Hey Guys,
Where was I and where was all the noise? Did you hear aboout the Olympus E-1
Digital. The Olympus first interchangeable digital SLR?
It made the front page my my local newspapers business section today, first I
heard of it.
Below is the article and some specs I looked up.
Anyone own one yet? What do you think of it?
Sam....
GADGET
Digital camera uses interchangeable lenses
The New York Times
Olympus camera
Digital photographers who want to use single-lens reflex cameras have had two
choices: compact models with permanently mounted zoom lenses or bulky models
that accepted interchangeable lenses made for the maker's 35 mm SLRs.
No longer. The Olympus E-1 was designed for digital use and relies on the
first interchangeable-lens system to be shared by several manufacturers. About
the same size as a small SLR, the E-1 uses compact, interchangeable lenses
designed to cover an image sensor one-half as large diagonally as a 35 mm. It
conforms to the new Four Thirds standard, which has been embraced by Olympus,
Fujifilm and Kodak. Lenses from any of those companies will fit bodies made by
the others.
Four Olympus Zuiko Digital Specific lenses, with list prices starting at $599,
are available for the $2,199 E-1 body. A less expensive consumer-priced body
is coming -- not to mention Four Thirds products from other camera makers.
Magnesium-alloy body with environmental sealing (splash proof)
Five megapixel 4/3" Kodak Full Frame Transfer CCD (4/3 System compliant)
4/3 System lens mount
Range of four ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses initially available (smaller and lighter
than 35 mm)
TTL viewfinder with removable focusing screen
"Supersonic Wave Filter" cleans CCD at each camera start-up (dust is shaken
from CCD)
Dual USB 2.0 (full 480 Mb/s speed) and IEEE 1394 (Firewire) connectivity
3-point TTL phase difference AF
Focus-by-wire manual focus
Manual focus after AF lock available (switchable)
3 bulb AF assist lamp
3-zone multi-pattern metering
Program Shift in Program AE mode
Shutter speed range of 60 to 1/4000 sec (up to 8 minutes in Bulb mode)
Custom delay 'Anti-Shock' feature (similar to mirror lock-up on other SLR's)
Continuous shooting 3 frames per second up to 12 frames
Sensitivity range of ISO 100 - 800 plus 1600 and 3200 with 'ISO BOOST'
Exposure steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 stop (EV)
Exposure compensation -5.0 to +5.0 EV
Selectable color space; sRGB or Adobe RGB
Wide range of white balance options, four manual presets, fine tuning
Hybrid white balance sensor (on external surface of camera and using CCD)
Customizable image parameters (saturation, sharpness, contrast)
Noise reduction for ISO noise and long exposure noise (both can be disabled)
RAW format and RAW+JPEG support
In-camera RAW Data Edit
Compact Flash Type I & II storage including IBM Microdrive and FAT32
User upgradable firmware
1.8" 134,000 pixel LCD monitor with anti-reflective coating
Control Panel LCD display with backlight (panel also has anti-reflective
coating)
Flash hot-shoe and PC Sync flash terminal
Shading compensation (removes potential vignetting)
World's first professional digital SLR system with interchangeable lenses
based on the Four Thirds Standard.
Amsterdam, 24 June 2003 - The Olympus E-System hails a new chapter in the
history of photography. Now, the world's first SLR digital camera system
realises the advantages of the Four Thirds Standard and is dedicated to the
special requirements of digital SLR photography, presenting new benchmarks for
professional image quality and performance. All components and accessories of
the Olympus E-System - from the camera body, through flash units, to
interchangeable lenses - have been expressly designed for digital use and
ensure the system's performance potential is maximised in every instance. The
Olympus E-System breaks the mould of previous digital SLR solutions and frees
itself from the obstacles of the past.
A competitive edge
Near enough is never good enough for Olympus. And with the Olympus E-System,
no compromise has been made.
Gone are the days when photographers had to contend with hindrances due to
using lenses that were not originally designed for use with their camera
backs. Problems such as a loss to wide-angle capability, insufficient lens
resolution and cornershading are a thing of the past. The Olympus E-System
adheres to the guidelines defined by the Four Thirds Standard that regulate
type and diameter of the lens mount as well as the size of the image sensor
and the flange back distance. These guidelines not only guarantee complete
lens interchangeability between any manufacturer complying with the set norms
but also enable production of lenses fully optimised to digital camera
requirements.
A five megapixel 4/3-type CCD ensures the light transmitted by the lens is
captured in flawless detail. But it is not the pixel-count alone that is
responsible for the professional image results. Unlike most digital cameras,
the Olympus E-1 utilises a Full Frame Transfer CCD sensor, a type specifically
developed for the capture of still images. In comparison to Interline Transfer
counterparts found in the majority of digital models, the FFT-CCD is
distinguished by a larger pixel area, with bigger photodiodes and transfer
channels. This means more electrons can be captured. A high signal/noise ratio
can therefore be achieved together with a wider dynamic range. Final images
benefit from more exposure latitude, greater detail and less noise.
ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses - a synonym for quality
All ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are designed to maximise the performance of digital
SLRs based on the Four Thirds Standard. They feature telecentric optics -
meaning that transmitted light hits the CCD virtually at right-angles - which
is required by digital cameras to give images perfect colour, clarity and
brightness from the centre to the periphery of the frame. The lens' high
resolving power ensures the image sensor obtains the detail it needs to
achieve its full potential. Moreover, because of the set communication
standard, lenses are capable of supplying the camera body with information
about any potential shading or distortion which can then be compensated for to
return perfect results. A further substantial benefit made possible by the
Four Thirds Standard is that lenses maintain a compact form and light weight
despite offering a large aperture.
The growing list of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses currently available includes (35mm
equivalent values in brackets):
ED 300 mm, F2.8 tele (600 mm)
E 14 - 54 mm, F2.8 - 3.5 zoom (28 - 108 mm)
ED 50 mm F2 macro (100 mm)
ED 50 - 200mm, F2.8 - F3.5 zoom (100 - 400 mm)
E 11 - 22mm, F2.8 - F3.5 zoom (21 - 44 mm) (available by end 2003)
The Olympus E-1 solves a problem that has long been an Achilles heel of
interchangeable lens-type digital SLRs - dust contamination of the camera
insides from changing lenses. The Supersonic Wave Filter causes an ultra-high-
speed vibration to occur, making dust and/or other particles literally fall
off the imager, which are then captured on a special adhesive tape. This
function is invoked at each start-up of the camera but may also be manually
effected.
Designed to be a trusted, dependable companion, this digital SLR camera
features a high-endurance focal plane shutter. Outstanding accuracy at any of
the exposure speeds ranging from 1/4,000 sec to 60 sec is assured - and that
for a guaranteed minimum of 150,000 releases.
Thanks to dual USB2.0 and IEEE1394 interfaces, PC connectivity is easy and
extremely versatile. The Olympus E-1 is the first digital SLR camera to
incorporate both of these interfaces. Users will therefore not be hindered by
long waiting times while their image files are downloaded.
Unrestricted photographic satisfaction
Of course, while the Olympus E-System breaks convention in many respects, in
others, it hones and fine-tunes aspects necessary for professional shooting
and handling.
The Olympus E-1 is a camera ready for all assignments bar none. Its robust die-
cast magnesium-alloy body is not only tough, it is also light. In fact, the
camera body weighs in at just 660 g - enough to give a very solid feel, yet
still the lightest model among all current professional digital SLRs with
interchangeable lenses. As with the ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, the Olympus E-1 also
boasts a splash-proof design so that photographers can continue shooting while
their lesser-equipped colleagues have already sought cover from the elements.
A bright, quick-return mirror viewfinder gives pros the best view for precise
framing. Enabling a viewing field of approximately 1000lus providing full
photographic information, complete control is assured at all times.
The high-speed 3-point TTL phase difference detection autofocus system has a
wide range of 0 to 19EV. Manual and automatic selection of the AF zones is
possible. Users can choose single or continuous autofocus to meet their needs.
In continuous mode, the AF system is capable of following subjects travelling
at up to 50 km/h. As well as full manual focusing, fine manual adjustments to
the autofocus values can be made. The ergonomic merit of the camera system is
further substantiated with the possibility to adjust the focus ring direction.
For exposure metering, the Olympus E-1 features a 3-zone multi-pattern sensor
system. Photographers can chose between electronic spot metering (ESP), centre-
weighted average and spot metering. P/A/S/M modes are on hand to suit the
situation. A Program Shift function is available that enables the optimal EV
value to be retained while adjustments to shutter speed and aperture are made.
Bracketing of three or five frames can be undertaken in 1/3, 1/2 or full step
increments.
Versatility is a recurring theme with the Olympus E-1. High ISO equivalent
sensitivity values of between 100 and 3,200 ISO can be selected. With its
hybrid detection system using a dedicated white balance sensor and the image
sensor, automatic white balance is incredibly accurate. The pre-set white
balance features very detailed steps of approximately 300°K which can
additionally be compensated by two mired steps. A white balance compensation
function is available too. Furthermore, the Olympus E-1 has two colour space
settings: Standard RGB for most applications and Adobe RGB which has a wider
range for offset printing in particular.
For many photographers, speed is the key. That's why the Olympus E-1 is
equipped with three powerful ASICs. This ensures extremely fast image
processing and playback. No matter which quality mode or resolution is chosen,
thanks to an impressive 128MB buffer and high-capacity working SDRAM memory,
up to 12 frames of sequential shooting can be captured at 3fps in every format
(JPEG/TIFF/RAW).
The Olympus E-1 features a CompactFlash slot for image storage. It is
compatible with both CF cards of up to more than 2GB and Microdrive. The use
of xD-Picture Cards by means of the optional CF adapter is possible too.
Because this camera is an authentic work tool, Olympus realises that
photographers cannot afford any time out when it comes to firmware upgrades.
That is why the Olympus E-1 provides the possibility to undertake these
directly via an internet upload.
Elite hardware deserves exclusive software
Befitting the excellent craftsmanship and functions of the camera, Olympus
also introduces an entirely new software with the Olympus E-1 that is far
beyond a regular browsing application. The included OLYMPUS Viewer software
aids the professional's workflow considerably. Some of the features are:
A light box tool & tag function allowing two/four similar images to be easily
compared and categorised.
Batch processing so that a range of editing procedures can be carried out on a
whole group of images at the same time, such as adjusting the colour tone.
RAW batch processing of a number of files at once so that they are converted
to TIFF or JPEG format in one run.
A complete system of accessories for professional photography
But the Four Thirds concept does not merely comprise of a camera. A whole
system of accessories exists to provide serious photographers with the
solutions to their needs - whatever these may be. Besides the ZUIKO LENSES,
there is a large and growing list of accessories available for all areas of
professional digital SLR photography. Among these are:
Flash units
FL-50 high-power flash (up to GN50) with SuperFP mode
Ring flash (available shortly)
Twin flash (available shortly)
Power supplies
Power Battery Holder HLD-2 for the BLL-1 lithium-ion battery
Battery Pack BLL-1 high-capacity 3400mAh lithium-ion battery
Battery-Charger BCL-1 dedicated BLL-1 battery charger
AC Adapter AC-1
Four Thirds is the first professional standard for digital SLR photography. By
setting standards on three levels - mechanical, optical and communication - it
maximises the performance of camera body, image sensor and lenses. The Olympus
E-1 is the first and currently the only camera to make use of the advantages
of this new standard.
Availability: September 2003
Olympus E-1 Specifications
Body material Magnesium alloy
Sensor ? 18.0 x 13.5 mm CCD sensor
? 17.4 x 13.1 mm active sensor area
? RGB Color Filter Array
? Full frame transfer
? Built-in fixed low-pass filter
? Built-in "Supersonic Wave Filter" (dust cleaning)
? Microlenses
? 5.6 million total pixels (2738 x 2044)
? 5.1 million active pixels (2614 x 1966)
? 4.9 million output pixels (2560 x 1920)
? 4:3 aspect ratio
? 6.8 x 6.8 µm pixel pitch
JCIA Effective pixels 5.0 million
Image sizes ? 2560 x 1920
? 1600 x 1200
? 1280 x 960
? 1024 x 768
? 640 x 480
File formats ? RAW
? RAW + JPEG
? TIFF
? JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
Color space ? sRGB
? Adobe RGB
Lenses ? 4/3 standard lens mount
? Range of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses available
? Effective FOV is 2x indicated focal length
Focusing ? 3-point TTL Phase Difference Detection
? Automatic or manual point selection
? EV 0 to 19 (ISO 100) detection range
Focus modes ? Single shot AF
? Continuous AF
? Manual focus
Manual focus ? Focus by wire
AF assist ? Yes, can be disabled
? Red visible light
Metering modes ? Digital ESP
? Center-Weighted Average
? Spot (1.8%)
AE Lock ? With shutter release half-press
? AEL button
AE Bracketing ? 3 or 5 frames
? 1/3, 1/2, 0.7 or 1.0 EV steps
Exposure steps 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV
Exposure compen. ? -5.0 to +5.0 EV
? 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps
Sensitivity ? Auto (ISO 100 - 400)
? ISO 100
? ISO 200
? ISO 400
? ISO 800
? ISO 1600 *
? ISO 3200 *
* With "ISO BOOST" set to ON
Min Shutter Speed ? Program AE: 2 sec
? Aperture Priority AE: 3.2 sec
? Shutter Priority AE: 60 sec
? Manual Exposure: 60 sec + Bulb (up to 8 mins)
Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
Flash X-sync ? 1/180 sec
? Super FP up to 1/4000 sec for fill flash
Aperture values Depends on lens: 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps
White balance ? Auto
? 3000 K (Incandescent)
? 3300 K
? 3600 K (Incandescent)
? 3900 K
? 4000 K (Fluorescent)
? 4300 K
? 4500 K (Fluorescent)
? 4800 K
? 5500 K (Sunny)
? 6500 K (Cloudy)
? 6600 K (Fluorescent)
? 7500 K (Shade)
? Manual Preset 1
? Manual Preset 2
? Manual Preset 3
? Manual Preset 4
* All of the above can be fine tuned +/- 7 levels except manual presets
Auto white balance ? Hybrid system
? White balance sensor & CCD imager
WB Bracketing ? 3 frames
? 1, 2 or 3 steps
Image parameters ? Saturation (CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CS0 - CS4) *
? Contrast (-2 to +2)
? Sharpness (-3 to +3)
* The CM settings are custom color profiles for particular scene types
Noise reduction ? Noise Filter (On / Off)
? Noise Reduction (On / Off)
? Pixel Mapping
Viewfinder ? Eye-level pentaprism TTL
? Magnification approx. x0.96
? Eye point 20 mm
? 100 0.000000rame coverage
? Diotric adjustment (-3.0 to +1.0)
? Internal eyepiece curtain
? Interchangeable focusing screen with center circle and AF areas (FS-1)
? Viewfinder info bar
? Optional EP-2 large eyecup and FS-2 grid pattern focusing screen available
Viewfinder info ? Flash indicator
? FP flash
? Metering mode
? AF / AE Lock
? Aperture
? Shutter speed
? ISO sensitivity (when changing)
? Exposure mode
? Exposure compensation / metering bar
? White balance (when changing)
? AF areas (when changing)
? Bracketing setting (when changing)
? Buffer space remaining
LCD monitor ? 1.8" TFT LCD
? 134,000 pixels
? 100 0.000000rame coverage
? 15 brightness levels (-7 to +7)
? 4x magnification playback
Record review ? Off
? Auto
? 5 sec
? 20 sec
Flash ? No built-in flash
Flash modes ? TTL Auto (Olympus E System flash)
? TTL Auto FP (Olympus E System flash)
? Auto
? Manual
External flash ? Hot-shoe
? PC Sync terminal
Flash compensation +/- 2.0 EV in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps
Shooting modes ? Program AE (P) (with shift)
? Aperture priority AE (A)
? Shutter priority AE (S)
? Manual (M)
Drive modes ? Single shot
? Continuous (3 fps, up to 12 frames)
? Self-timer 12 seconds
? Self-timer 2 seconds
? Remote release 2 second delay
? Remote release
Internal Buffer ? 128 MB RAM
? 12 Frames
Other features ? Shading Compensation
? Anti-Shock mode
? Custom AE-L / AF-L setting
? Custom command dial setting
? Custom Focus Ring direction
? Single AF + Manual AF (On / Off)
? Release Priority Single (On / Off)
? Release Priority Continuous (On / Off)
Playback mode ? Single image
? Single image blinking highlights & histogram
? Magnified view (2.0x, 3.0x or 4.0x, scrollable)
? 4, 9 or 16 image thumbnail index
? Slideshow
? Image rotation
? Image delete
? Image protect
? RAW Data Edit
? DPOF Setup
Menu languages ? Japanese
? English
? German
? French
? Spanish
? Korean
Remote control ? Wired by RM-CB1
? Wireless (IR) by RM-1
Connectivity ? USB 2.0
? Firewire IEEE 1394
? Video out
? DC-IN
? Remote terminal
? PC Sync flash terminal
Video out Selectable NTSC or PAL
Storage ? Compact Flash Type I or II
? Microdrive supported
? FAT32 filesystem support (for CF cards greater than 2 GB)
Power ? BLM-1 1500 mAh Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery (supplied & charger)
? Optional Power Battery Holder HLD-2 and Lithium-Ion battery
? Optional AC adapter AC-1
Firmware User updatable
Weather Proof IEC Standard publication 529 IPX1
Environment ? Operating range: 0°C to 40°C (30 to 900midity)
? Storage range: -20°C to 60°C (10 to 900midity)
Dimensions 141 x 104 x 81 mm (5.6 x 4.1 x 3.2 in)
Weight (no batt/lens) 660 g (1.5 lb)
Box contents E-1 Body, USB Cable, IEEE1394 Cable, Video Cable, Li-ion Battery
Pack (BLM-1), Li-ion Battery Charger (BCM-1), Shoulder Strap, Olympus Viewr
1.0, CD-ROM, Manuals
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