|
June 2003: The Olympus E-1 digital SLR camera, the first to use the new Four Thirds System for digital single lens reflex cameras and interchangeable lenses, is scheduled for local release in October.
The new camera system, which was announced at Photokina 2002, was developed by Olympus and Kodak to establish a common standard for lens mounts that makes lenses and bodies from different manufacturers fully interchangeable. Central to this development is the use of a 4/3-type CCD image sensor plus interchangeable lenses whose design is specifically geared to match the performance requirements of digital imaging.
Olympus%20E%20system%20back
The E-1 is the world’s first Four Thirds System camera, and the first interchangeable lens type digital SLR camera from Olympus. The company claims the camera’s body, lenses, flash equipment, and other accessories have been designed exclusively for digital camera use and to provide the high image quality, high mobility, and high reliability that professional users demand. The body, which weighs only 660 grams, is made from magnesium alloy and is fitted with a Dust Reduction System and other features that enable it to withstand professional use. A high-capacity on-board memory and high-speed image processing engine support continuous shooting speeds of up to up to 3 frames per second for 12-frames and the phase difference detecting AF system provides fast, accurate focusing. IEEE1394 and USB 2.0 interfaces are provided for high-speed transfer of image data to personal computers (Windows and Mac OS) and the bundled Olympus Studio 1.0 software supports fast RAW data processing.
Announced concurrently with the camera body are four dedicated Zuiko Digital interchangeable lenses:
– a 14~54mm standard zoom lens (equivalent to 28~108mm on a 35mm film camera, F2.8~3.5),
– a 50mm medium-power telephoto macro lens (equivalent to 100mm on a 35mm film camera, F2),
– a 50~200mm high-power telephoto zoom lens (equivalent to 100~400mm on a 35mm film camera, F2.8~3.5), and
Olympus%20E%20system
– a 300mm high-power telephoto lens (equivalent to 600mm on a 35mm film camera, F2.8).
Other accessories will include the FL-50 electronic flash unit, four related battery and power supply options, eyecups, focusing screens, a remote control unit, a remote cable, a grip strap, and a semi-hard case. The FL-50 has been developed specifically for digital SLR use and features a guide number of 50 at a focal length of 42mm (equivalent to 85mm on a 35mm film camera; ISO 100). Five other flash units are also scheduled for introduction at a later stage. Battery and power supply accessories include the BLM-1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included with the E-1 digital SLR), the high-capacity BLL-1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, an AC adapter, as well as battery and battery holder sets.
Details of local pricing were not provided when the announcement was made but we will post them when they become available. Information about the E-System can be found at http://www.olympus-esystem.com/dea/.
|
