Olympus releases E-620

Olympus has released its E-620 DSLR, which has created much hype among the  entry-level enthusiasts.  The E-620 has definitely out-specced the Canon’s Rebel XSi with its sensor-shift image stabilization, built-in wireless flash controller, greater sensitivity range, and a fully articulated (though slightly smaller) LCD,but has only seven autofocus points (vs. the Canon’s nine).

The E-620 is a mash-up of Olympus’ semi-pro E-30 and entry-level E-520 in a compact body approaching Oly’s own E-420 (the world’s smallest DSLR when launched).

The new camera’s high-performance 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor promises to deliver excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity, and a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit to reduce noise and capture fine image details in both highlight and shadow areas.

Its Live MOS image sensor is complemented by Olympus’ TruePic III+ Image Processor, promising accurate natural color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies, and precise tonal expression; It also lowers image noise in photos shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.

AF LIVE VIEW WITH 2.7″ HYPERCRYSTAL III SWIVEL LCD.

The E-620’s 100 percent accurate 270 degree swivel 2.7-inch Live View HyperCrystal III LCD can be rotated freely so photographers can compose at any angle, including overhead and down low. This enables a photographer to compose a subject in the Live View LCD and see the results of the various creative features – live as they’re happening. The LCD displays in vivid color and provides a wide viewing angle of 176 degrees, which ensures images can be composed from even the most obscure angles.

SEVEN POINT TWIN AUTOFOCUS.
The new 7-point twin cross AF system provides fast and accurate focusing with the speed that rivals the World Class E-3 AF system. Super sensitive 7-point Twin including, 5-Twin Cross AF target points, can measure focus both vertically and horizontally, so regardless of the subject, focusing is super-simple and fast. With a dedicated Phase Detection AF sensor, shooting moving subjects, like a runner crossing the finish line, is lightning fast. In low-light situations, this is the AF option of choice to quickly lock focus.

ELEVEN POINT IMAGER AUTOFOCUS.
In Live View the E-620 uses the advanced Autofocus technology of the E-30 with 11 dedicated AF points for fast and accurate focus. Whether using the face detection feature or close focusing on a flower, this system provides quick response times and is a simple as just pressing the shutter button.

IN BODY IMAGE STABILIZATION (3 MODES).
The E-620 features In-body Image Stabilization. That means you can use any Four Thirds lens, from wide-angle to telephoto, for perfectly clear, crisp photos no matter what the shooting situation, even in low light situations. With the E-620, you can compensate for camera shake by up to four shutter speed steps.

Multi-Aspect Shooting

The E-620 provides four aspect ratios that serve as masks to frame your image to the desired proportions, including: the standard 4:3 aspect ratio that is perfectly suited for an 8 x 10-inch enlargement; the 16:9 aspect ratio that will display your images beautifully on a widescreen television; and other popular aspect ratios such as 3:2 and 6:6.

Wireless Flash Capability

The E-620 is compatible with the Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R wireless electronic flashes that are designed exclusively for digital photography.

Availability
The Olympus E-620 DSLR will be available in May 2009. It includes E-620 Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLS-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Registration card.

Pricing / Product Configurations
E-620 Body Estimated Street Price: $699.99
E-620 Body with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens Estimated Street Price: $799.99

Click here to see the Technical Specifications