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The Olympus E-400 is the world’s smallest and lightest DSLR camera. The Olympus E400 offers 10 megapixels, 2.5 LCD screen, Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection, 31 shooting modes, and CompactFlash and xD-Picture Card support. Two new Olympus Four Thirds lenses will be introduced with the E400 - the EZ-1442 ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 (equiv. to 28-84mm), and the EZ-4015-2 ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 (equiv. to 80-300mm). Price of the Olympus E-400 is around £650-700 for the Double Zoom kit, single lens kit is £600-650, with body-only price £600. Available in the UK in November.
Olympus UK Press Release
The 10.0 million pixel Olympus E-400: The world’s smallest digital SLR*
London, 14 September 2006 – Olympus presents the latest addition to the E-System, the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLR* camera – the Olympus E-400. The compact size and low weight of this latest Four Thirds Standard camera, allows photographers to take it virtually anywhere, while not having to do without the considerable benefits of SLR photography. This model features a new CCD with 10.0 million pixels and a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit for incredible imaging performance at super fast speed. As the design of the Olympus E400 is based on the Four Thirds Standard, users have virtually unlimited flexibility. A wide range of high-quality, interchangeable lenses, including the EISA Award winning Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL Top Pro lenses, plus other accessories are available for all types of needs. These are provided by Olympus and, thanks to cross-manufacturer compatibility of the standard, from other manufacturers as well. As with all E-System cameras, the E400 features the Supersonic Wave Filter – ensuring dust-free photography, even after changing lenses under challenging conditions. The E-400 is expected to arrive in the UK in November, for stockist information call 0800 0720070 or visit http://www.olympus.co.uk
Compact size with innovative D-SLR technology
As it is the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLR*, the E-400 is sure to never become a burden. It is the perfect travel companion, compact enough to take along on holidays or for use as a high quality back-up camera when out on the road.
Within its extraordinarily tiny frame is a treasure-trove of innovative technology. To begin with, a 10.0 million pixel CCD provides plenty of imaging power so that even the finest of details do not go to waste. This highly energy-efficient CCD features a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit that all but eradicates noise and is incredibly fast. It enables sequential shooting at up to 3fps with a five image RAW buffer in burst mode.
Like every Olympus E-System camera, the E-400 is armed with a Supersonic Wave Filter. This patented technology allows lenses to be changing – even in challenging environments – without the fear of dust contamination, giving users the brilliance of dust-free pictures every time. Developed by Olympus, the Supersonic Wave Filter generates ultra-high-speed vibrations that literally shake off dust and other particles from the CCD. These are then captured on a special adhesive membrane to prevent recontamination. For the E-400, the Supersonic Wave Filter has been optimised with smaller dimensions and a higher frequency of vibrations for even more effectiveness.
Pro features and comfortable handling
The Olympus E-400 proves that even a feature-packed D-SLR needn’t be difficult to operate. Of course it includes the full range of manual control options for boundless creativity, and complements these with 31 scene modes that cover a wide variety of shooting situations. These include Underwater, Macro, High Key and Low Key. Users also benefit from special colour modes and the possibility to apply various Black&White filters to images.
So that photographers can continue shooting as long as they wish, the E-400 is powered by a new high-power rechargeable battery. The camera also accepts both CompactFlash and xD-Picture Cards, giving a choice of data storage options for even more flexibility. And, to ensure that the versatility and quality of E-System photography is open to as many people as possible, the menus on the E-400, as well as its manuals and software, can be displayed any one of 25 languages, making the camera completely understandable in 39 European countries – something only Olympus currently offers.
Four Thirds compatibility for boundless versatility
As with all E-Series cameras, the E-400 conforms to the Four Thirds Standard. Olympus and various other manufacturers produce high-quality Four Thirds-compliant lenses and accessories that are specifically designed for digital SLR image capture. With only very few exceptions, the E-400 is compatible with virtually the complete range of Olympus E-System accessories. This includes the full line-up of the ZUIKO DIGITAL Top Pro lenses, which recently received an EISA award. Even an Underwater Case (PT-E03) will be available to let adventurous photographers capture the delights of the aquatic world in up to 40m of water.
New E-System lenses
For better results and improved handling, lenses based on the Four Thirds Standard feature near telecentric construction, which takes into account the specific technical characteristics and requirements of digital cameras. Two new Olympus Four Thirds lenses will be introduced with the E-400 at its launch: the EZ-1442 ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 (equiv. to 28-84mm on a 35mm camera), which is perfect for standard applications, and, for more magnification power there is the EZ-4015-2 ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 (equiv. to 80-300mm on a 35mm camera). Both lenses are exceptionally compact, for greater mobility and speedy use. They also offer maximum image quality at an excellent price and feature a stylish design with a blue ring in the middle – the new insignia for the Olympus E-System lens line-up.
The E-400 achieves a remarkable balancing act between being the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLR* and relinquishing nothing in terms of image quality and professional performance. It combines the size usually attributed to compact cameras with the stunningly crisp picture quality and versatility expected from an SLR. The E-400 will be available from November 2006.
The Olympus E-400 digital SLR – main features
• World’s smallest and lightest D-SLR*
• 10 million pixels
• 6.4cm/2.5” LCD
• Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection
• Dual memory card slots (for xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash)
• 31 shooting modes (incl. 5 exposure, 7 creative & 19 scene modes)
• Built-in pop-up flash (GN 10)
• 3fps with up to five images in RAW buffer
• One touch white balance
• TruePic TURBO image processor
• AF-lock functionality
• Depth of field preview function
• Improved 49 segment digital ESP and spot metering
• Exposure Bracketing function
• Large beginners and advanced info screen
• Detailed playback info screen with histogram
• Exceptional ease of use with intuitive GUI and buttons that provide immediate access to frequently used features
• JPEG & RAW recording
• Based on Four Thirds Standard
• Underwater Case available (PT-E03) waterproof to 40m
New ultra-compact lenses – main features**
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm (28-84mm) 1:3.5-5.6
• Close focusing distance of 25cm
• ED element and 2 aspherical elements
• 65.5x61mm
• 190g
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:4.0-5.6
• Close focusing distance of 90cm
• ED lens element
• 65.5x72cm
• 250g
Olympus E-System lens line-up**
Top Pro lens range
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm (14-28mm) 1:4.0
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm (28-70mm) 1:2.0
(available from 2007)
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 35-100mm (70-200mm) 1:2.0
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 90-250mm (180-500mm) 1:2.8
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150mm (300mm) 1:2.0
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm (600mm) 1:2.8
Pro lens range
• ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm (22-44mm) 1:2.8-3.5
• ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm (28-108mm) 1:2.8-3.5
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm (100-400mm) 1:2.8-3.5
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm 1:3.5 Fisheye
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50mm (100mm) 1:2.0 Macro
Standard lens range
• NEW!! ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm (28-84mm) 1:3.5-5.6
• ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm (28-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6
• ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm (36-360mm) 1:3.5-6.3
• ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:3.5-4.5
• NEW!! Extra compact ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:4.0-5.6
• ZUIKO DIGITAL 35mm Macro (70mm) 1:3.5
* As at June 2006
** Figures in brackets show 35mm camera equivalents
#1 Zoltán
When the FourThirds standard was announced it promised, among other things, small bodies and lenses. Since then, it has been criticised - not entirely correctly - for not delivering on these promises. These criticisms are now history.
Honestly, this camera hardly appeals to me, but it sure does to a lot of folks out there, as do the two new, amazingly small and lightweight kit lenses. How sharp and distortion-free they will be remains to be seen, but the fact that Olympus have incorporated ED elements in both sounds reassuring. At least CA isn't going to be an issue then.
The almost complete omission of the hand grip gives a bit of retro looks to the camera, but if it also means retro ergonomics, then it's not such a good news. However, both Ian Burley of dpnow.com and Phil Askey of dpreview.com have stated that this was not an issue. Phil Askey writes, "having handled it I can say it's really very nice to use", while Ian Burley comments, "[a]lthough there is no contemporary grip for your right hand, the E-400 feels perfectly at home."
To really appreciate how compact it is, here are links to two pictures:
Olympus E-400 sitting next to Olympus OM-4
Olympus E-400 in woman's hand
There are some disappointments though. The AF-system is the same old 3-point affair that was used in previous FourThirds DSLRs, which doesn't cover the Rule of Thirds particularly well, the viewfinder magnification is only marginally greater than on the E-500 and there is no word on compatibility with the ME-1 magnifying eyecup. Also, there are very few buttons on the back of the camera, which suggests that many functions can only be accessed via the menu. The fact that when using ISO 800 and above sensitivity settings you get a warning signifies there could be some problems with high-ISO noise too.
Still, this camera will undoubtedly appeal to many people: the small handed, the petite, the miniaturising buff and so on. As Dennis Hissink of letsgodigital.org remarks, "[a]lthough there will undoubtedly be a share of photographers that swear by a sturdy and robust body, and prefer to feel they really are holding 'something' in their hands, a large part - and perhaps even the majority- of the potential DSLR entry-level users will appreciate the compact and light-weight size of the Olympus E-400. With the introduction of their E400, Olympus truly show just what the FourThirds system is capable of as far as size is concerned."
8:26 pm - Thursday, September 14, 2006
#2 nick in japan
Reminds me of the wonderful OM Series.. on steroids!
10:47 pm - Thursday, September 14, 2006
#3 Zoltán
Barely bigger than that Minox just introduced, huh?
5:35 am - Friday, September 15, 2006
#4 James Sanderson
I have two E-1 Cameras and the titanium body,grip and pro lens give a re-assurance on robustness and it's splashproof qualities also help. I still hope to see a pro Oly camera with higher res soon as my E-1 with 5.5 Megapixels is still my choice of all the Olympus DSLR's even after this launch.
5:53 pm - Friday, September 15, 2006
#5 Zoltán
Well said James!
8:07 pm - Friday, September 15, 2006
#6 wolfie
This is obviously an entry level camera - and not an E-1 replacement, so there's no point comparing the two. What worries me is the plastic lens mount on the new compact zooms - is the price to lightweight supremacy worth that sort of sacrifice?
6:41 am - Saturday, September 16, 2006
#7 nick in japan
IMHO plastic composites are used in everything from 80% of the body of an F18 Hornet, to indistructable telephones, offer expansion and contraction differences less than metals, dont corrode and don't conduct electricity, so the old mentality about " if it ain't metal, it ain't no good" is outdated.
8:40 am - Saturday, September 16, 2006
#8 Paul Roberts
Re: plastic lens mount on lens
>so the old mentality about " if it ain't metal, it ain't no good" is outdated.
That is until the lens snaps off when you’re travelling around China, oh and its wear and tear, so the guarantee won’t cover the £100 repair to replace the lens mount. (The lens needs calibrating after you replace the mount so you can't do a DIY repair, as the camera will never focus without recalibration.)
10:47 am - Monday, September 18, 2006
#9 Zoltán
First English review is available at Andrzej Wrotniak's website. It's of a pre-production camera, but full-sized samples are provided.
Note they are HQ JPEGs with a compression ratio of about 1:4; better quality can be achieved through the use of the SHQ setting, which has traditionally been of a 1:2,7 compression ratio on Olympus DSLRs.)
1:09 pm - Friday, September 22, 2006