By Ian Neubauer
SYDNEY: Olympus has announced the launch of its long awaited flagship D-SLR camera — the “world’s fastest” 10.1 megapixel E-3 and three new interchangeable high speed lenses.
Targeted at professionals and high-end enthusiasts, the E-3 features the “world’s fastest” auto-focus shooting at five frames per second, an image stabilisation mechanism, inbuilt flash with commander function and dual shots for multiple storage media.
The Olympus E-3 also incorporates Live View technology, a proprietary feature that allows photographers to compose their shots in a dual-axis flexible-angle rear-panel LCD.
The E-3’s rigid thixomold magnesium alloy body is built to withstand the rigours of professional shooting and extreme weather conditions, with a Dust Reduction System that effectively removes all dust that enters the camera and a durable shutter tested to 150,000 releases. The E-3 will be available from November at RRP $2,499.
To complement the launch of the new E-3, Olympus has also introduced three interchangeable lenses that comply with the FourThirds System Standard: the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD, the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD, and the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 14-35mm F2.0 SWD.
Incorporating Olympus’ newly developed, Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD), these lenses offer quiet, ultra-fast auto focusing. In combination with the flagship E-3 Digital SLR camera, these lenses allow photographers to take advantage of the world’s fastest auto focusing speed, when the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD lens is used with the E-3 at a focal length of 60mm (120mm: 35mm equivalent). This claim is based on Olympus’ in-house measurement conditions.
The Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD and Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD will be available in Australia from December 2007 at RRP $1,499 and RRP $1,599 respectively. The Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 14-35mm f2.0 SWD will be available in Australia in early 2008 at RRP $3,499.
A new range of accessories including Olympus Zuiko Digital 2x Telconverter EC-20 – an ultra compact, high-performance teleconverter lens capable of doubling the focal length of the master lens, electronic flashes, eye cups and a power battery holder for the Olympus E-system of interchangeable-lens D-SLR cameras are also now available from stockists.
To complete the offering, Olympus is also giving professional photographers in Australia access to Olympus DSLR technology experts with the introduction of the new Olympus E-Pro professional support service. Rerms and coinditions apply — professional photographers can sign up for free by downloading an application form via the E-Pro website at http://e-pro.olympus.com.au or through E-Pro brochures found in Olympus E-system outlets.