14 DAY TRIAL // The release of the new E-3 flagship model was also accompanied by some new lenses and hot-shoe strobes, Olympus aiming at offering a new complete solution to professional photographers.
Olympus has four new lenses and a converter, but what's quite appealing is the fact that three of them have the silent wave drive (SWD) system, which puts them in the same league as the USM (Ultrasonic Motor), SWM (Silent wave motor) and the SDM (Sonic Direct-drive Motor) from Canon, Nikon, and Pentax, respectively. However, Olympus claims that the new E-3 coupled with one of the SWD lenses has the fastest autofocus performance. Note that this performance has not been tested by reviewers.
The first lens on today's list is the Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm (24-120mm) 1:2.8-4.0 SWD, which offers a picture angle equivalent to that of a 24-120mm lens on a 35mm full-frame camera. This focal range translates into a 5x optical zoom. The lens boasts the silent wave drive system and a minimum focusing distance of 25 centimeters. Moreover, the unit has a splash-proof design that makes it resistant to the elements. The Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm (24-120mm) 1:2.8-4.0 SWD will be available in November 2007.
The second model is the Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm (100-400mm) 1:2.8-3.5 SWD, with a picture angle equivalent to that of a 100-400mm lens on a 35mm full-frame camera. The focal range translates into a 4x optical zoom. This Zuiko also features the SWD system and splash-proof design. Moreover, the unit's lens hood has a slide-window for polarizing filters. Given the focal range, one can say that the maximum aperture is more than generous, albeit not constant.
The third model is the Zuiko Digital ED 14-35mm (28-70mm) 1:2.0 SWD which offers a particularly fast maximum aperture of f/2.0, giving the lens an edge over existing 28-70mm equivalent solutions. Moreover, the lens also has the proprietary SWD system and the splash-proof design. This one also comes with the window for polarizing filter.
The last lens on today's list is the Zuiko Digital ED 70-300mm (140-600mm) 1:4.0-5.6, which offers a lot of telephoto power as the picture angle is equivalent to that of a 140-600mm lens on a 35mm full-frame camera. It's true that the lens is not exactly fast, but at this focal range there's a limit to what you can ask. It's worth noting that the model does not incorporate the silent wave drive technology. Availability is slated for late October 2007.
There's also the aforementioned Zuiko Digital 2.0x Teleconverter EC-20, compatible with all the Zuiko lenses. It's also splash-proof to ensure that it can withstand harsh environments.
Olympus also has two new flash units, the FL-50R and FL-36R, which boast a newly-developed RC Data Transfer System that transmits data optically. This significantly reduces the power consumption of the built-in flash when being used as the system commander.
Both the FL-50R and the FL-36R boast multiple adjustment modes including TTL Auto and manual, high-speed synchronisation, in Super FP Mode up to 1/4000th sec, and also features fast recycle intervals which can be as little as less than 1.3 sec. when using the SHV-1 Flash High-Voltage Set. The FL-50R boasts GN28 performance at a 12mm focal length (equivalent to 24mm on a 35mm camera; ISO 100) and a very powerful GN50 at a 42mm (equiv. to 84mm; ISO 100). The FL-36R has GN20 at a focal length of 12mm (equiv. to 24mm; ISO 100) and GN36 at 42mm (equiv. to 84mm; ISO 100).
FL-50R - main features:
- GN50 power - Wireless remote control in three groups (A, B and C) - Control settings directly from camera LCD - Choice of four channels to avoid interference - Extendable transmission distance - Option of TTL Auto, Auto, and Manual modes - Bounce and swivel head - Usual synchronisation speed 1/180 sec. - Super FP Mode up to 1/4000th sec - Built-in diffuser can be used to obtain wide-angle coverage at an 8mm focal length (equivalent to 16mm on a 35mm camera) - Red-eye reduction, slow synch and 2nd curtain synch - Flash coverage is automatically adjusted in several steps to correspond to the focal length of the lens when zooming - Flash recycle time less than 1.3 sec. when optional SHV-1 Flash High-Voltage Set is used
FL-36R - main features:
- GN36 power - Wireless remote control in three groups (A, B and C) - Control settings directly from camera LCD - Choice of four channels to avoid interference - Extendable transmission distance - Option of TTL Auto, Auto and Manual modes - Compact design and light weight - Energy-saving circuitry - Bounce and swivel head - Super FP Mode up to 1/4000th sec - Flash coverage is automatically adjusted in several steps to correspond to the focal length of the lens when zooming - Flash intensity setting in 1/8 EV steps possible with Olympus E-System D-SLR - Red-eye reduction, slow synch and 2nd curtain synch
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