New Compact Olympus DSLR

Olympus has updated their entry level compact DSLR with a bigger LCD screen and new picture taking aids.

Olympus was a pioneer of live LCD screens on DSLRs and the larger screen makes this feature more usable on the new E420. The autofocus system still works while using live view making it a practical option for candid shots. Without the need to hold the camera close to the face obscuring or restricting your view of the wider event.

Olympus claim the E420 is the world’s smallest DSLR so you can take great photographs without weighing you down. The E-420 is small enough to fit into a purse or a jacket pocket and light enough to shoot with comfortably all day.

Part of the small size comes four the smaller four thirds sensor, also the world’s smallest sensor on DSLR. However, with a more than 10 Megapixels and combined with the excellent Zuiko range of lenses image quality should be first rate.

"The Olympus E-420 delivers the professional-grade image quality of a digital SLR with the simple operation of a point-and-shoot camera,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager - DSLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Thanks to the camera’s small size and lightweight body, users can take the E-420 everywhere, and they will never miss another shot because the of the camera’s straightforward controls."

Face detection technology assists with focusing, and the face is the most important area to get right when photographing people. Shadow Adjustment Technology captures detail in the bright areas of a frame and opens up detail in the shadows.

To go with the world’s smallest DSLR, Olympus has a new ultra compact Zuiko 25mm f2.8 digital specific lens, similar to the flat Pentax pancake style. With a crop factor of 2, this lens is equivalent to the view of a 50mm lens, long the mainstay of film SLRs.