| Model: | Olympus E-3 |
| Kind: | Digital single-lens reflex |
| Sensor: | Four Thirds System 18.00 × 13.50 mm Live MOS |
| Res: | 3648 × 2736 (10.1 megapixels) |
| Lens: | Interchangeable (Four Thirds System) |
| Shutter: | 1/8,000 to 60 s computerized focal plane shutter |
| Flash: | built-in pop up flash GN=13 at ISO 100, wireless control for up to 3 external flash groups and 4 channels |
| Metering: | TTL, evaluative (ESP), center-weighted, spot |
| Emode: | Program, shutter-priority, aperture-priority, manual |
| Mmode: | ESP multi patterned, Center-weighted average (60%), Spot (2%) |
| Farea: | 11 biaxial cross auto-focus points, selectable |
| Fmode: | Single, continuous, manual |
| Cont: | 5.0 frames per second (19 images RAW buffer) |
| Viewfinder: | Optical TTL with pentaprism 100% field of view and ×1.15 magnification |
| Rearlcd: | 2.5" 230,000 pixel TFT LCD on full articulating multi-angle screen with live preview |
| Storage: | CompactFlash(CF) or XD Picture-Card |
| Battery: | Olympus BLM-1 1500mAh Lithium-ion battery |
| Madein: | China |
The Olympus E-3 was until 2010 Olympus Corporation's flagship camera, positioned as a professional DSLR camera. It is the successor to the Olympus E-1, which was launched in November 2003. The E-3, originally codenamed Olympus E-P1, was announced on 17 October 2007.[1] [2] The E-3, like the other cameras in the Olympus E-series, conforms to the Four Thirds system. It was succeeded in 2010 by the Olympus E-5 professional DSLR flagship camera.
The E-3 has several novel features, including a live preview full articulating screen, autofocus in live view mode, the ability to capture a scene with wide dynamic range using an image processing method called shadow adjustment technology[3] and the ability to control up to three wireless flash groups without external transmitters. The camera is also fully weatherproof even with the popup flash in the "up" position.
The camera, with the new SWD (ultrasonic motor) lenses, is expected to appeal to professional users who want a rugged, portable and lightweight camera body with quality lenses and class leading autofocus.
Additional features include:
The camera is compatible with existing BLM-1 batteries used in the E-1, E-300, E-330, E-500 and E-510.
The camera was reviewed by Digital Photography Review in February 2008 by Simon Joinson.[4]
The E-3 is equipped with a better sensor than other DSLRs marketed by Olympus at the time of its release, allowing the user to operate at higher ISO settings without producing as much noise.
Along with other Olympus 4/3rds bodies, the E-3 has a very 'maintenance free' approach due to it having on-demand pixel mapping, the SSWF 'dust shaker', vignetting and distortion correction either in-camera or during editing with Olympus software. Olympus have also implemented on-demand firmware updates for all their bodies, lens and flash units.