The E1 is a digital camera designed specifically for professional photographers. It is an amalgam of high-end digital technology, advanced technical features, and a rugged construction intended for daily use.
Optics and Resolution
Featuring a 5.5-megapixel Full-Frame Transfer CCD (FT-CCD) sensor, the E1 delivers a wide range of detail and color (with images up to 2560 by 1920 pixels) in both TIFF and Raw formats. The FT-CCD is a Progressive scan sensor that provides more image capturing surface area than traditional interline CCDs. Olympus claims this type of sensor accounts for more accurate color sensitivity, a higher dynamic range from black to white, and a higher signal-to-noise ratio than most other cameras in its class.
| With a traditional 35mm lens, light hits the periphery of the image area at oblique angles. This is not a problem with the flat surface of film, but diodes inside image-sensor light wells need direct light paths (see above, left). Because the Four Thirds System uses a lens mount that is about twice the size of the camera's image circle, light is more likely travel straight into the wells (right). | |
| Supersonic wave filter protects imager from dust |
Because swapping lenses on the go is a fundamental part of SLR photography, so too is dust particles. The problem is made more acute by the physics of a CCD; tiny particles can easily block or disable the CCD's image wells to degrade performance of your camera over time. To solve this, Olympus has created a supersonic wave filter that causes ultra-discrete high-speed vibration knocks particles away from the imager. The filter is operated automatically at start-up and during pixel mapping, and can be manually turned on at any time.
More Features
- Mixed AF/MF mode lets the photographer make fine adjustments or focus manually after AF is performed in the S-AF mode
- Focus Priority mode prevents the shutter from firing until perfect focus is reached
- 12 AE and AF lock modes, and customizable the rotational direction of the focus ring
- The High Eye-point optical viewfinder provides a 100% accurate frame view (horizontal and vertical) for precision framing and image capture
- Neo-Lumi-Micron Matte II Focusing Screen, a deformed hexagonal micro prism designed to reduce the moirée; effect in the viewfinder for clear, sharp viewfinder focus.
- Color space choice between between sRGB (ideal for computer monitors, inkjet printers, scanners, and the Internet) and Adobe RGB (ideal for pre-press and printing on CMYK printers).
- White Balance settings: Auto, Preset and One-Touch Manual
- Fixed- and random-pattern noise reduction
- Magnesium alloy metal body construction makes camera light yet extremely durable
| Capture images in Adobe RGB for photos going to CMYK printers |
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Compact Flash Card (Type I, II), Micro Drive (16bit/32bit Format compatible)--all of which are sold separately. Files can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 2.0 connectivity, which automatically steps down to lower-capacity USB formats if 2.0 isn't detected on the target computer. The camera also features a IEEE 1394 (aka "FireWire") port for high-speed image transfer.
Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery pack, included with a charger. The camera measures 5.55" by 4.09" by 3.19 inches and weighs 23 ounces without batteries and memory.
What's in the Box
E-1 Digital SLR Body, Shoulder Strap, Li-Ion Battery Pack, BLM-1 Olympus Viewer 1.0 Software, Li-Ion Battery Charger BCM-1, Adobe Photoshop Elements CD-ROM, USB Cable, Web Photo School Lessons, IEEE 1394 Cable, Manuals, Video Cable, Warranty Card
Product Description:
Introducing the world's first 100% all-digital interchangeable lens camera! The OLYMPUS E-1 starts with a 5.5 Megapixel Full-Frame Transfer CCD for increased dynamic range, improved color, and reduced image noise. Digital Specific Lenses matched to the CCD break down light and picture-quality barriers. ED and aspherical glass elements provide impeccable focus accuracy from edge to edge Built-in synch socket connect to optional strobes, infrared or radio slaves Built-in -3 to +1 diopter adjustment Exposure Modes - Program with Program Shift / Shutter Priority / Aperture Priority / Manual Exposure Compensation - +/- 5 steps Unit Weight - 23 ounces