Olympus has announced the 10-megapixel E-450 DSLR in the UK priced at £450. It’s another Four Thirds-based camera that is said to be the World’s Smallest and Lightest DSLR. Press Releases and more images are at the jump…

PRESS RELEASE (EUROPE)

Accessible D-SLR quality

The Olympus E-450: Everyone is an artist

London, 31 March 2009 – With the Olympus E-450, the superior quality of E-System D-SLRs and ease-of-use of compact cameras are fused in a model that brings out the artist in anyone. Indeed, the successor to the renowned E-420 is packed with features that encourage novices to explore their creative potential and create masterpieces. Three in-camera Art Filters, for example, apply stylish effects to any image at the touch of a button. Meanwhile, image composition is simplified thanks to Live View depictions on the bright LCD. This latest addition to the Olympus E-System range is not only one of the smallest and lightest models on the market*, it also boasts all the benefits of the Four Thirds Standard at an affordable price. And, of course, the E-450 has a full range of Olympus’ innovative E-System technology on board. It will be available in stores from May 2009.

A creative powerhouse

Developed with amateurs in mind, the easy-to-use Olympus E-450 brings a high performance D-SLR to users with unbridled imaginations. A range of Art Filters allows photographers to stretch the limits of their creativity, without complicated software or a computer. Introduced with the E-30, this function gives pictures a make-over by selecting from one of three Art Filters. Inspired by the kaleidoscopic colours of the pop art movement, the Pop Art effect, for example, infuses photographs with rich shades to give pictures a livelier, dynamic feel. Soft Focus, on the other hand, makes pictures seem ethereal and otherworldly, while Pin Hole gives images an air of secrecy. Framing shots perfectly is also a breeze with the generous 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD with 176° viewing angle, which allows you to shoot from virtually any perspective and is even brighter than the E-420’s. The Live View functionality with the camera’s contrast AF** capabilities, on the other hand, allows you to comfortably judge exactly what results to expect, even before images are shot. This way, what you see is what you get, no matter what the perspective! Further guaranteeing pictures are optimally exposed, Face Detection Technology automatically detects and focuses on faces while Shadow Adjustment Technology balances out shadowy areas. 28 shooting modes, including automatic, semi-automatic and manual shooting options, ensure complete versatility. Nice pictures at the touch of a button – what more could you ask for?

Trusted and true

Olympus has packed the E-450 with everything an entry-level photographer needs to take high-quality pictures. It is equipped with Olympus’ proprietary dust reduction system, the Supersonic Wave Filter, which protects from the threat of dust – and has become the world’s leading solution against dust on the image sensor. Additionally, a powerful 10 Megapixel Live MOS sensor provides incredible resolution for crisp, detailed shots. This is supported by the incorporation of the TruePic III+ image processor: it guarantees exceptionally true-to-life image reproduction while reducing noise and enhancing processing speed. It is possible to shoot at up to 3.5fps in full Megapixel mode with up to eight images in RAW buffer. Compact and light, the E-450 boasts all the advantages of Four Thirds and Olympus state-of-the-art technology in a handy format everyone can appreciate.

Full range of accessories

The Olympus E-450 is compatible with nearly all E-System accessories, such as 19 lenses with a focal range of 7 – 300mm (equivalent to 14 – 600mm on a 35mm camera) and various flash systems. A perfect companion for this compact model, for example, is the short-barrelled and lightweight ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 (equivalent to 50mm on a 35mm camera) Pancake lens. The E-System D-SLR newcomer also ensures perfect light no matter what with up to three Wireless Flash groups familiar from the professional E-3. Available are the FL-50R and FL-36R wireless flashes. And in any situation where a flash is needed, new robust Olympus Flash Brackets, such as the FL-BK04, guarantee good light and maximum flexibility. Two flashes can also be mounted on the practical FL-BKM03 Twin Flash Bracket.

Rookie creative types will find everything they want from a digital SLR in the E-450. One easy-to-use package unites Olympus technology and incredible E-System features such as the Supersonic Wave Filter and Live View with artistic options like Art Filters. Look for the new E-450 in stores as of the end of May 2009.

The Olympus E-450 digital SLR – main features:

Usability

• Extremely easy operation – use it straight out of the box


Functionality

• Three Art Filters

• Improved Live View with contrast AF, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology & phase difference detection AF system

• Perfect Shot Preview to enable comparison of the results of various settings adjustments before actual shooting

• TruePic III+ image processor


Portability

• One of the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLRs providing the ultimate in portability

E-450 additional features:
• 10 Megapixel Live MOS sensor

• High-contrast 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD with 176° viewing angle

• The original Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection

• 28 shooting modes (5 Exposure Modes, 5 Creative Modes, 18 Scene Select Modes)

• Built-in flash (GN12, ISO 100) with commander function for wireless off-camera flash synchronisation

• Wireless flash control in up to 3 groups (separate press release available for Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R flash units)

• 3.5fps with up to eight images in RAW buffer

• One-touch white balance

• AE/AF-lock functionality

• ISO 100 to 1600 for wide-ranging sensitivity

• Depth of field preview function

• 49-segment digital ESP

• Bracketing function (Exposure)

• Detailed info screen with histogram

• Based on Four Thirds Standard

• Dual memory slot for CompactFlash and xD-Picture Card

The Olympus E-450 is available in the following configurations:

• Olympus E-450 body only

• Olympus E-450 Lens Kit

(E-450 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens)

• Olympus E-450 Double Zoom Kit

(E-450 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 and ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 lenses)

* As of 02.2009

** Full contrast AF performance is available with Olympus lenses including the

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6, ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6, ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6, ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6, ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 “pancake” lens and the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II.

Appendix

Art Filters

Enables special artistic effects to be created directly in the camera. The following Art Filters are available in the Olympus E-450


Pop Art: Enhances colours, making them stronger and more vivid to create high-impact pictures that express the happy, light-hearted feeling of the pop art style.


Soft Focus: Creates a soft tone which gives pictures an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. It renders pictures as though they were veiled in heavenly light, without obscuring details such as the hair or flower petals.


Pin Hole: Reduces the peripheral brightness like an image seen through a pinhole. Added to this is a unique colour tone that results in a style that has an air of secrecy or portrays the feeling of being lost in another dimension or space.

Face Detection Technology
A technology that searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. It then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that’s sharp in the right places and ideally exposed.

HyperCrystal

A high-grade, semi-transmissive technology used in LCDs, which employs an additional layer at the bottom of the LCD to reflect light from external light sources. This enhances the brightness of the LCD, so even in direct sunlight images are displayed sharply and with improved contrast compared to that of conventional displays. Also, it provides for particularly wide viewing angles without glare or shadow, so images can be framed from a variety of angles and viewed by several people at once.

Live View

Provides an alternative to framing shots through the viewfinder on a digital SLR camera. The image sent through the lens to the image sensor is displayed directly on the camera’s LCD. Whereas most compact digital cameras have been equipped with Live View functionality for many years, this feature has only recently become available on D-SLRs. The world’s first D-SLR to feature continuous Live View capabilities was the Olympus E-330.

RC Wireless Flash Control

The user can control wireless flash units remotely – eliminating the need for extra cables – by using the built-in flash as the system’s master unit. Control options include the ability to independently regulate flash mode and compensation settings for up to three groups of flashes, four channel settings to avoid interference as well as a wide range of brightness levels.

Shadow Adjustment Technology

A technology designed to improve exposure for pictures with dark areas. Using a sensor that works much like the human eye, dark parts of a composition (e.g. a shadow under a tree) are identified and the camera then adjusts the exposure settings accordingly for those areas. The result is a more realistic and detailed picture.

Supersonic Wave Filter

Dust entering digital SLRs, for example during lens changes, can cause damage to photos – unless it is removed. With the Supersonic Wave Filter, the potential for dust to ruin photos is eliminated. A transparent filter is located between the camera’s shutter and sensor. It makes sure no dust is able to land on the sensor. Instead, the particles settle on the filter and are then shaken off by a series of ultrasonic vibrations generated by the filter when activated. Olympus was the first manufacturer to incorporate dust protection in D-SLRs.

TruePic III+ image processor

Olympus’ latest-generation image processing engine. It automatically enhances important aspects of image quality including: colour reproduction (colour range, saturation and brightness), picture sharpness (reduced image noise, improved edge reproduction), as well as providing faster processing speeds. Furthermore, it supports Art Filters to enable unprecedented creative expression.

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PRESS RELEASE (USA)

OLYMPUS BRINGS CREATIVE FREEDOM TO THE E-450 DSLR

New Entry-Level Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera Debuts Mother’s Day Weekend

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., March 31, 2009 – Olympus announces its new entry-level digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, which is small in size and powerful in creativity. The new E-450 continues the E-400 series’ heritage of a small and portable design, powerful features, and ease of use for any skill level, including first time digital camera users. Thanks to Art Filters pioneered with the E-30 and E-620, the E-450 provides consumers with the creative freedom to capture their images in new fun and exciting ways.

The three Art Filters – Pop Art, Pin Hole and Soft Focus – bring greater creativity and freestyle experimentation to the new E-450. The creative filters were first introduced in Olympus’ E-30 prosumer DSLR earlier this year, and now enable consumers to express themselves and capture it all – limited only by their imagination. The E-450 offers the 10-megapixel imager and other features from the E-420.

The new camera also provides heavyweight technologies, including a bigger, more viewable 2.7-inch LCD and fast consumer-friendly On-Screen Autofocus, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview to get the most out of the Live View experience. Additionally, when it comes to Live View, not all LCDs are created equal. At 2.7-inches, the portable E-450 LCD is large enough for users to compose and review images without squinting. The small camera’s LCD is part of a camera with technologies intelligent enough to take advantage of the Live View photography experience. These innovative technologies include:

• On-Screen Autofocus 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 they are in focus and crystal clear for amazing portraits;
• New and Improved HyperCrystal II™ Technology delivers twice the contrast and better viewing in extreme lighting conditions, a broader range of color detail, and a wider angle of view on the LCD so you and your friends can see it up to 176 degrees off-center;
• Shadow Adjustment Technology captures detail in the bright areas of a frame and opens up detail in the shadows that other cameras would render too dark or underexposed; and
• Perfect Shot Preview enables you to view and select your favorite effect right on the LCD, and see how the image will look before you even capture it, so you know that what you see is what you get.

Olympus is scheduled to launch the E-450 DSLR on leading multimedia retailer QVC^® Saturday, May 9.

“We are thrilled to debut the much-anticipated Olympus E-450,” said Rob Ellerstein, director of electronics merchandising for QVC. “Thanks to our strong relationship with Olympus, we are not only offering the most innovative new products but we are also giving our customers the opportunity to order them before they hit stores.”

The product will be widely available in the U.S. and Canada in July.

Make Your Vision Come to Life with Art Filters

If you’re hoping to get more out of your camera than simply capturing and documenting a scene, and enjoy enhancing or customizing an image to make it your own, then you will value the camera’s Art Filters. The filters, which are built into the camera, provide incredible individual artistic control over an image, and remove the need to spend time altering images on the computer with editing software.

This camera was made for free-style shooting, experimenting and engaging with events and subjects. Enjoy the freedom of Autofocus Live View and dramatic effects to transform your day-to-day shots into compositions that you can be proud of with the following in-camera Art Filters:

> Pop Art: Enhances colors, making them more saturated and vivid, creating high-impact pictures that express the joyful, lighthearted feeling of the Pop Art style of the 1960s;

> Soft Focus: Creates an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere that renders subjects in a heavenly light without obscuring details; and

> Pin Hole: Reduces the peripheral brightness of an image as though it were shot through a pin hole, connecting the viewer intimately with the subject at the center of the picture.

Art Filters are easily activated with the mode dial on the right side of the camera body. The effects are viewable right on the new camera’s 100 percent accurate 2.7-inch Live View LCD when using the E-450 in Live View mode or when reviewing the captured image.

The Live View Experience

Olympus was the first to bring Live View to a consumer DSLR (the E-330 in 2006), and Live View has revolutionized DSLR photography. Anyone who has photographed young children knows that you get the best reactions when you hold the camera away from your face and maintain eye contact and an engaging smile. If you have tried to take photos high above the heads in a crowd or low near the ground, you will appreciate that it is easier to use the LCD screen than to climb a ladder or lie on the ground.

The E-450 solves these problems with its Live View LCD, which enables photographers to easily and comfortably hold the camera at angles that could not be reached by using the optical viewfinder alone. The E-450’s Live View autofocus functionality now simplifies the process by working just like a point and shoot. By simply pressing the shutter button halfway, your subjects come into focus on the LCD, so when the perfect moment occurs it is easy to capture sharp images.

Always Find a Face in the Crowd

A camera this consumer-friendly is perfect for taking portraits of friends and family while out and about. The E-450’s Face Detection feature distinguishes between people’s faces and the background. It tracks up to eight faces within the image area and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Even if your subjects are moving, the camera continuously tracks their faces.

Bright Day or Deep Shadow, Never Miss a Detail

Shooting scenes with shadows can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The E-450 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment Technology that compensates for extreme contrast when shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. Now users can preview and capture images with the same fine contrast they see with their own eyes.

Preview All the Possibilities

With 18 pre-set scene-select modes for every imaginable shooting scenario and full manual controls, the E-450 offers a world of possibilities to photographers. Additionally, Perfect Shot Preview enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-window screen on the LCD before snapping the shot. This feature shows photographers what their images will look like beforehand under various settings, ensuring that they capture exactly what they want. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as exposure compensation, white balance and metering.

Enlarge Your Photos

Capturing, enlarging and displaying amazing images on your wall is a snap thanks to the E-450’s 10 million pixels for high-resolution photos. The 10-megapixel sensor gives users the flexibility to enlarge prints to the sizes supported by many of today’s printers, or crop the image to print only a part of the image that is important to them. The high-performance Live MOS image sensor in the E-450 delivers excellent dynamic range for accurate color fidelity and a state-of-the-art image processor dramatically reduces noise and captures fine image details in the highlight and shadow areas.

Improved Auto White Balance

Many digital SLR users want to focus their attention on things other than white balance while they are on the move. As a result, the E-450 features an improved automatic white balance performance with a new algorithm for more accurate color.

TruePic III+ for Image Clarity & Speed

Olympus’ TruePic III+ Image Processor produces crystal clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible for every photo with accurate color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal representation in between. TruePic III+ also lowers image noise by one step to reduce graininess in images shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.

Worried about missing the winning goal at the soccer game? The image processor on the E-450 enables it to shoot up to 3.5 frames per second in sequential shooting mode, which means that photographers will be able to capture fast-paced action as it happens.

Dust Reduction System for Spot-Free Images

Life moves too fast to spend time worrying about dust ruining your images. Olympus’ proven Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter™. The patented ultrasonic technology vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor and captures it on a special adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on. This results in beautiful images free from dust spots, which could ruin or be distracting on an image.

Media Versatility

Accepting both CompactFlash Type I & II, Microdrives, and xD-Picture Cards, the E-450 provides a choice of data storage options for enhanced flexibility, and it is possible to transfer image files from one card to the other right inside the camera.

Wireless Flash Capability

If you decide to venture into the arena of advanced lighting, the E-450 is ready to meet the challenge. The E-450 is compatible with the Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes that are designed exclusively for digital photography. When these flashes are used in combination with the E-450, wireless multi-flash photography is possible. The E-450 can control up to three wireless flash groups independently, with several flash units per group.

Availability

The Olympus E-450 DSLR will be available in July 2009. It includes E-450 Body, ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens, ED 40-150mm f4.0/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens, 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 Warranty Card.

U.S. Pricing

E-450 Two-Lens Kit Estimated Street Price: $699.99

Journalists interested in further information on the Olympus E-450, Zuiko Digital Lenses and E-System accessories, please contact Jeff Hluchyj, Mullen Public Relations, 978-468-8939 or jeff.hluchyj@mullen.com, or Jennifer Lyons, public relations manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, PA 18034, ph: (484) 896-5350 / (800) 622-6372 or the Olympus website: http://www.olympusamerica.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances people’s lives every day. These include:

• Digital Cameras
• Professional and Consumer Digital SLR Imaging Systems
• Related Underwater Products and Accessories
• Digital and Microcassette Recorders
• Digital Media
• Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.

*Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective holder.

©2009 Olympus Imaging America Inc.

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Read More…(Amateur Photographer)

Sample Images…(Olympus)

Read More …(DPNow)

First Take…(CNET)

Preview…(Four Thirds User)

Read More…(DPReview)

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