06/03/08
The latest addition to the Olympus E-System, the E-420, represents a winning
formula for both seasoned photographers and beginners to the D-SLR domain alike.
Users can benefit from the remarkable quality that only D-SLR photography can
deliver, yet also enjoy the ease of use usually only associated with a compact
camera. This includes Live View on the LCD, which can significantly simplify
image composition. In addition, as one of the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLRs,
the E-420 will fit just about anywhere - from a backpack to a handbag. This
makes it a perfect companion for journalists, travellers or other adventurers
who appreciate the one-of-a-kind portability, performance and value for money it
delivers. The easy-to-use 10.0Mp E-420 features 28 shooting modes to suit a
multitude of photographic situations and is ready to use straight out of the
box. It will be available in stores from late April 2008 at a recommended retail
price of £379.99 for the standard lens kit.
More performance, more ease of use
With the E-420, Olympus proves that high performance D-SLR photography can be
enjoyed by everyone. Despite packing even more potential than its predecessor,
this new E-System model boasts extreme user-friendliness in an amazingly light
and compact take-anywhere form. Whatever the photographer's level of experience,
high-quality images are achievable by anyone. 28 shooting modes, including
automatic, semi-automatic and manual shooting options, ensure complete
versatility - while retaining both ease of use and the distinct D-SLR quality
advantages.
A powerful 10.0Mp Live MOS sensor provides plentiful resolution for crisp,
detailed shots. This is supported by the incorporation of the TruePic III image
processor which enables the implementation of Shadow Adjustment Technology
(SAT). It guarantees exceptionally true-to-life image reproduction while
reducing noise and enhancing processing speed. Sequential shooting at up to
3.5f/p/s in full Megapixel mode is also possible with up to eight images in RAW
buffer.
For state-of-the-art protection against the threat of dust, Olympus’ own
Supersonic Wave Filter is the E-System’s native dust reduction system - and has
positioned itself as the world’s leading solution against dust on the image
sensor.
Purely intuitive
The E-420 brings even the most advanced features into a natural framework that
enables virtually anyone to achieve high-level photography. With continuous Live
View, users can frame compositions on the camera's generous 2.7in/6.9cm
HyperCrystal II LCD, which provides 100% coverage of scenes with the on-screen
contrast, brightness and colour of depictions all being easily adjustable.
Thanks to Perfect Shot Preview, the effects of exposure compensation and white
balance can also be monitored in real-time directly on the LCD. Furthermore,
professional depth of field previewing is possible and users can see the effects
of Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology directly on the LCD using
Live View. In addition, the LCD enables the magnification of subjects by a
factor of seven or 10 while framing. This makes manual focusing during macro
shooting, for example, considerably easier and more accurate.
Autofocus performance has also been enhanced to boost user friendliness. On top
of the phase detection AF system, the E-420 now also features a contrast AF
system*. It allows subjects to be focused upon more conveniently as the mirror
does not need to move to the down position
for measurements to be taken. And as a major additional benefit for
photographers, implementation of the contrast AF system lets the effect of
autofocus be seen on the Live View LCD immediately.
A built-in flash adds to this model’s flexibility. More shooting versatility is
also provided due to the option of having wireless flash control in up to three
groups. Using the Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R flash units, multiple flash set-ups
which can be controlled remotely - significantly extend lighting options. And
thanks to the availability of sensitivities ranging from ISO100 to 1600, the
E-420 remains a versatile companion, even in less-than-perfect lighting
conditions and in situations when a flash is not desired.
With 38 languages available, the E-420 enables ease-of-use no matter the user's
native tongue. A USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) interface guarantees fast data transfer, and
with its long-life rechargeable battery, shooting sessions can easily go into
overtime.
Part of the E-System family
The E-420 is compatible with virtually all Olympus E-System accessories.
Adhering to the Four Thirds Standard, these various accessories open the door to
an amazing range of photographic options – without compromising quality. All
Four Thirds lenses, for example, feature near-telecentric construction ensuring
edge-to-edge sharpness. Furthermore, the Four Thirds System enables the design
of smaller camera bodies and lenses to allow for much more compact photographic
set-ups. This advantage is perfectly embodied in the go-anywhere E-420, one of
the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLRs. And to accentuate this fact further, a
super compact lens is also being introduced. Featuring an extremely
short-barrelled, lightweight design, the Zuiko Digital 25mm 1:2.8 (equivalent to
50mm on a 35mm camera) represents the perfect accompaniment for the E-420. With
its overall compactness, the set-up is reminiscent of the legendary improvement
to mobility that the famous Olympus OM series provided.
Adding to this model’s cool elegance, an attractive, retro-styled camera case
that attaches to the base of the camera is also being introduced. Made entirely
of leather, it will be available in a choice of white, brown or black.
E-420 Main Features:
Pricing and availability:
The newest addition to the E-System family, the E-420 will hit stores
from late April 2008 and is available in the following kits:
For further information please visit the Olympus website.
http://www.olympus.co.uk/
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