Olympus Unveils E-500 DSLR

September 28, 2005: Olympus has released details of its latest digital SLR camera, the E-500,which features an 8-megapixel CCD sensor and a huge 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD monitor.
Designed for photographers who are new to digital photography and want a camera that captures high quality images, the E-500 features the Olympus Dust Reduction System, which keeps the sensor dust-free when lenses are changed. It also has a compact and lightweight (435 grams) body that accepts the latest Zuiko Digital interchangeable lenses.
The new camera’s Hyper Crystal LCD panel offers a wide field of view and excellent visibility even in bright light, making it easy for users to review images on the spot. It also sports a Super Control Panel that can be set to display essential camera settings in large type, or more detailed shooting information in smaller type. If red-eye can be a problem in flash shots, this LCD allows you to view your photo and correct it on the spot.
The E-500 provides users with a wide range of shooting controls, including 15 pre-programmed Scene Select modes plus full manual control of the camera. Continuous shooting is available at 2.5 frames/second up to the limit of available memory card. Dual memory card slots allow users to load both CompactFlash and xD-Picture Card media.
Other features include a new 49-segment metering system and new highlight/shadow spot metering modes. The E-500 also supports high-speed, high-performance autofocusing, a range of white balance modes plus a one-touch white balance button, a wide range of bracketing and monotone shooting functions and a novel light box playback function.
The camera will be offered as a starter kit containing the E-500 body and Zuiko Digital 17.5-45mm lens for $1,299 or as a twin lens kit containing the E-500 body, 17.5-45mm lens and 40-150mm lens for $1599. For more information, visit www.olympus.com.au.