While the E-410 is the latest entry-level DSLR from Olympus, it follows just over six months after the E-400. The E-400 was announced in September 2006 as the World’s Smallest and Lightest Digital SLR, and by sporting a 10 Megapixel sensor, also became the highest resolution Four Thirds body yet.

The E-400 upset many international buyers because it was only available in Europe. Olympus UK explained to Cameralabs the launch was restricted to Europe because it couldn’t secure sufficient time for production to satisfy global needs. This was apparently due to a delay in developing the ultra compact design. So rather than confuse the market with shortage in supply, Olympus decided the E-400 would only be introduced in Europe.

But then in March 2007, Olympus announced the E-410 which would be absolutely identical to the earlier E-400, with the exception of its sensor. By fitting a newly developed sensor from Matsushita, the E-410 would additionally boast Live View facilities like the earlier Olympus E-330 and Panasonic Lumix L1, but with a higher 10 Megapixel resolution.

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DETAILS 

Light and compact with Live View
10 Megapixel Live MOS sensor
New image processing engine
Hi-Speed USB 2.0
2.5”/6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD
Supersonic Wave Filter for dust reduction
Dual memory card slots (for xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash)
32 shooting modes (incl. 5 exposure, 7 creative & 20 scene modes)
Built-in pop-up flash (GN 12)
3fps with up to 8 images in RAW buffer
One touch white balance
AF-lock functionality
Depth of field preview function
49 segment digital ESP
Exposure bracketing function
Beginners’ and advanced info screen
Detailed playback info screen with histogram
Based on Four Thirds Standard
Optional Underwater Case (PT-E03) available

Big things come in small packages - The Olympus E-410: The incredibly compact and lightweight D-SLR with Live View capability

Extraordinary compactness, leading-edge technology and brilliant performance distinguish the new Olympus E-410 from the rest. This successor to the E-400 is one of the world’s most compact D-SLRs with Live Preview. Photographers benefit from exceptional mobility and are not limited to only looking through the viewfinder when framing compositions – as is the case in most D-SLRs – but can also frame their subject directly on the large 2.5”/6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD. Thanks to compatibility with the Four Thirds Standard, a supreme selection of lenses and other accessories is at the disposal of users to extend the potential areas of application. Meanwhile, a new, professional-grade Live MOS sensor ensures 10 Megapixels of high-definition image recording under all conditions. Also new is the image processing engine which features excellent noise performance. It dramatically boosts shooting results and further perfects quality. And naturally, as with all E-System cameras from the inventor of dust-free D-SLR photography, the Olympus E-410 incorporates the patented Supersonic Wave Filter. This ensures that users never need to worry about the harmful effects dust can have on their images.

Exceptional compactness and cutting-edge technology
One of the smallest and lightest D-SLRs with Live View in the world, the E-410 gives photographers a decisive advantage. Matched with a range of ultra-compact lenses, this camera allows for virtually unimpeded mobility. It is therefore ideal for taking along on trips, holidays, photo assignments or, for that matter, to just about any shooting situation where a large, bulky camera set-up might compromise the photo opportunities.

The Live View function is available for shots with both auto focus (AF) and manual focusing (MF), allowing scenes being framed to be viewed directly on the 2.5”/6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD. The AF function is enabled by simply pressing the AEL/AFL button, which prompts the mirror to fold down momentarily and then quickly pop back up again once the AF measurement has been made. The MF option, meanwhile, allows for superior focusing accuracy as images on the LCD can be enlarged by 7x or 10x. It is therefore ideally suited for macro shooting.

In the development of this camera, particular emphasis was placed on boosting performance and further reducing image noise. By incorporating a new image processing engine and sensor, this latest Olympus model produces sensationally clear 10 Megapixel results with accurate colour reproduction, and can boast faster processing speeds as well as low power consumption: Sequential shooting at up to 3fps with a 8 image RAW buffer in burst mode is possible.

Superior handling
It meets just about every professional demand, yet the E-410 proves that high performance needn’t mean difficult operation. In addition to offering an abundance of adjustable exposure options, including full manual control for unlimited creative freedom, 32 consumer-friendly shooting modes are on board for ease-of-use in all manner of situations. These range from Portrait and Macro to Underwater Wide, Underwater Macro and xD Panorama. Meanwhile, photographers can make use of various colour modes and Black&White filters. What’s more, Live View functionality allows users to preview and manage tedious adjustments such as exposure and WB compensation right on the LCD – so photographers can revel in the unique comfort and control this added convenience affords them.
Users have a choice of data storage options: Both CompactFlash and xD-Picture Cards can be used with the E-410, which allows even those upgrading from Olympus compact cameras to continue using their existing cards. And to ensure accessibility across the entire European continent, ten languages are on board and a further 15 can be downloaded if desired.

With the intuitive placement of buttons and controls, photographers will feel at home with the E-410 in no time. Info screens can be selected to show full advanced information or just the basics, making it very user-friendly, even for beginners. And ensuring quick data transfer between camera and computer, Hi-Speed USB is supported with up to 480 MBit/s.

Wide range of accessories
Users benefit from nearly boundless versatility when choosing accessories for their E-410 thanks to compatibility with the Four Thirds System. This standard is supported by a growing number of companies and ensures full cross-manufacturer compatibility of lenses. In addition, almost the complete line-up of E-System accessories can be used with this model. This includes first-class, near telecentric lenses that cover the full scope of focal ranges from fisheye to ultrazoom. Since Four Thirds Standard lenses are built specifically for the rigorous demands of digital photography, they can achieve higher-aperture shots without being as big and bulky as their non-Four Thirds counterparts. The E-410 also comes equipped with a long-lasting rechargeable battery that will ensure power requirements are met – even if the shoot goes into overtime. And for capturing beautiful motifs up to 40m below the water’s surface, the Underwater Case PT-E03 is available. When it comes to those underwater shots, count on bright Live View to make the experience even more rewarding: Get a better and more accurate view of compositions before you shoot them – and take the guesswork out of D-SLR underwater photography.

As one of the world’s most compact D-SLRs with Live View capability, the E-410 boasts two very convincing arguments. Matched with a high-performance image sensor and a fast new image engine featuring outstanding noise characteristics, ambitious photographers can look forward to superior picture quality and excellent handling that exceeds expectations – while retaining amazing mobility. This intriguing member of the E-System family will be available from June 2007.

SPECIFICATIONS