Original Link: https://www.anandtech.com/show/2470



Every time a mention of the Olympus 4/3 camera system is made in articles we get comments that there is no promised size and weight savings with the 4/3 line. That ignores the E-410, which is currently the smallest DSLR made, but it is certainly true of the Pro-oriented E-3 whose construction and weather-sealing yield a solid camera that is both large and heavy. Perhaps to remind users that small is also beautiful, Olympus has just announced the world's smallest DSLR and a new 25mm f2.8 "pancake" lens that redefines small on a DSLR.



Olympus pioneered Live View, a feature that has become almost a checklist item for every new DSLR introduction these days. The Point-and-Shoot users who are migrating to DSLR in record numbers are used to this feature and many want to continue the ability to see and compose photos on the rear LCD. The E-420 takes Live View to a new level in the Olympus line, using both phase-detection and contrast-detection for focus on the 10MP (megapixel) Live View screen. Olympus says it also works just like regular AF (Auto-Focus) on the E-420: when you push the shutter release half-way you get AF on the rear LCD just like you do when looking through the optical viewfinder.



In addition, Olympus added another hot point-and-shoot technology to the E-420. Face Detection is this year's must have feature in P&S as we reported in our PMA coverage. The E-420 is the first DSLR with this feature and it promises to keep up to eight faces in focus in a picture. Despite the smaller camera size, the E-420 also increases the LCD size to 2.7" from the 2.5" of the E-410. Shadow Adjustment Technology also promises an expanded dynamic range.

Here's a quick rundown of the major features and innovations on the E-420:

  • On-Screen Autofocus works as seamlessly as a point-and-shoot to display subjects in focus on the LCD the instant the shutter is pressed half way.
  • Face Detection Technology targets and locks on up to eight faces to ensure they are in focus and crystal clear for amazing portraits.
  • New and Improved HyperCrystal II Technology delivers twice the contrast and better viewing in extreme lighting conditions, a broader range of color detail, and a wider angle of view on the LCD so you and your friends can see it up to 176 degrees off-center.
  • Shadow Adjustment Technology captures detail in the bright areas of a frame and opens up detail in the shadows that other cameras would render too dark or underexposed.
  • Perfect Shot Preview enables you to view and select your favorite effect right on the LCD, and see how the image will look before you even capture it, so you know that what you see is what you get.


A Closer Look



The baby Olympus DSLR weighs just 380 grams (13.4 ounces), and measures just 5.1" by 3.6" by 2.1". This is 20 to 40 percent smaller than competing DSLRs. Olympus did not include in-camera image stabilization, presumably to keep down cost and weight. Instead, "Digital Image Stabilization" is available as a Scene Select.  Digital Stabilization was first introduced on the E-330 and also featured on the current E-410.  This is a program that favors high ISO sensitivity and faster shutter speeds for greater possibilities of capturing sharp, blur-free images. 18 scene modes cover the gamut of shooting situations on the E-420.
 
The autofocus system in the E-420 appears to be the same 3-point system used in the E-410 and E-510.  That is probably OK for the entry-level market in which the E-420 competes.  The new Nikon D60 also uses a basic 3-point AF system.  However, we had hoped some of the breakthrough AF technology used in the E-3 would find its way into lower models.  Perhaps we will see that in future Olympus models such as the one that will eventually replace the current E-510.  The E-420 also does not support an accessory battery grip, which for some will be a shortcoming the E-420 shares with the new Nikon D60.  The upcoming entry-level Canon XSi does support an accessory battery grip, but its announced street price is much higher than the E-420. 


The trademark Olympus Supersonic Wave Filter automatic dust reduction system is also featured on the new camera. Every digital SLR produced by Olympus since the first E-1 appeared in 2003 has featured auto sensor cleaning. The E-420 supports wireless multi-flash with the FL-36R and FL-50R, which were recently introduced with the E-3. Olympus says the E-420 also features improved Auto White Balance, faster image processing, and lower noise with the updated TruePic III processor. Continuous shooting speed goes up to 3.5fps, which is fast compared to other entry-level cameras.



The E-420 is expected to ship in early May in several kit choices. We do not yet have the camera for testing, but Olympus has promised us a sample as soon as the E-420 is available. Estimated street prices are as follows:

  • E-420 body : $499.99
  • E-420 with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens: $599.99
  • E-420 with ED 25mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Lens: $699.99


E-420 Lenses



A new tiny 25mm f2.8 pancake lens will also launch with the E-420. The lens is very reminiscent of the pioneering Pentax 40mm f2.8. It is offered as a kit option for the E-420. The focal length of 25mm is the 35mm equivalent of 50mm on the 4/3 sensor since the lens factor is 2X, instead of the 1.6X/1.5X common with competing APS-C sensors.



As you can see from this top view, the E-420 with the 25mm lens is truly small enough to fit in a small purse or a large pocket. The E-420 is also available with the 14-42mm (28-84mm equivalent, left below) zoom lens, which is the smallest and lightest kit zoom you can buy at 65.5mm diameter by 61mm length and a weight of 190g.



For the past 6 months two of the great kit values on the market have been the two-lens E-410 or E-510 kits.  Both included the 14-42mm (left) and 40-150mm (center) lenses which have shown excellent quality in performance testing.  Olympus has not announced a similar two-lens kit version of the E-420, but the 40-150mm (80-300mm equivalent) telephoto zoom is available separately.
 
Like the diminutive 14-42mm, the 40-150mm is the smallest and lightest lens in its class at 220g with a diameter of 65.5mm and a length of 72mm. Another Olympus record holder for smallest lens is the 35mm (70mm equivalent, right) f3.5 macro lens with a street price of $199.  This tiny macro lens goes to true 1:1 macro without any extension tubes or special lenses (2X life-size 35mm equivalent) but weighs just 165g and is only 53mm long.
 
The new E-420 will mount any Olympus Digital lens or any 4/3 lens from Leica, Panasonic or Sigma. Some Leica zooms lenses also include Optical Image Stabilization which should work fine on the new E-420.  It should be clear, however, that Olympus has both the camera body and lens options to allow those interested in a truly compact Digital SLR system to put together an amazingly small but complete DSLR system.

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