Olympus Imaging Corporation  today announced the upcoming launch of the world’s thinnest, smallest1 interchangeable lens digital SLR camera, the E-420. The camera is scheduled for launch in May 2008. Pricing is yet to be announced.

Key features:

·         World’s thinnest, smallest1 camera body. Ideal for traveling.

·         AF Live View function that makes shooting as easy as using a compact digital camera.

·         Face Detect and Shadow Adjust Technologyoptimises auto focus and auto exposure on faces and the background simultaneously.

·         New 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD monitor with improved visibility in Live View shooting and picture playback.

The E-420 is a substantially upgraded series successor to the compact E-410 digital SLR camera (released in April 2007), with numerous ease-of-use and picture quality enhancements. It features a new AF Live View function that improves on the conventional Live View, enabling auto focusing based on contrast detection. The E-420 is as easy to focus as a compact digital camera. Face Detect and Shadow Adjust Technology optimise exposure of human faces and the background simultaneously. The face detection function is capable of detecting up to eight different faces, assuring crystal clear portraits and group shots even against strong backlight. In keeping with its slim design, grip size has been minimized to fit more securely in the hand. Combining the world’s thinnest, smallest1 body with outstanding picture quality, this camera makes it easy for anyone to enjoy the power of digital SLR performance and capture and preserve the activities and memories of everyday life.  

With its outstanding picture quality, advanced functionality and convenient portability, the E-420 is not only an ideal choice for beginners who want to experience the world of digital SLR photography, it is also the perfect choice for experienced photographers looking for a handy, reliable, go-anywhere digital SLR.

To complement the E-420, Olympus has launched the Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm f2.8 ES-2528. The new ultra slim snapshot lens is optimised for the E-420’s slim design.

Setting a new Digital SLR Development Philosophy

After extensive research and development to continue the pursuit of imaging excellence through technological innovation, Olympus entered the next evolution of the Olympus E-System in 2007 with the release of the E-410, E-510 and the flagship E-3.  Designed exclusively for digital, the E-System continues to set new benchmarks for professional image quality, performance, mobility, and reliability. This is testament to compact, lightweight designs supported by innovative industry first features such as the advanced Dust Reduction System, a feature now indispensable for any digital SLR. The E-410 was the world’s thinnest, smallest, lightest digital SLR1 and the E-510 represented new breakthroughs in effective image stabilisation provided by an in-body solution.  Both models set the stage for the flagship E-3 with the world’s fastest AF. With each boasting its own unique features, these three models have achieved an outstanding reputation worldwide.

The E-420 represents the next evolution in the Olympus E-400 series of digital SLRs. While maintaining the same super-slim, highly portable design of the E-410, made possible by exploiting the miniaturisation capabilities of the Four Thirds System standard, the E-420 incorporates an impressive array of powerful new technologies. “Auto Focus Live View”, Face Detection and “Shadow Adjust Technology” makes it easy even for absolute beginners to obtain beautiful, natural-looking pictures.

In terms of its imaging capability, the E-420 is built upon similar imaging principles as those of the E-3. The E-420 offers the ideal combination of high quality, easy operation, and maximum versatility, bringing outstanding picture quality of digital SLRs to photographers that are new to digital SLR.

The E-420 also offers:

·         Highly reliable Dust Reduction System

·         Fast 3.5 frames-per-second sequential shooting

·         Built-in flash with wireless flash control

·         New 10 megapixel Live MOS Sensor and improved TruePic III image processing engine

·         “Perfect Shot Preview” function to compare the results of various effects before actual shooting