Preview: The New Olympus E-410 & E-510

March 5, 2007: Olympus will add two new consumer DSLR cameras to its range in May and June, 2007, starting with the E-410 410 model, which claims to be the smallest, slimmest and lightest interchangeable-lens camera on the market.
Photo Review was given a hands-on preview of a pre-production E-410 camera late last week and we’re delighted to report that it is remarkably compact, yet comfortable to hold. With a body weighing only 375 grams and similar styling to the E-400 model that was released in Europe late last year. The E-410’s sensor is a newly-developed LiveMOS imager, which was designed by Olympus and manufactured by Panasonic and offers 10-megapixel resolution. The light-capturing area on each photosite is the same size as on the E-500, although the E-410 offers higher resolution, thanks to a reduction in the size of the supporting electronics and improved on-chip microlenses.

The E-410 (left) is significantly smaller than the E-300 (right) model, which also includes a Live View function.

Size and styling of the E410 is reminiscent of the Olympus OM series of film cameras (right).

Rear view of the E-410.
The body of the E-410 is approximately 30% smaller than the body of the E-330 model, which also includes a live view function. The illustrations below show the care that has gone into arranging the electronic and optical components to make the best use of available space. The viewfinder has also been re-engineered to make it fit into the smaller camera body without sacrificing viewing quality. Illustrations below show how these objectives have been achieved.

Every effort has been made to utilise space efficiently, allowing Olympus to offer a full range of DSLR functions in a compact camera body.

Re-arrangement of the motor and condenser units has been another spcae-saving measure.
Designed to suit everyday photographers, the E-410 is as easy to use as a compact digicam, although some controls (particularly the arrow pad) are small enough to challenge users with large hands or limited dexterity. It comes with an updated version of the SSWF anti-dust filter, which was pioneered by Olympus in its first DSLR camera, the E-1. It also boasts a 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD that is 20% brighter than the E-330’s display and has a greater viewing angle, both vertically and horizontally. A new “TruePic III” image processor delivers fast image processing, enabling continuous shooting at three frames/second for up to seven raw file frames. Advanced Proper Gamma III technology contributes to the camera’s high picture quality by producing subtle tonal gradations and more faithful colours.
The E-410’s Full Live View is an improved version of the E-330’s live view function. Photographers can preview shots at full size in real time and, at the same time, access functions like exposure and white balance settings before pressing the shutter button. The Live View function also provides depth-of-field previews, a histogram display with shooting information, exposure adjustments and grid, Golden Section and Scale guide marks. Users can chose between a beginner’s and advanced information display. Exposure bracketing is also provided, along with a one-touch white balance measurement function.

The E-410’s viewfinder has been redesigned to make it more compact.

The new viewfinder take up less space than the similar assembly on the E-500 model.
The E-410’s shutter is rated for 150,000 cycles and the camera is equipped with 49-zone metering. Twenty selectable scene modes are provided to assist novice users, along with five exposure settings and seven creative modes. Two memory card slots are provided, accepting CompactFlash and xD Picture Cards. The E-410 also offers raw file capture with lossless 60% compression and supports USB 2.0 Hi-Speed data transmission. The built-in pop-up flash has a GN of 10. An optional housing (PT-E03) will be available for underwater photography.

The optional waterproof housing for the E-410.
Scheduled for release in May with a new, lightweight 14-42mm lens, the E-410 will be priced at $1299 or $1599 as a twin lens kit with the new, lightweight 40-150mm lens, which is also being unveiled today. This longer zoom lens is significantly smaller and lighter than its predecessor (see illustration below) and elegantly fulfils the promise of the Four Thirds system by offering more compact optics without compromising lens design or performance.

The new 40-150mm zoom lens (right) is significantly smaller and lighter than its predecessor.
We were unable to preview the new Olympus E-510, which is also being announced today and has the same 10-megapixel imager and TruePic III image processor as the E-410 but adds CCD-shift image stabilisation and white balance and focus bracketing. A new supersonic drive forms the basis of the image stabiliser, which prevents blurring due to camera shake. Two stabilisation modes are offered, one providing vertical and horizontal stabilisation and the other, for panning, which only stabilises vertical movement. Other features of the E-510 are the same as on the E-410 model. Designed to appeal to photo enthusiasts, the E-510 is due for release from June at an RRP of $1499, with the twin lens kit selling for $1799.

The new E-510 model is similar in appearance and functionality to the E-410 model but includes CCD-shift image stabilisation plus some additional controls that appeal to photo enthusiasts.

The above diagram shows how the E510’s SSWF and CCD-shift stabiliser combine.
A replacement for the E-1 professional camera will be announced later in the year. Olympus also plans to release four new lenses and a 2x teleconverter, starting in September. The line-up includes the Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm F2.0-4.0 SWD, the Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD, the Zuiko Digital ED 14-35mm F2.0 SWD and the Zuiko Digital ED 70-300mm F4.0-5.6. Product details can be found at www.olympusimaging.com.au.

Specifications Olympus E-410

Lens mount: Four Thirds