One widely leaked PMA story that has been officially confirmed this morning is Olympus' two new ten megapixel DSLRs, the ultra-compact E-410, and the in-body image stabilisation (IS) equipped E-510. Both follow on from the ground-breaking E-330 model, launched just over a year ago, in featuring live-view mode so you can compose your picture using the LCD display as well as the traditional through the lens reflex optical viewfinder.
E-410 and E-510 UK pricing and availability guide
Estimated pricing when sales start in the UK in June go like this:
As this story was released today, we're on our way to Las Vegas to cover the PMA show and we've been promised hands-on shooting time with some sample E-410 and E-510 cameras. If we're permitted to distribute sample images taken, we'll let you know.
Ultrasonic AF at last
Covered in a separate story, Olympus has reconfirmed its commitment to a professional standard E-1 replacement and also released details of four new mid-high end lenses that introduce ultra-sonic autofocus motor technology to the Digital Zuiko lens range for the first time.
Ultrasonic image stabilisation, too
Ultra sonic technology, which is used in Olympus' Supersonic Wave sensor dust cleaning system, has also been found a third job to do; in the E-510's electro-mechnical moving sensor image stabiliser. Ultrasonics are behind the sensor motion to compensate for gyro-sensed camera movement during exposure. There are two modes: Mode 1, for two dimensional compensation, and Mode 2, which only wiggles the sensor vertically.
New compact budget standard zoom lens
For the more affordable models, including the new E-410 and E-510 there is a brand new 17.5-45mm (35-90 equivalent) f/3.5-5.6 standard zoom in the style of the 14-42 and 40-150 ultra-compact designs introduced with the E-400. The 17.5-45 lens is not listed by Olympus UK at present, so it may only form part of special 'exclusive' deals with big retail chains.
The E-410 is clearly a revised version of the diminutive E-400, which was launched at Photokina last September, with added live-view mode, and looks almost identical in the pictures we have seen. The E-510 is, we are told, based on the old E-500, although if it is, it has undergone a fair degree of cosmetic change. Both new models are conventional pentaprism designs instead of the controversial flat-top E-300 and E-330-style Porro-system
Shared features
Although their body designs are different, many aspects of the E-410 and E-510 are shared. Features you’d expect to find include the Olympus Supersonic Wave Filter sensor dust buster, Four Thirds format sensor and lens mount, plus a 2.5 inch 230,000 pixel HyperCrystal LCD display that works equally well in low or bright light. But neither camera offers a tilting display, though unlike the E-330, which does have an adjustable screen, the new models can be used to assess exposure and white balance via live view. Olympus has stuck with its policy of providing just three AF points on both models and neither offers a portrait mode release/battery grip upgrade.
A new TruePic III image processing engine is mentioned in the specifications, though it's not yet clear how this differs from the TruePic Turbo system it supersedes. Three frames per second continuous shooting is possible and in JPEG HQ recording mode you can keep shooting at that rate until you have filled the card. In RAW mode the buffer can accommodate 3fps bursts of up to 7 frames. USB 2.0 High Speed is a welcome upgrade from previous models.
Live View features
In live view mode a 100% field of view is afforded and the display is judged accurate enough to be usable as a guide to exposure and white balance. Autofocus us possible, but only by temporarily redeploying the mirror to enable AF sensing off the focus screen. There is a live exposure histogram display option and grid lines can be displayed if required. 7-10x magnification for critical manual focus checking is provided on-screen too. The sensor will gradually warm up while it is used in live mode, which is a potential source of image degradation through noise, so there is a heat warning indicator. High-speed continuous shooting is not possible in live view mode.
Do tell us what you think of Olympus' new babies. We'll be reporting back from PMA once we've had a play with them. Turn the page for more product pictures and don't miss the official press releases and detailed specifications here on DPNow.
E-510-1 - The E-510 is more conventional-looking than the E-500, with a fully-formed 'shoulder on the left (as viewed by the photographer). The pentaprism/pop-up flash house in E-400 style, narrower and more rounded. The IR remote sensor has moved to the re-profiled grip.
E-510-2 - Although the E-510 body is around a quarter heavier than the impressively small E-400 (and similar-sized E-410), it remains a lightweight at around 500g.
E-510-3 - Here the E-510 is fitted with the 17.5-45 (35-90) kit zoom.
E-510-4 - Olympus decided that the image stabilisation badge should really stand out in gold lettering.
E-410-1 - If there is a difference between the E-400 and the E-410 from the rear view, we can't see it. All the important changes, centring around the Live MOS, live view, sensor, are under the skin.
E-410-2 - From the front, the only difference we can see compared to the E-400 is the '1' instead of the '0' in 'E-410'. The new 17.5-45 (35-90) kit zoom is shown here.
E-410-3 - The 14-42 (28-84) kit zoom, which will be more widely available in the UK than the 17.5-45, is noticeably more slim.
E-410-4 - Here is a brochure-style shot of the E-410.
E-410-5 - Once again, there is nothing visible to separate the E-400 from the E410, even with the lens off, apart from the model number.
E-410-6 - Here, the E-410 is shown, head on, with the 14-42 kit zoom fitted.
E-410-7 - And finally, a head-on view with the 17.5-45 kit lens fitted.
