As digital photography has gained popularity and become affordable
for just about everyone, increasing numbers of photographers are
demanding the higher quality and flexibility that only an SLR camera
can offer, with the availability of interchangeable lenses, external
flash systems and other accessories. Now, with the Olympus E-500, the
promise of creative digital SLR photography is within everyone’s reach.
High reliability
For all ardent photographers,
image quality has the highest priority, and the Olympus E-500 does
everything to ensure perfect photos in every situation. By
incorporating the Supersonic Wave Filter, the problem of dust entering
the camera body and landing on the CCD while changing lenses – a
phenomenon until now virtually impossible to prevent – is finally
solved. As a piece of dust can cover several hundred
pixels on the CCD, even the tiniest particles can potentially cause
serious damage to photos. 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.
High image quality
With 8.0
million pixels, the Olympus E-500 ensures subjects are always recorded
in brilliant detail. Furthermore, rather than using an ordinary
Interline Transfer CCD, this model incorporates a Full Frame Transfer
CCD (FFT CCD). This type of CCD has a larger pixel area, because there
is no dedicated transfer channel, instead the photodiode itself is used
for this purpose. As a result, the FFT CCD captures more electrons, to
deliver a higher signal/noise ratio and a wider dynamic range. The
photos therefore benefit from greater exposure latitude, more detail
and less noise.In addition, the camera is equipped with a special noise filter that minimises image noise at high ISO values.
High mobility
Featuring a penta type design, the
Olympus E-500 has the authentic professional look and feel of a classic
SLR. Yet with its smaller size, it is also one of the most compact
D-SLRs on the market. Active users will welcome a camera that they can
take and use almost anywhere – from hikes in the country to busy city
visits.The multi-coated viewfinder provides them with clear and bright views – even in strong sunlight. Professionals will also appreciate the lightweight load, which makes the Olympus E-500
an ideal back-up camera, particularly useful for photo-journalism
assignments in the field. The professional style and very user-friendly
layout of controls make intuitive operation of the camera possible in
next to no time.
Photographers can choose from 21 pre-defined scene modes to suit most common situations, among them a new setting for capturing kids in action. Black & white shooting is also available with the possibility to add colour filters – as known from analogue photography. Manual options, including P/A/S/M, facilitate unrestricted creativity and allow the user’s individuality to unfold. The new 49 area AE sensor provides accurate exposure values for ESP metering using a newly-developed evaluation algorithm, with conventional centre-weighted average and spot metering available too. Moreover, amazing exposure control is provided by high light and shadow basis spot metering.
The Olympus E-500 also features professional AE Lock functionality for
camera customisation. And when there’s not enough natural light, the
built-in pop-up flash is always there to shed more light on the subject.
Incorporation of the TruePic TURBO image processor not only ensures
images pack a punch with their life-like colour, resolution and
contrast, it also adds speed to the Olympus E-500. Sequential shooting
at 2.5fps is possible with all image data formats. In the HQ (1/8) or
SQ JPEG format, images can even be recorded up to the full memory card
capacity when using high-speed media, such as SanDisk SDCFX (Extreme
III). In addition, users also benefit from the two memory card slots –
one for CompactFlash and another for xD-Picture Cards – which add to
this model’s practicality and provide extra data security.
Operation is further enhanced by the camera’s large 6.4cm/2.5” HyperCrystal LCD screen with 215,250
pixels for viewing shots. It conveniently allows results to be viewed
in large format directly on the camera without glare, even in direct
sunlight and at angles of up to 160°. Views of recorded shots can be
enlarged up to 14x to facilitate easy checking. The LCD doubles as the
easy-to-read status panel, giving clear, detailed information on all
camera settings.
High versatility
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-500
profits from the Olympus E-System line-up. Currently, the lenses on
offer cover 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. Various external flash units are available
too. As well as standard types, ring and twin flash units provide for
specialist applications.
Furthermore, based on the FourThirds
System, cross-manufacturer compatibility of accessories is also
assured. Jointly developed by Olympus and Kodak especially for digital
capture, it sets standards on three levels – mechanical, optical and
communication – to maximise the performance of camera body, image
sensor and lenses. A growing number of manufacturers are now part of
the FourThirds consortium.
The eight million pixel Olympus E-500 digital
SLR combines a classic design, stunning performance and a tempting
price to bring the high quality and creative freedom of digital SLR
photography to ambitious hobby photographers and semi-pros alike. And
thanks to the Supersonic Wave Filter, photos will never again be ruined
by the harmful effects of dust on the image sensor. The camera is
extremely light and compact, and offers excellent ergonomic handling.
Equipped to facilitate full creative expression and sensational
results, the Olympus E-500 will be offered in a choice of four kits
which will be available from November 2005.
