The Only DLSR Which Allows Image Composing on the LCD

Although every time there�s a discussion about the giants of the DSLR market, you will only hear Nikon and Canon, it seems that one of the �smaller� producers continues to innovate in the photographic technology.

We are talking of course about Olympus, which has announced just a month before PMA 2006 9 models of cameras, including the E-330.

After being the first (and the only, so far) company to introduce a system (Supersonic Wave Dust Filter) which prevents the dust from adhering to the CCD, now, Olympus is once again the first to launch a D-SLR which allows photographers to use the LCD as they would with a point and shoot or prosumer one.

Single lens reflex camera owners know that the only way they can compose an image is by looking through the viewfinder, the LCD being used only for reviewing.

The E-330 can be used in to ways: A and B. In mode A, the mirror is in the normal position and the camera uses a CCD in the viewfinder chamber to transmit the image to the LCD. In mode B (used for macro shots), the mirror is raised and the image gets to the LCD through the 7.5 MP Live MOS sensor fitted on the camera. In mode B, the autofocus is disabled.

Aside form the advantages associated with the Live View feature, Olympus comes with another one borrowed from prosumer cameras, the 2.5� inch/6.4 centimeter tilt and swivel monitor.

When it comes to storage, Olympus E-330 has two options, the company�s proprietary format xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash, and the files can be saved as JPEG, TIFF or RAW. The camera will be available for �900 starting from March 2006; the price also includes a ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens (equivalent to 28-90mm on a 35mm camera).

Specifications

7.5 million pixels Live MOS sensor
Multi-angle 6.4cm/2.5� HyperCrystal LCD (215,250 pixels)
Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection
TTL Optical Porro Finder design
Single AF, continuous AF and manual focusing, plus S-AF+MF and C-AF+MF
49 area AE sensor
ESP, centre-weighted average and spot exposure metering plus high light basis and shadow light basis spot metering
Based on Four Thirds standard
Professional AE lock functionality
Sequential shooting at up to 3.0fps
IR Hybrid Type Cut Filter for equalisation with human eyes
1/3 EV ISO steps
ISO up to 1600
TruePic TURBO image processor
P/S/A as well as full manual operation
20 scene modes, 7 creative modes plus 4 exposure modes