The E-420/E-520 is changing how live view works
The 10 MP it is a very high performing sensor, it is nearly as goood as the E-3 sensor, found within the E-420. We will see on the final E-520 how well it performs soon.
The new focusing technology bridges - SLR for speed when taking a photo, and ease of a point and shoot to capture snapshots. The E-420 is the first SLR to offer face detection technology, when used in liveview.
If shooting through the viewfinder the AF system built into the camera is slight faster than when using the E-410. However the main advantages will be found in the liveview focus speeds. It now boast a hybrid system, which uses both the traditional drop mirror to focus, as well as the sensor itself to focus the camera. The E-420/520 should bridge both camera types (SLR, and Point and shoot) to make a compact, affordable, and high quality camera.
The Live View Modes
Phase detection - Is how the E-410, E-510, and E-3 used live view. When the shutter button was pushed the mirror would drop focus the camera, and then lift the mirror to take a photo. This process was very accurate but not that fast. (See Diagram below)
Contrast Detection - Works similar to how a Point and shoot camera works. It is able to use the sensor directly to focus the camera and take a shot. The result is a faster focus system, but often not as accurate as an SLR.
The Hybrid System - With the E-420 /E-520 you can use a hybrid system so that the sensor is adjusting to take the shot as you are composing, with the shutter button half pressed, as soon as you fully press the button, the camera drops the mirror makes and final adjustments, and takes the picture. The result should be much faster and more accurate than with either mode alone. You will have less blackout time, and a higher chance to capture the photo you wanted.
Face Detection
When using live view the E-420 /520 now can use Liveview to focus on the subject, and take great pictures. You can even use face detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology in combination to get it right straight in the camera.
This image is a simulation of face detection not the actual technology
New LiveView 11 point AF selection
The E-520 now also has a 11 point AF selection which can be used with the Contrast AF. It has a similar layout as the E-3 viewfinder places, however, I do not believe that it will be as quick to focus as the AF sensor. However, contrast AF is my prefered method of liveview focusing, because the AF sensor method leads to a split second screen blackout.
Which Lenses Contrast AF work with?
A rumor has already started that the Contrast Detection AF system will not work with any other lenses but the kit lenses. Olympus stated today - "Contrast AF functionality is OPTIMIZED FOR THESE THREE LENSES: 25mm, 14-42mm, 40-150mm, we are investigating the level of functionality with other Zuiko Digital Specific lenses." From early impressions it seems that it does work with the other lenses. Also the Hybrid seemed to work best when using other lenses but those listed above.
(Added 03-05-08)
But all in all - "The Live View AF works with all Zuiko Digital lenses the three lenses mentioned have the ability to be optimized for the Live View AF for even higher performance. "
(Added 03-06-08)
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