Olympus E-420 is the world’s smallest and lightest DSLR
By Arnold Zafra
The Olympus E-420 is a small and compact digital SLR camera that is said to be ideal for anyone who wants to step up to the power and performance of a digital SLR (single lens reflex), while still enjoying the ease-of-use of a point-and-shoot cameras.
Priced at US$499 the Olympus E-420 offers heavyweight technologies, including a bigger, more viewable 2.7-inch LCD and consumer-friendly fast On-Screen Autofocus, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview to get the most out of the Live View experience.
According to Olympus, the E-420 is the world’s smallest and lightest consumer digital SLR that delivers enhanced autofocus Live View.
Key features include:
- 10.0 Megapixels, four thirds Live MOS sensor
- 3-point multiple AF with phase detection; 11-point multiple AF with contrast detection
- 100 to 1600 ISO (sensitivity)
- 2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD (230,000 dots)
- 500 shots per battery charge
- Takes CompactFlash, xD MEDIA
- Ultra compact and light body
- 380 g
- Dimensions of 129.5 mm x 91 mm x 53 mm (W x H x D)
- On-Screen Autofocus with Live View works as seamlessly as a point-and-shoot to display subjects in focus on the LCD the instant the shutter is pressed half way; Face Detection Technology targets and locks on up to eight faces to ensure accurate focus for crystal clear, amazing portraits.
What the manufacturer says:
The E-420 is the world’s smallest digital SLR with all the features you need to take great pictures anywhere you go, every day. The E-420 is small enough to fit into a purse or a jacket pocket and light enough to shoot with comfortably all day.
What reviewers and users are saying:
“Compact size, light weight, good image and color quality, handy, intuitive controls (once you get familiar with the Super Control Panel, 2x sensor crop factor maximizes telephoto lens length.”- Digital Camera Review
“Light weight and small size make it far more portable than most DSLRs. Live view lets you compose on-screen instead of peering through the viewfinder. Speedy autofocus. No discernible shutter lag. Paging all photo geeks: RAW format support.”- Wired
“The E-420 has a hell of a lot of tech packed into its relatively small package.” – Gizmodo
Our comment:
If you own either the Nikon D40 or the Canon 450D as your entry-level camera, one of the things that you probably regret by now is that both of these DSLR are a bit heavy, especially for everyday use. Portability is a big factor to consider when buying your first DSLR, and the E-420 may well answer that need.
Related:
May 11th, 2008
this is cool, nice features too. Not bad for $499.
nhick
http://www.itrush.com