Check the dedicated Olympus E-1 interactive forum

A look at the E-1 body

On this page you can examine the E-1 body from a number of different angles and you can see the E-1 compared side by side with a Pentax *ist D and a Canon EOS-10D. On a separate page you can see the E-1 in a number of views next an E-10/20.

(above)
1. Dioptre correction adjuster
2. Status LCD back-light switch
3. Rear settings thumbwheel
4. ISO setting mode button
5. EV compensation mode button
6. Auto exposure lock control
7. Autofocus point selection control
8. Storage card data transfer activity lamp
9. Image playback control
10. Menu button
11. Compact flash compartment door release
12. Four-way menu navigation cluster
13. Menu selection 'OK' button
14. Image delete button
15. Image protect button
16. Image information mode control
17. Removable transparent protective plastic cover for LCD view-screen
18. Eyepiece shutter switch


(above)
1. Flash mode control
2. Image size/format control
3. LCD status display
4. Shutter release button
5. Top plate mode selection dial
6. Exposure mode dial lock release button
7. Exposure mode dial
8. Exposure bracket mode control
9. Remote control, self timer and single/continuous shooting mode selector
10. Metering pattern mode selector
11. Focal plane indicator


(above)
1. Ambient white balance light sensor
2. White balance mode selector button
3. White balance calibration button
4. Self-timer indicator lamp
5. Depth of field preview button
6. Low light autofocus assist lamp (red)


The E-1 battery looks like it might fit in a variety of Canon cameras. But despite its similar dimensions and shape, the electrical contacts are incompatible. Like all the flaps and doors, moisture sealing is evident.


This view shows the E-1's over-size (in relation to the sensor dimensions) lens mount. Notice how small the mirror is in relation to the lens mount . There are no mechanical linkages. All communication between the camera and lens is via nine electronic contacts.

A single Type I or II compact flash card is accommodated, including microdrives. The moisture-sealed card bay door is not plastic but a separate metal alloy casting.

Olympus has preserved much of the radical design thinking incorporated in to the original Olympus E-10, including the large right-hand sculpted grip and practically shoulder-less left side (as viewed from behind the camera). Many of the E-10 and E-20 external controls can be found in much the same positions on the E-1's casing.

On the opposite side to the grip you will find the lens release button (just in front of the small bar code-like Four Thirds System logo). Underneath that there is the three-position (continuous, single shot, manual focus) focus mode selector switch. Behind that is a hefty sealed flap for an external power connector and above is the door that hides the data and video-out ports. The two circular knobs are dust covers for the cabled remote system and external flash PC socket, respectively.

Olympus knew it had to produce an above average standard zoom lens for the E-1 and the 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 performs impeccably, providing the very useful equivalent zoom range of 28-108mm with a respectable maximum aperture, though unlike top-flight alternatives, aperture settings are not constant throughout the zoom range. The lens has a decent close focus performance as well, even without the optional extension tube set that is available.

Three bayonet lugs and nine electronic contacts - that's about all there is to speak of at the back of the 15-54 zoom. Note the relatively small rear element considering this is an optic with an f/2.8 maximum aperture.

More weather-sealed access. Above is the data and video port collection, including both USB 2.0 Hi-Speed as well as IEE1394 Firewire. Below is the proprietary DC external power connector.

The E-1's base plate holds no surprises.

A sturdy plastic four-petal lens hood is supplied with the 14-54mm zoom.


E-1, 10D and *ist D side by side
Here, as requested by John, I've compared some views of the the E-1, Canon EOS-10D and the Pentax *ist D - from left to right in that order:

Above are the three cameras fitted with various lenses supplied. The Olympus E-1 has a 14-54 (28-108 equiv) f/2.8-3.5 zoom, the Canon EOS-10D has a 50mm (80mm equiv) f/1.4 standard lens and the Pentax *ist D is fitted with a 24-90 (36-135 equiv) f/3.5-4.5 zoom.

Here are the three cameras sans lenses. The E-1 has a marginally taller body than the EOS-10D, but the 10D is easily the widest. The *ist D is just, well, small! Despite having a substantially smaller sensor than either the 10D or *ist D the E-1 has a lens mount almost as large as the *ist D's.

Viewed from the grip side, the E-1 has the most sculpted hand grip of all, helped by the height of the body. Both the 10D and *ist-D fit less naturally into the grip of my right hand.

From the opposite side, you can see that the E-1 has the deepest body and it looks like the 10D is slightly slimmer than the otherwise diminutive *ist D.

This top view shows the relatively massive pentaprism/pop-up flash bulge on top of the 10D. The E-1's highly sculpted grip is also shown well here. Notice the relatively small status LCD of the *ist D.

Moving slightly back to reveal more of the rear of the camera. You can see the *ist D has an anti-reflection coating on its LCD viewscreen, while the EOS-10D doesn't. The E-1 has a removable plastic viewscreen protector, though the view through it when attached is acceptable.

And here is a full-on rear view, again accentuating the tall but narrow nature of the E-1 and its highly sculpted grip.

Check the dedicated Olympus E-1 interactive forum