Olympus E-330 digital SLR - First DSLR with live preview
With the new Olympus E-330, the specialist in opto-digital technology once again expands the horizons of photography. For the first time*, the comfort and flexibility of continuous live views directly on the LCD is available to digital SLR users. This ground-breaking innovation enables framing of shots without the need to look through the ocular. Users can therefore see what's going on around them while they shoot, which is a significant advantage for reportage or sports photographers - as well as in other situations where it is difficult to frame using the viewfinder, such as under water. Moreover, thanks to a large tilting, multi-angle LCD measuring 2.5"/6.4cm, the Olympus E-330's versatility is extended even further. It makes capturing shots from unusual angles, such as in crowds or during macro photo sessions, a breeze. To ensure image quality is second to none, Olympus has fitted this model with the latest-generation MOS sensor for high speed and sensitivity, delivering incredibly true-to-life, 7.5 megapixel results. As with all models in the Olympus E-System line-up, users will enjoy the benefits of dust-free photography thanks to the Olympus-exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter. And for the ultimate in versatility, the Olympus E-330 is compatible with the full range of Olympus E-System accessories. It is shipped with a ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens (equivalent to 28-90mm on a 35mm camera).
Shoot what you see, see what you shoot
As the world's first* digital SLR camera to feature a continuous live view on its LCD, the Olympus E-330 arms photographers with shooting flexibility that was unheard of, until now. Thanks to the camera's TTL optical porro design, this model could be fitted with two separate image sensors enabling two different live view modes. Mode A, for Full Time Live View framing, utilises a CCD mounted in the viewfinder's optical path to return a 92% field of view and retains full AF functionality. Meanwhile, Mode B locks the mirror in the up position and uses the camera's Live MOS sensor to enable a Macro Live View with a 100% field of view. This latter mode is especially helpful for visual focusing on macro subjects, providing the freedom of complete manual focus control which is additionally aided by the possibility to enlarge the selected section of the displayed image by 10x. In addition, two passport templates and various framing grids make composing shots easier.
Reaping maximum benefit from the dual live views, Olympus has equipped this model with a large, 2.5"/6.4cm multi-angle LCD. Users therefore not only profit from a continuous view of the subject clearly on the monitor, but can also adjust the screen angle for great ergonomic comfort in just about any shooting situation. In this way, even photos taken above the head or shot from the hip, for example, are sure to be framed correctly. Macro photographers will particularly appreciate the fact that they don't need to contort themselves to look through the viewfinder during the framing process. Moreover, the LCD employs HyperCrystal technology, assuring extra-fast response times and providing viewing-angles of 160°.
High-performance 7.5 million pixel Live MOS sensor
Naturally, the Olympus E-330 also excels in terms of imaging performance. It incorporates a newly-developed MOS sensor of the latest generation with 7.5 million pixels. This type of sensor offers image quality comparable to an FFT-CCD but with the low power requirements of an MOS. A simple amplifier in each pixel reduces the number of circuit paths, minimising the surface area that is unresponsive to light. The effectively enlarged photosensitive area thereby helps to provide superior image quality as well as higher sensitivity with less noise. Responsiveness is likewise enhanced for fast processing. The camera is capable of delivering a high burst rate for continuous shooting at 3.0fps. Matched with the TruePic TURBO image processor, results will convince even professional users.
Thanks to both CompactFlash and xD-Picture Card slots, photographers can choose the type of media on which they wish to record their results. Compatibility with the new Olympus High Speed xD-Picture Cards opens up further possibilities: they provide data transfer rates 2-3 times faster than previous models and additionally incorporate a Panorama function and allow special editing options such as for 3D or art effects.
Professional results for everyone
Whether photographers want to go it alone and give free reign to their creative impulses in full manual mode, make use of the semi-manual aperture or shutter priority options, or prefer the convenience of automatic shooting, the Olympus E-330 caters for every user. On top of the four exposure modes, 20 pre-defined scene modes and 7 creative modes are available to suit most situations. These include modes for Nature Macro and xD-Panorama shooting as well as two underwater modes and an Anti-blur option. The special Live View Boost function is particularly helpful for framing in low light as it significantly improves contrast and brightness of the view on the LCD.
A 49 area AE sensor provides accurate exposure values for ESP metering using an advanced evaluation algorithm, with conventional centre-weighted average and spot metering also available. Moreover, tremendous exposure control is provided by high light and shadow basis spot metering. A Histogram function is also included as well as professional AE Lock functionality for camera customisation. Of course, for additional lighting requirements, the built-in flash can always be used.
Pro-level features including one-touch white balance, depth of field preview and bracketing functions for exposure, white balance and focus all considerably enhance the shooting experience. Black & white shooting is also available with the possibility to add colour filters - as used in analogue photography. Users can save data in JPEG, TIFF and RAW formats.
Keeping an overview of the many functions the Olympus E-330 offers is easy. Its large monitor displays details of the current camera settings - and users have the choice of viewing the advanced information or just the general details.
Busts the dust
Like all Olympus E-System cameras, incorporation of the Supersonic Wave Filter means that the problem of dust entering the camera body and landing on the image sensor while changing lenses is completely eradicated. The patented technology ensures worry-free lens changing anywhere and anytime, enabling users to really experience the brilliance of dust-free pictures. Developed by Olympus, the Supersonic Wave Filter generates ultra-high-speed vibrations that shake off dust and other particles, which are then captured on a special adhesive membrane. This function is invoked at each start-up of the camera but may also be manually effected. This ingenious solution also spares users the otherwise necessary time and expense of cleaning dusty image sensors.
Primed for all types of applications
Of course, one of the main benefits of an SLR is its ability to extend the photographic possibilities through specialised accessories. Here the Olympus E-330 profits from the broad Olympus E-System line-up. The current choice of lenses covers a focal range of 7-300mm (equivalent to 14-600mm on a 35mm camera). From unique, wide-angle perspectives right through to ultra-magnification power with large apertures, Olympus provides a solution for any situation - and of special interest to macro enthusiasts are the ZUIKO DIGITAL 35mm 1:3.5 Macro and the bright ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro lenses. Every lens features nearly telecentric construction to enhance digital image capture. Various external flash units are available too, including standard types such as the FL-36 or FL-50 as well as ring and twin flash units to cater for specialist applications.
From May 2006, a special underwater case (PT-E02) will be available for the Olympus E-330. Waterproof to 60m, it opens a new dimension to professional digital SLR photographers by enabling the framing of compositions under the water using the live view on the LCD, rather than needing to try looking through the ocular while wearing a diving mask, as was the case previously.
The Olympus E-330 represents a technological breakthrough. For the first time it is possible to enjoy the quality of SLR photography matched with the comfort of continuous live views directly on the LCD. Packed with further advanced features including a new 7.5 million pixel MOS sensor, the surprisingly compact camera is ideal for ambitious users looking for pro results as well as semi-professional photographers. The Olympus E-330 comes in a kit including a high-performance ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens (equivalent to 28-90mm on a 35mm camera), and will be available from March 2006.
The Olympus E-330 digital SLR - main features:
World's first* Live View digital SLR with two modes:
- A Mode - Full Time Live View with incorporated AF
- B Mode - Macro Live View with 10x magnification for easy focusing
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
Based on FourThirds Standard
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
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
Dual slot for CompactFlash/Microdrives and xD-Picture Cards
Built-in pop-up flash
User-friendly with detailed and simplified display modes
Weight: 550g, size: 140x87x72mm
Compatible with the complete range of Olympus E-System lenses and many accessories, including the FL-36 flash and the ME-1 magnifier
Available as camera body only or in kit containing camera body, 14-45mm (28-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6 lens, BLM-1 rechargeable battery pack with BCM-2 charger
Optional underwater case PT-E02 available from May 2006
Olympus E-System lenses**:
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm (14-28mm) 1:4.0
ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm (22-44mm) 1:2.8-3.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm (28-70mm) 1:2.0 (available from 2007)
ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm (28-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6
ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm (28-108mm) 1:2.8-3.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm (36-360mm) 1:3.5-6.3 (available end of January 2006)
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 35-100mm (70-200mm) 1:2.0
ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:3.5-4.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm (100-400mm) 1:2.8-3.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 90-250mm (180-500mm) 1:2.8
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm 1:3.5 Fisheye
ZUIKO DIGITAL 35mm Macro (70mm) 1:3.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50mm (100mm) 1:2.0 Macro
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150mm (300mm) 1:2.0
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm (600mm) 1:2.8
* As at January 2006
** Focal length equivalent on a 35mm camera in brackets
Specifications are subject to change without notice
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