January 28, 2006 Since the introduction of the first single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, photographers have prized SLRs because they can see with the naked eye, through an optical viewfinder, exactly what is passing through the camera's lens. The "reflex" of a mirrored shutter that bends light to the camera's viewfinder, and then snaps open rapidly to create exposures, makes this possible and gives the SLR its advantage. But this SLR advantage, while delivering high-performance speed and accuracy, has one drawback in the digital age. Because the image sensor is blocked by the mirror and shutter until the moment the shutter button is pressed, the mirror and shutter mechanism prevents a traditional digital SLR from viewing and composing a photo using only the camera's Liquid Crystal Display as a viewfinder.

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As anyone who has used a compact digital camera knows, composing a photo just by viewing the camera's LCD is easy and commonplace, and many compact cameras do not even offer an optical viewfinder. Composing on an LCD has its own advantages, and Olympus engineers asked the question: How can we design a new digital SLR that delivers not only the traditional through-the-lens optical viewfinder experience of an SLR, but also adds the ability to frame photos with an LCD like a compact camera?

The solution to this technical challenge is the revolutionary Olympus EVOLT E-330 digital SLR - the world's first interchangeable lens digital SLR to feature a true "Live View" image on the LCD screen, in addition to the optical viewfinder, and unite the best of both worlds.

The Olympus E-330 is the world’s first digital SLR camera to feature continuous live views directly on the LCD. Enabling the framing of compositions without the need to look through the ocular, it allows digital SLR photographers to see what’s going on around them while they shoot, significantly enhancing flexibility. Thanks to a big, 6.4cm multi-angle LCD, users will only seldom need to get into awkward positions to frame difficult shots – even if shooting from the ground. Ensuring the Olympus E-330 delivers outstanding image quality is a latest-generation MOS sensor that produces incredibly detailed 7.5 megapixel results. Meanwhile, this model naturally incorporates the Olympus-exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter for dust-free photography, as all cameras in the Olympus E-Series do. And to offer the optimal equipment in any shooting situation, the camera is compatible with the entire range of Olympus E-System accessories.

The Olympus E-330 represents a breakthrough in digital SLR photography. For the first time it gives users the freedom to see their subjects live on the camera’s tilting, multi-angle LCD. This means that macro photographers needn’t lie in the mud to frame ground-level subjects any more, and portrait photographers can keep constant eye contact with their model or client. Moreover, underwater photographers will finally have the freedom to see what they shoot through their diving mask.

This innovation is made all the better due to superior image quality by using a highly advanced Live MOS sensor with 7.5 million pixels.

As with all Olympus E-System products, the Olympus E-330 incorporates the Supersonic Wave Filter to protect the image sensor from harmful contaminants that can enter the camera during lens changes. Generating ultra-high-speed vibrations, dust and other particles that can affect image quality are shaken off and then captured on a special adhesive membrane. The function is invoked at each start-up of the camera or can be manually executed at any time.

Catering to virtually all users’ needs and preferences, this model offers a full manual exposure mode, semi-manual aperture or shutter priority options plus the convenience of automatic shooting. In addition, 20 scene modes and 7 creative modes will have the ideal solution in store for nearly every photographic situation. New features include an anti blur option, nature macro and xD-Panorama mode plus two underwater modes. A special Live View Boost function also increases the brightness of the view on the 2.5”/6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD for easy framing, even in dim lighting.

Numerous professional options ensure first-class image capture. A 49 area AE sensor with sophisticated AE algorithm, for example, provides accurate exposure values for ESP metering. Black & white shooting is available with the possibility to add colour filters – as used in analogue photography. A one-touch white balance option, AF-lock functionality and depth of field preview continue the pro-level features of the Olympus E-330. To evaluate exposure levels of individual compositions, the camera offers a Histogram function. And with both CompactFlash and xD-Picture Card slots, this model gives photographers extra flexibility for extended shooting and lets them choose the type of storage medium they prefer. Users also have the choice between saving their data in JPEG, TIFF and RAW format.

Despite all these functions, the camera is easy to handle. Thanks to the TTL optical porro design, the lightweight, ergonomic body is incredibly compact. To further enhance shooting ease, users can choose the amount of on-screen information they want to see: from advanced information for experienced photographers to just the general details for beginners.

The full advantages of SLR photography are available to Olympus E-330 owners due to compatibility with virtually the entire E-System range of accessories. In addition to the extensive line-up of lenses, specialised accessories such as various flash units are available too. And to allow the amazing potential of this model to be used even off-shore, Olympus will be offering the underwater case PT-E02 (waterproof up to 60m) from May 2006.

The Olympus E-330 sets a new standard in digital SLR photography with the ability to deliver continuous live views directly on the LCD. Convincing with extraordinary image quality thanks to its 7.5 million pixel MOS sensor, this model hits the shelves from March 2006.

The Olympus E-330 digital SLR – main features:

World’s first* Live View digital SLR with two modes: A Mode – Full Time Live View with incorporated AF B Mode – Macro Live View with 10x magnification for accurate manual focusing 7.5 million pixels Live MOS sensor Multi-angle 6.4cm/2.5” HyperCrystal LCD (215,250 pixels) Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection TTL Optical Porro Finder design Based on FourThirds Standard Single AF, continuous AF and manual focusing, plus S-AF+MF and C-AF+MF 49 area AE sensor ESP, centre-weighted average and spot exposure metering plus high light basis and shadow light basis spot metering Professional AE lock functionality Sequential shooting at up to 3.0fps IR Hybrid Type Cut Filter for equalisation with human eyes 1/3 EV ISO steps ISO up to 1600 TruePic TURBO image processor P/S/A as well as full manual operation 20 scene modes, 7 creative modes plus 4 exposure modes Dual slot for CompactFlash/Microdrives and xD-Picture Cards Built-in pop-up flash User-friendly with detailed and simplified display modes Weight: 550g, size: 140x87x72mm Compatible with the complete range of Olympus E-System lenses and many accessories, including the FL-36 flash and the ME-1 magnifier Available as camera body only or in kit containing camera body, 14-45mm (28-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6 lens, BLM-1 rechargeable battery pack with BCM-2 charger Optional underwater case PT-E02 available from May 2006

Olympus E-System lenses**: ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm (14-28mm) 1:4.0 ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm (22-44mm) 1:2.8-3.5 ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm (28-70mm) 1:2.0 (available from 2007) ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm (28-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6 ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm (28-108mm) 1:2.8-3.5 ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm (36-360mm) 1:3.5-6.3 ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 35-100mm (70-200mm) 1:2.0 ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:3.5-4.5 ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm (100-400mm) 1:2.8-3.5 ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 90-250mm (180-500mm) 1:2.8 ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm 1:3.5 Fisheye ZUIKO DIGITAL 35mm Macro (70mm) 1:3.5 ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50mm (100mm) 1:2.0 Macro ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150mm (300mm) 1:2.0 ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm (600mm) 1:2.8