E3 Review By -F. Haynes-

Olympus Evolt E-3 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Mechanical Image Stabilization with ED 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 Lens and FL-50R Flash

According to Olympus, the E-3 incorporates the fastest autofocus in the world.

Certainly is among the fastest SLR with its 5 frames per second and a buffer that comes to hold 19 pictures in RAW format!
Add that this is a very compact camera, weighing considerably less than the equivalent of Nikon or Canon.

Autofocus system :
Let’s see why Olympus cries at record speed. The AF system of this camera works on two axes, ie, all 11 sensors are “cross” (in SLR are usually 1 to 3 cross-type sensors, here are all crossing). It is therefore linear sensors either horizontal or vertical, for a total of 44 different measurements. Speed auto focus is also given by the new ZUIKO DIGITAL SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive).

The system also incorporates the proven Supersonic Wave Filter system for automatic removal of dust from the sensor that works by vibrating the filter before the sensor.

This filter is positioned between the shutter and the sensor, and prevents dust from settling directly on the sensor surface. Once the dust is deposited on the filter can be removed by ultrasonic vibrations generated by the filter. I must say that you feel is so strong that even the vibration in your hands! Unlike other camera systems, this is activated on switch off the camera.

The camera is stabilized, since it has the SWD device which compensates for camera shake, operating in two modes: one compensates for movement on two axes (x and y), while the other only stabilizes the y axis (the latter is ideal to follow moving subjects in shooting sports, because movement on the x axis could be desired by the photographer to create a panning effect).

The system works: a sensor detects the movement of the camera, and induces opposite movements of the sensor to compensate for camera movement (horizontal and vertical movements, or only vertical, depending on the mode you ), with the result that the sensor remains stationary over the image.

The commands I have to say they do a little head scratching to those who, like me, accustomed to the traditional command Nikon (dare I say that I am there for a lifetime!) But are very ergonomic as most of them do not need to disconnect hands from the handle, commendable.

<<Olympus e-3 Review part 2>>

Price :  $3,150

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