Balko Photo

The 10-megapixel Olympus E-3 digital SLR features Four-Thirds System compatibility, a dual-axis swivel 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel Live View LCD, and in-body mechanical image stabilization, which provides optical image stabilization regardless of the lens used. Image stabilization modes include all-around stabilization and vertical-only stabilization for panning. The camera also features an optical viewfinder with a 100 percent field of view. According to Olympus, the E-3 offers the best autofocus performance of any digital SLR when paired with their new Zuiko Digital 12-60mm f/2.8-4 Supersonic Wave Drive lens.

The E-3 includes an 11-point AF system, a 5 fps continuous shooting mode for a maximum of 16 RAW frames or a variable number of JPEG frames, and a shutter speed range of 60-1/8000 sec. The camera’s Live View LCD offers an angle of view of 170 degrees and a magnification factor of 5, 7 or 10 times, allowing the photographer to check focus and exposure before capturing an image. The screen’s dual-axis swivel mechanism provides 360-degree flexibility. The camera is compatible with several accessories including the Olympus HLD-4 battery holder, BLM-1 Lithium Ion batteries, and new FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes. Flash output settings can be controlled through the camera’s menus when using the FL-50R wireless flash. The Olympus E-3 digital SLR is available with a MSRP of $1699. PopPhoto

Olympus has finally announced their long-awaited flagship DSLR camera, the E-3. Billed as a pure pro camera, the Olympus E-3 is really more comparable to the cameras by Olympus’s competitors that we’ve been categorizing as semi-pro, such as the Pentax K10D, Canon 40D, and Nikon D200. Whatever you call it though, there’s no question that the new E-3 represents a sizable leap forward in technology and sophistication for the Olympus SLR line.

Built on a magnesium alloy frame the Olympus E-3 feels solid, and is sealed against dust and splashes. Connections include a USB 2.0 high-speed jack, an AC power jack, video out, remote control, and an x-sync terminal. The introduction also includes five new optics and two new flashes that can be remote controlled from the Olympus E-3’s onboard flash in three groups. A new battery grip works with the E-3 to double capacity, and duplicate key controls for vertical shooting.

The E-3 is exactly the camera Olympus needs to break into this prosumer SLR market, which is already dominated by Canon and Nikon, with Pentax, Sony, and Panasonic starting to fill in the gaps. Expected to retail for about $1,700, the Olympus E-3 is slated to ship in November 2007. Imaging Resource

Get it at Amazon! Olympus Evolt E-3 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Mechanical Image Stabilization (Body Only)