Olympus Raises the Bar for Entry-level DSLRs

Targeting consumers who are looking for an entry-level DSLR with a lot of extras, Olympus announced the new E-620 digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera. The E-620 inherits quite a few in-camera shooting effects previously found on the $1,299.99 E-30 announced in November, but at a much lower price.

Some of these creative features include easy-to-use Art Filters and Multiple Exposure mode. With the creative Art Filters, you’ll get Pop Art, Soft Focus, Light Tone, Grainy Black & White, and Pin Hole modes. These Art Filters are available from the mode dial on the right side of the camera body. Thanks to the E-620’s Multiple Exposure function, you can overlay images directly in camera. This function lets you shoot one shot, then another. You can also capture both shots separately and combine them in the camera later.

In addition to various creative modes and controls, the camera is very portable. Its compact size and light 16.76-ounce body give you freedom of mobility. Another key feature to note is the E-620’s swivel 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD, which will be especially handy while shooting in Live View mode.

Olympus claims this camera is the world’s smallest DSLR with in-body image stabilization. Because it has in-body image stabilization (not in-lens as some manufacturers offer), this feature works with any attached lens. The camera offers three IS modes to handle any situation. The IS-1 mode is used for general shooting and adjusts the sensor on both the horizontal and vertical planes to compensate for movement. When panning to shoot moving subjects, IS-2 and IS-3 image stabilization modes kick in. IS-2 is ideal for capturing horizontal movement, while IS-3 mode offers stabilization when the camera is held vertically.

This 12.3 megapixel DSLR uses a Live MOS image sensor along with Olympus’ TruePic III+ Image Processor to give you clear and colorful photos. Look for the E-620 in May for about $700 or $800 with the 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 lens.