The Olympus E-3: An all-round professional masterpiece London, 17 October 2007 – It’s here: The new flagship of the Four Thirds Standard-based Olympus E-System. The E-3 gives photographers a high-performance tool that is primed for any assignment and satisfies the most stringent demands for D-SLR photography. It represents the ultimate choice for the professional photographer and provides the highest levels of speed and image quality as well as Live View capabilities and the ultimate in reliability.
The E-3 features the world’s fastest* auto-focusing speeds thanks to an
advanced AF system and new ZUIKO DIGITAL SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive)
lenses. Matched with shutter speeds of up to 1/8000th sec. and 5fps
sequential shooting (with a 19 image RAW buffer in burst mode), the E-3
gives photographers a crucial edge to help capture that decisive shot.
Ensuring the best image quality in the widest range of situations, this
new professional model also incorporates a powerful built-in image
stabilisation system which is capable of compensating against the
effects of camera shake to the equivalent of up to 5 EV steps. This is
complemented by a 10 Megapixel High Speed Live MOS sensor and Olympus’
TruePic III image processing engine. Together with the ZUIKO DIGITAL
lenses – which are custom-made for the needs of D-SLR photography –
photographers can rely on optimal results each time.
Meanwhile, the camera’s Live View capabilities provide the freedom to
shoot with more versatility: Whether wanting to keep eye-contact with
the subject or shooting above the head or close to the ground,
compositions can be framed with ease on the 2.5”/6.4cm multi-angle
HyperCrystal LCD, which also faithfully displays the effect of camera
adjustments in real time.
In addition to Live View, photographers can also choose to use the
camera’s large viewfinder which provides 100% coverage. Like all
Olympus E-System cameras, the E-3 incorporates the most effective dust
reduction system available – the Supersonic Wave Filter. Reliability of
the camera system is further heightened under all types of shooting
conditions thanks to dust and splashproof protection of both body and
most E-System lenses. Moreover, a shutter life of 150,000 operations
guarantees that the E-3 will tolerate the treatment of even the most
active photographer with ease.
The Olympus E-3 will be available from the end of November 2007. The
body only will be available for approximately £1099, the kit with the
14-54mm lens for approximately £1499 and the kit with the new 12-60mm
lens for approximately £1699. For further information call 0800
0720070 or visit www.olympus.co.uk.
Speed – never miss an opportunity
The E-3 boasts the world’s quickest* autofocus system. It is based on a
fully-biaxial high-speed 11-point AF system with both horizontal and
vertical sensor lines to give a total of 44 different data points from
which the correct focus is accurately calculated. In addition, pixel
multiplication technologies are used to boost performance in low light
(-2EV at ISO 100). Meanwhile, fast shutter speeds of up to 1/8000th
sec. provide the ability to freeze action dead in its tracks – no
matter its pace. And giving users an advantage over the clock when
every second counts, shooting speeds of up to 5fps in full Megapixel
mode are possible (with 19 image RAW buffer in burst mode).
Image quality – picture perfect performance
To counteract the effects of image blur caused by shakes, the Olympus
E-3 incorporates a highly advanced, built-in image stabilisation
system. It is extremely effective and utilises the breakthrough
Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD). This means sharper shots every time – no
matter which lens is used – and less need to use a tripod as
compensation up to 5 EV steps is provided. The IS system features two
modes: One for shakes along both the x and y axes, while another
stabilises only the y axis – which is ideal for following moving
subjects during sports photography.
Significantly contributing to the camera’s excellent imaging
performance is the 10 Megapixel High Speed Live MOS sensor. Its
attributes for delivering high image quality are boosted even further
thanks to integration of the advanced TruePic III image processor which
improves noise suppression, enhances colour reproduction and enables
faster processing speeds. And together with lenses from the
award-winning ZUIKO DIGITAL range, the camera returns nothing less than
perfect depictions.
Live View – unprecedented control
The E-3 provides photographers with the convenience of a continuous
Live View on its multi-angle, 2.5”/6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD. This allows
for truly unique shots from the most unusual perspectives, as it
enables experimentation with completely new shooting styles.
Photographers can do and see more as they needn’t stay glued to the
viewfinder. Thanks to the option of LCD magnification of 5x, 7x and
10x, accurate focusing during macro shooting is also made easy. In
addition, the effects of Shadow Adjustment Technology (SAT), White
Balance and Exposure Compensation can be viewed directly on the LCD in
real time: So, what you see is really what you get.
Reliability – exceptional durability
The E-3 also takes viewfinder performance up a notch. Full professional
level coverage of 100% plus 1.15x magnification enhances framing ease
even when using the eyepiece.
Since the development of the world’s first dust protection system in
2003, Olympus has continuously improved on it so that it still remains
the most effective solution available today. The critically acclaimed
Supersonic Wave Filter ingeniously protects the High Speed Live MOS
sensor from dust and other foreign particles that could otherwise
compromise image quality and serves as a symbol of Olympus’
long-standing commitment to imaging excellence.
Its magnesium alloy construction combined with dust and splashproof
protection lets the E-3 go wherever the action is: No matter at a rainy
football game or on the dusty plains of the Serengeti. The power grip
and a wide selection of lenses are equally protected against the
elements, thereby considerably reducing the risk of downtime as the E-3
is always ready for the next assignment no matter the conditions. And
with a shutter life of 150,000 operations, professionals will really
come to appreciate this model’s extreme reliability.
Ideal selection
Naturally, low light doesn’t put an end to shooting opportunities. In
addition to the built-in flash (GN13), the E-3 allows wireless control
of flash units, such as the new Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R, in up to
three groups – enhancing lighting options dramatically.
In addition, the E-3 boasts flawless automatic white balance. This is
due to a hybrid detection system which employs a dedicated white
balance sensor in conjunction with the image sensor. The combination of
colour data from two different sources results in stunningly faithful
colour reproduction.
A complete D-SLR system
Adhering to the Four Thirds Standard, the E-3 is optimised for the
special demands of digital photography and provides photographers with
a superior level of flexibility and freedom. Cross-manufacturer
compatibility ensures a future-proof investment that users can rely on.
32 lenses and three lens converters are available to date, including
many from the award-winning ZUIKO DIGITAL range, which is designed for
the specific demands of digital SLR photography. Furthermore, Four
Thirds enables a smaller, lighter lens construction which means
photographers benefit from more mobility and control, thus increasing
the likelihood of magnificent imaging results.
In addition to the many lenses which include the recently-introduced
ZUIKO DIGITAL SWD models for attaining the world’s fastest* autofocus
speeds, a wide and exciting range of E-System accessories await
professionals looking to customise their photographic experience with
the E-3. For flash control without the need for cables, Olympus offers
the FL-50R and FL-36R wireless flash units. And for assignments that go
into overtime, the Power Grip HLD-4 provides long-lasting battery power
and conveniently includes a shutter release button on its side to make
the quick capture of shots in portrait format just as simple as
landscapes. Two new eye-cups (DE-P3 and DE-N3) are also available to
broaden the camera’s dioptre correction adjustment capabilities.
Shifting the dioptre either up or down by 3m-1, an expansive total
range spanning -6m-1 to +4m-1 is possible. Moreover, the optional FS-3
Focusing Screen provides a grid matte screen in the viewfinder on which
the image area is divided into 4 x 6 sections to assist in framing
(purchase & installation via Olympus Service Dept. only).
With the E-3, Olympus answers the demand for uncompromising endurance,
speed and image quality. This professional D-SLR will commence sales at
the end of November 2007.
* Among interchangeable lenses for D-SLR cameras. In combination
with the new Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm, 1:2.8-4.0 SWD and E-3,
as of October 17 2007, according to survey by Olympus.
For further technical information, see also:
Built-in image stabilisation: www.olympus-europa.com/consumer/dslr_16742.htm
Live View: www.olympus-europa.com/consumer/dslr_12806.htm
Supersonic Wave Filter: www.olympus-europa.com/consumer/dslr_7051.htm
Four Thirds Standard: www.four-thirds.org
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