Sure, we all heard about how "small and light" this
newfangled E-400 was supposed to be, but seeing it in its (relatively speaking)
wee-sized glory sure put things in perspective. Olympus downsized its
E-500, upped the resolution to match the bevy of competitors, and managed to include "the first anti-dust system" (Supersonic Wave Filter) reviewers at CameraLabs had ever tested "that proved genuinely effective." While we're always skeptical when there's high praise across the board, the E-400 truly seems like a solid offering through and through; its ease of use (in auto and manual modes), pocket-friendlier size, "excellent" image quality, and exceptional versatility seemed to deliver in all the areas that make or break a
DSLR. Reviewers did mention that consumers may be immediately turned off by the somewhat higher pricetag, but noted that the "high quality" lens kit that accompanies this model actually offers "excellent value for the money." Moreover, it was nearly unanimous that the E-400 should've landed in place of the E-300 in order to seem "more revolutionary," and now faces an uphill climb in an attempt to dethrone the
current kings of
DSLR. Overall, however, reviewers couldn't find much to complain about in the results department, and noted that it made for an outstanding option if you're just now thinking about delving into this (admittedly wallet-draining)
addiction hobby -- so if
Olympus' latest has caught your eye, be sure to hit the read links below for the variety of opinions.
Read - CameraLabs (85 out of 100; Highly Recommended)
Read - TrustedReviews (9 out of 10)
Read - DigicamReview (Highly Recommended)
Read - DigitalCameraInfo ("Great, but too late.")
posted December 1st 2006 5:34AM
Yeah! Spam!
I have a friend who's a Flickr addict himself, and he's shot some amazing pictures with his Olympus.. he doesn't have this camera, but according to him, it looks pretty promising..
(nicholas)
Shame it's only available in Europe. I'd actually consider that camera, if I could actually buy it...
booo .. hiss.. why is this not in NA?
First anti-dust system? I don't think so. The 400D/XTi has been out for at least a couple months.
sony's new (their first) dslr alpha a 100 sports a anti dust system
"First Anti Dust System"- Because Olympus made them since the E-1 2003, and this camera uses the same system. thats 3 years ago.
It looks very promising, it seems to have kept the positive points of the OM system back into DSLR. compact but no compromise in function or comfort. I love the lack of the grip!
and man, looking at the comparison shots, that thing is small!!
Yes the Oly E-1 was the first DSLR in the industry in late 2003 with the dust system. I still use my E-1 as my main camera today and still not a speck of dust with over 45,000 shots. The E-400 does uses the same idea for the dust system as in the other Olympus bodies but Olympus had to build it smaller to fit in its tiny body. Even though it does the same thing it is thought to be even better on the E-400. Can't wait to see what Oly and 4/3 brings for the New Year, I am guessing it will be revolutionary!
Some of my E-1 photos: http://www.myfourthirds.com/user.php?id=235&page=user_images
John Stankewitz