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[OM] Re: E-500 specs (long)

Subject: [OM] Re: E-500 specs (long)
From: "John Hermanson" <omtech@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 08:40:12 -0400
Melville, New York, September 26, 2005 - Olympus proudly introduces the new
EVOLT E-500, the most full-featured digital SLR camera in its class of
sub-$1000.00 SLR cameras. Designed to be used by all photographers of any
skill level, the E-500's compact and durable body is packed with Olympus
innovations like the exclusive Dust Reduction System for spot-free photos, 8
million pixels of detail for bright and colorful images, a TruePic TURBO
Image Processor for fast response time, and an oversized, easy-to-view
2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD. Compatible with a wide range of Olympus Zuiko
Digital Specific Lenses(tm), the E-500 delivers the versatility and power
that are the hallmarks of a performance SLR, but at an affordable price.

Exclusive Dust Free Technology for Spot-Free Photos
Dust is all around us, and when swapping out a lens on a digital single-lens
reflex camera there's a chance that a camera's electro-statically charged
image sensor will attract micro dust that can ruin photos. Since the main
advantage of using an SLR camera is the ability to change lenses for better
imaging effects, Olympus has developed a way for photographers to enjoy the
freedom of using all the lenses of the Olympus E-System in the most
challenging, dusty environments without compromising image quality.

Olympus' Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive
Supersonic Wave Filter(tm), a patented ultrasonic technology that shakes at
35,000 vibrations a second to remove dust from in front of the camera sensor
every time you turn the camera on. These spot-free photos liberate users
from hours spent retouching photographs at the computer. The new EVOLT
E-500, like all Olympus digital SLR cameras, is equipped with this exclusive
user-friendly technology, and only Olympus has a solution to provide
spot-free photography in a digital SLR.

Detailed, Bright and Colorful Photos with 8-Megapixel Image Sensor
The E-500 is loaded with an impressive 8 million pixels of detail, for
bright colorful photos. The 8-megapixel sensor gives photographers the
flexibility to blow up their prints to the large sizes supported by many of
today's printers, or crop into an image to print only part of the image that
is important to them. Moreover, the image sensor in the EVOLT E-500 is a
high-performance Full Frame Transfer KODAK KAF-8300CE CCD(tm) that delivers
improved dynamic range, low noise to capture fine image details in the
highlight and shadow areas, as well as excellent color fidelity for
brilliant colors. Additionally the anti-blooming technology on each pixel
and the exclusive Olympus TruePic TURBO Image Processor helps to eliminate
undesirable "artifacts", "stepping" or "jaggies", "purple fringing" or
"moiré" in an image.

TruePic TURBO(tm) for Clarity and Speed
Olympus' TruePic TURBO Image Processor provides fast camera response,
operation and processing speed for more responsive camera operation. This is
done by closely integrating the image processor and hardware elements to
eliminate unnecessary processing tasks, accelerating camera operations. For
faster burst rates, the TruePic TURBO processor addresses the dedicated 64MB
image buffer for up to 4 TIFF or RAW images at 2.5 frames-per-second, and
unlimited burst mode with HQ JPEG images and extreme speed Compact Flash
cards.

Along with the speed advantages, TruePic TURBO also produces crystal clear
photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide you with
the best digital images possible for every photo.

Large Easy-to-View 2.5-Inch HyperCyrstal(tm) LCD Monitor
Big and bright with 215,250 pixels, the E-500 has a 2.5-inch HyperCrystal
LCD that offers many times the contrast of conventional LCD monitors, so
captured images can be beautifully displayed in vivid color on the screen
with exceptional clarity. Because photos are for sharing, the E-500 LCD
features a wide, 160° viewing angle on the vertical and horizontal axis,
ensuring excellent visibility and beautiful image quality even when everyone
huddles around the camera to see what you've created. The larger LCD also
means the icons and text on the camera's menu display are enlarged for
easier viewing.

The World's Largest Selection of Digital Specific Lenses(tm)
The versatility of the Olympus E-System comes from delivering the largest
selection of "Designed-for-Digital" lenses -more than any other manufacturer
to date. Olympus' Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses(tm) come in a wide range of
focal lengths for achieving the best image result, and impress with their
spectacular clarity and edge-to-edge sharpness.

Most other digital SLR cameras still use many traditional 35mm film lenses
on digital bodies. But since those lenses are based on designs for film and
not for pixels, they deliver insufficient light at the edges of a digital
camera's image sensor. This can result in reduced sharpness and color
definition, particularly when shooting with large apertures and wide-angle
lenses. The E-500 does not have this problem, because it accommodates the
full line of interchangeable Zuiko Digital Lenses. These digital specific
lenses are designed for digital capture with smart technology that allows
the lenses to communicate with the camera to ensure the best possible image
quality.

Olympus dedicated digital optics coupled with the EVOLT E-500 render
sharpness and contrast more consistently at any given f-stop. The lenses are
matched to the Four Thirds System standard image sensor for the optimal
balance between image quality, camera and lens size, and expandability. With
a wide array of digital specific lenses to choose from, it's easy to select
the ideal lens to bring along when you don't want to lug a lot of heavy,
bulky gear.

The E-500 outfit includes a compact, Zuiko Digital 14 - 45mm f3.5 - f5.6
Lens (equivalent to 28mm - 90mm in 35mm photography) that perfectly matches
the imager so light strikes the sensor directly to ensure rich, accurate
colors and edge-to-edge sharpness. Its 3.2x zoom covers the range most
frequently used in ordinary photography and weighs just 10 ounces (285
grams) offering users an extremely dynamic, portable everyday-use zoom.
Close-ups as near as 15 inches (38cm) are possible throughout the zoom
range.

Easy-to-Use, Easy-to-Handle Light and Ergonomic Design
Creating an affordable digital SLR that most anyone can pick up and start to
use is about making it easier to operate. That means menus that make sense
and buttons on the body that are easy to understand and operate; adding
automatic settings for every imaginable situation; making the LCD big and
bright enough so you can review a shot without squinting; and making it less
of a chore to get images out of the camera and into your computer or
printer. Moreover, at just 5.09 inches (W) x 3.72 inches (H) x 2.59 inches
(D) and only 15.3 ounces, the EVOLT E-500 is light and compact enough to
comfortably shoot with all day.

You don't need a degree in photography to shoot like a pro with the E-500.
Just take it home, charge the Li-ion battery with the included charger, and
begin taking photos. Instead of working to find the right settings for the
subject, select from one of the camera's 25 Exposure Modes (Easy, Basic and
Creative) that make it easy to get the results you want, whenever and
wherever you want them.

To access the Easy Modes, simply turn the mode dial on the top of the camera
to "Scene" and choose from a range of 15 pre-programmed Scene Select modes
to achieve the optimal results for: Night Scenes, Fireworks, Sunsets, Beach
and Snow, Children, Landscape, and more.

Every Scene Select mode on the EVOLT E-500 provides a sample image and a
description of what is happening to achieve the desired result. For example,
choosing the Landscape setting reveals a sample of a landscape photo, and a
text description of what the mode is displayed on the large, easy-to-read
2.5-inch LCD

To access Basic shooting modes that allow some user over-rides, just select
one of the 5 icons on the mode dial (Landscape; Portrait; Night
Scene-Portrait; Macro; and Action/Sports Modes).

The Creative Modes on the mode dial allow users to take control of the E-500
for the ultimate in artistic expression. For example, Aperture Priority,
Shutter Priority and Manual Modes allow users to tweak all of the camera's
settings just the way they want for any situation at hand.

Direct Button operation enables EVOLT E-500 users to get to the settings
they want without wading through endless menus or pushing arrow buttons
excessively. Instead, most custom settings can be set by pressing one of the
cameras 8 direct key buttons for White Balance, Exposure Compensation, ISO,
Flash Mode, Metering Mode, Auto Focus Mode, Auto Focus Frame and Recording
Mode, and then turning a dial by thumb to customize the setting as desired.
All settings are viewable at once on the camera's "Super Control Panel"
displayed on the LCD.

Transferring images to the computer has never been easier with the
Auto-Connect USB that does not require software drivers (for most
computers/operating systems) for hassle-free image downloads.  Images may
also be viewed on a television using the video cable.
When it comes time to print images, the E-500 connects via the included USB
cable for fast and easy PC-free printing, to any PictBridge-enabled printer
via USB, like the new Olympus P-11 Digital Photo Printer. Simply select the
images displayed on the camera's LCD that you wish and print.

The Flexibility of the Most Feature Rich Camera in its Class
Once one feature is mastered, there are a seemingly endless number of other
features just waiting to be explored. Because the E-500 is designed for the
ultimate user-friendly experience, you can choose to let the camera make all
the decisions, or take control for a new level of customization and
performance.

* 5 Metering Modes: A new 49 Point Digital ESP Light Meter enables
digital electro selective pattern metering for accurate exposures under the
largest number of conditions. The Digital ESP can also be linked to the AF
(auto focus) selection or independent of the AF selection for even more
versatility. Olympus' widely acclaimed proprietary Digital ESP metering
calculates the best light values under complex lighting conditions.
Center-weighted metering is biased to the center of the viewfinder (cross)
area. Spot Meter (2%) enables the most accurate metering for tough lighting
conditions like backlit or spot lit. Highlight Spot Meter (2%) adjusts for
predominantly white subject for correct exposure with detail. Shadow Spot
Meter (2%) adjusts for a black subject, providing the correct exposure with
detail.

* 3 Color Modes: Vivid / Natural / Muted: Vivid mode produces
photos with more highly saturated colors and higher contrast to optimize
images when vivid shots are required.  This is also the recommended setting
when printing directly from the camera to an inkjet printer. The Natural
mode produces realistic color similar to those seen by the human eye and is
the perfect choice for the discerning photographer looking for the most
realistic photos. The Muted mode is ideal for those users who plan to
heavily manipulate or edit their images with the included OLYMPUS Master
Software or with Adobe® Photoshop(tm).

* A Choice of Two Color Space Settings: Users can choose from
two color space settings according to their needs: sRGB, which is the
standard for computer monitor viewing and inkjet printer output, and Adobe®
RGB, which is widely used for commercial applications.

* 9 Black & White Modes:  Red, Yellow, Orange, and Green
filters can be selected to replicate the same traditional film filters,
enhancing the drama of the image in the Black & White shooting mode. In
addition to Sepia tone, the EVOLT E-500 also offers users three tone
effects: Blue, Green and Purple for special results.

* 2 Red-Eye Reduction modes, on Flash and in Playback: Besides
the ability to select Red-Eye reduction mode on the flash prior to taking a
shot, the EVOLT E-500 also offers the ability to correct for Red-Eye in
images that have already been taken while the camera is in playback mode.

* Dual Card Slots: Users also benefit from two memory card slots - one
for CompactFlash or Microdrive and another for xD-Picture Cards - which add
to the camera's practicality and provide extra data storage. Simply depress
a button on the back of the camera to choose which card type to capture to
and copy images back and forth from one card to the other in playback.

* Support for High-Speed and High-Capacity Memory Media: The EVOLT
E-500 supports 32-bit file formatting allowing the use of 2 gigabyte and
larger CompactFlash, Microdrive, and xD media(tm) cards. The EVOLT E-500
also supports high-speed CF cards for faster operation in the burst mode.

* AF: The E-500 dedicated auto focus system offers 3 selectable AF
points for accurate auto focus operation. When automatic target zone
selection is active, a superimposed display confirms the relevant target
zone. Focus modes are set via a manual switch on the camera body for Single
AF, Continuous AF, and Manual Focus operation. To ensure successful focusing
in the darkest environments, the E-500 utilizes an AF illuminator built into
the flash.

* Simultaneous RAW and JPEG Image Recording: A choice of three image
formats is offered: RAW, TIFF, and JPEG. If desired, image data can be
simultaneously recorded in RAW and JPEG with the RAW+JPEG format.

* Contrast, Sharpness and Tone Curve Controls: Contrast can be set to
any of five levels, and sharpness can be set to any of seven levels. So
whether users want pro-quality tonal fidelity or sharp vibrant colors, they
can customize each image to suit their preference.

* White Balance: White balance settings from 3000K to 7000K can be set
in 12 steps using button and dial controls, with ±7-step fine-tuning
available for all settings. A one-touch white balance function allows users
to store and retrieve up to four frequently used white balance settings at
the touch of a button. By initially reading the light separately for the
CCD, the camera can see a dramatic increase in speed without loss of
accuracy.

* Noise Reduction: The noise reduction function uses a proprietary
Olympus algorithm to detect and eliminate the fixed noise that can appear on
long-exposure images.

* High-Precision Flash Control: The flash can be turned ON and OFF
manually or with the AUTO FLASH option selected the flash will pop up
automatically when ever it is needed. A wide range of flash modes is
provided, including Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Synchro (front and rear
curtain), and Fill-In.

* RGB Histogram Information Display: The EVOLT E-500 will display an
individual histogram for each color channel (RGB) as well as the overall
luminance of the exposure. This information is valuable to the more advanced
user who may need to alter the exposure for specific output sources. A
display that identifies overexposed highlights or underexposed shadow areas
is also an option in image playback mode.

* Self-timer and Remote Control: The built-in self-timer offers a
choice of 12-second or 2-second delay. An optional RM-1 remote control unit
is available and can be used with the 2-second delay setting or for
immediate shutter release, as well as to control "bulb" shutter openings for
longer exposures.

Availability
The Olympus EVOLT E-500 Digital SLR will be available in October 2005. It
includes: EVOLT E-500 Body with 14-45mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens,
USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLM-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger
(BCM-2), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master Software CD-ROM, Manuals, Warranty
card.

US Pricing
EVOLT E-500 with 14-45mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens Estimated Street
Price: $799.99
EVOLT E-500 TWO Lens Outfit; 14-45mm f3.5/5.6 and 40-150mm f3.5/4.5 Zuiko
Digital Zoom Lens Estimated Street Price $899.99



John Hermanson
Camtech Photo Services, Inc.
21 South Lane, Huntington, NY 11743
631-424-2121  |  omtech@xxxxxxxxx
              www.zuiko.com
Factory Trained OM Service since 1977
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