PMA 2007: The development of four new Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses and a 2.0x teleconverter have also been announced ahead of PMA. Interestingly three of the lenses will feature newly-developed, high-speed SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) autofocusing system, bringing Olympus inline with other competitor’s systems (Canon’s USM, for example). The 14-35mm (28-70mm) f/2.0 offers a standard zoom with extremely fast constant aperture, whilst the non-SWD 70-300mm is equivalent to 140-600mm! Olympus have also briefly stated that the introduction of the successor to the E-1, named as the P-1, is scheduled for later this year, disappointing all those Olympus users who are patiently waiting for the company’s pro camera to be launched.

Olympus UK Press Release

Four Thirds-based system gains latest additions

Olympus to expand E-System with new D-SLRs and a range of interchangeable lenses

Las Vegas, 4 March 2007 – Olympus is pleased to announce a major expansion to the E-System, its innovative series of digital SLR cameras and accessories. Two new camera bodies are being introduced: The ultra-compact and lightweight E-410 turns heads as the extremely portable D-SLR, while the E-510 boasts versatility and high-performance with a mechanical image stabiliser built directly into the body. A third D-SLR – the eagerly awaited successor to the groundbreaking E-1, which is destined to become the flagship of the Olympus E-System line-up – will make its debut later this year. All three cameras boast the advantage of Live View, with an enhanced rear-panel LCD bringing a new level of usability to D-SLR photography. This capability, together with a wealth of professional level features and functions, will form the basis of the forthcoming successor to the E-1. The highly-anticipated, exciting new D-SLR body will boast tremendous performance and functionality, taking picture quality, mobility and reliability to unprecedented levels. Rounding out this extension to the Olympus E-System will be four new ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses and a teleconverter.

With the announcement of plans for E-System expansion, Olympus ushers in the next chapter of the story that began in autumn 2003. As the world’s first fully digital SLR camera based on the Four Thirds Standard, the E-1 marked the beginning of a new era. Today, this award winning camera’s legacy lives on in both the E-410 – with its light and compact body – and the E-510, which benefits from innovative technology such as a mechanical image stabiliser built directly into its body. These D-SLRs offer the ultimate in quality, robustness and flexibility to live up to the rigorous demands of ambitious photographers – no matter what the situation.

“Stunning results, intuitive design and superior reliability anyplace, anytime – these were the demands these cameras had to meet. Our R&D team did an incredible job. The proof – which you can preview here at PMA – is plain to see: D-SLR photography has evolved as a result of the Four Thirds Standard and the E-System. We’re able to do things that aren’t possible according to conventional SLR concepts. So why should professionals have to limit themselves? We have the solution here and will continue to develop technologies that will be incorporated in future models, such as the successor to the E-1, that will deliver the highest reliability and extreme performance,” explains Michael Handa, Executive Managing Director, Olympus Imaging Europe.

Inheriting all the superb features that made the E-1 the benchmark for digital SLR cameras, the new camera’s performance will be enhanced with the addition of powerful new functions, a rugged design to withstand heavy-duty professional use, improved specifications and greater system extendibility.

Comprising 17 models, the ZUIKO DIGITAL line-up is the widest range of fully digital lenses available today. Currently Olympus is developing four new E-System lenses. Of these, three will incorporate the newly-developed, high-speed SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) autofocusing system. Combined with the forthcoming E-1 successor model, these lenses will achieve the world’s fastest-class autofocusing speeds. The fourth new lens will boast extreme telephoto capabilities in an extremely compact form. Furthermore, a 2.0x teleconverter will join the impressive line-up of E-System accessories. To date, combined sales of Olympus E-System lenses, camera bodies and other accessories have recorded sales topping one million units.

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm (24-120mm) 1:2.8-4.0 SWD
5x zoom
Extreme wide angle capabilities from 12mm (24mm)
Supersonic Wave Drive AF system

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm (100-400mm) 1:2.8-3.5 SWD
4x zoom
Supersonic Wave Drive AF system

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm (28-70mm) 1:2.0 SWD
Extremely bright 1:2.0 aperture across entire focal range
2.5x zoom
Supersonic Wave Drive AF system

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm (140-600mm) 1:4.0-5.6
4.3x zoom
Extreme telephoto capabilities to 300mm (600mm)

ZUIKO DIGITAL 2.0x Teleconverter EC-20
Doubles the focal length of the master lens
* Figures in brackets show 35mm camera equivalents

The introduction of the successor to the E-1 is scheduled for later this year.

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