Olympus E-3 Review

Nikon and Canon have dominated the professional DSLR market since the beginning of the digital imaging revolution, effectively condemning Olympus, Pentax, Panasonic, Leica, and Sony DSLRs to second-tier status. Olympus and a consortium of other second-tier manufacturers introduced the ground-breaking four-thirds system (refering to the aspect ratio of the sensor, which is 4:3 as opposed to the 3:2 ratio found in most DSLRs) in 2003 to try and gain a foothold in the lucrative DSLR market. The new Olympus E-3 replaces the very popular E-1 model, the World's first four-thirds system DSLR. The long-awaited E-3 � it's been over four years since the introduction of the E-1 � offers consumers an absolute surfeit of useful features including mechanical image stabilization, a 2.5-inch fully articulated "Live View" LCD screen, and Oly's Supersonic Wave Filter (SSWF) dust reduction system.

DESIGN, BUILD QUALITY, CONTROLS, & ERGONOMICS
The chunky E-3 is not the super-compact and lightweight pro-level DSLR promised five years ago when Olympus, Panasonic, and Leica were pushing the virtues of their new four-thirds format. In fact, the E-3 is actually larger and heavier than most of its competition at 5.59 inches by 4.56 inches by 2.93 inches, and weighing in at a hefty 28.2 ounces (minus lens, battery, and memory card). Mount the Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 SWD zoom and the package goes to 3.3 pounds.

Some shooters moving up from a prosumer P&S or entry level DSLR are put off by the steep learning curve presented by pro/semi-pro DSLRs, but the E-3 (in Auto or Program mode) is remarkably easy to use � unlike some of its competition. For more demanding shooters, the E-3's comprehensive control array is logically placed and easily accessed � plus the E-3 provides direct access to white balance, ISO/sensitivity, exposure compensation, and metering options. The E-3 is tough as nails (specially cast Magnesium alloy body) with a shutter designed to last through at least 150,000 exposures. If all that's not enough, the E-3 is also weatherproof/splashproof and dustproof. Ergonomics are excellent and the large handgrip nicely balances the camera and provides a secure hold for extended use.

Finally, here's a really nifty feature: press the OK button at the center of the compass switch and the E-3 displays a Camera Status panel on the LCD screen where all functions and exposure parameters can be set/checked via the arrow pads and the front/rear control wheels, all without resorting to the menu.

Howard Creech

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