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. This kit includes the E1 camera, Olympus 14-54 millimeter Zuiuko zoom lens, a 1GB CompactFlash memory card, electronic flash, and a carrying case.
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 percent 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 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 CompactFlash 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 x 4.09 x 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. Also included in this kit: Olympus 14-54 millimeter Zuiuko zoom lens, a 1GB CompactFlash memory card, electronic flash, and a carrying case.
Product Description:
The first camera being introduced in the Olympus Digital SLR System is the professional E-1. The most technically sophisticated, computerized digital camera built to date, the revolutionary E-1 is designed to deliver the best digital images for professional photographers today and into the future. It is a dynamic camera that can handle many types of photographic situations and deliver superior results in a wide range of settings, from indoor to studio, fashion to journalism, sports to portrait photography, and more. The camera features a new, high performance Super Latitude Full Frame Transfer CCD from Kodak, the KAF-5101CE, which delivers the highest dynamic range, lowest noise levels and best color of any camera in its class. This innovative 5 Megapixel CCD outperforms many higher Megapixel count imagers. In addition, the E-1 utilizes new and existing technologies like the exclusive Olympus TruePic Technology to achieve the highest image quality and most realistic digital photographs. Newly developed Noise Filter technology and the existing Noise Reduction technology produce clear, clean files. A newly developed Supersonic Wave Filter significantly reduces the chances of dust settling on the CCD or image and blocking pixels. The E-1 offers build and features quality equal to or better than the top professional quality cameras at the extremely competitive price.