The new arrival upgrades last year’s E-420 with features seen on the company’s most recent DSLRs. Most notably, Pop Art, Pinhole and Soft Focus Art Filters allow the user to ‘apply stylish effects to any image at the touch of a button’.

Elsewhere, a 10MP LiveMOS sensor works with the TruePic III+ processor, delivering images to either CompactFlash or xD media. The sensor has also been equipped with a Supersonic Wave Filter to handle the effects of dust.

As with its predecessor, the model sports a 2.7in LCD screen delivering a 176° viewing angle, though Olympus claims that it is as bright and clear as the LCD found on the enthusiasts E-30 model. 

The mode dial has also had it functionality revised, with the Art Filters options positioned next to the Auto option. Based on the Four Thirds standard, the model is compatible with an array of lenses, flashguns and accessories.

The camera will retail at £450 with a 14-42mm kit lens, and will be available from May. For further information visit www.olympus.co.uk