression), JPEG, RAW+JPEG
Compression	Super Fine, Fine, Normal, Basic
Movie recording (best)	NA
Max movie pixels	NA
Voice recording/sound annotation	unknown
Lens	Uses Four Thirds Mount
Focal length	Standard package comes with 14-42mm
Zoom (optical/digital)	Depends on installed lens
Aperture	Depends on installed lens
Focus modes	Single AF (S-AF) / Continuous AF (C-AF) / Manual Focus (MF)/ S-AF + MF / C-AF + MF
Focus minimum/macro	Depends on lens
Image stabilization	Built in shift image stabilizer with 3 modes (2D activation, 1D activation in landscape frame to vertical direction moving, 1D activation in portrait frame to horizontal direction moving); manual input focal length 8-1000; effective compensatin range approx. 4EV steps, shutter speed range 2-1/4000.
Shutter speed	P(Ps)/S/A/M mode: 60 - 1/4000 sec.; bulb: up to 30 min.
Sensitivity (ISO)	auto ISO 200-3200 (customizable, Default 200-800); manual ISO 100-3200, 1/3 or 1 EV steps
Autofocus system	7 points AF sensor TTL phase-difference detection system (7-area multiple AF contrast detection system with a variety of lenses)
Metering	TTL open-aperture metering system (digital ESP 49-points multi pattern; center weighted average metering; spot)
White-balance modes	Hybrid detection system with high-speed live MOS sensor and dedicated external sensor; 8 settings from 3000-7500K (Lamp, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Daylight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade) auto, presets (daylight, overcast, tungsten, and 3 fluorescents)
Shooting modes	Auto, Program AE, A/S/M, Scene program AE (Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sport, Night + Portrait), Scene select AE (Children, High Key, Low Key, DIS mode, Nature Macro, Candle, Sunset, Fireworks, Documents, Panorama, Beach & Snow, Underwater Wide, Underwater Macro)
Exposure compensation	+/-5 EV in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps selectable
Viewfinder Type	Eye-level SLR viewfinder with 95% coverage
LCD size	2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD (230k) with 15 levels of brightness control
LCD type	outdoor viewable
LCD construction	swivel
Flash type	built-in
Flash range	depends on lens
Flash modes	Auto, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction slow sync., Slow sync at 1st curtain, Slow sync at 2nd curtain, Fill-in, Manual (1/4, 1/16, 1/64), Off
Camera internal memory	none
Storage Medium	Compact Flash Type I/II, xD-Picture Card
I/O	USB 2.0 High Speed for storage and camera control (MTP mode is available); Dedicated multi-connector (Video: NTSC/PAL selectable, Optional Remote cable RM-UC1 is available)
Battery type	BLS-1 Li-ion
CIPA Battery life	Approx. 500 shots (optical viewfinder)
List Price	Body only: US$699; US$799.99 with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom
Contact	www.olympususa.com

Olympus Stylus Tough-8000

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:53:00 +0000

The shock and waterproof Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 was introduced in January of 2009 as part of the company's big winter announcement that included almost a dozen new consumer cameras. Olympus apparently realized that they're on to something with their tough, waterproof cameras, and that is reflected in a new new name: Stylus Tough. The new Tough-8000 takes over as the flagship of the line from last year's superb Stylus 1030 SW that remains available as of this writing. The new camera has 12 megapixel resolution, an updated look, and there are some new goodies and features. The list price is US$399.99 -- the same as the 1030SW started out with (the 1030SW is now down to US$349.99). The tough new Stylus comes in three colors (black, silver and dark blue). It is shockproof, waterproof, crushproof, freezeproof, sandproof and dustproof, brimming with features and ready to be used virtually anywhere, including the desert, underwater, or skiing. And if you drop it, no big deal as it can survive a 6.6-foot fall. And newly added dual image stabilization means fewer blurred images.

What you get with the Stylus Tough-8000

The Stylus Tough-8000 is a very compact, elegant camera you can take anywhere, and by that we mean anywhere. It has a footprint of 3.7 x 2.4 inches and is 0.85 inches thick. It weighs about 6.5 ounces without the little Li-Ion battery, and not much more with it. The 3.6X optical zoom is internal, which means there is no annoying lens barrel that motors in and out. And even though the Stylus Tough-8000 can stand up to water, shock, dust, sand and freezing temperatures, it's still a full-function digital camera with all the features you expect from a modern point & shoot compact.

Like its Stylus SW predecessors, the new Tough-8000 is easy to use right out of the box. In the back you find a simplified mode dial that works in conjunction with the camera's unique system of operating a variety of functions by tapping the top, back and sides of the camera. Below the mode dial is the ubiquitous four-way navigation pad with an "OK" button in its center. Four additional function buttons cycle through often used functions.

Features

As stated, despite being a "specialty camera," the Stylus Tough-8000 has a variety of nice features that make it suitable for everyday picture-taking, and not just trips outdoors.

Like almost all new consumer digital cameras, the Stylus Tough-8000 has an advanced face detection mode. This means that the camera is able to find a face or even multiple faces in a picture and make sure that they are in focus and properly exposed. That even works when people are moving. There is also "Smile Shot" that detects a smile on a subject's face and automatically takes three consecutive shots to capture the perfect smile.

Dual image stabilization combines mechanical sensor-shift image stabilization and digital image stabilization to provide a single optimized anti-blur solution whether the photographer or the subject is moving. The mechanical sensor-shift adjusts the image sensor to compensate for camera movement, even in low-light conditions and lower shutter speeds. Digital image stabilization seeks to freeze action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds to prevent blurring of moving subjects.

The enhanced TruePic III Image Processor, initially developed for digital SLRs, delivers more accurate colors and flesh tones, smoother edges, less nose and higher overall speed.

Like earlier modles, the Tough-8000 comes with its Shadow Adjustment Technology that analyzes shots of subjects in front of bight backgrounds and then exposes things properly. In essence, it compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas on the foreground subject are underexposed and lack visible detail.

The Perfect Shot Preview feature displays the effects of various settings including zoom, exposure, white balance and metering - on the LCD in a multi-window setup so you can select the proper settings and effects

The camera also has an LED Illuminator that works like a mini-flashlight on the front of the camera to enhance focus and exposure for macro shooting. It is also great for underwater close-ups where light is scarce. The LED also works in conjunction with the Bright Capture feature (brightened LCD preview for better composition in low light) to help illuminate a subject when taking low-light portraits.

A new Beauty Mode soften shadows and tones down wrinkles or blemishes on a subject's face, and additional subtle edits can be made post-capture using the "Beauty Fix" mode that lets you apply "Clear Skin" to smooth complexion, "Dramatic Eye" to emphasize the eyes, and "Sparkle Eye" to enhance the contrast of the iris and pupils.

The Tough-8000 has an internal 3D accelerometer that is used for Tap Control. A slight tap on the top, back or sides can turn functions on and off, making operation wearing gloves or underwater easier.

The new OR button stands for "Olympus Recommended" is used to activate Olympus is proud of, like in-camera panorama, shadow adjustment and the perfect shot preview.

Intelligent Auto Mode tries to automatically identify what you are shooting and then use the appropriate scene mode. If it works like in prior models, sometimes it gets it right, other times not. It can come in handy once you know what the camera is likely to select.

While the Tough-8000 does not have any manual modes, there are 24 shooting modes. They are intelligent auto, program auto, sensor-shift image stabilization, beauty mode, and then 19 scene modes (portrait, landscape, night scene, night portrait, sport, indoors, candle, self portrait, sunset, fireworks, cuisine, documents, beach & snow, snow, pre-capture movie, underwater snapshot, underwater wide 1 and 2, underwater macro, and movie. In pre-capture movie mode, the camera records but only commits to storage once you push the shutter. That way you are certain to capture the seconds leading up to an event.

Like its predecessors, the Tough-8000 has both a macro and a super-macro mode. The macro mode goes from four inches to infinity whereas super-macro goes from less than an inch to about two feet.

The Stylus Tough-8000 has a 640 x 480 movie mode with sound, and it shoots at 30 frames per second for lifelike video. There is a standrd and an underwater movie mode, with the underwater mode having three white balance settings for different depths. We don't know if the 1030 SW's 10 second limitation for VGA movie clips is still there.

New and improved compared to the 1030 SW

Compared to the 1030 SW, which likely is its predecessor, the Tough-8000 has 12 instead of ten megapixel and includes the tap function. Other than that, not much has changed, and we couldn't really think of anything we wanted added to the fabulous 1030 SW.

One thing that's changed is internal memory. The 1030 SW had just 15MB whereas the new Tough-8000 has 45MB. That's still not much but it'll tide you over in those situations where you run out of space on a memory card or -- gasp -- forget to put one in.

Else, some of the old scene modes are missing (behind glass, auction, shoot & select 1 and 2, etc.) and there is no mention of continuous shooting modes or how, specifically, the camera handles audio and movies, so we'll have to wait for a review unit to tell you those details.

Shock and waterproof

Unlike most digital cameras, the Stylus Tough-8000 can take a beating. Thanks to a durable metal body, floating circuitry inside, and shock-absorbing construction, it is rated to survive 6.6-foot drops.

The camera is also waterproof thanks to a combination of seals and gaskets. The Tough-8000 is rated waterproof to a depth of 33 feet, which makes it suitable for playing in the pool, rafting, snorkeling, freediving and even shallow scuba diving. Olympus hasn't announced an underwater housing for the camera yet, but there will most likely be one. Like prior such housings, it'll have a MSRP of around US$275 and a 133 feet depth rating.

Freezing temperatures do not affect this camera as it is freezeproof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. So it's a perfect companion for sledding, skiing, snowboarding and such. The camera is also crushproof and can handle up to 220 pounds of pressure, though it isn't specified how that pressure can be applied.

Bottom line

The Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 is an attractive ultra-compact water, shock and shockproof 12-megapixel camera perfect for those who love to take their camera outdoors and in the water without having to baby it. The camera can take a beating and you can even use it underwater, down to a depth of about 33 feet. It has the same features as standard consumer cameras, which means it is useful anywhere and not just as a sports camera.

We like the fully internal 3.6X optical zoom that starts wide, the excellent 2.7-inch LCD with its very wide viewing angle. The ability to use microSD cards instead of just xD-Picture cards is much appreciated, as is the more generous onboard memory to tide you over when you run out of memory card space.

The Tough-8000's 1030 SW predecessor was a superb all-round camera with excellent underwater shooting quality, so we have high hopes for this new camera with its higher resolution and additional features.

We like:

Attractively styled sports and outdoor camera

Diving possible with 33 feet depth limit

Inherent waterproofing provides peace of mind when handling in/around water

Can survive 6.6-foot drops and 14 degree temperature!

Superb wide-angle, high-res 2.7-inch LCD

Dual image stabilization!

Pre-capture movie mode

"Tap" operation works well for some users

microSD adapter included

Very good underwater macro mode

Very good underwater picture qulity

LED illumination

Not so much:

Strictly point & shoot

At this point we'd like more advanced movie modes

Tiny mode wheel and almost illegible tiny labels

Specs Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 SW

Status Added 01/2009
Camera Type Waterproof Compact (33 feet)
Protection IP68; Shock: MIL-STD-810F Shock Compliant (6.6ft.), Waterproof: JIS Level 8 (33ft.), Freezeproof: MIL-STD-810F Low Temp Compliant (14F)
Size 3.7 x 2.4 x 0.85
Weight (oz.) 6.4 w/o battery
Effective Pixels 12.0 mp
CCD Type 1/2.33
Max pixel size 3968 x 2976
File formats JPEG, AVI motion JPEG
Compression Super High, High, Standard
Movie recording (best) til full with sound @ 30fps
Max movie pixels 640 x 480 with sound and zoom
Voice recording/sound annotation yes/4 second
Lens 10 Lenses in 8 Groups, 2 Aspherical Lenses, 1 ED Lenses
Focal length 5.0-18.2mm (28-102mm)
Zoom (optical/digital) 3.6X/5X
Aperture f/3.5 - f/5.1
Focus modes iESP auto, spot, face detection
Focus minimum/macro 0.8 inches, 1.7 feet
Shutter speed 1/2000 to 1/4 sec (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene Mode)
Sensitivity (ISO) auto/64/100/200/400/800/1600
Autofocus system CCD Contrast Detection
Metering Digital ESP Metering, Spot Metering, Face Detection AE
White-balance modes auto, presets (daylight, overcast, tungsten, and 3 fluorescents)
Shooting modes 24 modes, including four underwater modes
Exposure compensation +/-2EV in 1/3 steps
Viewfinder Type none
LCD size 2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD (230k)
LCD type outdoor viewable
LCD construction fixed
Flash type built-in + LED illuminator as additional lightsource
Flash range up to 13.5 feet (land)
Flash modes 4 (Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off)
Camera internal memory 45MB
Storage Medium xD-Picture Card, microSD (via included microSD adapter)
I/O multi-terminal (USB, AV, DC)
Battery type Li-Ion Li-50B
CIPA Battery life 240
List Price $399.99
Contact www.olympususa.com

Olympus Stylus Tough - 6000

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:51:00 +0000

Together with a new top-of-the-line model, the 12-megapixel Stylus Tough-8000, Olympus introduced the shock and waterproof Stylus Tough-6000 in January of 2009 as part of the company's big winter announcement that included almost a dozen new consumer cameras. Realizing that they're on to something with their tough, waterproof cameras, the former "Stylus SW" line is now the "Stylus Tough" line. The new Tough-6000 seems destined to carry on the torch of the currently still available Stylus 850 SW and Stylus 1050 SW as a less expensive alternative to the Tough-8000 that costs US$100 more. The Tough-6000 has 10 megapixel resolution, an updated look, and a number of new goodies and features. The list price is US$299.99 -- the same as the 850SW started out with (that model is now down to US$249.99). The tough new Stylus comes in four colors (orange, blue, yellow and white). It is shockproof, waterproof to ten feet, freezeproof, sandproof and dustproof, chock full of features and ready to be used virtually anywhere, including the desert, in the water, or skiing. And it can even survive a 5-foot fall. And newly added dual image stabilization means fewer blurred images.

What you get with the Stylus Tough-6000

The Stylus Tough-6000 is a very compact, elegant 10-megapixel camera you can take anywhere. It has a footprint of 3.8 x 2.5 inches and is 0.88 inches thick. It weighs just 5.3 ounces without its Li-Ion battery, making it a bit larger but lighter than the top-of-the-line Stylus Tough-8000. The 3.6X optical zoom is internal, which means there is no annoying lens barrel that motors in and out. The zoom starts at 28mm equivalent, slightly wide, and we consider that an improvement over its predecessors. The Stylus Tough-6000 is not quite as tough as the Tough-8000, but it is waterproof to water 10 feet (compared to 33 feet in the Tough-8000), can handle a 5-foot drop (as opposed to 6.6 feet), and freezing temperatures. No crush spec here, but this is still a very rugged and well sealed full-function digital camera with all the features you expect from a modern point & shoot compact.

Like its Stylus SW predecessors, the new Tough-6000 is easy to use right out of the box, though the accelerometer-based tap functions require a bit of getting used to. In the back is a simplified mode dial and below that the standard four-way navigation pad with an "OK" button in its center. Four additional function buttons cycle through often used functions. Those familiar with the Olympus SW lineup of cameras will find that the Tough-6000 borrows from both the 850 SW and the 1050 SW, though it has an entirely new look and none of its predecessors had the wide 3.6X zoom.

Features

As stated, despite being a "specialty camera," the Stylus Tough-6000 has a variety of nice features that make it suitable for everyday picture-taking, and not just trips outdoors.

Like almost all new consumer digital cameras, the Stylus Tough-6000 has an advanced face detection mode. This means that the camera is able to find a face or even multiple faces (up to 16!) in a picture and make sure that they are in focus and properly exposed. That even works when people are moving. There is also "Smile Shot" that detects a smile on a subject's face and automatically takes three consecutive shots to capture the perfect smile.

The enhanced TruePic III Image Processor, initially developed for digital SLRs, delivers more accurate colors and flesh tones, smoother edges, less nose and higher overall speed.

Like earlier modles, the Tough-6000 comes with its Shadow Adjustment Technology that analyzes shots of subjects in front of bight backgrounds and then exposes things properly. In essence, it compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas on the foreground subject are underexposed and lack visible detail.

The Tough-6000 has the aforementioned internal 3D accelerometer that is used for Tap Control. A slight tap on the top, back or sides can turn functions on and off, making operation wearing gloves or underwater easier.

The new OR button stands for "Olympus Recommended" is used to activate Olympus is proud of, like in-camera panorama, shadow adjustment and the perfect shot preview.

While the Tough-6000 does not have any manual modes, there are 25 shooting modes. They are intelligent auto, program auto, sensor-shift image stabilization, beauty mode, and then 19 scene modes (portrait, landscape, night scene, night portrait, sport, indoors, candle, self portrait, sunset, fireworks, cuisine, documents, smile-shot, beach & snow, snow, pre-capture movie, underwater snapshot, underwater wide 1 and 2, underwater macro, and movie. In pre-capture movie mode, the camera records but only commits to storage once you push the shutter. That way you are certain to capture the seconds leading up to an event.

Like its predecessors, the Tough-6000 has both a macro and a super-macro mode. The macro mode goes from four inches to infinity whereas super-macro goes from less than an inch to about two feet.

The Stylus Tough-6000 has a 640 x 480 movie mode with sound, and it shoots at 30 frames per second for lifelike video. There is a standrd and an underwater movie mode, with the underwater mode having three white balance settings for different depths. We don't know if the 850 SW's annoying 10 second limitation for VGA movie clips is still there.

New and improved compared to the 850 and 1050 SW

The Tough-6000 is sort of a mix between the older 8-megapixel Stylus 850 SW and the 10-megapixel 1050 SW, both of which are also waterproof to 10 feet and can handle a 5-foot drop. The most relevant difference is the 3.6X optical zoom that starts wide; the older cameras had standard 3X zooms.

Like the 1050 SW, the new Tough-6000 has about 42MB of storage memory built in. That's still not much but it'll tide you over in those situations where you run out of space on a memory card or -- gasp -- forget to put one in.

Shock and waterproof

Unlike most digital cameras, the Stylus Tough-6000 can take a beating. Thanks to a durable metal body, floating circuitry inside, and shock-absorbing construction, it is rated to survive 5-foot drops.

The camera is also waterproof thanks to a combination of seals and gaskets. The Tough-6000 is rated waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, which makes it suitable for playing in the pool, rafting, snorkeling and a bit of freediving. Olympus hasn't announced an underwater housing for the camera yet, but since the camera has underwater modes, there will most likely be one. Like prior such housings, it'll have a MSRP of around US$275 and a 133 feet depth rating.

Freezing temperatures do not affect this camera as it is freezeproof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. So it's a perfect companion for sledding, skiing, snowboarding and such.

Bottom line

The Olympus Stylus Tough-6000 is an attractive ultra-compact water, shock and shockproof 10-megapixel camera perfect for those who love to take their camera outdoors and in the water without having to baby it. The camera can take a beating and you can even use it underwater, down to a depth of about 10 feet. It has the same features as standard consumer cameras, which means it is useful anywhere and not just as a sports camera.

The Tough-6000's 850 SW and 1080 SW predecessors were handy all-round camera perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities, and this very attractive new model seems to carry on that tradition and offer some much appreciated new features.

We like:

Attractively styled sports and outdoor camera

Snorkeling and freediving possible with 33 feet depth limit

Inherent waterproofing provides peace of mind when handling in/around water

Can survive 5-foot drops and 14 degree temperature!

Superb wide-angle, high-res 2.7-inch LCD

Dual image stabilization!

Pre-capture movie mode

"Tap" operation works well for some users

microSD adapter included

Very good underwater macro mode

Very good underwater picture qulity

LED illumination

Not so much:

Strictly point & shoot

At this point we'd like more advanced movie modes

Tiny mode wheel and almost illegible tiny labels

10 feet not enough for scuba

Specs Olympus Stylus Tough-6000 SW

Status Added 01/2009
Camera Type Waterproof Compact (10 feet)
Protection IP68; Shock: MIL-STD-810F Shock Compliant (5ft.), Waterproof: JIS Level 8 (10ft.), Freezeproof: MIL-STD-810F Low Temp Compliant (14F)
Size 3.8 x 2.5 x 0.88
Weight (oz.) 5.3 w/o battery
Effective Pixels 10.0 mp
CCD Type 1/2.3
Max pixel size 3648 x 2736
File formats JPEG, AVI motion JPEG
Compression Super High, High, Standard
Movie recording (best) til full with sound @ 30fps
Max movie pixels 640 x 480 with sound and zoom
Voice recording/sound annotation yes/4 second
Lens 10 Lenses in 8 Groups, 2 Aspherical Lenses, 1 ED Lenses
Focal length 5.0-18.2mm (28-102mm)
Zoom (optical/digital) 3.6X/5X
Aperture f/3.5 - f/5.1
Focus modes iESP auto, spot, face detection
Focus minimum/macro 0.8 inches, 1.7 feet
Shutter speed 1/2000 to 1/4 sec (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene Mode)
Sensitivity (ISO) auto/50/100/200/400/800/1600
Autofocus system CCD Contrast Detection
Metering Digital ESP Metering, Spot Metering, Face Detection AE
White-balance modes auto, presets (daylight, overcast, tungsten, and 3 fluorescents)
Shooting modes 24 modes, including four underwater modes
Exposure compensation +/-2EV in 1/3 steps
Viewfinder Type none
LCD size 2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD (230k)
LCD type outdoor viewable
LCD construction fixed
Flash type built-in + LED illuminator as additional lightsource
Flash range up to 13 feet (land)
Flash modes 4 (Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off)
Camera internal memory 42MB
Storage Medium xD-Picture Card, microSD (via included microSD adapter)
I/O multi-terminal (USB, AV, DC)
Battery type Li-Ion Li-50B
CIPA Battery life 230
List Price $299.99
Contact www.olympususa.com

Olympus Stylus 1030

noreply@blogger.com (Angel) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:48:00 +0000

Right upfront, scuba divers will adore the new 10-megapixel Olympus Stylus 1030 SW. This new top-of-the-line model in Olympus' SW (Shock & Waterproof) series was introduced in January of 2008 as part of the company's announcement of nine new consumer cameras. While sporting a new look that is somewhere inbetween the Stylus 770 SW (33 feet depth) and the Stylus 850 SW (10 feet), it's clear that this is the successor to the 7.1 megapixel Stylus 770 SW that we love so much. Don't let the small size and stylish look fool you: this shockproof, waterproof, crushproof, freezeproof, sandproof, and dustproof may just be the toughest consumer camera ever built. It survives drops from almost seven feet and you can take it diving down to 33 feet, without an underwater housing. And there is more.

What you get with the Stylus 1030 SW

Quite possibly the perfect camera for Scuba divers. That's because its ability to be taken down to a depth of 33 feet clearly sets it apart from other cameras in Olympus' SW series. They are all tough and you can take them all just about anywhere. But when it comes to diving, only this new 1030 (and its 770 SW predecessor) will do. Sure, many dives go deeper but there is a lot of great scenery in shallow waters, and we have no doubt that the 1030 SW, like the 770 SW before, won't mind the occasional descent to 50 or 60 feet. Not needing to take along a bulky underwater case is priceless.

But diving is not all the 1030 SW can do. Thanks to a rugged metal body, extensive sealing and shock-absorbing construction, the 1030 can survive drops from two meters, or 6.6 feet. And there we thought the 5-foot drop spec of the also new Stylus 850 SW was impressive. Freezing temperatures do not affect this camera as it is freezeproof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. So it's a perfect companion for sledding, skiing and snowboarding as well. Finally, unlike the lesser SW series cameras, this one is crushproof as well. Its tough case and reinforced LCD can withstand 220 pounds of pressure.

Amazingly, the 1030 SW can do all this while still being a very compact, elegant camera you can take anywhere. It has a footprint of 3.7 x 2.4 inches and is 0.84 inches thick -- exactly the same as the 8-megapixel 850 SW. It's, however, packed full of circuitry and tons of little parts and weighs a bit more, though still just over six ounces without its Li-Ion battery, and not much more with it. The new and more powerful 3.6X optical zoom is internal, which means there is no annoying lens barrel that motors in and out. And even though the 1030 SW can stand up to deep water, dust, crushing, sand and freezing temperatures, it's also a regular full-function digital camera with all the features you expect from a modern point & shoot compact.

Like the 850 SW, the 1030 is easy to use right out of the box. In the back there is a mode dial that lets you select automatic, image stabilization, guide mode, movie, playback and favorites, as well as scenes. Below the mode dial is a four-way navigation pad with an "OK" button in its center. Four additional function buttons bring up the onscreen menu and cycle through often used functions.

A word about the internal zoom. While the 770 had a 3X zoom equivalent to the standard 38-114mm equivalent, the new camera has a slightly extended 3.6X zoom that starts at a wide 28mm and goes up to 102mm. This means that it is much better suited to underwater photography where a wide lens always comes in handy while giving up hardly any magnification.

Below is a picture of the bow of the sunken tanker "Prince Albert" that lies in about 65 feet of water off the island of Roatan in Honduras.

Features

Despite its impressive environmental ruggedness specifications, the Stylus 1030 SW is anything but a one trick pony. In fact, with its choice of three colors (silver, black and green), elegant styling, and wealth of functions, this is a camera that can do it all.

Like almost all new consumer digital cameras, the Stylus 1030 has a face detection mode that enables it to find one face or more faces in a setting and make sure that they are in focus and properly exposed. It can do that even when people are moving.

The 1030 has digital image stabilization that uses higher sensitivity and higher shutter speed to reduce or eliminate blurriness in pictures. It doesn't however, have mechanical sensor shift image stablization which would come in especially handy for underwater shooting.

The TruePic III Image Processor that was originally developed for digital SLRs delivers more vibrant colors, smoother edges, less noise and higher overall speed.

Olympus equipped the 1030 SW with its Shadow Adjustment Technology that analyzes shots of subjects in front of bright backgrounds and then exposes things properly. In essence, it compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas on the foreground subject are underexposed and lack visible detail.

The Perfect Shot Preview feature displays the effects of various settings including zoom, exposure, white balance and metering - on the LCD so you can select the proper settings and effects

There is a large 2.7-inch high resolution (230k pixel) LCD that does not only have a very wide viewing angle in all directions, but also uses the Olympus HyperCrystal II LCD technology. According to Olympus, it reproduces true colors with a dynamic contrast ratio of more than 180 percent and a color reproduction performance of more than 160 percent compared to the original HyperCrystal LCD.

While the 1030 SW does not have any manual modes, there are 28 "scene modes" in addition to auto: portrait, landscape, landscape + portrait, night, night + portrait, sport, indoor, candle, self portrait, available light portrait, sunset, firework, cuisine, behind glass, document, auction, shoot & select 1 and 2, beach and snow, underwater snapshot, underwater wide 1 and 2, underwater macro, and underwater movie. New is a pre-capture movie mode where the camera records but only commits to storage once you push the shutter. That way you are certain to capture the seconds leading up to an event.

Shoot & Select lets you take sequential pictures by holding down the shutter. The pics then show up as sort of a filmstrip and you can select which you want to keep and which you want to discard.

"Guide" sort of guides you through various scenarios and sets the camera properly. This mode also lets you preview a scene through a multi-frame window that shows how the picture looks with four different settings. You then pick what suits you best.

Like other Olympus cameras, the 1030 has both a macro and a super-macro mode. The macro mode goes from eight inches to infinity whereas super-macro goes from an amazing 0.8 inches to a bit under two feet. This is great as Olympus underwater cameras excel at macro photography.

The Stylus 1030 SW has a 640 x 480 movie mode with sound, and it shoots at 30 frames per second for lifelike video. The VGA movie mode does not have a time limit as the Stylus 790 SW had as long as you shoot at 15 frames per second; at the full 30 frames you're limited to a disappointing ten seconds. Sound has never been a strong side of Olympus consumer cameras. The 1030 SW has a Shooting Assist function for voice annotations but there is full voice recording mode. You can attach short sound clips to still images.

Sequential shooting is quite fast for a 10-megapixel camera. You can shoot seven frames at 0.7 frames per second in full resolution, and 11 frames at 5.2 frames per second at 3 megapixel resolution.

There is an in-camera panorama mode that lets you capture three images and then stitches them together to create a panoramic picture. As you pan, special markers shows up on the display. Align them to take the next picture.

The flash range has been extended to 17.4 feet in wide mode and 12 feet in tele mode.

You are no longer limited to the often somewhat hard-to-find xD-Picture cards. The 1030 SW comes with a special adapter so you can use microSD cards as well. Internal storage remains a meager 15MB.

The camera uses the new 925-mAH LI-50B that charges much faster (in two hours instead of five) and is rated at 260 pictures.

Diving impressions

The pictures on this page were all taken with a Stylus 1030 SW on a dive trip to the Honduran island of Roatan where I stayed at the wonderful CoCo View resort. Unfortunately, the PT-043 underwater housing for the 1030SW was not available yet, and so we had to stay within the 33-feet depth limitations of the camera as it is, without housing. The 1030 accompanied us on almost every boat dive trip where it was wonderful not having to worry about getting the camera wet. All cameras should be waterproof.

In addition to giving the camera a good workout snorkeling I did take it on a couple of "real" scuba dives. One of them was to the wreck of the "Prince Albert," a 140-foot tanker/freighter that was sunk off Roatan in 1985. The Prince Albert sits in about 65 feet of water, with the upper part of the wreck at 30 to 45 feet. Taking the 1030SW along was wonderfully liberating as the camera is so small that it never was in the way. Traditional underwater cameras with their big, bulky housings tend to take over a dive as you're always aware of the camera and have to make sure you're not bumping into things. That's never an issue with the 1030SW. It's simply there when you need it, and out of your way when you don't.

Operating the camera during a dive couldn't be simpler. There's no need to get used to a new set of controls as is the case with underwater housings. You just use the camera as you always would. Underwater picture quality, as you can see, is amazingly good, even with little practice. Just use one of the camera's special underwater modes.

The 1030 SW is a great camera for underwater movies as well. If you read the manual carefully you find some interesting features. For example, there is a land movie mode and an underwater movie mode. In land mode you get sound but no optical zoom whereas in underwater movie mode it's the other way around. When in underwater movie mode you also get three special underwater white balances. Each adds progressively more red as the color red is the first to disappear underwater. Adding red makes for more colorful, lifelike movies. Unfortunately, there is a 20 second limit for VGA and a 30 second limit for QVGA movies. That sounds pretty bad until you consider that the optimal length for a movie scene is something like eight seconds. If you need more than the Oly allocates, simply press the button again.

There are some things I'd change. First, any strap that comes with an underwater camera should tighten around the wrist; you don't want to lose the camera. Second, the small mode dial with its tiny icons and writing is almost impossible to read underwater where you're wearing a mask and lighting can be dim. Likewise, the tiny gray-on-silver labels and writing etched next to buttons and controls becomes essentially unreadable. A couple of times the camera's lens cover got jammed, possibly with very fine debris floating in the seawater, making it inoperable. Flushing with fresh water fixed the problem. Finally, as you approach the 33 feet depth limit, the camera starts beeping and flashing warnings on the display. A warning is good, but constant beeping and flashing is not.

None of the above takes away from the usefulness of this amazing camera. Being able to take it on, into and underwater is wonderful, and image quality is excellent. For outdoors people, and divers, the Olympus Stylus 1030SW is about as perfect an all-around camera as it gets.

Bottom line

The Stylus 1030 SW is the camera a lot of divers have been waiting for. It brings 10-megapixel resolution to scuba diving without the need of an underwater case. It's also the most rugged Olympus Stylus camera yet, being able to survive huge drops from almost seven feet and freezing temperatures.

Despite its ruggedness, the 1030 SW is small, light, elegant, and has a wealth of features. Its large 2.7-inch wide viewing angle LCD is brighter than before and offers better contrast. The new 3.6X 28-102mm internal optical allows both wide angle photography and good magnification. The camera has underwater and pre-capture movie modes as well as state-of-the-art features like face detection, in-camera panorama, shadow adjustment, perfect shot preview, in-camera editing and more. Add to that the ability to use microSD cards via an included adapter and a very powerful battery and you have all the makings of a big hit.

We like:

Attractively styled sports and outdoor camera

Real diving possible with 33 feet depth limit

Inherent waterproofing provides peace of mind when handling in/around water

Can survive 6.6-foot drops and 14 degree temperature!

Superb wide viewing-angle, high-res 2.7-inch LCD

Pre-capture movie mode

microSD adapter included

3.6X 28-102mm optical zoom allows wide angle shooting

Very good underwater macro mode

LED illumination comes in handy

Optional PT-043 deepwater housing

Not so much:

Strictly point & shoot

Small mode wheel hard to read underwater

10 second limitation for VGA, 30 second for QVGA underwater movies

Over-zealous underwater depth warnings

Tiny gray on silver labels difficult to read

LCD not always bright enough for underwater viewability

Elegant metal body can get scratched

Integrated automatic lens cover can get clogged and stuck

Included wrist strap does not tighten around wrist

Olympus 1030SW pics: Roatan, Honduras

Specifications Olympus Stylus 1030 SW

Status Added 01/2008, updated 9/2008, 1/2009
Camera Type Waterproof Compact (33 feet)
Protection IP68; Shock: MIL-STD-810F Shock Compliant (6.6ft.), Waterproof: JIS Level 8 (33ft.), Freezeproof: MIL-STD-810F Low Temp Compliant (14F)
Size 3.7 x 2.4 x 0.84
Weight (oz.) 6.3 w/o battery
Effective Pixels 10.1 mp
CCD Type 1/2.35
Max pixel size 3648 x 2736
File formats JPEG, AVI motion JPEG
Compression Super High, High, Standard
Movie recording (best) til full with sound @ 15fps; 10 sec at 30fps; optical zoom in underwater movie mode
Max movie pixels 640 x 480 with sound and zoom
Voice recording/sound annotation yes/4 second
Lens 10 Lenses in 8 Groups, 4 Aspherical Lenses, 2 ED Lenses
Focal length 5.0-18.2mm (28-102mm)
Zoom (optical/digital) 3.6X/5X
Aperture f/3.5 - f/5.1
Focus modes iESP auto, spot, face detection
Focus minimum/macro 0.8 inches, 1.7 feet
Shutter speed 1/1000 to 1/2 sec (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene Mode)
Sensitivity (ISO) auto/80/100/200/400/800/1600
Autofocus system CCD Contrast Detection
Metering Digital ESP Metering, Spot Metering, Face Detection AE
White-balance modes auto, presets (daylight, overcast, tungsten, and 3 fluorescents)
Shooting modes 28 modes, including four underwater modes
Exposure compensation +/-2EV in 1/3 steps
Viewfinder Type none
LCD size 2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD (230k)
LCD type outdoor viewable
LCD construction fixed
Flash type built-in + LED illuminator as additional lightsource
Flash range up to 13.5 feet (land)
Flash modes 4 (Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off)
Camera internal memory 15MB
Storage Medium xD-Picture Card, microSD (via included microSD adapter)
I/O multi-terminal (USB, AV, DC)
Battery type Li-Ion Li-50B
CIPA Battery life 260
List Price US$349.99 (01/2009)
Contact www.olympususa.com