Olympus E-3

The Olympus E-3 was until 2010 Olympus Corporation's flagship camera, positioned as a professional DSLR camera. It is the successor to the Olympus E-1, which was launched in November 2003. The E-3, originally codenamed Olympus E-P1, was announced on 17 October 2007.[1][2] The E-3, like the other cameras in the Olympus E-series, conforms to the Four Thirds system. It was succeeded in 2010 by the Olympus E-5 professional DSLR flagship camera.

Olympus E-3
Overview
TypeDigital single-lens reflex
Lens
LensInterchangeable (Four Thirds System)
Sensor/medium
SensorFour Thirds System 18.00 × 13.50 mm Live MOS
Maximum resolution3648 × 2736 (10.1 megapixels)
Storage mediaCompactFlash(CF) or XD Picture-Card
Focusing
Focus modesSingle, continuous, manual
Focus areas11 biaxial cross auto-focus points, selectable
Exposure/metering
Exposure modesProgram, shutter-priority, aperture-priority, manual
Exposure meteringTTL, evaluative (ESP), center-weighted, spot
Metering modesESP multi patterned, Center-weighted average (60%), Spot (2%)
Flash
Flashbuilt-in pop up flash GN=13 at ISO 100, wireless control for up to 3 external flash groups and 4 channels
Shutter
Shutter1/8,000 to 60 s computerized focal plane shutter
Continuous shooting5.0 frames per second (19 images RAW buffer)
Viewfinder
ViewfinderOptical TTL with pentaprism 100% field of view and ×1.15 magnification
General
LCD screen2.5" 230,000 pixel TFT LCD on full articulating multi-angle screen with live preview
BatteryOlympus BLM-1 1500mAh Lithium-ion battery
Made inChina
E-3 with Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 SWD. Cut model.

Features

The E-3 has several novel features, including a live preview full articulating screen, autofocus in live view mode, the ability to capture a scene with wide dynamic range using an image processing method called shadow adjustment technology[3] and the ability to control up to three wireless flash groups without external transmitters. The camera is also fully weatherproof even with the popup flash in the "up" position.

The camera, with the new SWD (ultrasonic motor) lenses, is expected to appeal to professional users who want a rugged, portable and lightweight camera body with quality lenses and class leading autofocus.

Additional features include:

  • Fast autofocus (Olympus claims that this was the world's fastest autofocus at the time the camera was released (when used with the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm f/2.8-4 SWD lens at 60mm, as of October 2007).
  • 100% viewfinder with ×1.15 magnification with a 50 mm lens (as 25 mm is the "standard" lens on the 4/3 format, this is equivalent to ×0.57 in 35 mm format)
  • External white balance sensor
  • 5 frames per second (frame/s) capture speed
  • 11 point biaxial cross AF sensor that works at −2 EV at ISO 100
  • In-body image stabilization achieved by moving the sensor (thus, it works with any lens)
  • Environmentally sealed magnesium alloy camera body
  • Dust reduction system (Supersonic Wave Filter)
  • Shutter tested to 150,000 cycles
  • Internal Viewfinder shutter
  • 'X' sync and External remote ports

The camera is compatible with existing BLM-1 batteries used in the E-1, E-300, E-330, E-500 and E-510.

The camera was reviewed by Digital Photography Review in February 2008 by Simon Joinson.[4]

The E-3 is equipped with a better sensor than other DSLRs marketed by Olympus at the time of its release, allowing the user to operate at higher ISO settings without producing as much noise.

Along with other Olympus 4/3rds bodies, the E-3 has a very 'maintenance free' approach due to it having on-demand pixel mapping, the SSWF 'dust shaker', vignetting and distortion correction either in-camera or during editing with Olympus software. Olympus have also implemented on-demand firmware updates for all their bodies, lens and flash units.

References
  1. "Olympus E-3". DPReview.com. Amazon.com. 2007-10-17. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
  2. "Olympus E-3 DSLR Preview". photographyreview.com. 2007-10-17. Retrieved 2007-10-20.
  3. "Olympus E-3 Digital SLR Review". ePHOTOzine. 2007-11-07. Retrieved 2007-12-25.
  4. "Olympus E-3 Review, February 2008, Simon Joinson". Digital Photography Review. February 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-22.

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