Following the release of the E-300 and E-500, the 7.1MP Olympus E-330 is the fourth DSLR to be built to the FourThirds mount.
Continuous live view enables the scene to be relayed live on the 2.5in LCD, so users don?t have to use the viewfinder. Olympus has achieved this by incorporating two sensors into the TTL optical porro design, each enabling a different live view mode.
In Mode A, Full Time Live View framing, the sensor is mounted in the optical path; it enables autofocus functionality and provides a 92% field of view. In Mode B, the mirror locks up and the Live MOS sensor provides a Macro Live View with 100% field of view. This enables full manual focusing and can magnify the central area by 10 times.
The 215,250-pixel LCD screen tilts and swivels, making it easier to capture shots from tricky angles. Also, HyperCrystal technology provides 160° viewing angles and fast response times.
Olympus claims that the newly developed MOS sensor includes an enlarged photosensitive area, providing superlative images with low noise, even at high ISO settings, along with low power consumption. Protecting the sensor from dust and dirt, the camera includes Olympus?s Supersonic Wave Filter.
Alongside full manual control, the E-330 includes 20 scene modes. Metering options are: ESP (using a 49-area AE sensor), centre-weighted average, spot and Highlight and Shadow specific spot metering.
Other features include: RAW shooting, Depth of field Preview, One-Touch White Balance, 1600 ISO and 3fps continuous shooting.
Dual-memory card slots enable xD and CompactFlash cards to be used. The camera is also compatible with the PT-E02 underwater case, enabling underwater photography up to 60m.
With dimensions of 140x87x72mm, the hotshoe enables the E-330 to use E-system flashguns.
Available in March, the E-330 is supplied with a Zuiko Digital 28-90mm (35mm equiv) f/3.5-5.6 lens and will cost around £900. Log onto www.olympus.co.uk to find out more.