More performance, more ease of useWith
the E-420, Olympus proves that high performance D-SLR photography can
be enjoyed by everyone. Despite packing even more potential than its
predecessor, this new E-System model boasts extreme user-friendliness
in an amazingly light and compact take-anywhere form. Whatever the
photographer's level of experience, high-quality images are quite
literally for the taking. 28 shooting modes, including automatic,
semi-automatic and manual shooting options, ensure complete versatility
– while retaining both ease of use and the distinct D-SLR quality
advantages.
A powerful 10.0 Megapixel Live MOS sensor provides
plentiful resolution for crisp, detailed shots. This is supported by
the incorporation of the TruePic III image processor which enables the
implementation of Shadow Adjustment Technology (SAT). It guarantees
exceptionally true-to-life image reproduction while reducing noise and
enhancing processing speed. Sequential shooting at up to 3.5fps in full
Megapixel mode is possible with up to eight images in RAW buffer.
For
state-of-the-art protection against the threat of dust, Olympus’ own
Supersonic Wave Filter is the E-System’s native dust reduction system –
and has positioned itself as the world’s leading solution against dust
on the image sensor.
Purely intuitive
The E-420
brings even the most advanced features into a natural framework that
enables virtually anyone to achieve high-level photography. With
continuous Live View, users can frame compositions on the camera's
generous 2.7”/6.9cm HyperCrystal II LCD, which provides 100% coverage
of scenes with the on-screen contrast, brightness and colour of
depictions all being easily adjustable. Thanks to Perfect Shot Preview,
the effect of camera settings including exposure, white balance,
gradation and picture mode can also be monitored in real-time directly
on the LCD. Furthermore, professional depth of field previewing is
possible and users can see the effects of Face Detection and Shadow
Adjustment Technology in action. In addition, the LCD enables the
magnification of subjects by a factor of 7 or 10 while framing. This
makes manual focusing during macro shooting, for example, considerably
easier and more accurate.
Autofocus performance has also been
enhanced to boost user friendliness. On top of the phase detection AF
system, the E-420 now also features a contrast AF system**. It allows
subjects to be focused upon more conveniently as the mirror does not
need to move to the down position
for measurements to be taken. And
as a major additional benefit for photographers, implementation of the
contrast AF system lets the effect of autofocus be seen on the Live
View LCD immediately.
A built-in flash adds to this model’s
flexibility. More shooting versatility is also provided due to the
option of wireless flash control in up to three groups. Using the
Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R flash units, multiple flash set-ups which can
be controlled remotely – significantly extend lighting options. And
thanks to the availability of sensitivities ranging from ISO 100 to
1600, the E-420 remains a versatile companion, even in
less-than-perfect lighting conditions and in situations when a flash is
not desired.
With 38 languages available, the E-420 enables
ease-of-use no matter the user's native tongue. A USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed)
interface guarantees fast data transfer, and with its long-life
rechargeable battery, shooting sessions can easily go into overtime.
Part of the E-System family
The
E-420 is compatible with virtually all Olympus E-System accessories.
Adhering to the Four Thirds Standard, these various accessories open
the door to an amazing range of photographic options – without
compromising quality. All Four Thirds lenses, for example, feature
near-telecentric construction ensuring edge-to-edge sharpness.
Furthermore, the
Four Thirds System enables the design of smaller
camera bodies and lenses to allow for much more compact photographic
set-ups. This advantage is perfectly embodied in the go-anywhere E-420,
one of the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLRs. And to accentuate this
fact further, a new so-called pancake lens is also being introduced.
Featuring an extremely short-barrelled, lightweight design, the ZUIKO
DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 (equivalent to 50mm on a 35mm camera) represents the
perfect accompaniment for the E-420. With its overall compactness, the
set-up is reminiscent of the legendary improvement to mobility that the
famous Olympus OM series provided.
Adding to this model’s cool
elegance, an attractive, retro-styled camera case that attaches to the
base of the camera is also being introduced. Made entirely of leather,
it will be available in a choice of white, brown or black.
The newest addition to the E-System family, the E-420 will hit stores from late April 2008.
*As of March 2008
**Full
contrast AF performance available with ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6,
ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 and new ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8
“pancake” lens. For all other lenses contrast AF is used in combination
with the phase detection AF.
***For kits contact your local Olympus representatives.