PCPhoto
D-SLR SystemsGet a grip on the complete offerings from the major camera makers when selecting your new D-SLR |
|
|
|
Page 5 of 11  Olympus Olympus offers several lower-priced but full-featured D-SLRs, plus the new E-3 pro model, along with 20 lenses, several flash units and useful accessories. All Olympus D-SLRs incorporate a Supersonic Wave Filter sensor-dust remover, and all current models but the EVOLT E-500 feature live-view LCD monitors. All Olympus D-SLRs are Four Thirds System cameras, with bodies and lenses specifically designed around the 17.3x13mm Four Thirds image sensor, rather than adapting 35mm camera systems to digital use. This concept can yield more compact systems (the Olympus 300mm ƒ/2.8 super-telephoto frames like a 600mm ƒ/4 telephoto on a 35mm SLR, but is much smaller and a stop faster), lenses optimized for the image sensor size and an open standard so that any manufacturer’s Four Thirds System lens can be used on any manufacturer’s Four Thirds System camera.  Cameras. Olympus’ top model is the new 10-megapixel pro E-3, which features quick autofocusing with new Supersonic Wave Drive lenses, in-body mechanical (sensor-shift) image stabilization with all lenses, the 2.5-inch full-swivel live-view LCD monitor and dust-reduction system, heavy-duty splash- and dust-proof construction and more.The 10-megapixel EVOLT E-510 features built-in sensor-shift image stabilization, a live-view (but non-swiveling) 2.5-inch LCD monitor, sensor-dust remover, 18 scene modes and more. The EVOLT E-410 provides all of the E-510’s features, except the image stabilizer, in a more compact package.  Lenses. Olympus currently offers 20 Zuiko Digital lenses for Four Thirds System D-SLRs, with focal lengths from the 7-14mm ƒ/4 zoom and 8mm fish-eye to the 300mm ƒ/2.8 supertelephoto. With the Four Thirds System sensor’s 2x focal-length factor, this provides users with 35mm-equivalent focal lengths of 14mm to 600mm. The longest Four Thirds System lens currently is Sigma’s 300-800mm ƒ/5.6, which takes the long end out to a 1600mm equivalent. Olympus also offers 1.4x and 2x converters and a 25mm extension tube. The MF-1 adapter lets Olympus OM-system users attach their lenses to Four Thirds System D-SLRs.The newest Zuiko Digital lenses are the three SWD zooms introduced with the E-3: the ED 12-60mm ƒ/2.8-4.0, ED 50-200mm ƒ/2.8-3.5 and ED 14-35mm ƒ/2.0, all incorporating the new Supersonic Wave Drive AF system for quick, quiet and precise autofocusing.   |
