Olympus E-400 Digital SLR Announced

Olympus have announced the world's smallest and lightest 10 megapixel Digital SLR, the E-400, it's based on the 4/3rds Standard, and introduces two new smaller lenses: a Zuiko Digital 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 ED (pictured above) and a Zuiko Digital 40-150mm 1:4-5.6 ED (pictured below). The camera features a 2.5" screen with 215,000 pixels, up to 3fps with a five image RAW buffer in burst mode shooting, anti-dust sensor, XD and CF memory card slots, 95% frame coverage, 0.92x magnification, ISO100 - 1600, measures 129.5mm (W) x 91mm (H) x 53mm (D) and weighs 380g (body only). The camera is currently only available in Europe:

"London, 14 September 2006 – With the launch of the new E-400, Olympus introduces the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLR * to date – and a camera that’s exceptionally easy to use. Its ultra-compact dimensions and low weight give E-400 users the freedom to take professional quality photos wherever they wish. Yet despite its modest proportions, the E-400 is packed with 10.0 million pixels worth of image resolution and a treasure-trove of other high tech features. As with all E-System cameras, the E-400 is protected by a Supersonic Wave Filter. This unique Olympus technology prevents dust and dirt from sticking to the CCD and spoiling photos. And being Four Thirds Standard - compatible, the E-400 gives the photographer practically unlimited flexibility with a complete system of lenses and other accessories. The E-400 is expected to arrive in the UK in November, for stockist information call 0800 0720070 or visit www.olympus.co.uk."

View the full press release and hands-on images.
Read LetsGoDigital's Preview of the Olympus E-400
Read DPNow's Preview of the Olympus E-400

As the smallest and lightest D-SLR camera* in the world, the E-400 brings a never-before-seen level of mobility and easy of use to SLR photography. It is the perfect travel companion, compact enough to take on holidays or for use as a high quality back-up when out on the road and, being so compact, it will never become a burden.

Naturally, the high standards that have made the Olympus E-System famous are maintained with its newest member. As well as being equipped with the Supersonic Wave Filter for brilliant dust-free photography at all times, the E-400 incorporates a new 10.0 million pixel CCD, capable of delivering stunning photos packed with detail.

Suitable for use on virtually any occasion, the E-400 is equipped with a great balance of manual control for creativity and automatic options for ease of use. A total of 31 special shooting modes have been included for completely automatic operation in situations as diverse as Fireworks, Landscapes, Macro, and Sunsets. A variety of colour modes are also on hand, as are special Black&White filters that can be applied to photos to improve black and white portraits and landscapes.

As the design of the E-400 is based on the Four Thirds Standard, users will have access to a multitude of accessories and lenses designed specifically for digital photography, from both Olympus and various other manufacturers. Timed to coincide with the launch of the E-400, Olympus is also introducing two new ultra-compact ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses: the ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 (equiv. to 28-84mm on a 35mm camera), which is perfect for standard use and, for more magnification power, the ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 (equiv. to 80-300mm on a 35mm camera).

The Olympus E-400 is living proof that D-SLR quality and versatility can go hand-in-hand with compactness and ease of use. This new 10.0 million pixel wonder will be available from Olympus E-System stockists from November 2006.

The Olympus E-400 digital SLR – main features:
· World’s smallest and lightest D-SLR*
· 10 million pixels
· 6.4cm/2.5” LCD
· Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection
· Dual memory card slots (for xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash)
· 31 shooting modes (incl. 5 exposure, 7 creative & 19 scene modes)
· Built-in pop-up flash (GN 10)
· 3fps with up to five images in RAW buffer
· One touch white balance
· TruePic TURBO image processor
· AF-lock functionality
· Depth of field preview function
· Improved 49 segment digital ESP and spot metering
· Exposure Bracketing function
· Large beginners and advanced info screen
· Detailed playback info screen with histogram
· Exceptional ease of use with intuitive GUI and buttons that provide immediate access to frequently used features
· JPEG & RAW recording
· Based on Four Thirds Standard
· Underwater Case available (PT-E03) waterproof to 40m

New ultra-compact lenses – main features**:
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm (28-84mm) 1:3.5-5.6
· Close focusing distance of 25cm
· ED element and 2 aspherical elements
· 65.5x61mm
· 190g

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:4.0-5.6
· Close focusing distance of 90cm
· ED lens element
· 65.5x72cm
· 250g

Update:
Read our Olympus E-400 Review
View our Olympus E-400 Sample Photo Gallery