Everything Comes Into Focus With Olympus E-520 Digital SLR: Advanced In-Body Image Stabilization and Autofocus Live View Deliver Sharp Images

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 13, 2008 – The new Olympus E-520 digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera delivers brilliant images thanks to advanced technologies that help take the blur out. Industry leading Image Stabilization built into the portable camera body compensates for movement so that images are sharp and blur-free with any lens and even at slow shutter speeds. Autofocus Live View brings subjects into sharp focus on the camera’s HyperCrystal™ II LCD. Together, these technologies produce amazing results, along with the following features that further expand the DSLR experience:
                       

• In-Body Image Stabilization with Supersonic Wave DriveTM technology provides blur-free images when using any of the more than 30 digital-specific lenses;
  
  
• Face Detection Technology targets and locks on faces to ensure they are in focus and blur-free for amazing portraits;
  
  
• Shadow Adjustment Technology opens up detail in the shadows that other cameras would render too dark or underexposed while maintaining detail in the highlights; and
  
  
• Perfect Shot Preview enables photographers to view and select White Balance and Exposure Compensation effects right on the LCD, and see how the image will look before they even capture it.

“Beyond a successor, the Olympus E-520 features an array of new technologies that help photo hobbyists and serious digital photographers take remarkable images,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager – DSLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Its image stabilization system now lets photographers pan while holding the portable camera vertically – perfect for capturing everything from a sprinter breaking from the pack to the bride and groom walking down the aisle.”

Enhanced In-Body Image Stabilization
For the first time, in-body Mechanical Image Stabilization has three modes for increased versatility. IS-1 mode for general shooting adjusts the sensor on both the X and Y axes to compensate for movement by the photographer so images stay sharp even at slow shutter speeds. To capture the motion of athletes and animals, and other moving subjects, the E-520 offers two specialized modes. IS-2 mode is ideal for capturing a racecar flying down the track, preserving the sense of motion while panning with the moving subject and holding the camera horizontally to dramatically portray the car’s high speed. For sharp images of moving subjects like a basketball player charging up the court, the IS-3 mode allows a photographer to hold the camera vertically while panning. The artistic effects of panning enhance the shot and render the player in sharp detail with blurred background.

The Live View Experience
The portable E-520’s advanced autofocus Live View enables photographers to compose their images and bring them into sharp focus on the HyperCrystal II LCD – just like a point-and-shoot camera. By simply pressing the shutter button halfway, subjects come into focus on the LCD, so when the perfect moment occurs it is easy to compose, focus and capture sharp images while viewing on the LCD. Live View makes it possible to shoot upward from a low angle for dramatic composition, in close for detailed macro photos of an exotic insect, or over a crowd of people at a tennis tournament.

New and Improved HyperCrystal™ II LCD
The E-520’s viewable HyperCrystal II LCD is the key to its Live View capabilities. While some LCD screens force photographers to squint to preview images in bright sunlight or a dimly lit room, the E-520 features a large, bright 2.7-inch LCD display that incorporates new technology. It also offers twice the contrast for better viewing in extreme light conditions, a larger color gamut that displays a greater range of color detail, and a 176-degree viewing angle.

Always Find a Face in the Crowd
The E-520’s Face Detection reduces the chance of blurred subjects in photography by distinguishing between people’s faces and the background. It tracks up to eight faces within the image area even if people are moving and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.

In Sunshine or the Shadows, Never Miss a Detail
Shooting scenes with shadows can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The E-520 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment Technology that compensates for extreme contrast and maintains visible detail in both the shadow and highlight areas of the scene. Now users can preview and capture images showing the shadow detail they saw. This feature is also available in the Edit menu after the shot has been taken.

Preview a Multitude of Possibilities
Perfect Shot Preview enables users to preview and select from a variety of thumbnail previews of the photographic effects of white balance and exposure compensation adjustments live on the LCD before taking the photograph. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, visually, without having to scroll through menu options. With 20 preset scene-select modes for every imaginable shooting scenario from underwater photography to fireworks, and program, automatic modes and full manual controls, the E-520 offers a world of possibilities to photographers.

Experience Life under the Sea
Olympus will offer the PT-E05 optional underwater housing for the E-520 to allow photographers to document the richness of life in the depths. Capable of reaching depths of 130 feet underwater, the housing will ensure that divers will not miss an image during their journeys to the abyss. Special underwater scene modes on the E-520 will assure that the camera is set up correctly for underwater use.

Wireless Flash Capability
Sometimes wireless flashes can help photographers cast the best light on their subjects and capture great images. For this reason, the E-520 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-520, wireless multi-flash photography is possible. The E-520 can control up to three wireless flash groups independently, with multiple flash units in each group.

TruePic III for Image Clarity & Speed
The 10.1 megapixel E-520’s TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos using all of the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible for every photo 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.

Dust Reduction System for Spot-Free Images
Life moves too fast to spend time worrying about dust ruining the perfect image. Olympus’ proven Dust Reduction System 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.

Easy to Handle, Easy to Operate
The E-520 is extremely portable, measuring 5.35 inches (width) by 3.6 inches (height) and 2.68 inches (depth), excluding protrusions, and weighing 16.75 ounces (body only). The new camera has a classic penta-mirror design that is light and compact enough to shoot with all day. It features a comfortable ergonomic grip to ensure that the camera fits snugly in the hand. Beyond its portable size, the E-520 has an expanded menu for greater control and buttons on the body for quick and easy direct access to the most common settings. Accepting both CompactFlash Type I & II, Microdrives and xD-Picture Cards, the camera provides a choice of data-storage options for enhanced flexibility, and it is possible to transfer image files from one card to the other right inside the camera.

100% Digital-Specific Lens for Sharpness and Rich Colors
The E-520 outfit includes a compact, Zuiko Digital 28-84mm equivalent (ED 14–42 mm 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. Its 3x ED Glass zoom lens covers the range most frequently used in photography and weighs just 7.5 ounces, offering users an extremely dynamic, portable, everyday-use zoom. Close-ups as near as 9.84 inches (0.25 m) are possible throughout the zoom range. This lens is part of Olympus’ expanding line of 100 percent digital lenses – designed specifically for digital photography. Unlike other camera companies, Olympus does not rely on old film lenses, which often result in images with soft edges or other imperfections.

Availability
The Olympus E-520 Digital SLR will be available in July 2008. It includes: E-520 Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLM-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCM-2), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Warranty Card.

U.S. Pricing/Product Configurations
E-520 body Estimated Street Price: $599.99 (£479.99)
E-520 with ED 14–42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens Estimated Street Price: $699.99

International Press Release

Olympus Introduces the EVOLT E-520 Digital SLR 

London, 13 May 2008 – The perfect moment doesn’t wait. That’s why serious photographers need serious equipment so that they are ready for whatever comes. With its pro features and top image quality, the new Olympus E-520 D-SLR fits the bill perfectly. The successor to the EISA Award-winning E-500 series incorporates a built-in image stabilizer to ensure blur-free shots irrespective of the lens attached – no matter if wide-angle or ultra-tele and without the need for a tripod. Matched with the Supersonic Wave Filter dust protection system and improved Live View capabilities, the freedom to frame and take great, crystal-clear photos is virtually limitless. Based upon the forward-looking “designed for digital” Four Thirds Standard, the 10.0 Megapixel E-520 with Live View ensures uncompromising D-SLR quality. It will become available in June 2008 and retail for £479.99 for body only. U.S. pricing has not yet been announced.

Flexibility is the name of the game
The E-520 relegates blurred photos to a thing of the past. Its built-in image stabiliser ensures subjects are captured in ultimate sharpness, shot after shot – no matter if shooting from the back of a motorbike on rough terrain or capturing a spontaneous “stolen moment” out of the hand in a market square. Because the stabiliser is located in the camera body and not in individual lenses, photographers can shoot with confidence regardless of which lens is attached: from wide-angle models like the soon-to-be-released ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 to high-performance zooms such as the new ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 (equiv. to 140-600mm in a 35mm format).

Sequential shooting at 3.5fps with up to eight images in RAW buffer captures every moment. Matched with fast processing speeds and the exceptionally low noise performance that’s attributable to the TruePic III image processor, high-speed action becomes your friend. Broad-ranging sensitivity from ISO 100-1600 adds versatility, and the bracketing function let series of shots to be taken with varying adjustments of exposure, focus or white balance, allowing the best of the shots to be selected.

For low-light shooting situations photographers can select the built-in flash or choose an optional external unit. Wireless flash control is also possible with this model, making customised lighting set ups an easy reality.

As with all cameras in the Olympus E-System line-up, the E-520 incorporates the Supersonic Wave Filter to protect against the effects of dust, which can enter the camera during lens changes or otherwise result from normal operation. Photographers therefore enjoy blemish-free pictures at all times.

Complex features – designed for easy usage
Despite being the powerhouse it is, the Four Thirds System-based E-520 remains a pleasure to use. Its ergonomic body houses the capabilities that not only advance image quality but also enrich the complete photo-taking experience. Live View has been enhanced to boost user friendliness. In addition to allowing depth of field previews, providing the facility to control exposure compensation and white balance on-screen, it is also possible to see the effects of Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology in real time on the 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD. In addition, autofocus changes can now also be seen directly on the display. This has been made possible by implementing a contrast AF system* in addition to the customary phase difference detection AF system, which means that the mirror needn’t move to the down position for AF measurements to be made and previewed in Live View.

The LCD boasts viewing angles of 176° and has a field of view that covers 100% of the frame. Live View is also ideal to support the needs of macro photographers wishing to focus visually, as sections of the subject can be enlarged by a factor 7 or 10 to aid manual focus adjustments.

The E-520 includes a total of 32 user-friendly shooting modes to make shooting easy no matter the situation: whether at a candlelight dinner, taking a portrait or shooting under water. Operabilition is a cinch too: users can choose on-screen menus in up to 10 languages – and many more are also available for download. A long-life rechargeable battery ensures extended shooting. Dual CompactFlash and xD-Picture Card slots enable excellent storage flexibility, and the downloading of files is fast thanks to USB Hi-Speed 2.0.

A complete system for photographic creativity
As part of the Olympus E-System, the E-520 is compatible with virtually all system accessories. This embraces numerous flash units including the wireless FL-36R and FL-50R to take advantage of the camera’s remote flash control capabilities. More than 20 ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses – all featuring near telecentric construction – are available, covering a focal length range of 14-600mm (35mm equivalents). Among the latest ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are the ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm), ED 14-35mm 1:2.0 SWD (28-70mm), ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 (140-600mm), and 25mm 1:2.8 (50mm) Pancake lens. Beyond this, thanks to the one-of-a-kind compatibility the Four Thirds System provides, photographers can also use lenses from other manufacturers adhering to the standard.

Further enhancing shooting opportunities, a special underwater case will also become available for the E-520. Waterproof to a depth of up to 40m, it opens up an entirely new realm of creative photography.

Satisfying demands for pro results and remaining surprisingly compact, the Olympus E-520 makes sure every photo comes out razor-sharp thanks to its built-in image stabilizer. It will go on sale from June 2008.

The Olympus E-520 digital SLR – main features:

•  Built-in image stabiliser for all lenses
•  Autofocus Live View
•  Excellent dust reduction system
•  100% D-SLR quality
•  Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology
•  6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD
•  10 Megapixel Live MOS sensor
•  3.5fps with up to 8 images in RAW buffer
•  Built-in flash and wireless flash control
•  32 shooting modes
•  Optional underwater case available
•  Four Thirds Standard
•  Compact and ergonomic design
•  Bracketing functions
•  ISO 100-1600
•  AF/ AE lock functionality
•  Depth of field preview
•  Anti-shock (mirror lock) function
•  One-touch white balance
•  Perfect Shot Preview
•  100% field of view via LCD
•  TruePic III image processor
•  Detailed playback info screen with histogram
•  Hi-Speed USB 2.0

The Olympus E-520 is available in the following configurations:

• Olympus E-520 Lens Kit - £529.99
  (E-520 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens)
  
  
• Olympus E-520 Double Zoom Kit - £629.99
  (E-520 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 and ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 lenses)
  
  
• Olympus E-520 Tele Double Zoom Kit - £759.99
  (E-520 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 and ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 lenses)
  
  
• Olympus E-520 (body only) - £479.99

* Full contrast AF performance is available with new Olympus lenses including the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6, and the new ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 “pancake” lens. A free firmware update can be downloaded via Olympus Master or Studio software from the Olympus homepage to enable this feature for lenses that were purchased previously.