Olympus unveils world’s lightest, smallest digital SLR
Posted March 5, 2008 at 07:33 AM by Leo Blanco
Section: Imaging, Digital Cameras
Olympus has unveiled the world’s lightest and smallest digital SLR named E-420 to integrate the simplicity of point-and-shoot digital cameras with high quality images associated with professional cameras.
More than that, this new product marks the entry of more affordable digital SLR with its estimated street price of $499. But you have to shell out an extra hundred bucks to get a 14-42mm digital zoom lens or $200 more for 25mm lens. The Olympus E-420 is expected to hit the market this coming May 2008. Hopefully this will encourage other players to come out with their own line of affordable DSLR’s for trigger-happy consumers.
This 10-megapixel, ergonomically designed DSLR weighs 13.4 ounces or 20 to 40% lighter than other competing products. Moreover, it only measures 5.1-inches x 3.6-inches x 2.1-inches, which means you can easily fit in your jacket pocket just like point-and-shoot cameras.
Among its numerous features, Olympus hypes the following as its innovative technologies:
On-Screen Autofocus works as seamlessly as a point-and-shoot to display subjects in focus on the LCD the instant the shutter is pressed half way. Face Detection Technology targets and locks on up to eight faces to ensure they are in focus and crystal clear for amazing portraits. New and Improved HyperCrystal II Technology delivers twice the contrast and better viewing in extreme lighting conditions, a broader range of color detail, and a wider angle of view on the LCD so you and your friends can see it up to 176 degrees off-center. Shadow Adjustment Technology captures detail in the bright areas of a frame and opens up detail in the shadows that other cameras would render too dark or underexposed. Perfect Shot Preview enables you to view and select your favorite effect right on the LCD, and see how the image will look before you even capture it, so you know that what you see is what you get.Via [Cameratown]