Olympus E-420 10MP DSLR Single Lens Kit

E-420
* DustProof
* LiveView
* Four Thirds System
Explore Your World
* Details
The world's smallest and lightest LiveView digital SLR camera has just gotten better
With its new "AF Live View" technology, improved picture quality and enhanced ease-of-use features, the Olympus E-420 makes picture taking truly easy for newcomers to DSLR photography.
Family users, casual snapshot shooters, keen photo-bloggers, and travellers who require a minimal-weight yet full featured camera, will enjoy using this camera because of its remarkable portability and high picture quality.
New and intuitive autofocus operation in Live View
A simple half-press of the shutter release button easily activates autofocus in LiveView operation with the new contrast-detect AF system available in an Olympus DSLR model for the first time. Contrast-detect autofocus is the same type of easy-to-operate focusing method used in most compact digital cameras of today.
Highly accurate phase-detect autofocus is retained for non-LiveView operation and is user selectable in the LiveView mode.
Face Detect and Shadow Adjust for great pictures with minimal fuss
Powerful face detection technology used in the E-420 improves autofocus in LiveView and optimises exposure for faces in single or group portraits. Up to eight faces can be detected with this incredible new system.
Shadow Adjust technology makes getting good pictures in harsh or high contrast lighting situations easy by automatically improving dark area detail whilst retaining properly exposed bright areas. Combined together, both technologies means it is easy for DSLR novices to capture great pictures with little fuss with the E-420.
Easy to operate for the DSLR beginner
Eighteen "Scene Select" picture modes automatically adjust the camera to the best camera settings to use, so that all you need do is to pick the type of picture you want to shoot, and the camera does the rest!
For the novice DSLR user who likes to judge picture results before snapping, white balance, exposure compensation and depth of field can be conveniently previewed in LiveView, just as with a compact point and shoot digital camera. New with the E-420, four separate exposure 'difference' previews (Perfect Shot Preview) can be seen at once on the screen to enable the user to conveniently select the best exposure option.
For accurately focused 'macro' close-up pictures of your favourite flowers, nature or small detailed objects, the E-420's LiveView mode includes a powerful zoom magnifier for a comfortably large real-time preview of the part of the picture that needs to be sharp.
The Olympus E-420 uses both xD and Compact Flash memory cards for upgrading convenience. Fast memory card write speeds means no data transfer delays even when the camera is set to shoot at the highest image quality setting, which means the E-420 will always feel quick and snappy in everyday use.
Better picture quality through improved hardware
A new enhanced 10 megapixel LiveMos image-sensor chip with an improved Truepic III picture processing engine delivers better picture quality with improved colour reproduction and lower noise levels. This high image quality allows for large picture prints, and provides cropping flexibility so that you can choose to use only the part of the image you want later in editing.
Automatic White Balance quality has been improved significantly and a new exposure algorithm for ESP metering means accurate exposures in even more lighting situations.
New wireless flash capability for more creative possibilities
Utilising the same sophisticated wireless flash control system as our range-topping E-3 model, the affordable E-420 makes high-quality home portraits and macro photography easy and affordable, especially when combined with the FL-36R flash unit.
Small business owners will appreciate the low cost and convenience of this wireless lighting system for high-quality product catalog photography for web or print when used with light tents or small shooting tables. Both the FL-36R and FL-50R flash units can be conveniently controlled from the E-420.
An improved, more ergonomic grip
The E-420 features a improved more ergonomic grip that makes handling by users with large hands even better.
Universal colour for everyone
The Olympus E-420 features operation/function labels and icons that are visible to colour-blind users who are protanopic, deutaranopic or tritanopic.
A camera that comes with great lenses in the box
Experienced photographers know that a camera is really only as good as the lens used with it. To this end, the Olympus E-420 is sold with, arguably, the best 'kit' lenses available today. This means that you can be confident that you will be getting a great camera with quality lenses when you buy an E-420 single or twin lens-kit.
A rarity at this price level, the ultra-compact wide-angle 14-42mm and telephoto 40-150mm zoom lenses made with special ED and aspherical glass elements deliver sharp and detailed pictures even at wide open apertures. This ensures that low-light or indoor pictures without flash, or portrait shots taken at the inevitable open apertures will be superbly sharp across the whole picture, from the middle of the image to its edges - unlike many average performing entry-level lenses sold with digital SLR cameras. Close focusing distances of 25cm and 90cm respectively for each lens provide excellent macro and closeup photography capabilities. Dimunitive and lightweight, both lenses complement the compact E-420 body perfectly.
The new ultra-slim snapshot lens, the Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm f2.8, perfectly combines with the E-420 to create a high-performance and unobstrusive camera that's ideal for candid street photography and all-round picture taking because of its 'natural-perpective' property.
* 10 megapixels
* LiveView with easy to use Contrast Autofocus
* Face Detect
* Shadow Adjust
* 2.7 inch HyperCrystal II LCD screen
* 18 Scene Select Modes for easy picture taking
* Panorama shooting capability with Olympus xD cards
* Dust Reduction Technology
* Dual slot for CF and xD-Picture Cards
Specifications
Product Name Olympus E-420
Model E-420
Type Single-lens reflex Live View digital camera with interchangeable lens system
Compatible Lens ZUIKO Digital, FourThirds System lens
Lens Mount FourThirds mount
Media CompactFlash card (Type I and II), Microdrive, xD picture card. (Dual slot).
Panorama shooting function is available in conjunction with the Live Preview mode when Olympus xD card is used.
Effective Pixel Number 10 million pixels
Imager Size 17.3mm x 13.0mm
Type Live MOS sensor
Total Pixel Number Approx. 11.8 million pixels
Aspect Ratio 4:3
Filter Array Primary colour filter (RGB)
LPF Fixed type
IR Cut Filter Hybrid type
Dust Protect Filter SuperSonic Wave Filter
Viewfinder Type Eye-level TTL Optical
Field Of View Approx. 95%
Magnification Approx.0.92x (-1m-1, 50mm lens, infinity)
Eye Point Approx. 14 mm (-1m-1)
Diopter Adjustment -3.0 to +1
Focusing screen Fixed (Neo Lumi-Micro Mat screen)
Mirror Quick return mirror
Viewfinder Information Aperture value, Shutter speed, Record mode, AF confirmation mark, Flash, WB, AE lock, Number of storable still images, Exposure compensation value, Metering mode, Battery warning, Exposure mode, AF frame (super impose)
Depth Of Field Preview Can be checked (when Left arrow pad is set in preview mode)
Eye Cup Interchangeable type EP-5/6/7, EP-5 supplied (Magnifier Eyecup ME-1 is available)
Eye Piece Shutter Eye piece cap EP-4 supplied
Live Preview Type Live CCD Sensor for still picture shooting is used, 100% field of view, Exposure adjustment pre-view, White balance adjustment pre-view, Grid line displayable, 7x/10x magnification possible, MF/S-AF, AF frame display, AF point display, Shooting information, Histogram
Autofocus Type High speed imager AF, Phase-difference detection AF
Focus Modes Single AF (S-AF) / Continuous AF (C-AF*) / Manual Focus (MF) / S-AF + MF / C-AF* + MF (* C-AF mode is not available with the contrast detection Imager AF in LiveView mode)
AF Detection Range Phase detection AF: EV 0 to 19 (ISO 100)
Focus Areas 3-point multiple AF
Focus Area Selection Automatic and manual selection
AF Assist Lamp Phase detection AF: Built-in flash (can be deactivated), or AF assist beam on optional Olympus dedicated flash units
AF Lock Locked at first position of Shutter button in Single AF mode / AEL button (customizable)
Focus Tracking Phase detection AF: Interlocked with Continuous AF mode
Focus Aid Available
Manual Focus Available by rotating focus ring, available for setting manual focus operation in AF mode (customised)
Metering System TTL open aperture light metering with 49-zone multi-pattern sensing system
Metering Modes (1) Digital ESP metering (49-point multi pattern metering)
(2) Centre weighted average metering
(3) Spot metering (approx. 2% of the viewfinder screen)
(4) Spot with Highlight bias
(5) Spot with Shadow bias
Metering Range EV 1 - 20 (Digital ESP metering, Centre weighted average metering, Spotmetering)
(50mm f2, ISO 100)
Exposure Modes (1) Auto (2) P: Programme AE (Programme shift can be performed) (3) A: Aperture priority AE (4) S: Shutter priority AE (5) M: Manual (6) Scene programme AE (7) Scene select AE
Scene Program AE Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sport, Night + Portrait
Scene Select AE Portrait, Landscape, Landscape + Portrait, Night Scene, Night + Portrait, Children, Sport, High Key, Low Key, Digital Image Stabilisation, Macro, Nature Macro, Candle, Sunset, Fireworks, Documents, Panorama* (* Available with the Olympus xD-Picture Card), Beach & Snow
Exposure Compensation ± 5 EV in 1/3 EV steps
AE Lock Locked by first position of Shutter button / AEL button (customizable)
Exposure Bracketing 3 frames in 0.3, 0.7, 1EV steps selectable
ISO Sensitivity (Auto) ISO 100 - 1600
ISO Sensitivity (Manual) ISO 100 - 1600 (adjustable in 1 EV steps)
Shutter Type Electronically controlled focal plane shutter
Shutter Speed Auto mode: 2 - 1/4000 sec. (depends on settings), P(Ps), S, A, M mode: 60 - 1/4000 sec. (Bulb: up to 30 min. with limiter), Scene programme/Scene select mode: 4 - 1/4000 sec. (depends on settings).

Shutter speed adjustable in 1/3 EV steps
X-sync speed 1/180 sec. or longer, Super FP up to 1/4000 sec.

Up to 1/4000 sec. Super FP mode with specific Olympus Zuiko Digital dedicated flash units.
Shutter release Soft-touch electromagnetic release
Self-Timer Operation time: 12 sec., 2 sec. (cancel available)
Remote Cable Release Available (with optional RM-UC1 Remote cable.)
Drive Modes Single-frame shooting, Sequential shooting, Self-timer, Remote control
Sequential Shooting Speed 3.5 fps approx
Max. Frame Number On Sequential Shooting RAW 8 frames

JPEG mode: Depends on compression ratio (e.g., LN / L-SF) and no. of pixels (in LN mode: approx. up to card capacity with Sandisk Extreme III)
Auto WB System Advanced detection system with Live MOS sensor
Preset WB 8 settings (3000K - 7500K)
Lamp (3000K), Fluorescent 1 (4000K), Fluorescent 2 (4500K), Fluorescent 3 (6600K), Daylight (5300K), Flash (5500K), Cloudy (6000K), Shade (7500K)
Custom WB 1 setting can be registered at Kelvin temperature (2000K - 14000K)
WB Compensation ±7 steps in each A-B/G-M axis (in Auto WB/Preset WB/One touch WB mode)
One Touch White Balance 1 custom setting can be registered
WB Bracketing Not available
Image Processing Engine TruePic III
Colour Space sRGB / Adobe RGB
Picture Modes Vivid, Natural, Muted, Monotone (default setting: Natural)
Colour Saturation 5 levels in each Picture mode
Sharpness 5 levels in each Picture mode
Contrast 5 levels in each Picture mode
Monotone Filter Effect Yellow, Orange, Red or Green filter available
Picture Tones Sepia, Blue, Red, Green in Black & White mode
Gradation 4 settings (AUTO, high key, normal, low key); AUTO activates Shadow Adjustment Technology
Built-in Flash Type Retractable pop up flash
Pop up Automatic or manual
Guide number 12 (ISO 100 m)
Flash intensity control Up to ±2 EV in 1/3 EV steps
Flash bracketing Not available
Flash Modes Auto, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction slow sync., Slow sync at 1st curtain, Slow sync at 2nd curtain, Fill-in,
Manual (1/4, 1/16, 1/64), Off.
External Flash Control Type TTL auto FP / TTL auto with Olympus dedicated flash units (FL-36, FL-50, FL-36R, FL-50R), auto or manual;
Wireless Flash Capable Yes; with compatible external flash units FL-36R and FL-50R
Wireless Flash Control Triggered and controlled by built-in flash light; TTL Auto (TTL pre-flash mode), Auto, Manual, FP TTL Auto, FP Manual; 4 channels; up to 3 groups of compatible wireless flash units may be controlled by the camera body
Control panel information Battery information, Exposure mode, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Expsosure compensation value, ISO sensitivity, Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure indicator, Flash intensity compensation indicator, Date, BKT setting, NR setting, WB, WB comensation value, Picture mode, Flash mode, Record mode, Image size, Card information, Drive mode, Flash intensity compensation value, Metering mode, Recordable still image number, Focusing mode, FP warning, AF frame, AF illuminator disactivated notification, Colour space, Sharpness, Contrast, Saturation, Gradation, Face detection, RC mode setting.
Playback Monitor Type HyperCrystal II LCD panel
Size 2.7 inch / 6.9cm
Pixel Number Approx. 230,000 pixels
Playback Field Of View 100%
Brightness control 15 levels
Playback Display mode Single-frame, Index (4/9/16/25/49/100 frames), Calendar, Close-up ( 2 - 14X), Slideshow, Picture rotation (auto mode available)
Playback Information Histogram (independent luminance/RGB available), Highlight/Shadow point warning, AF frame, Shooting information
Erase Modes Single frame, All frames, Selected frames (with protect function)
Image Protect Mode Single frame, Selected frames, Release protect (Single/All selected)
Copy Mode Single frame, All frames, Selected frames
Type Of Recording Format DCF, DPOF compatible/Exif, PRINT Image Matching III
Type Of File Format RAW (12-bit), JPEG, RAW+JPEG
RAW+JPEG Recording Yes
File Size RAW: 3648 x 2736 compressed Approx. 11MB
Large: 3648 x 2736 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 6.8MB
3648 x 2736 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 4.7MB
3648 x 2736 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 2.2MB
3648 x 2736 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 1.5MB
Middle 3200 x 2400 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 5.3MB
3200 x 2400 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 3.7MB
3200 x 2400 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 1.7MB
3200 x 2400 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 1.1MB
2560 x 1920 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 3.6MB
2560 x 1920 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 2.2MB
2560 x 1920 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 1.1MB
2560 x 1920 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 0.7MB
Small 1600 x 1200 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 1.3MB
1600 x 1200 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 0.8MB
1600 x 1200 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 0.5MB
1600 x 1200 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 0.3MB
1280 x 960 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 0.8MB
1280 x 960 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 0.5MB
1280 x 960 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 0.3MB
1280 x 960 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 0.2MB
1024 x 768 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 0.5MB
1024 x 768 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 0.4MB
1024 x 768 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 0.2MB
1024 x 768 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 0.1MB
640 x 480 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 0.2MB
640 x 480 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 0.2MB
640 x 480 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 0.1MB
640 x 480 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 0.1MB
In-Camera RAW Development Yes
Image Editing Shadow adjustment, Red-eye fix, Trimming, Monotone, Sepia, Saturation (colour depth), Resize (producing another file)
PictBridge Yes
User programmable custom settings Left arrow pad button is available to set 6 functions. (Face detection, Preview, OFF, One touch WB, Live preview, Test picture); Drive button is available to set 6 functions. (Drive, AF target selection, AF mode, WB mode, Metering mode, ISO setting);
PC Interface High Speed USB for storage and camera control (MTP mode is available) ; Optional Remote cable RM-UC1 is available)
Video Signal Output NTSC or PAL selectable
Flash attachment Hot shoe
Battery BLS-1 Li-ion battery (included)
Sleep Mode Available (1, 3, 5, 10 min., off selectable)
Battery life TBA
Dimensions 129.5 mm (W) x 91 mm (H) x 53 mm (D)
Weight 380 g (body only)
Operating Temperature 0 - 40 degrees C; (operation) / -20 - 60 degrees C; (storage)
Operating Humidity 30 - 90% (operation) / 10 - 90% (storage)
Box contents E-420 body, 14-42mm lens (kit contents), Li-ion battery BLS-1, Li-ion battery charger BCS-1, USB cable, Video cable, Shoulder strap, OLYMPUS Master CD-ROM, Instruction manual, Waranty card, Eye piece cap EP-4