เกริ่นนำ - Introduction
โอลิมปัส เปิดตัวกล้องดิจิตอล SLR รุ่นใหม่ E420 ออกแบบมาสำหรับผู้เริ่มต้นถ่ายภาพด้วยกล้องดิจิตอล SLR เป็นครั้งแรก โดยมีความสมบูรณ์แบบในทุกๆ ด้าน เน้่นการออกแบบตัวกล้องที่เล็ก กะทัดรัด น้ำหนักเบาเพียง 380 กรัมเท่านั้น นับว่าเบาที่สุดในโลกขณะนี้ ( 5 มีนาคม 2550 ) เทียบกับกล้องระดับเดียวกันแล้ว เบากว่า 20 - 40 เปอร์เซ็นต์ทีเดียว มาพร้อมกับฟังก์ชั่น Live View มีจอ LCD ขนาด 2.7 นิ้ว ระบบออโต้โฟกัสใหม่แบบออนสกรีน ระบบโฟกัสใบหน้าคนอัตโนมัติ พร้อมเทคโนโลยีใหม่ ปรับส่วนมืดในภาพให้สว่างขึ้น และแสดงภาพพรีวิวก่อนถ่ายได้จากจอ LCD และจอใช้เทคโนโลยี HyperCrystal II(TM) ช่วยให้มองดูภาพได้อย่างชัดเจน มีมุมมองกว้างถึง 176 องศา วางจำหน่ายพร้อมเลนส์ Zuiko ED 14-42 มม. f/3.5-5.6
คลิ๊กที่ภาพเล็กทางด้านล่างเพื่อชมภาพใหญ่
Olympus today announces the extremely portable E-420 perfect for everyone who wants to step up to the power and performance of a digital SLR (single lens reflex) yet enjoy the ease of use and ability to compose images on the LCD common to point-and-shoot cameras. Weighing a mere 380 grams , the E-420 is 20 to 40 percent lighter than competing DSLRs. Good things come in this small package, including Live View, which enables users to hold the camera away from their faces and interact with their subjects ideal when capturing photos of children, for example.
This lightweight 10-megapixel DSLR offers heavyweight technologies, including a bigger, more viewable 2.7-inch LCD and consumer-friendly fast On-Screen Autofocus, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview to get the most out of the Live View experience. Additionally, when it comes to Live View, not all LCDs are created equal. At 2.7-inches, the portable E-420 LCD is large enough for users to compose and review images without squinting. The small cameras LCD is not just larger, it is part of a camera with technologies intelligent enough to take advantage of the Live View photography experience. These innovative technologies include:
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(TM) 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; and
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.
The Olympus E-420 delivers the professional-grade image quality of a digital SLR with the simple operation of a point-and-shoot camera, said John Knaur, senior marketing manager - DSLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. Thanks to the cameras small size and lightweight body, users can take the E-420 everywhere, and they will never miss another shot because the of the cameras straightforward controls. Additionally, our innovative technologies help consumers get more from Live View.
Worlds Smallest Digital SLR
A camera designed to be held away from the face lets you take great photographs without weighing you down. The E-420 is small enough to fit into a purse or a jacket pocket and light enough to shoot with comfortably all day. Measuring 5.1 inches by 3.6 inches by 2.1 inches (excluding protrusions), it is the worlds smallest digital SLR. And at a featherweight 13.4 ounces, only its predecessor (E-410) weighs less. The E-420s new ergonomic grip on the front of the body allows for easier one-handed operation and ensures a secure hold in the most challenging shooting conditions.
One of the Worlds Thinnest Lenses Meets the Worlds Most Compact DSLR
The worlds smallest DSLR deserves a similarly compact lens, and Olympus has it: the ultra compact Zuiko 25mm f2.8 digital specific lens. This 0.9 inch-thick lens offers a fixed 50mm equivalent angle of view. Together with the E-420, the Zuiko 25mm f2.8 lens will offer the ultimate combination of ease of use and portability.
Photographers can also purchase the E-420 in a kit with a compact, Zuiko Digital 28-84mm equivalent (ED 14-42mm 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. Both lenses (Zuiko 25mm f2.8 and 28-84mm f3.5-f5.6) are part 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.
The Live View Experience
Olympus was the first to bring Live View to a consumer DSLR (the E-330 in 2006), and Live View has revolutionized DSLR photography. Anyone who has photographed young children knows that you get the best reactions when you hold the camera away from your face and maintain eye contact and an engaging smile. If you have tried to take photos high above the heads in a crowd or low near the ground, you will appreciate that it is easier to use a swivel LCD screen than to climb a ladder or lie on your stomach.
The E-420 solves these problems with its Live View LCD, which enables photographers to hold the camera away from their faces and at angles they just cannot reach by using the optical viewfinder alone. The E-420s new Live View autofocus functionality now simplifies the process by working just like a point and shoot. By simply pressing the shutter button halfway, your subjects come into focus on the LCD, so when the perfect moment occurs it is easy to capture sharp images.
A viewable LCD is where a great Live View experience begins. Few things are more annoying for a photographer than squinting to see an image on an LCD screen in bright sunlight or a dimly lit room. The E-420 solves this problem with its large, bright 2.7-inch LCD display that incorporates new HyperCrystal II technology. This display offers twice the contrast for better viewing in extreme light conditions (i.e. when the sun is at your back), a broader color gamut that displays a greater range of color detail, and a 176-degree viewing angle.
Always Find a Face in the Crowd
A camera this consumer-friendly is perfect for taking portraits of friends and family while out and about. The E-420s Face Detection feature distinguishes between peoples faces and the background. It tracks up to eight faces within the image area and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Even if your subjects are moving, the camera continuously tracks their faces.
Bright Day or Deep Shadow, Never Miss a Detail
Shooting scenes with shadows can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The E-420 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment Technology that compensates for extreme contrast when shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. Now users can preview and capture images with the same fine contrast they see with their own eyes.
Preview All the Possibilities
With 18 pre-set scene-select modes for every imaginable shooting scenario and full manual controls, the E-420 offers a world of possibilities to photographers. Additionally, Perfect Shot Preview enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-window screen on the LCD before snapping the shot. This feature shows photographers what their images will look like beforehand under various settings, ensuring that they capture exactly what they want. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as exposure compensation, white balance and metering.
Enlarge Your Photos
Capturing, enlarging and displaying amazing images on your wall is a snap thanks to the E-420s 10 million pixels for high-resolution photos. The 10-megapixel sensor gives users the flexibility to enlarge prints to the sizes supported by many of todays printers, or crop the image to print only a part of the image that is important to them. The high-performance Live MOS image sensor in the E-420 delivers excellent dynamic range for accurate color fidelity and a new state-of-the-art amplifier circuit dramatically reduces noise and captures fine image details in the highlight and shadow areas.
Improved Auto White Balance
Many digital SLR users want to focus their attention on things other than white balance while they are on the move. As a result, the E-420 features an improved automatic white balance performance with a new algorithm for more accurate color.
TruePic III for Image Clarity & Speed
Olympus TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal clear photos using all 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.
Worried about missing the winning goal at the soccer game? The image processor on the E-420 enables it to shoot up to 3.5 frames per second in sequenced shooting mode, which means that photographers will be able to capture fast-paced action as it happens.
Dust Reduction System for Spot-Free Images
Life moves too fast to spend time worrying about dust ruining your images. Olympus proven Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter(TM). 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.
Media Versatility
Accepting both CompactFlash Type I & II, Microdrives, and xD-Picture Cards, the E-420 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.
Wireless Flash Capability
If you decide to venture into the arena of advanced lighting, the E-420 is ready to meet the challenge. The E-420 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-420, wireless multi-flash photography is possible. The E-420 can control up to three wireless flash groups independently, with several flash units per group.
TypeLens mount Four Thirds
Body material Glass reinforced plastics
Image Sensor Effective pixels 10 Megapixels
Filter array Primary colour filter (RGB)
Full resolution 11.8 Megapixels
Type 4/3 '' Live MOS sensor
Aspect ratio & area 4:3 / 17.3 x 13.0 mm
Engine Type TruePic III
Filter LPF filter Fixed type
IR cut filter Hybrid type
Dust reduction filter Supersonic Wave Filter
Viewfinder Viewfinder type Eye-level single-lens view finder
Field of view Approx. 95 %
Magnification Approx. 0.92 x
Depth of field preview Yes
Eye point 14 mm
Diopter adjustment -3.0 - +1.0 diopter / built-in type
Focusing screen Fixed type (Neo Lumi-Micron Mat Screen)
Mirror Quick return mirror
Viewfinder Information AF frame (super impose), AE lock, AF confirmation mark, metering mode, exposure mode, shutter speed, aperture value, white balance, exposure compensation value indicator, flash, battery check
Eye piece shutter Eye-piece cap EP-4 supplied
Live View
Type Option between phase difference detection system and contrast detection autofocus
Information 100% field of view, exposure adjustment preview, white balance adjustment preview, gradation setting preview (SAT), face detection preview, perfect shot preview, gridline displayable, 7x/10x magnification possible, MF/S-AF, AF frame display, AF point display, shooting information, histogramme
Focusing System
Method TTL phase difference detection system, contrast detection system
Focus areas 3 points / Automatic and manual selection For contrast detection AF, 11 points are used
AF illuminator Yes Built-in flash (external flash available / inactivation possible)
AF lock Yes Locked by first position of shutter release button, AE/AF lock button (customised)
Focus tracking Yes Available in continuous AF mode
Manual focus Yes Available by rotating focus ring, available for setting manual focus operation in AF mode (customised)
Single AF Yes
Single AF + MF Yes
Continuous AF Yes only available for TTL phase difference detection
Continuous AF + MF Yes only available for TTL phase difference detection
Detection range 0 - 19 EV (ISO 100)
Exposure System
Exposure compensation +/- 5 EV / 1/3 steps
Exposure bracketing 3 frames / +/- 1/3, 2/3, 1 EV steps
Light Metering
Method TTL open aperture light metering
Zones 49 zones Multi-pattern Sensing System
Detection range 1 - 20 (50mm, 1:2, ISO 100)
ESP light metering Yes
Spot metering Yes
Centre weighted metering Yes
Highlight Yes
Shadow Yes
Scene Modes
Number of scene modes 18
Portrait Yes
Landscape Yes
Landscape with Portrait Yes
Night Scene Yes
Night Scene with portrait Yes
Children Yes
Sports Yes
High key Yes
Low key Yes
Image Stabilisation Mode Yes
Macro Yes
Nature Macro Yes
Candle Yes
Sunset Yes
Fireworks Yes
Documents Yes
Beach and Snow Yes
Panorama Yes
Exposure Modes
Auto Yes
Programme automatic Yes
Aperture priority Yes
Shutter priority Yes
Manual Yes
Scene Modes Yes
Sensitivity
Auto ISO 100 - 1600 (adjustable in 1 EV steps)
Manual ISO 100 - 1600 (adjustable in 1 EV steps)
Shutter
Shutter type Electronically controlled focal plane shutter
Shutter release Soft Touch Electromagnetic
Self timer 12 s / 2 s
Anti Shock Yes Release delay: 1 - 30 s
Shutter Speeds
Shutter speed range 1/4000-60 s
AUTO 1/4000-2 s
Shutter speed P, Ps 1/4000-60 s (up to 30 min in Bulb mode)
Shutter speed A priority 1/4000-60 s (up to 30 min in Bulb mode)
Shutter speed S priority 1/4000-60 s (up to 30 min in Bulb mode)
Shutter speed Manual 1/4000-60 s (up to 30 min in Bulb mode)
Shutter speed scene mode 1/4000-4 s
White Balance
AUTO WB system Advanced detection system with Live MOS sensor
Manual White balance (One-Touch) Yes
Selectable steps in Kelvin 7 steps (3000 - 7500 K)
Overcast Yes
Shade Yes
Tungsten Yes
Sunlight Yes
Flash Yes
Flourescent 1 Yes
Flourescent 2 Yes
Flourescent 3 Yes
White balance adjustment Yes +/- 7 in each A-B / G-M axis (in Auto WB, preset WB mode & one-touch WB)
Sequence Shooting
Sequential shooting mode 3.5 fps / Up to card capacity in Large Normal mode
3.5 fps / 8 frames RAW
Image Processing
Colour space sRGB / AdobeRGB
TruePic III Yes
Sharpness + Contrast 5 levels
Saturation 5 levels
Contrast 5 levels
Black & White filter Yellow, Orange, Red, Green
Black & White toning Sepia, Blue, Purple or Green in Black & White mode
Picture mode Vivid, Natural, Muted, Portrait, Black & White (default setting Natural).
Gradation 4 (auto, high key, normal, low key)
Internal Flash
Guide number 12
Flash compensation +/- 2 EV / 1/3 EV steps
AUTO Yes
Red-eye reduction Yes
Slow synchronisation Yes
Slow synchronisation 2nd curtain Yes
Fill-in Yes
Slow synchronisation with red-eye reduction Yes
Off Yes
External Flash Control
X-sync speed 1/180 s / 1/4000 s (Super FP Mode)
Type TTL Auto for Olympus dedicated flash, Auto or Manual
Synchronisation modes Auto, Manual, Red-eye reduction, Slow syncro with red-eye reduction, Slow syncro, 2nd curtain and slow syncro, Fill-in for exclusive flash
Intensity +/- 2 EV / 1/3 steps
Built-in flash and wireless flash control from the camera body
Compatible external flash FL-50R, FL-36R
Control method Triggered and controlled by built-in flash light
Modes TTL Auto (TTL pre-flash mode), Auto, Manual, FP TTL Auto, FP Manual
Group setting 3 groups
Number of channels 4 channels
LCD
Pixel number 230000 dots
LCD type HyperCrystal II LCD
Monitor size 6.9 cm / 2.7 ''
Brightness adjustment 15 levels
Colour balance 15 levels
Super Control Panel
Displayed information
Metering mode Yes
Exposure mode Yes
Aperture value Yes
Shutter speed Yes
Exposure level view Yes
Flash compensation value Yes
Exposure compensation indication Yes
AE bracketing Yes
ISO Yes
Colour space Yes
Picture mode Yes
Gradation Yes
Colour saturation compensation value Yes
Sharpness compensation value Yes
Contrast compensation value Yes
White balance Yes
White balance compensation value Yes
Noise reduction Yes
AEL notification Yes
Flash mode Yes
Focus mode Yes
AF frame Yes
Drive mode Yes
Record mode Yes
Number of storable frames Yes
Memory card Yes
Battery indicator Yes
Face detection Yes
Super Control Panel (Flash)
Displayed information
Exposure mode Yes
Shutter speed Yes
Aperture value Yes
Exposure compensation indication Yes
Flash compensation value Yes
AEL notification Yes
Noise reduction Yes
Bracketing Yes
AF illuminator disactivated notification Yes
Colour space Yes
Wireless channel setting Yes
Built-in flash intensity Yes
Group settings Yes
View Images
Histogram in playback mode Yes
Zoom 2-14 x
Index 4, 9, 16, 25, 49, 100 frames
Slide show Yes
Calendar Yes
Shooting information Exposure mode, metering mode, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure compensation level, ISO, colour space, white balance mode, white balance compensation level, focal length, focus area, file type, picture mode, file name, image size, recorded card type.
Exposure level view Histogram (R,G,B available), High light point warning, Shadow point warning.
Rotation Yes
Erase / Protect / Copy Function
Erase modes Single, All, Selected
Image protect mode Single, Selected
Copy mode Single, All, Selected
Recording Formats
RAW 12 bit
RAW & JPEG Parallel recording
JPEG Yes
JPEG compression 1/2.7 SHQ 1/8 HQ 1/2.7, 1/4, 1/8, 1/12 SQ
Image Size
RAW 3648 x 2736 11 MB / frame
Large 3648 x 2736 Super Fine (compression: 1/2.7) / 6.8 MB / frame
3648 x 2736 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 4.7 MB / frame
3648 x 2736 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 2.2 MB / frame
3648 x 2736 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 1.5 MB / frame
Middle 3200 x 2400 Super Fine (compression: 1/2.7) / 5.3 MB / frame
3200 x 2400 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 3.7 MB / frame
3200 x 2400 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 1.7 MB / frame
3200 x 2400 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 1.1 MB / frame
2560 x 1920 Super Fine (compression: 1/2.7) / 3.6 MB / frame
2560 x 1920 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 2.2 MB / frame
2560 x 1920 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 1.1 MB / frame
2560 x 1920 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 0.7 MB / frame
Small 1600 x 1200 Super Fine (compression: 1/2.7) / 1.3 MB / frame
1600 x 1200 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 0.8 MB / frame
1600 x 1200 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 0.5 MB / frame
1600 x 1200 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 0.3 MB / frame
1280 x 960 Super Fine (compression: 1/2.7) / 0.8 MB / frame
1280 x 960 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 0.5 MB / frame
1280 x 960 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 0.3 MB / frame
1280 x 960 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 0.2 MB / frame
1024 x 768 Super Fine (compression: 1/2.7) / 0.5 MB / frame
1024 x 768 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 0.4 MB / frame
1024 x 768 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 0.2 MB / frame
1024 x 768 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 0.1 MB / frame
640 x 480 Super Fine (compression: 1/2.7) / 0.2 MB / frame
640 x 480 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 0.2 MB / frame
640 x 480 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 0.1 MB / frame
640 x 480 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 0.1 MB / frame
Still Image Recording
EXIF 2.2
PIM III
DPOF Yes
DCF Yes
Image Editing
RAW data edit Yes
Shadow Adjustment Technology Yes
Trimming Yes
Red-eye reduction Yes
Black & White Yes
Sepia Yes
Correction of saturation Yes
Resize Yes
Menu
Menu languages in camera English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Czech, Dutch, Danish, Polish
Menu languages by download Additional one language from 15 further languages by download via the internet.
Customisation Options
Left arrow button Off, one-touch WB, test picture, preview, Live View, face detection
Drive button Drive, AF target selection, AF mode, WB mode, Metering mode, ISO setting
Custom preset options 2
Environment
Temperature 0 - 40 ?C operating temperature / -20 - 60 ?C storage temperature
Humidity 30 - 90 % operation humidity / 10 - 90 % storage humidity
Size
Dimensions (WxHxD) 129.5 x 91 x 53 mm (without protrusions)
Weight 380 g (body only)
Interface
Media Dual slot for CompactFlash card (Type I and II), Microdrive and xD picture card
USB 2.0 High Speed Yes
Combined V & USB output NTSC or PAL selectable
Infrared Yes
