Olympus has just launched their new portable DSLR, the E-420. Weighing 380 grams, the E-420 is 20 to 40 percent lighter than competing DSLRs. It also includes Live View, which enables users to hold the camera away from their faces and interact with their subjects.This lightweight 10-megapixel DSLR offers a bigger 2.7-inch LCD and fast On-Screen Autofocus, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview to get the most out of the Live View experience."The Olympus E-420 delivers the professional-grade image quality of a digital SLR with the simple operation of a point-and-shoot camera," said John Knaur, senior marketing manager - DSLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. "Thanks to the camera’s small size and lightweight body, users can take the E-420 everywhere, and they will never miss another shot because the of the camera’s straightforward controls. Additionally, our innovative technologies help consumers get more from Live View."
The world’s smallest DSLR deserves a similarly compact lens, and Olympus has it - the ultra compact Zuiko 25mm f2.8 digital specific lens. This 0.9 inch-thick lens offers a fixed 50mm equivalent angle of view. The E-420’s Face Detection feature distinguishes between people’s faces and the background. It tracks up to eight faces within the image area and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp portrait pictures. Even if your subjects are moving, the camera continuously tracks their faces.Shooting scenes with shadows can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The E-420 addresses this challenge with
Shadow Adjustment Technology that compensates for extreme contrast when shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. Users can preview and capture images with the same fine contrast they see with their own eyes.Olympus' TruePic III Image Processor produces clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible for every photo with accurate color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal representation in between. TruePic III also lowers image noise by one step to reduce graininess in images shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.Accepting both CompactFlash Type I & II, Microdrives, and xD-Picture Cards, the E-420 provides a choice of data storage options for enhanced flexibility, and it is possible to transfer image files from one card to the other right inside the camera.The Olympus E-420 Digital SLR will be available in the US by May 2008. It includes: E-420 Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLS-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, Olympus Master Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Warranty Card.U.S. Pricing/Product Configurations.Source- E-420 body Estimated Street Price: $499.99
- E-420 with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens Estimated Street Price: $599.99
- E-420 with ED 25mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Lens Estimated Street Price: $699.99
