First Look Opinion
The E-420 looks to be about the ideal shooter who wants a high performance SLR with a compact body. The live view functions of the previous generation camera, the E-410, was very nice to have, but the mirror delay made using it nearly as bad as a point and shoot camera. Hopefully with the hybrid Auto focus it should be much faster.
The large 2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD promises to make using the LCD much better than what we had with the previous cameras, having twice the contrast will make it much more useful. I think that when using it in a bright day it will be much better.
As for the improved dynamic range- really always more range is better. If this camera is as good as the E-3, that reason alone in my book is reason enough to upgrade from the E-410. But Olympus also has packaged improved WB (which was needed, maybe I will go back to JPEG’s with this camera).
Having the built in Wireless flash controller will also make this camera a must to have in my bag. I would like to have Image Stabilization, however, I would not want to have sacrificed the small size. This camera with the new compact 25mm f2.8 lens will make just about the ideal carry around camera, for when I don’t want to carry a SLR. Finally the 3.5 FPS will be a welcome to those trying to shoot sport shots of their children.
All in all the E-4xx series has always fascinated me, much more so than the E-5xx series. I am very excited to see Olympus put time energy and effort into developing this camera.
The obvious questions will include how does this compare to the DP1 - I think that if I were to choose between the DP1 and the E-420, I would prefer the functions of the E-420. It has a “normal” (50mm e.q.) lens, it is a faster lens, as well as you can change to other lenses. Finally you will have less shutter lag, and more FPS than the DP-1. You will be able to use higher ISO of 1600, vs 800, have higher shutter speeds, etc. All in all this camera a much better deal for a compact SLR than any point and shoot on the market, and perhaps even compared to and entry level SLR’s on the market as well.
Olympus is again giving a lot of functionality in both its unique lenses, and bodies that it offers to the market. The complaint about small lenses should be gone- to date nearly all of the lenses in the top and consumer lens range offer compact size, and if you put these against the same (if they even exist) lenses from competitors they will be either smaller or faster than anything they can offer.
Still missing though is that wide prime, and wide consumer lens, Once those come to market, I than think that we should have the a very full system, and some speciality needs lenses can then begin to come, like a nice tilt/shift lens.
I know that as soon as possible this camera will be at my home.
As a side note, I believe that the 25mm Pancake lens is a test ballon. When it is available I think everyone should buy one and keep in your bag to encourage Olympus to release more of these lenses.
The 2 links below are the official PDF's provided by Olympus Imaging America
Finally Olympus is also annoucing some stylish Cases designed for the E-420.
The official press release is located here. |
