March 31st, 2009
Olympus reveals E-450 entry-level dSLR camera for $699
Olympus today announced its new entry-level digital single lens reflex camera, the successor to its E-420, what the company called the “world’s smallest” digital SLR camera.
The new, 10 megapixel E-450 comes in a small and portable design, and comes with three Art Filters – Pop Art, Pin Hole and Soft Focus – for “freestyle experimentation.”
The camera has a bigger 2.7-inch LCD screen with on-screen autofocus, face detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview with — naturally — Live View.
In an attempt to bring digital SLR cameras into the hands of point-and-shoot fans, Olympus will launch the E-450 dSLR on QVC (of all places) on Saturday, May 9. It will be widely available in the U.S. and Canada in July.
The camera uses Olympus’ TruePic III+ Image Processor, which allows the camera to shoot up to 3.5 frames per second in sequential shooting mode. The camera also has an ultrasonic dust reduction system.
The E-450 accepts both CompactFlash Type I & II, Microdrives, and xD-Picture Cards, and is compatible with the Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes (the E-450 can control up to three wireless flash groups independently, with several flash units per group).
It includes E-450 Body, ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens, ED 40-150mm f4.0/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLS-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Warranty Card.
The E-450 Two-Lens Kit (ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens, ED 40-150mm f4.0/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens) will retail for $699.99.
Andrew J. Nusca is an associate editor for ZDNet and SmartPlanet.
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