Olympus E-510 Digital SLR Announced

Olympus have announced the new Olympus E-510, an update to the E-500 (reviewed here), it features a new 10 megapixel live-MOS sensor, with live view, a new image processing engine “TruePic III”, dust reduction, shadow adjustment technology, and Supersonic Image Stabilizer Unit. Olympus have also announced the plan for new lenses available this year. The camera will be available worldwide in July:

"Olympus Imaging Corporation (President Masaharu Okubo) announced today that release of the E-510, a digital SLR camera featuring a stabilizer unit to prevent blurring caused by hand shake and based on the E-System concept of offering the "Dedicated Digital Design," "Dust Reduction" and " Live View" functions on all models, is scheduled for July 2007."

E-510 Previews: Digital Camera Review

Click here to view the full press release and more pictures.

Main Features

1. In-body image stabilizer unit for multifunctionality with improved shooting confidence
2. New, more advanced Live View function
3. New, 10-million pixel Live MOS sensor, image processing engine “TruePic III”

The E-510 incorporates a variety of exciting functions that enable users to capture beautiful photographic images that truly express their original creative intent. These functions include a newly developed sensor-shift type image stabilizer that employs Olympus's exclusive Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) motor and is compatible with all lenses conforming to the Four Thirds System standards.

Another helpful function is the advanced “Live View” function which allows users to frame images while viewing the subjects on the LCD monitor on the back of the main camera body. Any user who is used to shooting with compact digital cameras will be familiar with this style of shooting and will appreciate being able to continue shooting in the same way. The E-510 also permits autofocusing to be used together with Live View monitoring, as well as making it possible to confirm the effects of exposure correction or white balance adjustment on the monitor screen.

Other new developments such as the low-noise, low-power consumption Live MOS Sensor and the advanced “TruePic III” image processing engine make it possible to create photographic images with the highest possible picture quality — that will satisfy even the most demanding professional.

All of these powerful new features, including the in-body image stabilizer, have been incorporated in an ultra-compact, lightweight digital SLR camera with a comfort-fit grip that offers excellent operability and portability.

Development Background

The first chapter in the E-System story began in the fall of 2003 with the launch of the award-winning E-1. Since then, the "designed for digital" E-System has expanded to included five camera body models and continues to set new benchmarks for professional image quality, performance, mobility, and reliability thanks to compact, lightweight designs supported by innovative features like our advanced Dust Reduction System, a feature now indispensable for any digital SLR.

In the fall of 2006 - three years after the E-1 made its debut - the second chapter in the story of the E-System began with Olympus declaring that "we will continue to develop revolutionary features that extend the frontiers of DSLR photography, and to strengthen the E-System body, lens, and accessory lineup. We will continue to develop Olympus E-System bodies, lenses, and accessories for a wide range of genres, so that even more people are able to take photographs that could never be taken before."

The first pages of Chapter Two are being written by the E-410, E-510 and E-1 successor model. The E-410 is distinguished by its ultra-compact size and ultra-light weight for go-anywhere mobility; the E-510 offers multiple functions and enhanced features such as an image stabilizer function; while the E-1 successor model features the high reliability and performance required for professional use. To enable users to choose the camera that best suits their needs without having to worry about image quality, all models boast the same image capturing technology as well as the Full-Time Live View function

As the E-System story unfolds in the years ahead, Olympus is determined to continue developing innovative functions that are possible only with digital technology and to expand and enhance our lineup of lenses and accessories.

Other Features

* Fast 3 frames-per-sec. shooting
* HyperCrystal LCD with wide viewing angle from all directions
* Dust Reduction System using SSWF (Super-Sonic Wave Filter) with increased vibrations
* Newly designed bright, easy-to-view viewfinder
* High-precision 49-segment light metering system
* Easy-to-use Super Control Panel
* Convenient four picture modes
* Raw data compression without image quality degradation

Continue reading the full press release here.