Olympus E-1 SLR Review

The E-1 features high speed camera to PC communication with both an IEEE 1394 FireWire and USB 2.0 port.

Images can be viewed on an external monitor via the Video Out port, the signal is selectable for NTSC or PAL format.

Near the front is a PC flash sync terminal. The 3-pin connector is for the Olympus RM-CB1 wired remote control.

The DC IN jack is on the bottom.

Images are stored on CompactFlash cards, Type I or II and Microdrives.

Approximate File Sizes

The E-1 is powered by a 1500mAh BLM-1 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack that fits inside the hand grip. We have no other specs on it at this time and will update this info after we have evaluated a production model camera.

The Olympus BLM-1 battery pack is charged out of the camera with the supplied BCM-1 charger. The BLM-1 looks very similar to Canon's BP-511, it's a 7.2v approx. 1500mAh capacity battery. The charge time is approx. 2 hours.

The Olympus HLD-2 Power Battery Holder allows you to power the E-1 with the very powerful BLL-1 3400mAh lithium-ion battery pack. It also gives you more stability when using larger lenses and lowers the center of gravity. More than just extra power, the HLD-2 also improves the focus tracking speeds in Continuous AF, allowing you to track faster moving objects.

The HLD-2 is easily attached to the E-1 by removing the battery door and BLM-1 battery pack and then tightening it up to the tripod socket. The HLD-2 has another tripod socket on its base so you don't lose that functionality. The E-1's battery door is held safely on the top of the HLD-2 so it doesn't get lost.

A closer look at the high-capacity BLL-1 battery for the battery grip.

The HLD-2 adds a very comfortable portrait grip, a vertical shutter release, main and sub dials, an AE lock and an AF area button.