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Re: [OM] Olympus E-1 Olympus 1st SLR Digital camera???

Subject: Re: [OM] Olympus E-1 Olympus 1st SLR Digital camera???
From: Skip Williams <om@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2003 21:33:03 -0500
There was a LOT of noise here about it when it was introduced two weeks ago.  
Available in October in the U.S.

Skip

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Please reply to skipwilliams at pobox.com
I might not notice personal emails to this address
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>
>Subject: [OM] Olympus E-1 Olympus 1st SLR Digital camera???
>   From: dolphans1@xxxxxxx
>   Date: Tue, 08 Jul 2003 00:07:04 +0000
>     To: olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
>
>Hey Guys,
>
>Where was I and where was all the noise? Did you hear aboout the Olympus E-1 
>Digital. The Olympus first interchangeable digital SLR?
>It made the front page my my local newspapers business section today, first I 
>heard of it.
>
>Below is the article and some specs I looked up.
>
>Anyone own one yet? What do you think of it?
>
>Sam....
>
>
>GADGET
>Digital camera uses interchangeable lenses
>The New York Times
>
> 
>Olympus camera 
> 
>Digital photographers who want to use single-lens reflex cameras have had two 
>choices: compact models with permanently mounted zoom lenses or bulky models 
>that accepted interchangeable lenses made for the maker's 35 mm SLRs.
>
>No longer. The Olympus E-1 was designed for digital use and relies on the 
>first interchangeable-lens system to be shared by several manufacturers. About 
>the same size as a small SLR, the E-1 uses compact, interchangeable lenses 
>designed to cover an image sensor one-half as large diagonally as a 35 mm. It 
>conforms to the new Four Thirds standard, which has been embraced by Olympus, 
>Fujifilm and Kodak. Lenses from any of those companies will fit bodies made by 
>the others.
>
>Four Olympus Zuiko Digital Specific lenses, with list prices starting at $599, 
>are available for the $2,199 E-1 body. A less expensive consumer-priced body 
>is coming -- not to mention Four Thirds products from other camera makers.
>
>
>
>Magnesium-alloy body with environmental sealing (splash proof) 
>Five megapixel 4/3" Kodak Full Frame Transfer CCD (4/3 System compliant) 
>4/3 System lens mount 
>Range of four ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses initially available (smaller and lighter 
>than 35 mm) 
>TTL viewfinder with removable focusing screen 
>"Supersonic Wave Filter" cleans CCD at each camera start-up (dust is shaken 
>from CCD) 
>Dual USB 2.0 (full 480 Mb/s speed) and IEEE 1394 (Firewire) connectivity 
>3-point TTL phase difference AF 
>Focus-by-wire manual focus 
>Manual focus after AF lock available (switchable) 
>3 bulb AF assist lamp 
>3-zone multi-pattern metering 
>Program Shift in Program AE mode 
>Shutter speed range of 60 to 1/4000 sec (up to 8 minutes in Bulb mode) 
>Custom delay 'Anti-Shock' feature (similar to mirror lock-up on other SLR's) 
>Continuous shooting 3 frames per second up to 12 frames 
>Sensitivity range of ISO 100 - 800 plus 1600 and 3200 with 'ISO BOOST' 
>Exposure steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 stop (EV) 
>Exposure compensation -5.0 to +5.0 EV 
>Selectable color space; sRGB or Adobe RGB 
>Wide range of white balance options, four manual presets, fine tuning 
>Hybrid white balance sensor (on external surface of camera and using CCD) 
>Customizable image parameters (saturation, sharpness, contrast) 
>Noise reduction for ISO noise and long exposure noise (both can be disabled) 
>RAW format and RAW+JPEG support 
>In-camera RAW Data Edit 
>Compact Flash Type I & II storage including IBM Microdrive and FAT32 
>User upgradable firmware 
>1.8" 134,000 pixel LCD monitor with anti-reflective coating 
>Control Panel LCD display with backlight (panel also has anti-reflective 
>coating) 
>Flash hot-shoe and PC Sync flash terminal 
>Shading compensation (removes potential vignetting) 
>World's first professional digital SLR system with interchangeable lenses 
>based on the Four Thirds Standard.
>
>Amsterdam, 24 June 2003 - The Olympus E-System hails a new chapter in the 
>history of photography. Now, the world's first SLR digital camera system 
>realises the advantages of the Four Thirds Standard and is dedicated to the 
>special requirements of digital SLR photography, presenting new benchmarks for 
>professional image quality and performance. All components and accessories of 
>the Olympus E-System - from the camera body, through flash units, to 
>interchangeable lenses - have been expressly designed for digital use and 
>ensure the system's performance potential is maximised in every instance. The 
>Olympus E-System breaks the mould of previous digital SLR solutions and frees 
>itself from the obstacles of the past.
>
>A competitive edge
>
>Near enough is never good enough for Olympus. And with the Olympus E-System, 
>no compromise has been made. 
>
>Gone are the days when photographers had to contend with hindrances due to 
>using lenses that were not originally designed for use with their camera 
>backs. Problems such as a loss to wide-angle capability, insufficient lens 
>resolution and cornershading are a thing of the past. The Olympus E-System 
>adheres to the guidelines defined by the Four Thirds Standard that regulate 
>type and diameter of the lens mount as well as the size of the image sensor 
>and the flange back distance. These guidelines not only guarantee complete 
>lens interchangeability between any manufacturer complying with the set norms 
>but also enable production of lenses fully optimised to digital camera 
>requirements.
>
>A five megapixel 4/3-type CCD ensures the light transmitted by the lens is 
>captured in flawless detail. But it is not the pixel-count alone that is 
>responsible for the professional image results. Unlike most digital cameras, 
>the Olympus E-1 utilises a Full Frame Transfer CCD sensor, a type specifically 
>developed for the capture of still images. In comparison to Interline Transfer 
>counterparts found in the majority of digital models, the FFT-CCD is 
>distinguished by a larger pixel area, with bigger photodiodes and transfer 
>channels. This means more electrons can be captured. A high signal/noise ratio 
>can therefore be achieved together with a wider dynamic range. Final images 
>benefit from more exposure latitude, greater detail and less noise.
>
>ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses - a synonym for quality
>
>All ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are designed to maximise the performance of digital 
>SLRs based on the Four Thirds Standard. They feature telecentric optics - 
>meaning that transmitted light hits the CCD virtually at right-angles - which 
>is required by digital cameras to give images perfect colour, clarity and 
>brightness from the centre to the periphery of the frame. The lens' high 
>resolving power ensures the image sensor obtains the detail it needs to 
>achieve its full potential. Moreover, because of the set communication 
>standard, lenses are capable of supplying the camera body with information 
>about any potential shading or distortion which can then be compensated for to 
>return perfect results. A further substantial benefit made possible by the 
>Four Thirds Standard is that lenses maintain a compact form and light weight 
>despite offering a large aperture. 
>
>The growing list of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses currently available includes (35mm 
>equivalent values in brackets):
>
>ED 300 mm, F2.8 tele (600 mm) 
>E 14 - 54 mm, F2.8 - 3.5 zoom (28 - 108 mm) 
>ED 50 mm F2 macro (100 mm) 
>ED 50 - 200mm, F2.8 - F3.5 zoom (100 - 400 mm) 
>E 11 - 22mm, F2.8 - F3.5 zoom (21 - 44 mm) (available by end 2003) 
>The Olympus E-1 solves a problem that has long been an Achilles heel of 
>interchangeable lens-type digital SLRs - dust contamination of the camera 
>insides from changing lenses. The Supersonic Wave Filter causes an ultra-high-
>speed vibration to occur, making dust and/or other particles literally fall 
>off the imager, which are then captured on a special adhesive tape. This 
>function is invoked at each start-up of the camera but may also be manually 
>effected.
>
>Designed to be a trusted, dependable companion, this digital SLR camera 
>features a high-endurance focal plane shutter. Outstanding accuracy at any of 
>the exposure speeds ranging from 1/4,000 sec to 60 sec is assured - and that 
>for a guaranteed minimum of 150,000 releases.
>
>Thanks to dual USB2.0 and IEEE1394 interfaces, PC connectivity is easy and 
>extremely versatile. The Olympus E-1 is the first digital SLR camera to 
>incorporate both of these interfaces. Users will therefore not be hindered by 
>long waiting times while their image files are downloaded.
>
>
>Unrestricted photographic satisfaction
>
>Of course, while the Olympus E-System breaks convention in many respects, in 
>others, it hones and fine-tunes aspects necessary for professional shooting 
>and handling. 
>
>The Olympus E-1 is a camera ready for all assignments bar none. Its robust die-
>cast magnesium-alloy body is not only tough, it is also light. In fact, the 
>camera body weighs in at just 660 g - enough to give a very solid feel, yet 
>still the lightest model among all current professional digital SLRs with 
>interchangeable lenses. As with the ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, the Olympus E-1 also 
>boasts a splash-proof design so that photographers can continue shooting while 
>their lesser-equipped colleagues have already sought cover from the elements. 
>
>A bright, quick-return mirror viewfinder gives pros the best view for precise 
>framing. Enabling a viewing field of approximately 1000lus providing full 
>photographic information, complete control is assured at all times.
>
>The high-speed 3-point TTL phase difference detection autofocus system has a 
>wide range of 0 to 19EV. Manual and automatic selection of the AF zones is 
>possible. Users can choose single or continuous autofocus to meet their needs. 
>In continuous mode, the AF system is capable of following subjects travelling 
>at up to 50 km/h. As well as full manual focusing, fine manual adjustments to 
>the autofocus values can be made. The ergonomic merit of the camera system is 
>further substantiated with the possibility to adjust the focus ring direction. 
>
>For exposure metering, the Olympus E-1 features a 3-zone multi-pattern sensor 
>system. Photographers can chose between electronic spot metering (ESP), centre-
>weighted average and spot metering. P/A/S/M modes are on hand to suit the 
>situation. A Program Shift function is available that enables the optimal EV 
>value to be retained while adjustments to shutter speed and aperture are made. 
>Bracketing of three or five frames can be undertaken in 1/3, 1/2 or full step 
>increments.
>
>Versatility is a recurring theme with the Olympus E-1. High ISO equivalent 
>sensitivity values of between 100 and 3,200 ISO can be selected. With its 
>hybrid detection system using a dedicated white balance sensor and the image 
>sensor, automatic white balance is incredibly accurate. The pre-set white 
>balance features very detailed steps of approximately 300°K which can 
>additionally be compensated by two mired steps. A white balance compensation 
>function is available too. Furthermore, the Olympus E-1 has two colour space 
>settings: Standard RGB for most applications and Adobe RGB which has a wider 
>range for offset printing in particular.
>
>For many photographers, speed is the key. That's why the Olympus E-1 is 
>equipped with three powerful ASICs. This ensures extremely fast image 
>processing and playback. No matter which quality mode or resolution is chosen, 
>thanks to an impressive 128MB buffer and high-capacity working SDRAM memory, 
>up to 12 frames of sequential shooting can be captured at 3fps in every format 
>(JPEG/TIFF/RAW).
>
>The Olympus E-1 features a CompactFlash slot for image storage. It is 
>compatible with both CF cards of up to more than 2GB and Microdrive. The use 
>of xD-Picture Cards by means of the optional CF adapter is possible too.
>
>Because this camera is an authentic work tool, Olympus realises that 
>photographers cannot afford any time out when it comes to firmware upgrades. 
>That is why the Olympus E-1 provides the possibility to undertake these 
>directly via an internet upload.
>
>
>Elite hardware deserves exclusive software
>
>Befitting the excellent craftsmanship and functions of the camera, Olympus 
>also introduces an entirely new software with the Olympus E-1 that is far 
>beyond a regular browsing application. The included OLYMPUS Viewer software 
>aids the professional's workflow considerably. Some of the features are: 
>
>A light box tool & tag function allowing two/four similar images to be easily 
>compared and categorised. 
>Batch processing so that a range of editing procedures can be carried out on a 
>whole group of images at the same time, such as adjusting the colour tone. 
>
>RAW batch processing of a number of files at once so that they are converted 
>to TIFF or JPEG format in one run. 
>A complete system of accessories for professional photography
>
>But the Four Thirds concept does not merely comprise of a camera. A whole 
>system of accessories exists to provide serious photographers with the 
>solutions to their needs - whatever these may be. Besides the ZUIKO LENSES, 
>there is a large and growing list of accessories available for all areas of 
>professional digital SLR photography. Among these are:
>
>Flash units
>
>FL-50 high-power flash (up to GN50) with SuperFP mode 
>Ring flash (available shortly) 
>Twin flash (available shortly) 
>Power supplies 
>
>Power Battery Holder HLD-2 for the BLL-1 lithium-ion battery 
>Battery Pack BLL-1 high-capacity 3400mAh lithium-ion battery 
>Battery-Charger BCL-1 dedicated BLL-1 battery charger 
>AC Adapter AC-1 
>Four Thirds is the first professional standard for digital SLR photography. By 
>setting standards on three levels - mechanical, optical and communication - it 
>maximises the performance of camera body, image sensor and lenses. The Olympus 
>E-1 is the first and currently the only camera to make use of the advantages 
>of this new standard. 
>
>Availability: September 2003
>
>Olympus E-1 Specifications
>Body material Magnesium alloy 
>Sensor ? 18.0 x 13.5 mm CCD sensor
>? 17.4 x 13.1 mm active sensor area
>? RGB Color Filter Array
>? Full frame transfer
>? Built-in fixed low-pass filter
>? Built-in "Supersonic Wave Filter" (dust cleaning)
>? Microlenses
>? 5.6 million total pixels (2738 x 2044)
>? 5.1 million active pixels (2614 x 1966)
>? 4.9 million output pixels (2560 x 1920)
>? 4:3 aspect ratio
>? 6.8 x 6.8 µm pixel pitch 
>JCIA Effective pixels 5.0 million 
>Image sizes ? 2560 x 1920
>? 1600 x 1200
>? 1280 x 960
>? 1024 x 768
>? 640 x 480 
>File formats ? RAW
>? RAW + JPEG
>? TIFF
>? JPEG (EXIF 2.2) 
>Color space ? sRGB
>? Adobe RGB 
>Lenses ? 4/3 standard lens mount
>? Range of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses available
>? Effective FOV is 2x indicated focal length 
>Focusing ? 3-point TTL Phase Difference Detection
>? Automatic or manual point selection
>? EV 0 to 19 (ISO 100) detection range 
>Focus modes ? Single shot AF
>? Continuous AF
>? Manual focus 
>Manual focus ? Focus by wire 
>AF assist ? Yes, can be disabled
>? Red visible light 
>Metering modes ? Digital ESP
>? Center-Weighted Average
>? Spot (1.8%) 
>AE Lock ? With shutter release half-press
>? AEL button 
>AE Bracketing ? 3 or 5 frames
>? 1/3, 1/2, 0.7 or 1.0 EV steps 
>Exposure steps 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV 
>Exposure compen. ? -5.0 to +5.0 EV
>? 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps 
>Sensitivity ? Auto (ISO 100 - 400)
>? ISO 100
>? ISO 200
>? ISO 400
>? ISO 800
>? ISO 1600 *
>? ISO 3200 *
>* With "ISO BOOST" set to ON
> 
>Min Shutter Speed ? Program AE: 2 sec
>? Aperture Priority AE: 3.2 sec
>? Shutter Priority AE: 60 sec
>? Manual Exposure: 60 sec + Bulb (up to 8 mins) 
>Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec 
>Flash X-sync ? 1/180 sec
>? Super FP up to 1/4000 sec for fill flash 
>Aperture values Depends on lens: 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps 
>White balance ? Auto
>? 3000 K (Incandescent)
>? 3300 K
>? 3600 K (Incandescent)
>? 3900 K
>? 4000 K (Fluorescent)
>? 4300 K
>? 4500 K (Fluorescent)
>? 4800 K
>? 5500 K (Sunny)
>? 6500 K (Cloudy)
>? 6600 K (Fluorescent)
>? 7500 K (Shade)
>? Manual Preset 1
>? Manual Preset 2
>? Manual Preset 3
>? Manual Preset 4
>* All of the above can be fine tuned +/- 7 levels except manual presets 
>Auto white balance ? Hybrid system
>? White balance sensor & CCD imager 
>WB Bracketing ? 3 frames
>? 1, 2 or 3 steps 
>Image parameters ? Saturation (CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CS0 - CS4) *
>? Contrast (-2 to +2)
>? Sharpness (-3 to +3)
>* The CM settings are custom color profiles for particular scene types 
>Noise reduction ? Noise Filter (On / Off)
>? Noise Reduction (On / Off)
>? Pixel Mapping  
>Viewfinder ? Eye-level pentaprism TTL
>? Magnification approx. x0.96
>? Eye point 20 mm
>? 100 0.000000rame coverage
>? Diotric adjustment (-3.0 to +1.0)
>? Internal eyepiece curtain
>? Interchangeable focusing screen with center circle and AF areas (FS-1)
>? Viewfinder info bar
>? Optional EP-2 large eyecup and FS-2 grid pattern focusing screen available
> 
>Viewfinder info ? Flash indicator
>? FP flash
>? Metering mode
>? AF / AE Lock
>? Aperture
>? Shutter speed
>? ISO sensitivity (when changing)
>? Exposure mode
>? Exposure compensation / metering bar
>? White balance (when changing)
>? AF areas (when changing)
>? Bracketing setting (when changing)
>? Buffer space remaining 
>LCD monitor ? 1.8" TFT LCD
>? 134,000 pixels
>? 100 0.000000rame coverage
>? 15 brightness levels (-7 to +7)
>? 4x magnification playback 
>Record review ? Off
>? Auto
>? 5 sec
>? 20 sec 
>Flash ? No built-in flash 
>Flash modes ? TTL Auto (Olympus E System flash) 
>? TTL Auto FP (Olympus E System flash)
>? Auto
>? Manual 
>External flash ? Hot-shoe
>? PC Sync terminal 
>Flash compensation +/- 2.0 EV in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps  
>Shooting modes ? Program AE (P) (with shift)
>? Aperture priority AE (A)
>? Shutter priority AE (S)
>? Manual (M)
> 
>Drive modes ? Single shot
>? Continuous (3 fps, up to 12 frames)
>? Self-timer 12 seconds
>? Self-timer 2 seconds
>? Remote release 2 second delay
>? Remote release 
>Internal Buffer ? 128 MB RAM
>? 12 Frames 
>Other features ? Shading Compensation
>? Anti-Shock mode
>? Custom AE-L / AF-L setting
>? Custom command dial setting
>? Custom Focus Ring direction
>? Single AF + Manual AF (On / Off)
>? Release Priority Single (On / Off)
>? Release Priority Continuous (On / Off) 
>Playback mode ? Single image
>? Single image blinking highlights & histogram
>? Magnified view (2.0x, 3.0x or 4.0x, scrollable)
>? 4, 9 or 16 image thumbnail index
>? Slideshow
>? Image rotation
>? Image delete
>? Image protect
>? RAW Data Edit
>? DPOF Setup 
>Menu languages ? Japanese
>? English
>? German
>? French
>? Spanish
>? Korean 
>Remote control ? Wired by RM-CB1
>? Wireless (IR) by RM-1 
>Connectivity ? USB 2.0
>? Firewire IEEE 1394
>? Video out
>? DC-IN
>? Remote terminal
>? PC Sync flash terminal 
>Video out Selectable NTSC or PAL 
>Storage ? Compact Flash Type I or II
>? Microdrive supported
>? FAT32 filesystem support (for CF cards greater than 2 GB) 
>Power ? BLM-1 1500 mAh Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery (supplied & charger)
>? Optional Power Battery Holder HLD-2 and Lithium-Ion battery
>? Optional AC adapter AC-1 
>Firmware User updatable 
>Weather Proof IEC Standard publication 529 IPX1 
>Environment ? Operating range: 0°C to 40°C (30 to 900midity)
>? Storage range: -20°C to 60°C (10 to 900midity)
> 
>Dimensions 141 x 104 x 81 mm (5.6 x 4.1 x 3.2 in)  
>Weight (no batt/lens) 660 g (1.5 lb) 
>Box contents E-1 Body, USB Cable, IEEE1394 Cable, Video Cable, Li-ion Battery 
>Pack (BLM-1), Li-ion Battery Charger (BCM-1), Shoulder Strap, Olympus Viewr 
>1.0, CD-ROM, Manuals 
>
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>< Web Page: http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/olympuslist.html >


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