The EVOLT E-300 is the first 100% "digital-from-the-ground-up" consumer SLR system with interchangeable digital specific lenses. It features a high resolution 8-megapixel Kodak image sensor and employs the Olympus-exclusive Ultrasonic Dust Reduction system created for the professional E-1 SLR body. The EVOLT delivers the versatility, durability and performance of professional dSLRs but it's priced within the budget of consumer photgraphers.

The EVOLT doesn't look like other digital SLRs because Olympus has eliminated the bulky pentaprism found on the top of traditional SLR cameras. The EVOLT uses a new Olympus TTL Optical Porro Finder coupled with a side-swing mirror box, that gives the camera its unique "flat-top" appearance. Subjects framed within the EVOLT's optical viewfinder are 94% centered for accurate composition. And because it's an SLR, when you look through the viewfinder you're seeing the subject exactly as it will be photographed.

Most other digital SLR cameras use traditional 35mm film lenses which deliver insufficient light at the edges of a digital camera's image sensor. This can result in reduced sharpness and color definition, particularly when shooting with wide-angle lenses. The EVOLT does not have this problem, it accommodates the full line of interchangeable Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses™ designed specifically for digital capture.

You don't need a degree in photography to shoot like a pro with the EVOLT. Programmed Auto Mode lets the EVOLT do all the thinking for you and selects just the right settings for any given situation. Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual Modes allow you to take control of the EVOLT to customize the camera for the ultimate in artistic expression. Select from one of the camera's 5 quick-access Scene Program Modes on the dial, or get creative with 15 Select Scene Program modes within the menu that make it easy to get the results you want, whenever and wherever you want them.

The Olympus TruePic TURBO Image Processor enhances processing speed for more responsive camera operation. More than just speeding up image data processing for the large image files generated by this 8.0-megapixel digital camera, TruePic TURBO also improves overall camera responsiveness and operating ease. The 64MB memory buffer and separate working memory lets you shoot at 2.5 frames per second up to 4 frames in either TIFF or RAW at full resolution. JPEG resolutions are also available when more shots are required.

The 1.8-inch HyperCrystal LCD monitor has 134,000 pixels and offers three times the contrast of conventional LCD monitors so captured images are displayed in vivid color on the screen with exceptional clarity. This LCD features a wide, 160° viewing angle on both the vertical and horizontal axis, ensuring excellent visibility and image quality even to a group of people next to the photographer.

Transferring images to the computer is easy with Auto-Connect USB, no software drivers required (for most computers/operating systems.) Images may also be viewed on a television using the video cable. For fast and easy PC-free printing, the EVOLT connects to any PictBridge-enabled printer via USB, you select the images to be printed on the camera's LCD.

EVOLT E-300 Digital SLR Features

• High performance Kodak 8-Megapixel Progressive Scan CCD imager
• SuperSonic Wave dust filter over the image sensor
• Four-Thirds System lens mount for Zuiko Digital Specific lenses
• Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual and Scene exposure modes
• Selectable sRGB or Adobe RGB Color Space
• JPEG, TIFF and RAW file formats
• Simultaneous capture of RAW + JPEG files
• Digital ESP, Center-weighted or Spot exposure metering modes
• Exposure compensation ±5 steps EV in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 steps
• 3-point (selectable) TTL Auto Focus
• Builtin multi-mode intelligent flash
• Hot shoe for E System TTL flash units (FL36, FL50)
• Capture 2.5fps up to 4 frames in RAW or TIFF
• Auto Exposure and White Balance bracketing
• ISO range 100 to 400 with boost to 800/1600
• White balance settings from 3,000K to 10,000K in 12 steps and 4 custom white balance settings
• Next Generation TruePic Technology with advanced noise reduction
• 5-level Sharpening, Contrast and Saturation controls
• 1.8" HyperCrystal LCD monitor with 160° viewing angle
• USB connectivity and PictBridge direct-print compatible
• CompactFlash Type I and II, Microdrive compatible
• High capacity Li-ion rechargeable battery and charger
• Optional Battery Grip with heavy-duty battery pack

The EVOLT E-300 outfit includes a compact, Zuiko Digital 14 - 45mm f3.5 - f5.6 lens (equivalent to 28mm - 90mm in 35mm photography).

E-300 Camera, Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses, and Accessories Prices:

• EVOLT E-300 Digital SLR: $999.99 estimated street price including the 14-45mm lens ($1399 MSRP)

• 14-45mm f3.5 - f5.6 Lens: $249.95 estimated street when purchased separate from EVOLT ($299 MSRP)

• 40-150mm f3.5 - f4.5 Lens: $279.95 estimated street ($349 MSRP).

• FL-36 Flash Compact: $199.99 estimated street price ($239.95 MSRP).

• HLD-3 Battery Holder: $99.99 estimated street price ($119.95 MSRP).

• Semi Hard Case CS3-SH (for EVOLT E-300 and 14.45mm or 14-54mm zooms): $49.95 estimated street price ($59.95 MSRP).

The optional Olympus Studio 1.2 software provides powerful digital work-flow support for digital single-lens reflex users, including professional photographers, the new package provides advanced RAW photofinishing and camera control functions. It now fully supports the E-300 single-lens reflex camera.

Olympus EVOLT E-300 Specifications