Tech Shout!

Olympus has come out with the smallest and lightest D-SLR camera dubbed the E-420. This camera is perfect for those who have stepped up to use powerful and high-performance digital SLR cameras, yet require user-friendliness and portability.

The Olympus E-420 is a 10 mega pixel DSLR camera which weighs just 380 grams, making its around 20 to 40% lighter than other digital SLR cameras available in the market today.

The camera is able to fit into a purse easily at 5.1-inches by 3.6-inches by 2.1-inches. The E-420 also features a new kind of ergonomic grip on the front of the body, which allows the user to handle the camera with just a single hand and in a secure way.

John Knaur, senior marketing manager - DSLR, Olympus Imaging America said, “The Olympus E-420 delivers the professional-grade image quality of a digital SLR with the simple operation of a point-and-shoot camera. Thanks to the camera’s small size and lightweight body, users can take the E-420 everywhere, and they will never miss another shot because the of the camera’s straightforward controls. Additionally, our innovative technologies help consumers get more from Live View.”

The E-420 DSLR sports a 2.7-inch LCD. Features include On-screen Autofocus, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview, the details of which are explained below:

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.

To match the title of being the world’s smallest DSLR camera, the Olympus E-420 has an ultra compact Zuiko 25mm f2.8 digital specific lens which measures just 0.9” thick and offers a fixed 50mm equivalent angle of view.

A unique feature incorporated into the Olympus E-420 camera is Live View which allows the user to shoot while keeping the camera away from the users’ face and at angles they just cannot reach by using the optical viewfinder alone. The swivel LCD screen allows users to take photos above the heads in a crowd or even shots low near the ground.

The Olympus E-420 offers 18 pre-set scene select modes and full manual controls. Other notable features include TruePic III for Image Clarity & Speed, Dust Reduction System for Spot-free images, wireless flash capability and improved auto white balance.

The world’s smallest and lightest E-420 Digital SLR camera form Olympus will be available in May 2008 for a price of $449.99. It comes bundled with a USB cable, Video cable, Li-Opn Battery Pack (BLS-1), Li-ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, Olympus Master software CD-ROM, manuals and a warranty card.