Olympus has finally announced their long-awaited E3 DSLR, marking it as the company?s flagship E-system model. The Four Thirds model comes four years after the release of the E1, with its specification posing direct competition to the top-end models launched by the likes of Canon and Nikon earlier this year.

The Live View mode championed by the company and since adopted by many others features, alongside a 10.1MP LiveMOS sensor and 2.5in multi-angle LCD screen. The company also claims that when used with its new Zuiko Digital 12-60mm lens, the model boasts the ?world?s fastest autofocus system?. Other key features include the Supersonic Wave Filter for the reduction and removal of dust, and Supersonic Wave Drive image stabilisation technology, both seen previously on E-system models.

The TruePic III imaging processor is said to ?improve noise suppression, enhance colour reproduction and enable faster processing speeds?, while metering is provided by a 49-zone multi-pattern system. The Live View mode, meanwhile, allows the Shadow Adjustment, White Balance and Exposure Compensation to be viewed in real-time, as the image is being composed on the LCD screen.

As was the case with the E1, the magnesium alloy construction of the body is splashproof while the viewfinder provides 100% image coverage. The Four Thirds mount provides full compatibility with Zuiko Digital lenses and accessories, with four new lenses also being launched by the company alongside the model. Additionally, the model is compatible with the Four Thirds lens range manufactured by Leica.

The E-3 will be from available in either a body-only option for £1099, as a kit with the 14-54mm lens for £1499 or with the new 12-60mm lens for £1699. All prices are to be confirmed, though a November release date has been set by the company. For more information visit www.olympus.co.uk.