Suhit Gupta
10-19-2007, 03:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/E3/E3A.HTM' target='_blank'>http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/E3/E3A.HTM</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Olympus has finally announced their long-awaited flagship DSLR camera, the E-3. Billed as a pure pro camera, the Olympus E-3 is really more comparable to the cameras by Olympus's competitors that we've been categorizing as semi-pro, such as the Pentax K10D, Canon 40D, and Nikon D200. Whatever you call it though, there's no question that the new E-3 represents a sizable leap forward in technology and sophistication for the Olympus SLR line. With the E-3, Olympus introduces their first new autofocus sensor in years: an 11-point array, each point consisting of twin cross-type AF sensors. They're claiming this is the fastest AF system on the market. Combined with greater 1.15x magnification in the E-3's viewfinder, framing and focusing with this Four-Thirds camera is a lot easier than past Olympus models."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/ZYFRONT-MD.JPG" /><br /><br />Here is another good write-up on the E-3 from <a href="http://fourthirdsphoto.com/special/e3.php">Four Thirds Photo</a>. The E-3 is Olympus' first camera in the camera space that is traditionally been owned by cameras like the Canon EOS 40D or Nikon D300. I can go on an on about the features - super fast shutter speed, 11 AF points, CF <i>and</i> xD card slots, viewfinder magnification, dicated processors handle three separate functions (one for image stabilization, one for autofocus, and the TruePic III for image processing), and the list goes on. I think the camera looks absolutely great. Although I feel that the $1699 price point is a bit high. If Olympus really wants to make a dent in this market, it might have been better to lower the price point to make it more attractive to users (especially first time DSLR users).