Olympus EVOLT E-330 SLR camera review

OVERVIEW

The EVOLT E-330 is the world's first digital SLR to offer "Live" viewing through the Color LCD, making it easier to compose and capture the perfect shot. This big 2.5" LCD also features HyperCrystal ? technology and is designed with advanced swivel capability so you can capture one dramatic result after another from up top, down low, and everywhere in-between. With innovations like these - combined with world-class optics and our patented Dust Reduction System - the E-330 lets you shoot like no other digital interchangeable lens SLR before.

Designed with a professional tuch

LIVE VIEW LCD.
In addition to a traditional optical through-the-lens viewfinder, the EVOLT E-330 boasts the world's first Live View LCD on an interchangeable lens SLR so you can frame and shoot pictures with ease and comfort.

29 SHOOTING MODES.
Choose from 20 user-friendly pre-set shooting modes - including depth-defying underwater modes, a new Nature Macro mode and Panorama mode for stitching multiple images together - or assume more control with creative options including Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual.

MULTI-ANGLE HYPERCRYSTAL 2.5" LCD.
A moveable Multi-Angle LCD lets you shoot over a crowd or dip down low for dramatic results that can easily be viewed on this big 2.5" screen - even in sunlight and up to a 160? angle.

DUAL MEDIA SUPPORT.
Multiple slots support CompactFlash Type I and II, MicroDrives or xD-Picture Cards so you can decide the storage media that's most convenient for you.

Technology

SPOTLESS PICTURES.
Dust and other micro particles won't be an issue with the patented Olympus Dust Reduction System , featuring the SuperSonic Wave Filter that vibrates 35,000 times per second whenever the E-330 is powered up or can be initiated manually to remove any debris settled on the image sensor.

DIGITAL SPECIFIC ZUIKO LENSES.
The EVOLT E-330 is compatible with the largest selection of lenses designed especially for digital photography - from fisheye to wide-angle and telephoto lenses - for dynamic images that are brighter, more colorful and super sharp.

LIVE MOS 7.5-MEGAPIXEL IMAGER.
This advanced 7.5-megapixel imager turns every photo into a dynamic one with edge-to-edge detail, accurate color and less noise.

FAST AND SMOOTH WITH TRUEPIC TURBO.
The exclusive TruePic TURBO? Image Processor delivers the speed to capture shots at a moment's notice while also doubling as a resource that micro-smoothes individual pixels for finer, brighter results.

Features&Benefits

The EVOLT E-330 offers "live" viewing through the LCD to make it easier to capture the shot you want from composition to capture so what you see is really what you get.

• Choose "A Mode" for Full-Time Live View with AF or "B Mode" for Macro Live View with MF for complete manual control. You can even toggle back and forth between each mode quickly and easily by pressing the dedicated A/B button conveniently accessible on the back of the camera.


• The big 2.5" HyperCrystal LCD lets you more easily frame, shoot and share images and is designed to offer you incredible versatility using its Multi-Angle capability so you can take shots up high, down low, and from other tough angles. The HyperCrystal technology lets you view the LCD clearly indoors and outdoors without glare.


• The patented Dust Reduction System utilizes the SuperSonic Wave Filter whose vibration loosens debris that settles in front of the image sensor and catches it to prevent it from affecting your images.


• The newly-developed 7.5 megapixel MOS imager enables "live" viewing and ensures every shot is rich in color, detail and overall appearance.


• Finer, color accurate images and faster overall camera speed - including faster start-up time, quicker shot-to-shot performance and more - are just some of the benefits provided by the exclusive TruePic TURBO Image Processor.


• Just select "scene" to get great images using any of the 20 pre-set shooting modes or take more control with creative options like Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority.


• Dual Memory Slots support your media of choice among CompactFlash Type I and II, MicroDrives, and xD-Picture Cards .


• Turn on the Digital Image Stabilization Mode when shooting and capture clear pictures free from blur associated with moving subjects or camera shake.


• In addition to the Live View LCD the EVOLT E-330 is also equipped with a traditional optical viewfinder.


• The E-330 is compatible with the extensive line of Digital Specific Zuiko Lenses, all perfectly matched to the camera's image sensor, for brighter, clearer results no matter which you shoot with.

 




• See your subject bright and clear - even during nighttime shooting - when viewing in "A Mode" on the LCD equipped with Bright Capture Technology.


• Five (5) metering modes include 49-point Digital ESP metering, center-weighted average metering, spot metering, highlight spot metering and shadow spot metering.

Additional features

• Three (3) Color Parameters (Vibrant, Natural, or Muted) allow you to control color saturation, contrast and sharpness within each parameter individually.
• Five (5) Black-and-White monochrome modes are available to add dramatic effect to your images.
• Select either of two (2) Color Space Settings for your work (sRGB or Adobe® RGB).
• Four (4) available Recording Formats (TIFF, RAW, JPEG, RAW+JPEG) offer the flexibility to control the quality of images and how they're used.
• Direct Print compatible (PictBridge-enabled).
• Delete images with the touch of a single button on the back of the EVOLT E-330.
• Customize the White Balance and ISO settings or change them on the fly with dedicated buttons on the back of the camera.
• Control your flash photos with the Pop-up flash and 6 flash modes, or attach an external flash such as the FL-36 to the Hot Shoe for even more illuminating options.
• Transfer images to a computer for viewing, editing, printing and more with a simple USB connection (USB 2.0 Full Speed), no software installation necessary.
• Give yourself a little extra time to get in the shot yourself or to perfectly set up a group or landscape shot with the self-timer (12 or 2 seconds) or optional infrared RM-01 Remote.
• Ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand with buttons and controls all conveniently placed and well within reach at all times.

Specification

Accessories

	Underwoter Housing System Take your photographic interest to great depths with the professional grade underwater housings for the EVOLT E-330, Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses, and FL-36 Flash. Each are designed to be durable coating and protective O-rings and special rubber seals to withstand water pressure up to 196 ft. (60 meters) and make capturing superb photographs below sea level as common and comfortable as capturing them on land.
	EX-25mm Macro Extension Tuble 25mm extension tube that can be attached to lenses like the 50mm f2.0 Macro through 300mm f2.8 to allow a greater range of magnification for close-up photographs.
	EC14 1.4x Teleconverter Lens When you need more telephoto in a smaller package, the EC14 1.4x Teleconverter is an ideal choice. With only 1 stop of light loss the 1.4x converter still provides a fast super telephoto for sports and nature photography. Turn your Zuiko Digital 300mm f2.8 into a 420mm f4.0 (35mm equivalent 840mm f4.0). The EC14 is compatible with the Zuiko Digital 14-54mm f2.8/3.5, 50-200mm f2.8/3.5, 300mm f2.8, and 50mm f2.0 (f2.8 and up) lenses and is fully multi-coated to retain the high lens performance you expect. An inexpensive solution for professional-level results.
	FL-36 TTL Strobe An external flash unit specifically designed for digital cameras, the FL-36 is equipped with a 1/8 step illumination control for precision shooting, a wide-angle diffuser panel for even illumination with wide-angle lenses, a lockable bounce and swivel mechanism for bounce photography from left-right or top-bottom, and a compact zoom head to accommodate lenses from wide-angle to telephoto. It can be powered using two AA batteries or one CR-3 volt lithium, and offers impressive control due to its ultra-precision mounting technology that allows it to communicate directly with the EVOLT E-330. In addition, it is lightweight and compact for desired portability.
	FL-50 Flash Built specifically for the E-1 and compatible with the EVOLT E-330, the FL-50 Flash offers all the features a professional wants to produce professional-caliber results. Along with the standard bounce and swivel capability, power zoom and a full range of TTL Automatic, Automatic and Manual flash modes, the FL-50 offers the Super FP Mode. This allows for flash sync at speeds up to 1/4000th second so fill-flash can be used in the brightest of situations. This is achieved by the flash's ability to fire before the shutter opens and stay illuminated until after the shutter closes. Designed specifically for digital photography, the FL-50 flash also has more even illumination with less corner fall-off than traditional film flashes. The Guide Number is 164 feet/50 meters at ISO 100. The FL-50 can be powered by multiple power sources, including standard AA-type Alkaline, NiCad, Ni-MH, Lithium batteries, LB-01 (CR-3V) batteries or be used in conjunction with the separate HV-1 High Voltage Power Pack or Power Flash Grip for additional power and speed capabilities.
	FL-20 Flash Lightweight. Pocketable. Perfect for simple and direct flash needs. The FL-20 Flash has a maximum guide number of 65 feet/20 meters at ISO 100 and features manual, auto and auto TTL control for increased creative flexibility. Fits perfectly in a shirt pocket or camera bag pocket for quick and easy flash when and where it's needed.
	Flash Bracket (FL-BK01) A flash bracket allows you to move your external flash away from the camera. This will result in more evenly illuminated subjects and reduced red-eye effect.
	SRF-11 Ring Flash Discover how soft and shadow-free your close-up photos can be with the SRF-11 Ring Flash, utilizing a circular tube as its light source for just the right amount of illumination. Guide number of 36 feet/11 meters at ISO 100. Ideal for medical and macro photography.
	STF-22 Twin Flash Set macro flash lighting to the exact specifications you require with the STF-22 Twin Flash. Flashes can be positioned at any desired angle to provide the best illumination of the subject when texture and detail are needed. Can be fired as a single or dual flash unit. Guide number of 72 feet/22 meters.
	Battery Charger BCM-1 Dedicated lithium-ion battery charger: Recharges the BLM-1 battery in approx. two hours. Included with the E-330 digital SLR. International power supply compatible with 100~240V AC.
	Battery Pack BML-1 1500mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Included with the E-330.
	HV-1 high-voltage power pack Supply more power to the FL-50 Flash.
	BN-01 NiMH battery for HV-1 For use with the HV-1 high-voltage power pack.
	ME-1 Eyecup Increase the viewing distance while also increasing confidence and comfort. With an additional 1.2x viewfinder magnification, you can further close the gap between camera and subject and capture greater detail in the process for more compelling pictures. You'll even enjoy greater ease confirming the composition and focus of each shot, along with the experience of increased comfort taking it. This mounted rubber eyecup replaces the standard eyecup on any EVOLT series digital SLR.
	Camera Case CS-3SH Protect the EVOLT and its lens in style with a dedicated semi-hard leather case. Fits Zuiko Digital 14-45mm f3.5-5.6 lens and Zuiko Digital 40-150mm f3.5-4.5 lens as well.
	MF-1 OM Adapter (OM to 4/3 Lens Adapter) Use your OM System Lenses with your E-System Digital SLR using the MF-1 OM Adapter. Designed to fit digital cameras equipped with the Four Thirds-type Lens Mount, the MF-1 attaches to your E-System DSLR camera body so you can attach your OM lenses. For performance and compatibility information, please refer to the following PDF.
	FL-CB 02 Hotshoe to 5 pin TTL Connector Cable Connects Hot Shoe to FP-1 Power Flash Grip.

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