Olympus E-400 Digital SLR Camera - Press Release

[Photo-John]

Olympus E-400: The world’s smallest and lightest digital SLR*

Hamburg, 14 September 2006 – Olympus presents the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLR* camera – the E-400. The compact size and low weight of this latest Four Thirds Standard camera in the Olympus E-System grant photographers the freedom to take it along nearly anywhere, while not having to do without the considerable benefits of SLR photography. This model features a newly-developed CCD with 10.0 million pixels for incredible imaging performance and a large 2.5”/6.4cm LCD to view results in comfort. As the E-400 is compatible with the Four Thirds Standard, users have virtually unlimited flexibility. A wide range of high-quality, interchangeable lenses – including the EISA Award winning ZUIKO DIGITAL Top Pro lens line-up by Olympus – plus other accessories are available for all types of needs. These are provided by Olympus and, thanks to cross-manufacturer compatibility of the standard, also from other producers. And as with all E-System cameras, the E-400 features the Supersonic Wave Filter – ensuring dust-free photography, even when changing lenses under challenging conditions.

Compact size with innovative D-SLR technology
Being the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLR*, the E-400 is sure to never become a burden. It is perfect for travelling, to take along on holidays or as a back-up when on the road – as it won’t take up much space.

Within its extraordinarily compact dimensions is a whole treasure-trove of innovative technology. To begin, a 10.0 million pixel CCD provides plenty of imaging power to draw out even the finest of details in any composition. Moreover, the highly energy-efficient image sensor features a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit to all but eradicate noise and is incredibly fast. It enables sequential shooting at up to 3fps with a five image RAW buffer in burst mode.

Like every Olympus E-System camera, the E-400 also incorporates the Supersonic Wave Filter. This patented technology ensures worry-free lens changing – even in challenging environments – letting users really experience the brilliance of dust-free pictures every time. Developed by Olympus, the Supersonic Wave Filter generates ultra-high-speed vibrations that shake off dust and other particles from the image sensor, which are then captured on a special adhesive membrane. For the E-400, the Supersonic Wave Filter has been optimised with smaller dimensions and a higher frequency of vibrations for even more effectiveness.

Pro features with comfortable handling
Olympus proves that even a feature-packed D-SLR needn’t be difficult to operate. The E-400 balances manual control options that give creativity no bounds with a wide range of semi and fully-automatic choices for ease of use. A total of 31 shooting modes are on board that cover a great variety of shooting situations. These include Underwater, Macro, High Key and Low Key. Users moreover benefit from special colour modes and the possibility to apply a variety of Black&White filters.

So image capture can continue for extended periods, a new high-power rechargeable battery is included with the E-400. Accepting both CompactFlash and xD-Picture Cards, the camera provides a choice of data storage options for enhanced flexibility. Furthermore, a diverse array of languages for camera menus, manuals and software is on offer. A total of 25 languages are available to make the camera completely understandable in 39 European countries – something only Olympus currently achieves.

Four Thirds compatibility for boundless versatility
As all E-Series cameras, the E-400 supports the Four Thirds Standard. Olympus and various other manufacturers produce high-quality Four Thirds-compliant lenses and accessories that are specifically designed for digital SLR photo capture. With only very few exceptions, the E-400 is compatible with virtually the complete range of Olympus E-System accessories. This includes the full line-up of the ZUIKO DIGITAL Top Pro lenses, which recently received an EISA award. Even an Underwater Case (PT-E03) will be available to let adventurous photographers capture the delights of the aquatic world in up to 40m depth.

New E-System lenses
For better results and handling, lenses based on the Four Thirds Standard boast a near telecentric construction, which take into account the specific technical characteristics of digital cameras. Two new Olympus Four Thirds lenses will accompany the E-400 launch: Perfect for standard applications is the EZ-1442 ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 (equiv. to 28-84mm on a 35mm camera). For more magnification power, Olympus offers the EZ-4015-2 ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 (80-300mm). Both lenses are exceptionally compact, allowing unimpeded mobility. They are sized for particularly comfortable handling and designed for maximum image quality at an excellent price. They also boast a stylish design with a blue ring in the middle – the new insignia for the Olympus E-System lens line-up.

The E-400 achieves a remarkable balancing act between being the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLR* and giving away nothing in terms of image quality and pro performance. It combines the size usually known only from compact models with the stunningly crisp picture quality expected from an SLR, and will be available from October 2006.

The Olympus E-400 digital SLR – main features:

• World’s smallest and lightest D-SLR*
  
• 10.0 million pixels
  
• 6.4cm/2.5” LCD
  
• Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection
  
• Dual memory card slots (for xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash)
  
• 31 shooting modes (incl. 5 exposure, 7 creative & 19 scene modes)
  
• Built-in pop-up flash (GN 10)
  
• 3fps with up to five images in RAW buffer
  
• One touch white balance
  
• TruePic TURBO image processor
  
• AF-lock functionality
  
• Depth of field preview function
  
• Improved 49 segment digital ESP and spot metering
  
• Exposure Bracketing function
  
• Large beginners’ and advanced info screen
  
• Detailed playback info screen with histogram
  
• Exceptional ease of use with intuitive GUI and buttons that provide immediate access to frequently used features
  
• JPEG & RAW recording
  
• Based on Four Thirds Standard

New ultra-compact lenses – main features**:

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm (28-84mm) 1:3.5-5.6

• Close focusing distance of 25cm
  
• ED element and 2 aspherical elements
  
• 65.5x61mm
  
• 190g

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:4.0-5.6

• Close focusing distance of 90cm
  
• ED lens element
  
• 65.5x72mm
  
• 220g

Olympus E-System lens line-up**:

Top Pro lens range

• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm (14-28mm) 1:4.0
  
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm (28-70mm) 1:2.0 (available from 2007)
  
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 35-100mm (70-200mm) 1:2.0
  
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 90-250mm (180-500mm) 1:2.8
  
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150mm (300mm) 1:2.0
  
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm (600mm) 1:2.8

Pro lens range

• ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm (22-44mm) 1:2.8-3.5
  
• ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm (28-108mm) 1:2.8-3.5
  
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm (100-400mm) 1:2.8-3.5
  
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm 1:3.5 Fisheye
  
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50mm (100mm) 1:2.0 Macro

Standard lens range

• NEW!! ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm (28-84mm) 1:3.5-5.6
  
• ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm (28-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6
  
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm (36-360mm) 1:3.5-6.3
  
• ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:3.5-4.5
  
• NEW!! Extra compact ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:4.0-5.6
  
• ZUIKO DIGITAL 35mm Macro (70mm) 1:3.5

More Olympus digital SLR camera information on PhotographyREVIEW.com:
Olympus E-System Digital SLR Reviews >>
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* As at July 2006
** Figures in brackets show 35mm camera equivalents