Rumored E450

[Atomic2]

source:
http://43rumors.com/2009/03/ft-5-new...ing-the-e-450/

its an odd move for them I think, but apparently its very likely since theyre getting it from numerous trusted sources. Its weird especially for the fact that they made no mention of it at PMA... How much more of a show steal could it be for Olympus to announce TWO new SLRs at the show, when all the other makes didnt even have one.

[Atomic2]

Its no longer a rumor!


Press release below:

Accessible D-SLR quality with added creativity: Olympus E-450

31 March 2009 – Building on the success of the popular E-420, the new E-450 is packed with features that encourage new comers to DSLR to have fun and explore their creative potential. Three in-camera Art Filters apply stylish effects to any image at the touch of a button. Image composition is simplified via Live View on the bright LCD. Packed with features yet easy to use straight out of the box, this latest addition to the Olympus E-System range is not only one of the smallest and lightest models on the market*, it also boasts all the benefits of the Four Thirds Standard at an affordable price. The E-450 has a full range of Olympus’ innovative E-System technology on board and will be available in stores from May 2009 at a recommended retail price of around £450 for the standard lens kit.
The Olympus E-450 digital SLR – main features:

Usability
• Extremely easy operation – use it straight out of the box
Functionality
• Three Art Filters
• Improved Live View with contrast AF, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology & phase difference detection AF system
• Perfect Shot Preview to enable comparison of the results of various settings adjustments before actual shooting
• TruePic III+ image processor

Portability
• One of the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLRs providing the ultimate in portability




E-450 Key features:
• 10 Megapixel Live MOS sensor
• High-contrast 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD
with 176° viewing angle
• The original Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection
• 28 shooting modes (5 Exposure Modes, 5 Creative Modes,
18 Scene Select Modes)
• Built-in flash (GN12, ISO 100) with commander function for wireless off-camera flash synchronisation
• Wireless flash control in up to 3 groups (separate press release available for Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R flash units)
• 3.5fps with up to eight images in RAW buffer
• One-touch white balance
• AE/AF-lock functionality
• ISO 100 to 1600 for wide-ranging sensitivity
• Depth of field preview function
• 49-segment digital ESP
• Bracketing function (Exposure)
• Detailed info screen with histogram
• Based on Four Thirds Standard
• Dual memory slot for CompactFlash and xD-Picture Card

The Olympus E-450 is available in the following configurations:

• Olympus E-450 body only
• Olympus E-450 Lens Kit
(E-450 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens)
• Olympus E-450 Double Zoom Kit
(E-450 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 and ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 lenses)

* As of 02.2009
** Full contrast AF performance is available with Olympus lenses including the
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6, ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6, ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6, ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6, ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 “pancake” lens and the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II.


Note

The E-450 will sit between the E-420 and E-520 in the UK market with all three being available until further notice. This will provide consumers with the widest choice of E-System DSLR’s yet seen – one for every pocket and one for every need.

Detail

A creative powerhouse

Developed with amateurs in mind, the easy-to-use Olympus E-450 brings a high performance D-SLR to users with unbridled imaginations. A range of Art Filters allows photographers to stretch the limits of their creativity, without complicated software or a computer. Introduced with the E-30, this function gives pictures a make-over by selecting from one of three Art Filters. Inspired by the kaleidoscopic colours of the pop art movement, the Pop Art effect, for example, infuses photographs with rich shades to give pictures a livelier, dynamic feel. Soft Focus, on the other hand, makes pictures seem ethereal and otherworldly, while Pin Hole gives images an air of secrecy. Framing shots perfectly is also a breeze with the generous 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD with 176° viewing angle, which allows you to shoot from virtually any perspective and is even brighter than the E-420’s. The Live View functionality with the camera’s contrast AF** capabilities, on the other hand, allows you to comfortably judge exactly what results to expect, even before images are shot. This way, what you see is what you get, no matter what the perspective! Further guaranteeing pictures are optimally exposed, Face Detection Technology automatically detects and focuses on faces while Shadow Adjustment Technology balances out shadowy areas. 28 shooting modes, including automatic, semi-automatic and manual shooting options, ensure complete versatility. Nice pictures at the touch of a button – what more could you ask for?

Trusted and true

Olympus has packed the E-450 with everything an entry-level photographer needs to take high-quality pictures. It is equipped with Olympus’ proprietary dust reduction system, the Supersonic Wave Filter, which protects from the threat of dust – and has become the world’s leading solution against dust on the image sensor. Additionally, a powerful 10 Megapixel Live MOS sensor provides incredible resolution for crisp, detailed shots. This is supported by the incorporation of the TruePic III+ image processor: it guarantees exceptionally true-to-life image reproduction while reducing noise and enhancing processing speed. It is possible to shoot at up to 3.5fps in full Megapixel mode with up to eight images in RAW buffer. Compact and light, the E-450 boasts all the advantages of Four Thirds and Olympus state-of-the-art technology in a handy format everyone can appreciate.

Full range of accessories

The Olympus E-450 is compatible with nearly all E-System accessories, such as 19 lenses with a focal range of 7 – 300mm (equivalent to
14 – 600mm on a 35mm camera) and various flash systems. A perfect companion for this compact model, for example, is the short-barreled and lightweight ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 (equivalent to 50mm on a 35mm camera) Pancake lens. The E-System D-SLR newcomer also ensures perfect light no matter what with up to three Wireless Flash groups familiar from the professional E-3. Available are the FL-50R and FL-36R wireless flashes. And in any situation where a flash is needed, new robust Olympus Flash Brackets, such as the FL-BK04, guarantee good light and maximum flexibility. Two flashes can also be mounted on the practical FL-BKM03 Twin Flash Bracket.

Rookie creative types will find everything they want from a digital SLR in the E-450. One easy-to-use package unites Olympus technology and incredible E-System features such as the Supersonic Wave Filter and Live View with artistic options like Art Filters. Look for the new E-450 in stores as of the end of May 2009 at a retail price of €xxx.

[Photo-John]

Yes, it was announced last night. Here's our Olympus E-450 article / announcement, with photos:

Olympus E-450 Digital SLR Announced >>

I'm not as excited about this one. It doesn't have built-in image stabilization for one. But the two lens kit for $699 is an excellent value. Maybe it's just not a good camera for me, personally...

[Sushigaijin]

I'm not as excited about this one. It doesn't have built-in image stabilization for one. But the two lens kit for $699 is an excellent value. Maybe it's just not a good camera for me, personally...

Sure it's a good deal. All of the entry level DSLRs are.

Seems dumb to cripple a camera just to fit a price structure. What's the advantage over the E420? Art filters? has anything else changed? I can find a 420 for under $300. THAT'S a good deal.

Olympus sure makes some, interesting, business choices. Seems to me that they should scrap the 4xx line, or the 5xx line. or both. The 6xx line smokes them all.

[Atomic2]

Sure it's a good deal. All of the entry level DSLRs are.

Seems dumb to cripple a camera just to fit a price structure. What's the advantage over the E420? Art filters? has anything else changed? I can find a 420 for under $300. THAT'S a good deal.

Olympus sure makes some, interesting, business choices. Seems to me that they should scrap the 4xx line, or the 5xx line. or both. The 6xx line smokes them all.

I'm with you
The decision to go ahead with this camera with such tiny changes still baffles me, but then again, the entire E4XX line has been just a series of smaller changes. Still, this has to be the tiniest step ever for the series, and why its called the E450 instead of E440 is also odd... Maybe a licensing thing?

I think the whole art filter thing is rubbish. I dont understand why it can't be just a firmware update. There does not need to be a special place on the mode dial for functions that could just as easily by put in post processing.
I hate how Olympus is touting this whole art filter gimmick around like it will take photography to another level. Cameras have had these shooting functions for nearly a decade.

I love this gem:
"A range of Art Filters allows photographers to stretch the limits of their creativity, without complicated software or a computer."
Complicated software? Olympus, YOU are the ones that make OlympusMaster2, so if the software is complicated... then fix it.


But I still dont think they should scrap the whole E4xx line, at least not while they sell so well. If you think about it, the E4XX series embodies what 4/3 is all about more than any of the other models.

The position of the E620 though also confuses me a bit. I have to try it in my own hands before I can judge it. Im very skeptical about that tiny grip.

[GnatLikesBikes]

[QUOTE=Atomic2]

I think the whole art filter thing is rubbish. I dont understand why it can't be just a firmware update. There does not need to be a special place on the mode dial for functions that could just as easily by put in post processing.
I hate how Olympus is touting this whole art filter gimmick around like it will take photography to another level. Cameras have had these shooting functions for nearly a decade.

QUOTE]

I think as an entry level camera, the art filters make more sense than on the higher end E30 and even the new E620. Entry level users don't want to spend time on computers even if Olympus made it simple and easy. The art filters in camera give entry level users a couple of good options for taking something other than a typical snapshot.

As a user of the E420, I personally don't think that that the art filters are worth much for me. I bought the E420 for the size and functionality so that I could carry it with me everywhere. I do. I love it. If I were buying now and had to choose between the E420 or the new E450, I'd pick the E420 again. It's such a good little camera.

Now....I can't wait get my hands on the E620. It will likely replace my E420.

Jason

[Photo-John]

I think the whole art filter thing is rubbish. I dont understand why it can't be just a firmware update. There does not need to be a special place on the mode dial for functions that could just as easily by put in post processing.
I hate how Olympus is touting this whole art filter gimmick around like it will take photography to another level. Cameras have had these shooting functions for nearly a decade.

I was a sceptic, too. But having actually used the Art Filters, I have to disagree. While they're not a feature I personally care about, they are very impressive. You could not just put them in at post. They're a lot more sophisticated than you might think and I am sure there are plenty of photographers - especially entry-level photographers, who will enjoy and appreciate them. I do think it's a tough sell to actually build a camera around them, though. They're cool, but not that cool.

I think the most important selling points of this camera are the improved Live View mode for photographers who are coming from compacts; and the price for the kit. I would still steer people towards one of the cameras that includes image stabilization, though. I think image stabilization is one of the most valuable features - especially for entry-level photographers. I'd rather give up one of the two lenses and get a body that has the IS feature.

[T-M]

When I got my E-30 my first impression of Art Filters was "So what?" But now I've been shooting quite a bit in Art Deco with RAW+JPEG and really like it. I may toss half of the jpegs (the RAWs don't get any art filter processing) but I get some really dynamic images here and there. My wife an I once got to spend an afternoon with Brett Weston at his home in California and he used the term "happy accidents" in reference to the "spray amd pray" shooters. That's how I think of the art filters for me--happy accidents.

I don't think you can get art filters with a firmware upgrade. From what I've seen with the processing times on some of these filters they require a pretty big buffer.