The world’s smallest, lightest (among interchangeable lens type digital SLR cameras incorporating an image stabilization mechanism (as of February 24, 2009, based on in-house research)) digital SLR with built-in image stabilisation, featuring the Art Filter function for creative in-camera photographic expression

The new E-620 looks to be a stunning camera. In handling an engineering sample, I can say the LCD screen is bright, it handles well, is small and should be a great camera for the price. The price has yet to be set but it will sit between the E-30 and the E-520. To me, the killer features are the in body IS, the swivel LCD and the fact that the buttons light up, making it great for low light shooting. The new 12MP sensor is claimed to offer low noise, though we won’t know for sure till I get to shoot with one. The optical viewfinder is noticeable larger and brighter than the E-520 and very nice to use. I remain to be convinced about the Art Filter modes, since I prefer to do this post shot in the computer. The availability of the battery holder and the underwater case make this a great system camera at a lower entry point than previously.

All around, I am impressed with this camera and look forward to reviewing it.

With the battery holder attached

Press Release follows:

Olympus Imaging Corporation (President: Masaharu Okubo) is pleased to announce the Olympus E-620, the latest addition to Olympus’ consumer range of Four Thirds System-compliant E-System digital SLR cameras. The new E-620, scheduled for release in Australia in April 2009, is the world’s smallest and lightest1 digital SLR to incorporate an image stabilisation mechanism. Pricing is yet to be announced.

Olympus E-620 digital camera

• World’s smallest & lightest digital SLR body with built in image stabiliser.  Outstanding portability with powerful image stabilisation compensation up to 4EV2 steps.
• 2.7 inch dual axis swivel LCD screen for greater shooting comfort
• Powerful, creative Art Filters, multi-aspect shooting and High-Speed Imager AF for easy-to-use, enhanced creativity and responsive Live View shooting for enhanced photographic expression
• 12.3 megapixel High-Speed Live MOS Sensor and TruePic III+ image processing engine for high quality imaging
• Newly developed 7 point AF system that delivers class leading high-speed
performance with fast, accurate focusing and high-speed 4fps sequential shooting

Back view

Combining the compact digital SLR design ethos of the E-420 with the outstanding built-in image-stabilisation capability of the E-520, the new E-620 digital SLR camera offers an unprecedented level of ease-of-use, portability and sophistication for its class. Weighing in at just 475 grams, the E-620 employs a newly developed image stabilisation mechanism that provides up to 4 EV2 steps of effective compensation and a 2.7 inch dual axis swivel LCD screen. This level of portability is made possible through a substantial reduction in the component packaging size for the internal circuit boards and image sensor.

The E-620 also incorporates some of the outstanding new features which were first introduced in Olympus’ latest enthusiast digital SLR model, the E-30. Offering six creative Art Filters which can all be previewed when used with Live View mode, the E-620 boasts a colour intensifying Pop Art filter and a beauty enhancing Soft Focus filter. These filters enable photographers to easily achieve artistic modes of photographic expression that typically require the use of special lenses, add-on filters, or complex post-capture image processing techniques. The ease and comfort of Live View shooting is further enhanced by a High-Speed Imager AF that enables LCD based focusing with compact-camera ease and a dual-axis, swivel LCD screen that supports both horizontal and vertical Live View shooting. Additional feature highlights include Multi-Aspect and Multi-Exposure shooting capabilities.

Superb image quality is provided by the 12.3-megapixel High-Speed Live MOS Sensor and new TruePic III+ image processing engine. The E-620 also offers class leading high-speed performance with a newly developed 7-point AF system incorporating five twin-cross type sensors for fast, accurate auto focus and high-speed sequential shooting at four frames per second.

The battery grip

To provide an even wider range of choice for entry-level, intermediate and professional digital SLR photographers, Olympus will continue to develop and expand its line-up of digital SLR systems that comply with the Four Thirds System standard.

The E-620 also offers:
• Olympus’ internationally acclaimed Dust Reduction System
• Built-in flash with Commander function for wireless off-camera flash synchronisation
• Auto gradation adjustment to minimise over exposure in highlights and improve detail in shadows
• Multiple-exposure function with LCD monitor display of current view superimposed on previously captured image
• Face Detection & Shadow Adjust Technology for beautifully balanced exposure of foreground subjects and background scenery
• Perfect Shot Preview to compare the effect of various setting adjustments before actual shooting
• Large optical viewfinder with 95 per cent field of view and 0.96x magnification
• Shooting information display via Super Control Panel LCD monitor display for superior visibility and operating ease
• Illuminated buttons assisting night-time shooting
• Colour Universal Design certified for enhanced interface perceptibility
• High-precision, 49-zone metering system
• Scene modes with easy activation of shooting functions via sample image selection
• Versatile bracketing functions for ISO, white balance, exposure and flash
• Lightbox view with enlargement function for easy side-by-side comparison of images

World’s smallest & lightest3 digital SLR body with a built in image stabiliser, offering outstanding portability and powerful image stabilisation compensation up to 4EV4  steps.

Olympus has designed a completely new image stabilisation mechanism unit specifically for the E-620. The result is a more compact stabiliser unit capable of providing up to four EV4 steps of shake compensation – the same as the E-520 – yet weighing 20 per cent less than the stabilisation unit used in the latter. Olympus has also reduced the packaging circuit board area by more than 20 per cent in comparison to to the E-520. This has been achieved through systematic reduction in the size of mounted components and component mounting pitches. Such design improvements help the E-620 to boast a body weight of 475 grams, making it the smallest, lightest3 digital SLR camera in the world with an in-built image stabilisation mechanism.

Built in to the camera body, the E-620′s image stabilisation can be used with all Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL and other manufacturers’ lenses that comply with the Four Thirds System standard. Effective image stabilisation is available across all focal lengths: from the super wide-angle to the super telephoto range, as well as fish eye and macro lenses.  Photographers are able to enjoy blur-free handheld shooting freedom in telephoto photography and with long-exposure or low-light fish eye and super wide-angle shots.

The built-in image stabiliser also has additional settings for horizontally-oriented and vertically oriented pan action photography.

2.7 inch dual axis swivel LCD screen for greater shooting comfort.

The 2.7-inch HyperCrystal III LCD monitor boasts a wide viewing angle, high contrast, a wide chromatic range. It is fitted to a dual-axis swivel mechanism that enables the screen to be rotated on both the vertical and horizontal axis. This permits Live View shooting of high-angle and low-angle shots without looking through the viewfinder and eliminates uncomfortable or awkward camera handling postures. The swivel screen also makes waist-level portrait shooting possible.  With a maximum brightness of 1000 cd (candelas)/m2 5, photographers will be able to compose their shots with Live View activated even in bright ambient lighting conditions.

Powerful, creative Art Filters, multi-aspect shooting and High-Speed Imager AF allows for easy-to-use, enhanced creativity and responsive Live View shooting for high quality photographic expression.

Easy-to-apply Art Filters for enhanced creativity

The E-620 incorporates the Art Filter function which was first available with the E-30 model launched in December 2008.Art Filters bring a new dimension to creative photography for the digital SLR user. Photographers can now easily apply creative effects at the moment of capture that typically require the use of special lenses, add-on filters, or time-consuming image post-capture processing techniques.

The Olympus E-620 offers the following Art Filters:

• Pop Art – Intensifies colours and creates strong, vibrant images
• Soft Focus – Softens subject detail, providing a classic soft filter look
• Pale Light & Colour – Utilises a muted colour palette to create a light image feel
• Light Tone – Subdues highlights and shadows to create the appearance of soft lighting
• Grainy Film – Recreates the rich, grainy look and tonality of high contrast black & white film photography
• Pin Hole – Reproduces the peripheral vignetting and unique colour tone of photos taken with a toy camera

Multi-aspect shooting with a choice of nine different aspect ratios

During Live View shooting photographers are offered a choice of four aspect ratios. In addition to the standard 4:3 aspect ratio, the E-620 offers widescreen 16:9 and medium-format 6:6as well as 35mm-format 3:2 aspect ratios.

High-Speed Imager AF for responsive Live View shooting

The E-620 is equipped with the widely acclaimed image sensor based AF Live View system, first featured on the Olympus E-520 and E-420, which allows the camera to autofocus without moving the reflex mirror. When the shutter release is half-pressed during Live View shooting, the seven zone High-Speed Imager AF adjusts focus by driving the lens to detect peak contrast with the image sensor. As a result, Live View shooting is as easy and convenient as it is with a digital compact camera.

Lenses compatible with the High-Speed Imager AF system cover the ultra-wide-angle (equivalent to 18mm in 35mm film format) to super-telephoto (equivalent to 600mm in 35mm film format) focal lengths. Lenses that provide this capability include: ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6, ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6, ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6, 25mm f2.8, 14-54mm f2.8-3.5II, and the ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.66. Firmware enabling High-Speed Image AF compatibility (Ver. 1.2) for the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 lens is expected to be released in early March 2009.

12.3 megapixel High-Speed Live MOS Sensor and TruePic III+ image processing engine for high quality imaging.

The E-620′s 12.3-megapixel Live MOS Sensor features high resolution, rich colour gradations and bright, natural colour reproduction that capture the subject in fine detail. It offers improved noise reduction and has a wider dynamic range than the previous Live MOS sensor.

The TruePic III+ image processing engine features improvements in imaging, gradation representation and colour reproduction.

Newly developed seven point AF system that delivers class leading high-speed performance, with fast, accurate focusing and high-speed 4fps sequential shooting.

Newly developed seven-point AF system

All seven autofocus points in the E-620′s AF sensor feature twin-line sensors to provide significantly better AF accuracy than conventional single-line AF array sensor types.

The new AF system uses five central AF points with a twin-cross configuration (twin lines arranged in a cross formation) and two twin-line focus points at the periphery. The cross-sensor configuration enables the sensor to accurately detect contrast in both horizontal and vertical directions with virtually any type of subject while the offset (houndstooth pattern) arrangement of twin sensor lines significantly increases detection accuracy and improves AF performance in low light.

As of February 24, 2009, when a lens other than the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6, ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6, 14-54mm f2.8-3.5II, ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 and 25mm f2.8 is used with the E-620, the AF uses 7 distance-measuring points and is performed again when the shutter release button is fully pressed. To use the High-Speed Imager AF, the ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 and ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 requires the firmware updating to Ver. 1.1 or higher (the ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 requires firmware Ver. 1.2 (expected to released in early March) or higher).

High-speed 4-fps sequential shooting

Sequential shooting speed in the E-620 has been increased to four fps from the 3.5 fps in the E-420 and E-520 even with a comparatively larger amount of image data generated by the new 12.3MP image sensor. This is a result of the combination of improvements in the read speed of the new High-Speed Live MOS Sensor, improved processing speed of the TruePic III+ image processing engine and the improved accuracy of the new mirror mechanism.

Other features:

• High Reliability Dust Reduction System
Small particles of dust and dirt may adhere to the low-pass filter or the image sensor and show up on the captured image. Dust can enter the camera when lenses are changed and is also produced inside the body through friction between moving parts in the shutter mechanism. Olympus has always viewed dust reduction as a critical issue in digital SLR cameras and has solved this by the use of the critically acclaimed Supersonic Wave Filter (SSWF) system that vibrates at supersonic speeds to dislodge dust and dirt every time the main power or Live View are switched on. With the E-620’s powerful SSWF system even the smallest particles that are tightly bound by molecular attraction and cannot be removed by simple shaking or anti-static measures, can be dislodged and trapped in the dust collection unit.

• Built-in flash with Commander function for wireless off-camera flash synchronization. Built-in flash with wireless flash control The E-620 is equipped with a GN17 (ISO 200) built-in flash with TTL flash exposure control. The built-in flash system also supports wireless multi-flash control without the need for an external commander unit when used with FL-50R and/or FL-36R flashes. This enables photographers to easily control flash mode, brightness and other settings for up to three groups of remote flash units via a menu displayed on the camera’s LCD screen.

• Auto gradation adjustment to prevent wash-out in highlights and loss of details in
shadows
With Gradation set to Auto, Olympus’ Shadow Adjustment Technology balances highlight and shadow exposure to help prevent wash-out in highlights and loss of details in shadows. This ensures that even high-contrast subjects are rendered naturally as they appear to the human eye. A total of four gradation settings are available: Auto, High Key, Normal (default), and Low Key.

• Sophisticated multiple-exposure capability with overlay image displayed on LCD monitor
The E-620 provides two options for multi-exposure photography. First, the photographer can choose to use a previously captured RAW image as the base image and display this to use as a template or reference image on the Live View screen in the process of capturing another picture for compositing. Up to two exposures can be made on a single frame with or without auto gain adjustment according to the user’s preference. Alternatively, up to three RAW format images already recorded on the camera’s memory card can be combined together, making the compositing of images taken on different times and in different locations possible.

• Face Detection & Shadow Adjust Technology for beautifully balanced exposure of foreground subjects and background scenery
The E-620′s face detection capability detects up to eight faces, optimising focus and exposure for faces in single subject or group photos. Olympus’ exclusive Face Detection can be combined with Shadow Adjust Technology to deliver optimum exposure of subject faces and ensure that brightly lit backgrounds are not overexposed. Face detection is also possible during image playback, making it easy to select and enlarge the faces of people in a photo to check their expressions.

• Perfect Shot Preview function to compare the results of various effects before actual shooting
The Perfect Shot Preview in Live View mode displays four live image frames on the same screen with varying exposure compensation or white balance settings. This provides an ability to easily check and compare the effects of these commonly used image settings in advance. The preferred image with the desired exposure and white balance setting can then be easily selected with the click of a button and immediately used for the exposure.

• Optical viewfinder with 95 per cent field of view, 0.96X magnification and extensive information display
The newly developed optical viewfinder shows a field of view of approximately 95 per cent with a magnification of 0.96X (at -1 mm-1 50 mm infinity), providing a large and comfortable viewing frame. The viewfinder LCD displays a wide range of camera settings and metering data.

• Super Control Panel LCD monitor display for superior visibility and operating ease
The Super Control Panel displayed on the camera’s LCD screen provides detailed shooting and settings information. An easy-to-use GUI (Graphical User Interface) enables quick, intuitive camera settings selection via the four-way arrow pad and OK button.

• Illuminated buttons to support night time shooting
The Menu, Play, arrow pad buttons and other buttons on the rear panel are illuminated for good visibility when operating the camera in the dark.

• Colour Universal Design certified for easy viewing regardless of individual differences in colour perception
The colour of the printed icons on the camera exterior as well as the colour of the on-screen graphics have been carefully selected to assure they can be clearly viewed by users with a wide range of individual differences in colour perception. As a result, the E-620 has been granted Colour Universal Design certification.7

• High-precision, 49-zone metering system
The E-620′s high-precision metering system covers the entire frame with 49 zones, assuring fast, accurate metering even in complex lighting situations with a wide range of light levels. Photographers can choose from the proprietary Olympus digital ESP (Electro Selective Pattern) metering, centre-weighted average metering, or spot metering. In addition, spot metering highlight and shadow control settings enable photographers to easily bias exposure for highlights or shadows and reproduce whiter whites or blacker blacks.

• Easy activation of shooting functions via sample image selection
Five scene program AE modes and 13 Scene Select AE modes are selectable via the Mode Dial. In the Scene Select AE mode, easily understood exemplar images with concise descriptions are displayed on the LCD screen display to provide the user with a convenient way to choose preset optimised camera settings for a variety of common shooting scenes – e.g., landscape, portrait, and fireworks.

• Versatile bracketing functions for ISO, white balance, exposure, and flash
The ability to bracket four key shooting parameters makes obtaining the desired picture easy. With a choice of ISO, white balance, exposure and flash brightness bracketing, the photographer has the confidence that he has the ability to capture the best image possible even under challenging lighting or exposure conditions.

• Lightbox view with enlargement function for easy side-by-side comparison of images
A Lightbox function enables photographers to display two images side-by-side on the LCD screen and also enlarge them to check fine details. This allows the users to easily compare subtle differences in facial expressions and focusing sharpness.

Optional Accessories
• Power Battery Holder HLD-5
The E-620 incorporates the new HLD-5 – a power battery holder designed to enable extended shooting sessions. It accommodates two BLS-1 lithium ion rechargeable batteries which are identical to the battery incorporated in the body of the E-620. The holder has a shutter button for vertical shooting as well as a control dial and lock switch that makes vertical shooting just as easy as horizontal shooting. With a total system weight of 675 grams, the combination of the E-620 and HLD-5 power battery holder is the world’s lightest battery-extended system.8

• Body Jacket CS-9BWT, CS-9BSWT (White) / CS-9BDB, CS-9BSDB (Dark brown)
Designed to protect the camera body against damage and impact, the CS-9BWT (white) and CS-9BDB (dark brown) leather jackets also offer a sense of style and sophistication with the traditional elegance of genuine leather, superior craftsmanship and classic design. Each body jacket is designed so that the LCD screen can be viewed during shooting and playback and is supplied with a long, adjustable strap. The CS-9BSWT and CS-9BSDB jackets also include a long shoulder strap.

• Long Shoulder Strap CSS-S107LL (White) / CSS-S108LL (Brown)
The CSS-S107LL (white) and CSS-S108LL (brown) are genuine leather straps with a longer length (approximately 110 – 140cm) than previous versions. These are suitable for slinging the camera diagonally over the shoulder.

• Underwater Housing PT-E06
The PT-E06 underwater housing is designed for use with the E-620 and features pressure resistance for a depth of up to 40 metres. The waterproof mechanism employs the double O-ring pressurisation system to improve hermetic sealing and is compatible with either light- or electric signal-controlled flash. An easy-to-open/close, easy-to-handle rotary buckle provides improved operability. When combined with an underwater lens port this case allows a variety of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses to be used in underwater shooting.

Stunning underwater shooting is made easier and more fun with the E-620’s two underwater scene modes. The Underwater Macro and Underwater Wide modes make colours more vivid, especially enhancing blues.

About Olympus
Olympus Imaging Australia Pty Ltd is a subsidiary of Olympus Corporation, headquartered in Japan.
Olympus Imaging Australia is responsible for the marketing and distribution of Olympus consumer products in Australia and through Olympus agents and dealers in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti and the South Pacific region.

Olympus Imaging Australia encompasses a broad range of imaging products from digital and film cameras designed for photographers of all levels. Our mission is to deliver innovative products that fit into everyday lifestyles, enabling customers to explore their world. www.olympus.com.au.