Olympus has announced the new E-620 DSLR. Outfitted with a custom 7-point Twin autofocus system, the E-620 provides consistent focus, as well as a generous 12.3 Megapixel High-Speed Live MOS. Additionally, the Live View technology as well as the 6.9cm/2.7” free-angle HyperCrystal III LCD make framing every shot a cinch. The latest addition to the E-System range offers creative and technological power – all rolled into one. The new model will be available for purchase at the end of April 2009.

A license for creativity
Designed to stimulate creativity, the E-620 brings out the artist in anyone. This D-SLR comes packed with features that will give a different look to the shot that’s being captured, all without the need for a computer or special software. Effects can even be viewed in real time. Familiar from the E-30, the Art Filters enable a selection from one of six exciting themes. With this function, photos can for example be given striking colours in order to create a more intense, joyful feel by applying the Pop Art filter. This confers images a completely new artistic flair. Other fantastic effects include Pin Hole, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Colour, Light Tone and Grainy Film. On top of that, there’s the option to utilise the Live View display to overlay two images in shooting mode, or even three stored RAW images in editing mode, in order to create amazing new Multi Exposure masterpieces, all in real time. Plus, users can always frame their shot in a way that suits their fancy. All they have to do is choose between four different aspect ratios: 4:3 (standard), 3:2 (35mm equivalent), 6:6 (medium-format) or 16:9 (cinematic).

The E-620’s elegant body promotes creativity as much as the state-of-the-art technology packed inside. Guaranteeing pictures are a success no matter what the conditions or how far the subject is, built-in image stabilisation corrects camera shake up to four EV steps, assuring steadiness and making tripods unnecessary in most instances. Then there’s the free-angle 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD with 176° viewing angle, which means shots can be taken from almost any perspective. This way, you can even capture a field of daisies from a bee’s point of view! Working in terrific harmony with the camera’s contrast AF* capabilities, the Live View functionality allows you to comfortably judge results even before they are shot: what you see is what you get. Perfect light is a guarantee with the ability to use up to three separate, camera controlled, Wireless Flash groups – an option first introduced with the E-3. And with the attachable HLD-5 Power Grip, taking vertical photos becomes a breeze while the extra battery performance enables shooting for longer hours. With such an impressive array of functions, the potential of the E-620 can be stretched as far as the photographer’s imagination.

A camera with the works
A camera that inspires creativity needs to be extraordinarily functional as well, and the E-620 doesn’t disappoint. One of the D-SLR’s most exciting facets is the new 7-point Twin AF which features seven distance-measuring points, five of which are cross-points. This Olympus autofocus technology was developed for the professional E-3 after the comprehensive analysis of thousands of photographs and interviews with professional photographers. It has now been tailored to hobbyist needs: the five cross-points work by using horizontal and vertical sensor lines to supply data that determines the ideal focal points of each shot. This ensures every snap of the shutter produces blur-free results. In addition, the AF was specifically designed to work easily and rapidly with Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) lenses. With the E-620, being out of focus becomes a thing of the past.

Aside from the amazing AF, the E-620 also packs the one-two punch of a 12.3 Megapixel high-speed Live MOS sensor and the latest-generation TruePic III+ processor so that every picture is as clear as the real thing – even when shot at a blazing fast 4fps. If users aren’t taking advantage of the LCD to do their framing, they can employ the exceptional viewfinder which magnifies up to 0.96x and provides 95% viewing coverage. An Auto White Balance also helps reproduce vivid and true to life colours.

Goes where you go, does what you want it to do
One of the advantages of Four Thirds technology is perfectly incorporated into the E-620: it is so compact and light that it can be taken anywhere. And thanks to a design that provides a handy ergonomic grip, this model always feels comfortable to hold. It’s also equipped with Olympus’ exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter dust protection system – the most effective dust protection system on the market. In addition, the camera’s buttons illuminate to provide valuable aid when shooting at night.

The Olympus E-620 can be enjoyed with nearly all E-System accessories, such as 33 lenses and different flash systems. New robust Olympus Flash Brackets, like the FL-BK04, ensure maximum flexibility and good light in any situation where a flash may be needed. And two flashes are also not a problem with the practical FL-BKM03 Flash Bracket, on which any standard flash or the twin flash set STF-22 can be mounted. As for those who like to take a dive, Olympus’ new PT-E06 Underwater Case has you covered to depths of up to 40m.

Boasting all of Olympus’ technological know-how, this camera delivers everything creative types want in a digital SLR. It offers the ultimate in E-System features such as the Supersonic Wave Filter and Live View as well as artistic options like Art Filters in one innovative package. Look for the new E-620 in stores as of the end of April 2009.

Creativity

1. Art Filters, Multiple Exposure, Wireless Flash, Multi-Aspect
2. Comfortable Live View thanks to high-speed contrast AF
3. Free-angle 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD
4. 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor

Functionality

1. Built-in IS with max. 4 EV steps efficiency
2. 7-point Twin AF (5 cross points)
3. Optical viewfinder with approx 95% field of view and approx 0.96x magnification

Additional features of the Olympus E-620:

1. Multiple-exposure function with LCD monitor display of current view superimposed on top of previously captured image
2. Auto gradation adjustment to prevent blown highlights and blocked-in shadows
3. Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology
4. Auto white balance control
5. Perfect Shot Preview to enable comparison of the results of various settings adjustments before actual shooting
6. Reliable Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system
7. Built-in flash (GN12) with commander function for wireless off-camera flash synchronisation
8. Wireless flash control in up to 3 groups (separate press release available for Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R flash units)
9. Versatile bracketing functions for ISO, white balance, exposure, and flash
10. Based on the Four Thirds Standard
11. Illuminated buttons
12. Ergonomic design of body, control buttons and GUI for easy operation
13. AE/AF lock functionality for individual customisation
14. ISO 100-3200 for wide-ranging sensitivity
15. Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface
16. High-speed data writing and lossless RAW compression for quick processing
17. Simultaneous writing of RAW and JPEG
18. 23 shooting modes (5 Exposure Modes, 5 Creative Modes, 13 Scene Select Modes)
19. Wide dynamic range in highly lit areas
20. Dual memory slot for CompactFlash and xD-Picture Cards (incl. support for UDMA High-Speed CF cards and Microdrive)

New accessories:

1. HLD-5 Power Grip
2. FL-BK04 Flash Bracket
3. FL-BKM03 Twin Flash Bracket
4. PT-E06 Underwater Case

7-point Twin AF
A high-speed 7-point autofocus system that uses 7 distance-measuring points, five of which are cross-points, to help determine accurate focus for the camera. It works by using horizontal and vertical sensor lines that form a hounds-tooth pattern to pick out actual focal points and then use the collected data to establish high-precision focus.

Art Filters:

1. Pop Art: Enhances colours, making them stronger and more vivid to create high-impact pictures that express the happy, light-hearted feeling of the pop art style.
2. Soft Focus: Creates a soft tone which gives pictures an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. It renders pictures as though they were veiled in heavenly light, without obscuring details such as the hair or flower petals.
3. Pale & Light Colour: The foreground is enclosed in flat, gentle light – similar to a flashback scene in a film – creating a sense of déjà vu.
4. Light Tone: Creates a picture with a gentle feel to it, similar to one taken under artificial lighting. Both the shade and highlight areas are rendered very softly to provide a sophisticated atmosphere.
5. Grainy Film: This effect recreates the feeling of reality evoked by grainy, high-contrast monochrome pictures. The strong presence and dramatic atmosphere make the subject stand out impressively.
6. Pin Hole: Reduces the peripheral brightness like an image seen through a pinhole. Added to this is a unique colour tone that results in a style that has an air of secrecy or portrays the feeling of being lost in another dimension or space.

Built-in image stabilisation
A type of image stabiliser that is built directly into the camera. This enables the photo-enhancing effects of image stabilisation to be enjoyed irrespective of the attached lens. In Olympus E-System cameras with built-in image stabilisation, a gyro sensor detects the precise direction of the shake. Using the on-board SWD, the shake is then compensated for by shifting the image sensor according to the movement data. For quick response at long focal lengths, cameras are equipped with two dedicated microprocessors: one to control the two supersonic motors that shift the unit vertically and horizontally, and one to provide high-precision control.

Face Detection Technology
A technology that searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. It then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that’s sharp in the right places and ideally exposed.

High Speed Live MOS Sensor
A high-performance image sensor that enables Live View capabilities and fast sequential shooting for D-SLR cameras. It combines the advanced specifications of a Full Frame Transfer (FFT) CCD with the low power requirement of a CMOS. Photodiodes are deeply embedded in the sensor to suppress image noise. The faithful reproduction of subject details with rich tones and natural, vibrant colours characterise this type of sensor. 

HyperCrystal
A high-grade, fully-transmissive technology used in LCDs, which employs an additional layer at the bottom of the LCD to reflect light from external light sources. This enhances the brightness of the LCD, so even in direct sunlight images are displayed sharply and with improved contrast compared to that of conventional displays. Also, it provides for particularly wide viewing angles without glare or shadow, so images can be framed from a variety of angles and viewed by several people at once.

Live View
Provides an alternative to framing shots through the viewfinder on a digital SLR camera. The image sent through the lens to the image sensor is displayed directly on the camera’s LCD. Whereas most compact digital cameras have been equipped with Live View functionality for many years, this feature has only recently become available on D-SLRs. The world’s first D-SLR to feature continuous Live View capabilities was the Olympus E-330.

Multi Aspect
The E-620 lets photographers choose from four different aspect ratios that enable individualised framing of scenes. These provide a new means of adding expression to shots and the selected ratio can be seen directly on the camera’s LCD. The available aspect ratios include: 16:9, 3:2, 4:3 and 6:6.

Multi Exposure
Multiple exposures are possible with the E-620 in both Live View and viewfinder shooting. In Live View shooting, two images or previously shot RAW data is used as the base image and the final photo can be monitored by overlapping the image to be added on the LCD. Two images can be superimposed in a single multiple exposure sequence while three RAW images can even be over combined in editing mode.

RC Wireless Flash Control
The user can control wireless flash units remotely – eliminating the need for extra cables – by using the built-in flash as the system’s master unit. Control options include the ability to independently regulate flash mode and compensation settings for up to three groups of flashes, four channel settings to avoid interference as well as a wide range of brightness levels.

Shadow Adjustment Technology
A technology designed to improve exposure for pictures with dark areas. Using a sensor that works much like the human eye, dark parts of a composition (e.g. a shadow under a tree) are identified and the camera then adjusts the exposure settings accordingly for those areas. The result is a more realistic and detailed picture.

Supersonic Wave Filter
Dust entering digital SLRs, for example during lens changes, can cause damage to photos – unless it is removed. With the Supersonic Wave Filter, the potential for dust to ruin photos is eliminated. A transparent filter is located between the camera’s shutter and sensor. It makes sure no dust is able to land on the sensor. Instead, the particles settle on the filter and are then shaken off by a series of ultrasonic vibrations generated by the filter when activated. Olympus was the first manufacturer to incorporate dust protection in D-SLRs.

TruePic III+ image processor
Olympus’ latest-generation image processing engine. It automatically enhances important aspects of image quality including: colour reproduction (colour range, saturation and brightness), picture sharpness (reduced image noise, improved edge reproduction), as well as providing faster processing speeds. Furthermore, it supports Art Filters to enable unprecedented creative expression.

Olympus E-620 Specifications

Image Sensor	17.3 x 13.0 mm 4/3 '' Hi-Speed Live MOS sensor 13.1 million effective pixels 12.3 million total pixels 4:3 aspect ratio
Lens Mount	Four Thirds
Image Processor	TruePic III+
A/D Conversion	12 bit
File Formats	RAW 12 bit RAW & JPEG Parallel recording JPEG (JPEG compression: 1/2.7, 1/4, 1/8, 1/12 SHQ 1/2.7, 1/4, 1/8, 1/12 HQ 1/2.7, 1/4, 1/8, 1/12 SQ
Image Sizes	RAW: 4032 x 3024 compressed / 14 MB / frame Large: 4032 x 3024 Super Fine / 8.2 MB / frame 4032 x 3024 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 5.7 MB / frame 4032 x 3024 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 2.7 MB / frame 4032 x 3024 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 1.8 MB / frame Middle: 3200 x 2400 Super Fine / 5.4 MB / frame 3200 x 2400 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 3.4 MB / frame 3200 x 2400 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 1.7 MB / frame 3200 x 2400 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 1.2 MB / frame 2560 x 1920 Super Fine / 3.2 MB / frame 2560 x 1920 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 2.2 MB / frame 2560 x 1920 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 1.1 MB / frame 2560 x 1920 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 0.8 MB / frame Small: 1600 x 1200 Super Fine / 1.3 MB / frame 1600 x 1200 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 0.9 MB / frame 1600 x 1200 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 0.5 MB / frame 1600 x 1200 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 0.4 MB / frame 1280 x 960 Super Fine / 0.9 MB / frame 1280 x 960 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 0.6 MB / frame 1280 x 960 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 0.3 MB / frame 1280 x 960 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 0.3 MB / frame 1024 x 768 Super Fine / 0.6 MB / frame 1024 x 768 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 0.4 MB / frame 1024 x 768 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 0.3 MB / frame 1024 x 768 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 0.2 MB / frame 640 x 480 Super Fine / 0.3 MB / frame 640 x 480 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 0.2 MB / frame 640 x 480 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 0.1 MB / frame 640 x 480 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 0.1 MB / frame
Auto Focus	TTL phase difference detection system, contrast detection system 7 points / 5 fully biaxial, automatic and manual selection -2 - 19 EV (ISO 100)
Focus Modes	Focus tracking: Available in continuous AF mode Manual focus: Available by rotating focus ring, available for setting manual focus operation in AF mode (customised) Single AF Single AF + MF Continuous AF: only available for TTL phase difference detection Continuous AF + MF
Fine Adjustment	+/- 20 steps, 20 data can be registered
Image Stabiliser	Type: Sensor shift Modes: Two-dimensional, vertical or horizontal activation Effective Compensation Range: Up to 4 EV steps
AF Point Selection	All target Single target (TTL phase-detection AF) / Single, All Face Detection (High-speed Imager AF)
Metering	TTL open aperture light metering 49 zones Multi-pattern Sensing System 1 - 20 EV (50mm, 1:2, ISO 100)
Metering Modes	ESP light metering Spot metering Centre weighted metering Highlight Shadow
Exposure Control	Auto Programme automatic Aperture priority Shutter priority Manual Scene Modes
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5 EV / 1, 1/2, 1/3 steps
AE Lock	Locked at first position of Shutter button in Single AF mode / AFL button (customizable)
Exposure bracketing	3 / 5 frames / +/- 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 EV steps
Sensitivity	Auto, ISO 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 640, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3200
Shutter	Computerised focal-plane shutter Soft Touch Electromagnetic Self timer: 12 s / 2 s Anti Shock: Release delay: 1 - 30 s Speed range: 1/4000 - 60 s (in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps) Bulb mode: Up to 30 minutes (selectable longest time in the menu, default: 8 minutes)
White ballance	AUTO WB system: Hybrid detection system with High-speed Live MOS sensor and dedicated external sensor Selectable steps in Kelvin: 8 steps (3000 - 7500 K) Tungsten (3000 K) Flourescent 1 (4000 K) Flourescent 2 (4500 K) Flourescent 3 (6600 K) Sunlight (5300 K) Flash (5500 K) Overcast (6000 K) Shade (7500 K) Custom WB: 1 setting (2000K - 14000K)
WB bracketing	3 frames +/- 2, 4, 6 mired steps
WB shift	+/- 7 in each A-B / G-M axis (in Auto WB, preset WB mode & one-touch WB)
Custom image parameters	Sharpness + Contrast: 5 levels Saturation: 5 levels Contrast: 5 levels Black & White filter: Yellow, Orange, Red, Green Black & White toning: Yellow, Orange, Red, Green in Black & White and Sepia mode
Color space	sRGB / AdobeRGB
Viewfinder	Eye-level single-lens view finder Field of view: Approx. 95 % Magnification: Approx. 0.96 x with a 50mm lens set to infinity at -1 dioptre Depth of field preview: Yes Customized Fn button via viewfinder or via LCD in Live View Eye point: 18mm at -1 dioptre from eyepiece lens Diopter adjustment: -3.0 - +1.0 diopter / built-in type Focusing screen: Fixed type (Neo Lumi-Micron Mat Screen)
Mirror	Quick return mirror
Viewfinder info	AF frame (super impose) AE lock AF confirmation mark metering mode exposure mode shutter speed aperture value white balance exposure compensation value indicator flash IS activating mode battery check
LCD monitor	Resolution: 230000 dots LCD type: HyperCrystal III LCD Monitor size: 6.9 cm / 2.7 '' Brightness adjustment: 15 levels Colour balance: 15 levels
LCD Live view	AF type: Option between phase difference detection system and contrast detection autofocus Information: 100% field of view, exposure adjustment preview, white balance adjustment preview, gradation setting preview (SAT), face detection preview, perfect shot preview, gridline displayable, 5x/7x/10x magnification possible, IS activating mode, MF/S-AF, AF frame display, AF point display, shooting information, histogramme
Languages	34 languages / 27 European languages (e.g. English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Czech, Dutch, Danish, Polish)
Playback modes	Zoom (2-14 x) Index (4, 9, 16, 25, 49, 100 frames) Slide show Calendar Rotation Light box
Playback feature	Shooting information: Histogram (independent luminance / RGB available), Highlight / Shadow point warning, AF frame, Shooting information
Flash	Guide number: 12 (ISO 100) Flash compensation: +/- 3 EV / 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps Bracketing: 3 frames / 1/3, 2/3, 1 EV steps 8 operating modes (AUTO, Manual, Slow synchronisation, Slow synchronisation 2nd curtain, Red-eye reduction, Slow synchronisation with red-eye reduction, Fill-in, Off)
External flash	Type: TTL Auto, Auto, Manual, FP TTL Auto, FP Manual X-sync speed: 1/180 s - 1/4000 s Synchronisation modes: Auto, Manual, Red-eye reduction, Slow syncro with red-eye reduction, Slow syncro, 2nd curtain and slow syncro, Fill-in for exclusive flash Intensity: +/- 3 EV / 1, 1/2, 1/3 EV steps Compatible external flash: FL-50R, FL-36R Control method: Triggered and controlled by built-in flash light Modes: TTL Auto (TTL pre-flash mode), Auto, Manual, FP TTL Auto, FP Manual 4 channels and 3 group settings
Scene modes	Children, High key, Low key, Digital Image Stabilisation, Nature Macro, Candle, Sunset, Fireworks, Documents, Panorama, Beach and Snow, Underwater Macro, Underwater Wide
Drive modes	Single-frame shooting Sequential shooting Self-timer Remote control
Burst buffer	Approx. 4 frames/sec. RAW mode: max. 5 frames JPEG mode: depends on compression ratio and no. of pixels
Connectivity	USB 2.0 High Speed Combined V & USB output (NTSC or PAL selectable)
Storage	Dual slot for CompactFlash card (Type I and II) Microdrive xD picture card
Power	Battery: BLM-1 Li-Ion battery (included) Finder Shooting: Approx. 500 shots Sleep mode: 1, 3, 5, 10 min. and off selectable.
Picture Style	Vivid Natural Portrait Muted Monotone Custom
Dust reduction	Supersonic Wave Filter
Weight	475 g (16.8 oz)
Dimensions (W, H, D)	130 x 94 x 60mm (5.1 x 3.7 x 2.4 in)

Additional Images:

Comments (1)

Olympus raises the bar

Olympus really raises the bar for entry-level DSLRs with this one. Thank you for the rich in content news. Deserve a Digg.

Lightyvn , February 24, 2009

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