which would be about 1-2 stops more powerful than most previous stabilization systems. Other upgrades include enhanced Live View, improved exposure of faces and backgrounds in a scene, 3.5 frame per second burst rate, and the same 10MP Live MOS sensor that was introduced at PMA in the E-420. The E-520 will be available body only, or as a kit with a choice of Olympus Zuiko lenses, starting later this month. The body is expected to sell for around $599.99.
For details and full feature description, read the Olympus Global press release:
Enhanced “Live View” photography with “High-Speed Imager AF,” Image stabilization shooting at up to 33x* available with ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses
Olympus Imaging Corporation (President: Masaharu Okubo) today announced the launch of the E-520, the latest addition to the Olympus E-System series of interchangeable lens type digital SLR cameras. Featuring a built-in image stabilization mechanism functional at up to 33x* when used with ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, the new E-520 is scheduled to be released at the end of May 2008.
Olympus E-520 Main Features
Thanks to a powerful built-in image stabilizer with a compensation effect of up to 4 EV steps**, image stabilization shooting is available at magnifications up to 33x over a wide range of focal lengths from super-wide-angle to super telephone when combined with ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses
Enhanced “Live View” shooting with new “High-Speed Imager AF” that provides users to the same ease of use available with a compact digital camera
“Face & Back Control” for clearer reproduction of both faces and backgrounds
Advanced new 10-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic III image processing engine
An advanced, updated version of the E-510 digital SLR camera (released in June 2007), the E-520 features a built-in image stabilization mechanism that actually shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera shake, as well as an impressive array of versatile functions that make it easier than ever for users to take exactly the photographs they intended. The image stabilization system incorporated in the E-520 uses SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) actuators to shift the image sensor and compensate for camera shake by up 4 EV steps*. As the E-520 is fully compatible with any lens compliant with the Four Thirds System standard, this means that image stabilization shooting is possible at up to 33x magnification across a wide range of focusing distances from 18mm (35mm camera equivalent) super-wide-angle to 600mm (35mm camera equivalent) super telephoto. To achieve this performance, the user can simply combine the E-520 with a Four-Thirds standard lens such as the newly released ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6, the ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 or ED 40-500mm f4.0-5.6, and ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 super telephoto zoom lens.
The E-520 also incorporates the same High-Speed Imager AF initially unveiled on the E-420 (released in April 2008). This sophisticated autofocus system uses contrast detection to assure fast, accurate focusing and improve the ease and comfort of Live View shooting. In addition, the E-520 boasts Olympus’s sophisticated new Face & Back Control that uses a face detection function able to detect up to 8 separate faces and optimize exposure of both faces and background. This function assures beautiful portrait or group shots, in which both the faces of the subjects and the background are clear and sharp.
All of this performance and versatility is incorporated in a compact, lightweight body. Thanks to the new 10-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and the TruePic III image processing engine, the E-520 offers the same outstanding quality as the E-3, our widely praised flagship model. With its simplicity, convenience, and excellent portability, the E-520 is a great choice even for beginners, while its powerful function set and superb quality will satisfy advanced users as well.
Development Background
In the autumn of 2006, Olympus began writing Chapter Two in the story of the Olympus E-System with the declaration, “we will continue to develop revolutionary features that extend the frontiers of DSLR photography, and to strengthen the Olympus E-System body, lens, and accessory line-up. We will continue to develop Olympus E-System bodies, lenses, and accessories for a wide range of genres, so that even more people are able to take photographs that could never be taken before.”
All three models launched in 2007, the E-410, E-510 and E-3, embodied the concept set forth in “Olympus E-System Chapter Two” declaration through the incorporation of the Live View function, and, in the cases of the E-510 and E-3, through the incorporation of an integrated image stabilization mechanism.
The newly announced E-520 incorporates advanced versions of both functions. The Live View function is now easier to use and more reliable thanks to face detection and a High-Speed Imager AF, while the built-in image stabilization is now even more effective in more situations thanks to the enhancement of the lens line-up. When combined with the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 image-stabilized super-telephoto shooting at 600mm (35mm camera equivalent) is possible, while with the newly announced ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 image-stabilized super-wide-angle shooting of 18mm (35mm camera equivalent) is possible. This means makes possible handheld super-telephoto shooting of a distant subject with a compressed effect as well wide-angle shooting of city lights at night.
With these features, the E-520 and the Olympus E-System series of cameras have written the climax of Chapter Two the Olympus E-System story, fulfilling Olympus’s goal of making it possible for “even more people… to take photographs that could never be taken before.”
Other Features
- Reliable Dust Reduction System
- Fast 3.5 frames-per-sec. sequential shooting
- Built-in flash with wireless flash control
- New large 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD monitor with improved visibility in Live View shooting and picture playback
- “Perfect Shot Preview” function to compare the results of various effects before actual shooting
- Continuous AF mode with improved focus tracking
- Super Control Panel with excellent visibility and operability
- Large, ergonomic grip that fits the hand and direct-access buttons for quick setup
Main Features
Thanks to powerful built-in image stabilization with a compensation effect of up to 4 EV steps*1, image stabilization shooting across a wide range from super-wide-angle to super telephoto at up to 33x*2 is possible when used with ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses
Like its predecessor, the E-510, the E-520 also features an integrated image stabilization mechanism that shifts the image sensor using the independently developed SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) actuators to compensate for camera shake. Using a gyro sensor that detects camera shake accurately and SWD actuators with excellent response and controllability, the E-520’s image stabilization mechanism achieves a compensation effect equivalent to up to 4 shutter speed (EV) steps*1.
Effective with any lens that complies with the Four Thirds System standard, including ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, this system makes handheld shooting without image blur possible even when using a super-wide-angle or fisheye lens under low light or when using a telescopic lens. Now users can take advantage of affordable high-performance image stabilization shooting by combining the E-520 with one of Olympus’s four sensibly priced Standard Series*3 lenses – the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 (released at the same time), the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED f3.5-5.6 or ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 (included in the Lens Kit), and the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 super telephoto zoom lens. Between them, these four lenses cover a wide range of focusing distances from super-wide-angle of 18mm (35mm camera equivalent) to super telephoto of 600mm (35mm camera equivalent), with magnification up to 33x.
This image stabilization mechanism also effectively compensates for camera shake even when the camera is held vertically and moved into the horizontal direction during shooting.
Enhanced “Live View” shooting with new “High-Speed Imager AF” that provides users to the same ease of use available with a compact digital camera
The E-520 incorporates the AF Live View function made popular by the E-420, which features the ability to autofocus without moving the mirror. The autofocusing system uses Olympus’s High-Speed Imager AF*2, which detects the contrast value on the image sensor when the shutter button is half pressed, drives the lens to the position with the peak contrast value and then adjusts focusing. Because the focusing system used by previous Live View function was based on phase difference, the mirror had to be moved down. With the new system, this requirement has been eliminated, making Live View shooting as easy and convenient as shooting with a compact digital camera*2.
*2 When a lens other than the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6, ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 and 25mm f2.8 is used, the number of distance measuring points for autofocusing is 3 so autofocusing is executed again at the moment the shutter release button is fully pressed. When the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 or ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 is used, the firmware should be upgraded to Ver. 1.1 or higher.
“Face & Back Control” renders both human faces and the background more clearly
The E-520 incorporates the same face detection function incorporated in the E-420, which detects up to 8 faces at a time and automatically adjusts focus to ensure that everyone’s faces are accurately focused, even in group photos. This works in conjunction with “Face & Back Control”, which optimizes exposure for the faces in the foreground and the scenery in the background, assuring sharp, clear, more natural-looking pictures. Even when shooting against the light, faces can be optimally exposed without over-exposing the background.
Advanced new 10-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic III image processing engine
The E-520 uses a powerful new 10-megapixel Live MOS Sensor for image capturing that enables accurate reproduction of details with natural, vivid colors. The new sensor features an improved dynamic range to ensure richer, subtler gradations, giving images a natural, true-to-life appearance.
The TruePic III image processing engine features an advanced processing algorithm to improve imaging performance, gradation expression and color reproduction.
Other Features
Reliable Dust Reduction System
Dust and dirt — whether it gets inside when the lens is changed or is produced by friction inside the camera when the shutter is opened and closed repeatedly — is the photographer’s biggest enemy. Once it gets on the low-pass filter or the image sensor, even tiny specks of dust will show up in your photographs, spoiling what would otherwise be a great shot. Olympus has always viewed dust as a critical issue in digital SLR cameras and solved it by incorporating a SSWF (Super-Sonic Wave Filter) unit that literally shakes the dust loose so it can be collected with a dust absorber. Activated whenever the camera is powered on ore when Live View is in use, the SSWF unit vibrates at supersonic speeds, removing dirt and dust that cannot be removed simply by moving the image sensor up and down. This system can even remove fine dust attached by intermolecular force that cannot be removed by static electric discharge.
Fast 3.5 frames-per-sec. sequential shooting
Sequential shooting performance has been improved to 3.5 frames per second. Now it is easier to capture the best moment from fast moving subjects or facial expressions that constantly change from one instant to the next.
Built-in flash with wireless flash control
The powerful built-in flash incorporates a commander function for combined operation with wireless flashes, a feature already proven on Olympus’s flagship digital SLR, the E-3. When the FL-50R and/or FL-36R external flashes are used, multiple flashes can be controlled without either connection cables or an external commander. Settings (including flash mode and intensity) for up to 3 groups of remote flashes can be adjusted on the LCD panel on the back of the camera.
New large 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD monitor for improved visibility in Live View shooting and picture playback
The E-520 uses a new 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD monitor with even higher visibility than our previous LCD monitors. Contrast has been increased and the color reproduction gamut has been expanded to enable finer image checking in Live View shooting and picture playback. With a viewing angle of 176?‹ in all directions, the monitor image can be easily checked from any angle. Image reproduction in Live View shooting and picture playback is further improved by an anti-reflection multi-coating and an easy-to-use color temperature adjustment function as well as a traditional brightness adjustment control
“Perfect Shot Preview” function to compare the results of various effects before actual shooting
Before actually taking a picture, the user can use “Perfect Shot Preview” to display four images with different compensation/adjustment settings on the LCD monitor and select the preferred image from among them. The Two settings that can be checked are exposure compensation, white balance. Being able to check and compare the effects of various settings in advance makes it much easier for users to obtain exactly the image they want.
Continuous AF mode with improved focus tracking
The overwhelming popularity of the Continuous AF system incorporated in the E-3 was accompanied by valuable feedback that has been applied to the E-520. The result is greatly improved focus tracking ability that makes it much easier for users to shoot moving subjects.
Super Control Panel with excellent visibility and operability
The Super Control Panel displays shooting and setting data on the LCD and features a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for quick, intuitive operation using cross-cursor and OK buttons. Settings are easy to make and easy to check, minimizing mistakes and confusion.
Large, ergonomic grip that fits the hand and direct-access buttons for quick setup
The E-520 features the same large, ergonomic grip as the E-510. Designed to fit comfortably in the user’s hand and provide a stable grip, this assures secure, comfortable shooting in many different positions. The cross-cursor buttons can be customized to provide direct control over various functions including image stabilization, Live View, white balance adjustment, exposure metering, focusing and ISO control functions. Users can easily change function settings as required.
