Olympus Claims That E-3 Is the Fastest DSLR

Olympus has finally taken the wraps off its new flagship model, the E-3, previously known as the E-P1. Thanks to the presentation "accidentally" leaked in July, we knew what to expect from the latest DSLR coming from the well-known manufacturer.

The Olympus E-3 comes with a 10-megapixel Live MOS Image Sensor that complies with the four thirds standard. This four thirds standard implies a 2x crop factor, which is responsible for the tunnel-like viewfinder featured by all of Oly's DSLRs.

Apart from the "no-surprise" features, such as Live View, supersonic wave filter, in-body mechanical image stabilization and splash-proof design, the E-3 tackles an old problem experienced by E-1 users. Although one can't know for sure until head-to-head reviews are carried out, Olympus claims that their new camera has the fastest autofocus speed when using it together with the SWD (Silent Wave Drive) lenses. You have to admit that it's a pretty bold statement, especially with speed monsters like the EOS 1D Mark II N or the newer Canon and Nikon bodies on the market.

The manufacturer's press release mentions that the key to this speedy AF module is the unique "twin cross type fully biaxial 11 point AF sensor, based on proprietary Olympus micro-sensing technologies, that achieves equally effective performance on both the vertical and horizontal axis".

"With most biaxial sensors, performance on the vertical and horizontal axes is not equal, and there is often a perceived difference in response time when using different lenses. However, unlike systems that respond at nominally lower f-stop values simply by boosting sensitivity, the E-3's AF sensor features a totally redesigned hounds tooth-pattern phase detection sensor layout that uses micro-lamination technologies to achieve superior real-world performance", the press release also reads.

Future owners of the E3 will be able to select, individually or dynamically, from 11 AF points.

Other important specs include a 5 frames-per-second continuous shooting, 1/8000 second top shutter speed and ISO sensitivities ranging from 100 to 3200.

In the viewfinder department, Olympus compensates for the tunnel-like experience with a bright, 1.15x magnification and 100 percent coverage unit, but more importantly, with a swivel Live View HyperCrystal LCD that can be rotated freely.

The E3 is also very tolerant when it comes to storing data. The model accepts CompactFlash Type I & II, UDMA, Microdrives and xD-Picture Card and it is possible to transfer image files from one card to the other right inside the camera.

The Olympus E-3 will be available in November 2007 for around $1,700 in the United States and 1100 British pounds in the United Kingdom.

We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is .