Everything Comes Into Focus With Olympus E-520
Digital SLR: Advanced IN-BODY Image Stabilization and Autofocus Live View
Deliver Sharp Images
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 13, 2008 – The new Olympus E-520 digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera
delivers brilliant images thanks to advanced technologies that help take the
blur out. Industry leading Image Stabilization built into the portable camera
body compensates for movement so that images are sharp and blur-free with any
lens and even at slow shutter speeds. Autofocus Live View brings subjects into
sharp focus on the camera’s HyperCrystal™ II LCD. Together, these technologies
produce amazing results, along with the following features that further expand
the DSLR experience:
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In-Body Image Stabilization with Supersonic Wave DriveTM technology provides blur-free
images when using any of the more than 30 digital-specific lenses;
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Face Detection Technology targets and
locks on faces to ensure they are in focus and blur-free for amazing portraits;
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Shadow Adjustment Technology opens up detail
in the shadows that other cameras would render too dark or underexposed while
maintaining detail in the highlights; and
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Perfect Shot Preview enables
photographers to view and select White Balance and Exposure Compensation
effects right on the LCD, and see how the image will look before they even capture it.
“Beyond a
successor, the Olympus E-520 features an array of new technologies that help
photo hobbyists and serious digital photographers take remarkable images,” said
John Knaur, senior marketing manager – DSLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc.
“Its image stabilization system now lets photographers pan while holding the
portable camera vertically – perfect for capturing everything from a
sprinter breaking from the pack to the bride and groom walking down the aisle.”
Enhanced In-Body Image Stabilization
For the first time, in-body Mechanical Image
Stabilization has three modes for increased versatility. IS-1 mode for general
shooting adjusts the sensor on both the X and Y axes to compensate for movement
by the photographer so images stay sharp even at slow shutter speeds. To
capture the motion of athletes and animals, and other moving subjects, the
E-520 offers two specialized modes. IS-2 mode is ideal for capturing a racecar
flying down the track, preserving the sense of motion while panning with the
moving subject and holding the camera horizontally to dramatically portray the
car’s high speed. For sharp images of moving subjects like a basketball player
charging up the court, the IS-3 mode allows a photographer to hold the camera
vertically while panning. The artistic effects of panning enhance the shot and
render the player in sharp detail with blurred background.
The Live View Experience
The portable E-520’s advanced autofocus Live View
enables photographers to compose their images and bring them into sharp focus
on the HyperCrystal II LCD – just like a point-and-shoot camera. By simply pressing the shutter button
halfway, subjects come into focus on the LCD, so when the perfect moment occurs
it is easy to compose, focus and capture sharp images while viewing on the LCD.
Live View makes it possible
to shoot upward from a low angle for dramatic composition, in close for
detailed macro photos of an exotic insect, or over a crowd of people at a
tennis tournament.
New and Improved HyperCrystal™ II LCD
The E-520’s viewable
HyperCrystal II LCD is the key to its Live View capabilities. While some LCD
screens force photographers to squint to preview images in bright sunlight or a
dimly lit room, the E-520 features a large, bright 2.7-inch LCD display that
incorporates new technology. It also offers twice the contrast for better
viewing in extreme light conditions, a larger color gamut that displays a
greater range of color detail, and a 176-degree viewing angle.
Always Find a Face in the Crowd
The E-520’s Face Detection
reduces the chance of blurred subjects in photography by distinguishing between
people’s faces and the background. It tracks up to eight faces within the image
area even if people are moving and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure
for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.
In Sunshine or the Shadows, Never Miss a Detail
Shooting scenes with
shadows can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright
areas. The E-520 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment Technology
that compensates for extreme contrast and maintains visible detail in both the
shadow and highlight areas of the scene. Now users can preview and capture
images showing the shadow detail they saw. This feature is also available in the
Edit menu after the shot has been taken.
Preview a
Multitude of Possibilities
Perfect Shot Preview
enables users to preview and select from a variety of thumbnail previews of the
photographic effects of white balance and exposure compensation adjustments
live on the LCD before taking the photograph. It is an ideal way for novice
users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, visually,
without having to scroll through menu options. With 20 preset scene-select
modes for every imaginable shooting scenario from underwater photography to
fireworks, and program, automatic modes and full manual controls, the E-520
offers a world of possibilities to photographers.
Experience Life under the Sea
Olympus will offer the PT-E05 optional underwater
housing for the E-520 to allow photographers to document the richness of life
in the depths. Capable of reaching depths of 130 feet underwater, the housing
will ensure that divers will not miss an image during their journeys to the
abyss. Special underwater scene modes on the E-520 will assure that the camera
is set up correctly for underwater use.
Wireless Flash
Capability
Sometimes wireless flashes
can help photographers cast the best light on their subjects and capture great
images. For this reason, the E-520 is compatible with the Olympus FL-50R and
FL-36R wireless electronic flashes that are designed exclusively for digital
photography. When these flashes are used in combination with the E-520,
wireless multi-flash photography is possible. The E-520 can control up to three
wireless flash groups independently, with multiple flash units in each group.
TruePic III for
Image Clarity & Speed
The 10.1 megapixel E-520’s
TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos using all of the
pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible
for every photo with accurate color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue
skies and precise tonal representation in between. TruePic III also lowers
image noise by one step to reduce graininess in images shot at higher ISO
settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.
Dust Reduction
System for Spot-Free Images
Life moves too fast to
spend time worrying about dust ruining the perfect image. Olympus’ proven Dust
Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave
Filter™. The patented ultrasonic technology vibrates to remove dust and other
particles from the front of the image sensor and captures it on a special
adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on. These spot-free photos
liberate users from hours spent retouching photographs at the computer or
sending their cameras back to the manufacturer to remove dust trapped inside.
Easy to Handle, Easy to Operate
The E-520 is extremely portable, measuring 5.35 inches (width) by 3.6
inches (height) and 2.68 inches (depth), excluding protrusions, and weighing
16.75 ounces (body only). The new camera has a classic penta-mirror design that
is light and compact enough to shoot with all day. It features a comfortable
ergonomic grip to ensure that the camera fits snugly in the hand. Beyond its
portable size, the E-520 has an expanded menu for greater control and buttons
on the body for quick and easy direct access to the most common settings. Accepting both CompactFlash Type I & II, Microdrives and xD-Picture
Cards, the camera provides a choice of data-storage options for enhanced
flexibility, and it is possible to transfer image files from one card to the
other right inside the camera.
100%
Digital-Specific Lens for Sharpness and Rich Colors
The E-520 outfit includes a compact, Zuiko Digital
28-84mm equivalent (ED 14–42 mm Four Thirds) f3.5–f5.6 lens that
perfectly matches the imager so light strikes the sensor directly to ensure
rich, accurate colors and edge-to-edge sharpness. Its 3x ED Glass zoom lens covers
the range most frequently used in photography and weighs just 7.5 ounces,
offering users an extremely dynamic, portable, everyday-use zoom. Close-ups as
near as 9.84 inches (0.25 m) are possible throughout the zoom range. This lens is part of Olympus’ expanding line of
100 percent digital lenses – designed specifically for digital
photography. Unlike other camera companies, Olympus does not rely on old film
lenses, which often result in images with soft edges or other imperfections.
Availability
The Olympus E-520 Digital SLR will be available in
July 2008. It includes: E-520 Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLM-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger
(BCM-2), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master Software CD-ROM,
Manuals and Warranty Card.
U.S. Pricing/Product Configurations
E-520 body Estimated Street Price: $599.99
Full Spec's avalible on Olympus America |
