Olympus E-420 SLR Review

Click on the E-420 to take a QuickTime VR tour

The Olympus E-420 is the successor to the very popular E-410 from last year. Olympus designed this portable model for those who are ready to step up to the power and performance of a digital SLR, yet still expect the ease of use and ability to compose images on the LCD common to point-and-shoot cameras. Weighing a mere 380 grams (13.4 ounces), the E-420 is 20 to 40 percent lighter than competing dSLRs.

While considered an entry-level "lightweight", this 10-megapixel camera offers heavyweight technologies, including a larger 2.7-inch LCD with On-Screen Autofocus, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview to get the most out of the Live View experience. At 2.7-inches, the LCD is large enough for users to compose and review images without squinting. This unit is not only small, but part several innovative technologies that further expand Live View's uses. These 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: helps deliver 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.

Olympus offers two different lens combinations. The ultra-compact Zuiko 25mm f2.8 digital specific lens complements the E-420's small stature, for the ultimate combination of ease of use and portability. This 0.9-inch thick lens offers a fixed 50mm equivalent angle of view. you can also purchase the E-420 in a kit with a compact, Zuiko Digital 28-84mm equivalent (ED 14-42mm Four Thirds) f3.5-f5.6 lens that perfectly matches the imager so light strikes the sensor directly to ensure rich, accurate colors and edge-to-edge sharpness. Both lenses are part Olympus' expanding line of 100 percent digital lenses - designed specifically for digital photography.

The E-420 features the TruePic III Image Processor, which helps the camera produce crystal clear photos. It does this by using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible 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. This image processor also enables the E-420 to shoot at up to 3.5 frames per second in sequenced shooting mode - perfect for capturing fast moving subjects.

As with past models, this new dSLR offers Olympus' proven Dust Reduction System that 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. These spot-free photos liberate users from hours spent retouching photographs at the computer or sending their cameras back to the manufacturer to remove dust trapped inside.

If you decide to venture into the arena of advanced lighting, the E-420 is ready to meet the challenge. The E-420 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-420, wireless multi-flash photography is possible. The E-420 can control up to three wireless flash groups independently, with several flash units per group.

E-420 Features

• High performance 10-megapixel Live MOS Image Sensor
• Supersonic Wave Filter (dust reduction system for image sensor)
• Four-Thirds System lens mount for Zuiko Digital Specific lenses
• Full Auto, Program AE, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual and 18 Scene modes
• sRGB and Adobe RGB color space options
• Five Picture modes (Vivid, Natural, Muted, Portrait, Monotone) with adjustments for Sharpness, Saturation, and Contrast
• JPEG and RAW file formats
• Simultaneous capture of RAW + JPEG files
• Metering modes: 49 point ESP, Center weighted, Spot (1%), Spot with High Light control and Spot with Shadow control
• Exposure compensation ±3EV with 1, 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps
• 3-point (selectable) TTL Contrast/Phase-difference detection Auto Focus system
• 2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD monitor with Color and Brightness control (15 steps)
• Live View recording with 11-point imager AF system (can also select AF Sensor or Hybrid AF modes)
• Face Detection AF in Live View mode
• Built-in pop-up multi-mode intelligent flash (Auto pop-up in Scene and Full Auto exposure modes)
• Hot shoe for E System TTL flash units
• Capture image at 3.5fps (Max. 6 frames in RAW)
• Auto Exposure bracketing (3 frames in 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1EV steps)
• ISO range from 100 - 1600
• RGB histogram display in playback for accurate color information per channel including overall luminance
• Next Generation TruePic III processor with advanced noise reduction (including a noise filter)
• 5-level Sharpening, Contrast and Saturation controls
• USB 2.0 High-speed connectivity and PictBridge direct-print compatible
• xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash I/II/Microdrive storage
• High capacity Li-ion rechargeable battery and charger
• Certified as an Olympus Eco-product
• Compatible with all Olympus E-System lenses and accessories

The Olympus E-420 Digital SLR is available now in three configurations:

• E-420 body only - $499.99
• E-420 with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens - $599.99
• E-420 with ED 25mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Lens - $699.99

Each kit ships with: E-420 Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLS-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Warranty Card.

Olympus E-420 Specifications