Olympus E-3 - First impression
These days, a two-weeks press event is held in Istanbul, Turkey, arranged by Olympus Europe. Here, they wish to show the press what the new Olympus E-3 is capable of. Each of the 400 invited journalists can test shoot one full day with an almost finished version of the camera, together with a range of lenses, from 8 mm fisheye to 300 mm telephoto. Permission for publication of the images was granted, provided a clear statement that the cameras did not have the final version of the firmware installed.
Three years have passed since Olympus launced their first camera in the E-System, the Olympus E-1. The model was a semi-professional DSLR with 5 MP image resolution, built on a robust chassis of magnesium alloy, sealed against rain and dust. The camera was exceptionally compact, thanks to a new standard for image sensor and lenses, called Four Thirds. The lenses were the first to be exclusively designed for digital photography, proven to have excellent optical performance, compact design and light weight.
The Olympus E-1 have been my private camera for the past three years. Although I have been very fond of the E-1, I have with sadness seen how it has been overtaken and fallen behind, even by far cheaper and less sophisticated cameras. Higher image resolution and more features haven't bothered me a bit, but I must admit that returning to my E-1 after testing faster and more modern models, has made me increasingly sad.
Like other E-1 users, I have waited anxiously for the Olympus E-3 and on the 3rd November 2007 my wait was finally over. During a press event in Istanbul I had the E-3 for one full day, just enough to get aquainted with the camera and to make my first shots. Then, yesterday morning I received a test sample with the final firmware version, v.1.0.
After two days with extensive use, my first impression is that it was definately worth the wait.
Robust, compact construction
Light weight, compact measures, solid construction of both body and lenses, plus high optical performance and good image quality are features inherited from the E-1, yet still among the vital advantages for the E-3. The new model has also inherited most ergonomical details and a number of technical features from its predecessor, such as ultrasonic wave filter to shake off dust and particles from the sensor surface. From time to time, Olympus have shown prototypes of their new professional camera at various trade shows, obviously to keep "the potato warm". However, they have known that a real product would still take long to finish, mainly because of the finacial crisis that hit the industry a couple of years ago.
In the wait for better days, Olympus have enthusiastically continued the development of the E-3. The prototypes have given valuable response from press and public, adding valuable information to feedback received from E-1 users. Another important factor has been the cooperation between Olympus and Panasonic, to build relationship for reliable supply of image sensors. Together, the two companies have developed a brand new 10 MP Live MOS sensor for the E-3. So far the results are promising, seen in the light that it has "half frame" format, compared to some competitors.
Flexible LCD screen
Although the E-3 has obvious resemblance to the E-1 in terms of design, it has several vital improvements. The most noticeable is the flip-out and twistable LCD screen, just like on many compact cameras. This is, of course, a major advantage on a camera that offers a real-time screen image, known as Live View. Although some competitors have LCDs with wide viewing angle, there is little doubt that a rotating screen provides the optimum viewing image when shooting near the ground or high above the head.
The LCD measures 2.5" (6,35 cm) diagonally, it has 230.000 pixels and thanks to Olympus' ingenious information display, settings may be altered directly form the screen. This makes the E-3 as user friendly as amateur models like the E-510. A larger screen would be desirable, of course, but not if it would make the camera larger or the viewfinder image smaller. I think Olympus have made a wise compromise. However, I wish they had given the screen a higher resolution, because when magnified 14x, even crisp images look a little blurred.
Built-in image stabiliser
The image stabiliser in the E-3 is of the sensor shift type. It moves the sensor in all directions by use of ultrawave micro motors. Olympus claims that it may compensate movements comparable to 5 EV, though only under optimum conditions. A smart detail in the E-3 is the ability to see the effect of the image stabiliser during Live View by holding the IS button pressed. Many other cameras use the same kind of image stabiliser and it's a fact that moving the image sensor away from the optical center, where the performace is at its best, is a disadvantage in comparison with an optical image stabiliser. However, Four Thirds lenses have a wide diameter lens mount and large image circle, thus maintaining higher image quality outside the centre, than many competing lens constructions.
The flexible LCD screen may be turned towards the camera back, not only for transportation, but also for safer camera operation. This way, the photographer may protect the fragile screen from scratches or damage while carrying the camera over the shoulder. On the E-3 this also deactivates all buttons under and to the right of the screen, avoiding the frustration of pushing buttons and setting functions unwillingly. For this reason, also the handy one-touch white balance button between the grip and the lens, a highly praised feature from the E-1, is removed. In my opinion, it was a brilliant location, but action photographers have lost important pictures because the button was pressed accidentally, locking the camera.
With reversed LCD screen only the buttons on top and on the upper back panel are active. The photographer first set all camera preferences, turns the screen and may then shoot from any angle without the fear of pushing the wrong buttons. For the same reason, the main switch is moved from its convenient location on the top right corner of the camera, to a better protected location near the base of the back panel. It provides less convenient handling, but for a pro it is more important that the camera is always activated, than being switched on or off accidentally.
Large and clear viewfinder
Another pleasant improvement in the E-3 over the E-1 is its enlarged viewfinder. Four Thirds cameras have received deserved critisism for their tiny viewfinders, but the E-3 proves that the format as such is no obstacle for making a large viewfinder image. It's not nearly as big as for instance the Canon EOS 5D, but virtually the same width as the EOS 40D, but higher due to the 4:3 ratio. The total impression is therefore formidable, especially for those used to the E-1. The viewfinder information is located below the image screen, just like the E-1, and contains all neccessary data, including ISO value.
The E-1 and other models in the Olympus E-System have only three focusing points. The E-3 has 11, all with cross-type sensitivity. The points are clearly marked in the viewfinder (and on the Live View screen) with quick selection of center point or any of the other focusing points. Olympus claims that the E-3 has the world's fastest auto focus with the new SWD lenses (Supersonis Wave Drive). For obvious reasons, it was not possible to confirm this during our shootout, but I don't think Olympus would dare to make such a statement if they couldn't prove it.
First class image quality
The Olympus Zuiko Digital Pro lenses deliver undoubtly excellent lens quality, both in terms of optical and mechanical performance. Three years after introduction, there are numerous independent tests confirming this. Therefore, optical performance was not of major interest in Istanbul, but the peformance of the new image sensor, the metering, and of course the image processing.
Although the cameras available in Istanbul had an unfinished version of the camera firmware (v.0.9), the E-3 delivered dynamic images with modest image noise and perfect exposure.
Many people seem to think that image quality equals the level of image noise. Personally, I think exposure, dynamic range and colour fidelity are equally important. Image noise has been a problem in many image sensors from Panasonic, but in the E-3, they have done an excellent job in suppressing the noise. After a quick check of my first shots, I decided to use ISO 400 as my "standard" setting, at least for medium to low light conditions. The difference between ISO 100 and ISO 400 is almost neglectable in comparison with the gain of higher shutter speed and/or increased depth-of-field. Up to ISO 800 image noise seems to be very well corrected, even at ISO 1600 the noise is acceptable, although there are competitors that perform better.
I have also made some test shots with a new camera, with firmware v.1.0 installed, but I have so far not found any differences from v.0.9. Later today, I will start my test with the DxO Analyzer software, and it would surprise me if the results are less than excellent. In this preview, I have only posted images taken with the pre-production sample from Istanbul, all taken with the same camera and firmware v.0.9.
The new Zuiko Digital 12-60mm f/2.8-4 (eqv. 24-120mm) proved to be a most versatile lens, which I presume will be a standard lens for all E-3 buyers. Not only does it cover a wide range of focal lengths, it is also powerful, silent and has an amazing 20 cm close focus over the entire zoom range, it is compact, light weight and apparantly performs equally well as the Zuiko Digital 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 which has been my favorite lens until now.
Temprary conclusion
Without fear of been "arrested" for incorrect information, I dear the assertion that the Olympus E-3 is presently the world's most perfect reporter camera. It is the smallest professional camera available, solid built and with exemplary ergonomics. Both the camera body and the lenses are splash proof (Pro-series), the camera has a super-fast 11-point auto focus, 10 MP image resolution with RAW/JPEG and 5 fps continuous shooting. Additionally, it provides an effective image stabiliser with all lenses, Live View on a flexible 2.5" LCD screen that can be protected against damage and that prevents unwilling operation of buttons, a large and clear viewfinder with all neccessary information, and a built-in flash with high lift etc.
These are just a few of the many features that should give Olympus the required confidence from a discriminationg audience on a tough market. I will not place the Olympus E-3 in the same class as Nikon D3 or Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, but at least the Nikon D300 and the Canon EOS-1D Mark III have got a worthy competitor. Some of the specs are better for the mentioned cameras, but the flexible LCD screen and image stabiliser with all lenses are important points in favour of the E-3, not to forget the price tag. Most important is still the compact design of the camera body, plus powerful, compact and light weight lenses at affordable prices, details that will please both your back and wallet.
PS: All shots in the ISO comparison was taken in aperture priority mode at f/4.5. Image stabilizer was activated and the camera was supported against a wall. The ISO 100 image was shot at 2 s. exposure time, making it slightly blurred, either by insufficient stability or may have been caused by the image stabilizer (any image stabilizer should be deactivated when camera is placed on tripod).
See more image samples below.
The Olympus E-1 have been my private camera for the past three years. Although I have been very fond of the E-1, I have with sadness seen how it has been overtaken and fallen behind, even by far cheaper and less sophisticated cameras. Higher image resolution and more features haven't bothered me a bit, but I must admit that returning to my E-1 after testing faster and more modern models, has made me increasingly sad.
Like other E-1 users, I have waited anxiously for the Olympus E-3 and on the 3rd November 2007 my wait was finally over. During a press event in Istanbul I had the E-3 for one full day, just enough to get aquainted with the camera and to make my first shots. Then, yesterday morning I received a test sample with the final firmware version, v.1.0.
After two days with extensive use, my first impression is that it was definately worth the wait.
Robust, compact construction
Light weight, compact measures, solid construction of both body and lenses, plus high optical performance and good image quality are features inherited from the E-1, yet still among the vital advantages for the E-3. The new model has also inherited most ergonomical details and a number of technical features from its predecessor, such as ultrasonic wave filter to shake off dust and particles from the sensor surface. From time to time, Olympus have shown prototypes of their new professional camera at various trade shows, obviously to keep "the potato warm". However, they have known that a real product would still take long to finish, mainly because of the finacial crisis that hit the industry a couple of years ago.
In the wait for better days, Olympus have enthusiastically continued the development of the E-3. The prototypes have given valuable response from press and public, adding valuable information to feedback received from E-1 users. Another important factor has been the cooperation between Olympus and Panasonic, to build relationship for reliable supply of image sensors. Together, the two companies have developed a brand new 10 MP Live MOS sensor for the E-3. So far the results are promising, seen in the light that it has "half frame" format, compared to some competitors.
Flexible LCD screen
Although the E-3 has obvious resemblance to the E-1 in terms of design, it has several vital improvements. The most noticeable is the flip-out and twistable LCD screen, just like on many compact cameras. This is, of course, a major advantage on a camera that offers a real-time screen image, known as Live View. Although some competitors have LCDs with wide viewing angle, there is little doubt that a rotating screen provides the optimum viewing image when shooting near the ground or high above the head.
The LCD measures 2.5" (6,35 cm) diagonally, it has 230.000 pixels and thanks to Olympus' ingenious information display, settings may be altered directly form the screen. This makes the E-3 as user friendly as amateur models like the E-510. A larger screen would be desirable, of course, but not if it would make the camera larger or the viewfinder image smaller. I think Olympus have made a wise compromise. However, I wish they had given the screen a higher resolution, because when magnified 14x, even crisp images look a little blurred.
Built-in image stabiliser
The image stabiliser in the E-3 is of the sensor shift type. It moves the sensor in all directions by use of ultrawave micro motors. Olympus claims that it may compensate movements comparable to 5 EV, though only under optimum conditions. A smart detail in the E-3 is the ability to see the effect of the image stabiliser during Live View by holding the IS button pressed. Many other cameras use the same kind of image stabiliser and it's a fact that moving the image sensor away from the optical center, where the performace is at its best, is a disadvantage in comparison with an optical image stabiliser. However, Four Thirds lenses have a wide diameter lens mount and large image circle, thus maintaining higher image quality outside the centre, than many competing lens constructions.
The flexible LCD screen may be turned towards the camera back, not only for transportation, but also for safer camera operation. This way, the photographer may protect the fragile screen from scratches or damage while carrying the camera over the shoulder. On the E-3 this also deactivates all buttons under and to the right of the screen, avoiding the frustration of pushing buttons and setting functions unwillingly. For this reason, also the handy one-touch white balance button between the grip and the lens, a highly praised feature from the E-1, is removed. In my opinion, it was a brilliant location, but action photographers have lost important pictures because the button was pressed accidentally, locking the camera.
With reversed LCD screen only the buttons on top and on the upper back panel are active. The photographer first set all camera preferences, turns the screen and may then shoot from any angle without the fear of pushing the wrong buttons. For the same reason, the main switch is moved from its convenient location on the top right corner of the camera, to a better protected location near the base of the back panel. It provides less convenient handling, but for a pro it is more important that the camera is always activated, than being switched on or off accidentally.
Large and clear viewfinder
Another pleasant improvement in the E-3 over the E-1 is its enlarged viewfinder. Four Thirds cameras have received deserved critisism for their tiny viewfinders, but the E-3 proves that the format as such is no obstacle for making a large viewfinder image. It's not nearly as big as for instance the Canon EOS 5D, but virtually the same width as the EOS 40D, but higher due to the 4:3 ratio. The total impression is therefore formidable, especially for those used to the E-1. The viewfinder information is located below the image screen, just like the E-1, and contains all neccessary data, including ISO value.
The E-1 and other models in the Olympus E-System have only three focusing points. The E-3 has 11, all with cross-type sensitivity. The points are clearly marked in the viewfinder (and on the Live View screen) with quick selection of center point or any of the other focusing points. Olympus claims that the E-3 has the world's fastest auto focus with the new SWD lenses (Supersonis Wave Drive). For obvious reasons, it was not possible to confirm this during our shootout, but I don't think Olympus would dare to make such a statement if they couldn't prove it.
First class image quality
The Olympus Zuiko Digital Pro lenses deliver undoubtly excellent lens quality, both in terms of optical and mechanical performance. Three years after introduction, there are numerous independent tests confirming this. Therefore, optical performance was not of major interest in Istanbul, but the peformance of the new image sensor, the metering, and of course the image processing.
Although the cameras available in Istanbul had an unfinished version of the camera firmware (v.0.9), the E-3 delivered dynamic images with modest image noise and perfect exposure.
Many people seem to think that image quality equals the level of image noise. Personally, I think exposure, dynamic range and colour fidelity are equally important. Image noise has been a problem in many image sensors from Panasonic, but in the E-3, they have done an excellent job in suppressing the noise. After a quick check of my first shots, I decided to use ISO 400 as my "standard" setting, at least for medium to low light conditions. The difference between ISO 100 and ISO 400 is almost neglectable in comparison with the gain of higher shutter speed and/or increased depth-of-field. Up to ISO 800 image noise seems to be very well corrected, even at ISO 1600 the noise is acceptable, although there are competitors that perform better.
I have also made some test shots with a new camera, with firmware v.1.0 installed, but I have so far not found any differences from v.0.9. Later today, I will start my test with the DxO Analyzer software, and it would surprise me if the results are less than excellent. In this preview, I have only posted images taken with the pre-production sample from Istanbul, all taken with the same camera and firmware v.0.9.
The new Zuiko Digital 12-60mm f/2.8-4 (eqv. 24-120mm) proved to be a most versatile lens, which I presume will be a standard lens for all E-3 buyers. Not only does it cover a wide range of focal lengths, it is also powerful, silent and has an amazing 20 cm close focus over the entire zoom range, it is compact, light weight and apparantly performs equally well as the Zuiko Digital 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 which has been my favorite lens until now.
Temprary conclusion
Without fear of been "arrested" for incorrect information, I dear the assertion that the Olympus E-3 is presently the world's most perfect reporter camera. It is the smallest professional camera available, solid built and with exemplary ergonomics. Both the camera body and the lenses are splash proof (Pro-series), the camera has a super-fast 11-point auto focus, 10 MP image resolution with RAW/JPEG and 5 fps continuous shooting. Additionally, it provides an effective image stabiliser with all lenses, Live View on a flexible 2.5" LCD screen that can be protected against damage and that prevents unwilling operation of buttons, a large and clear viewfinder with all neccessary information, and a built-in flash with high lift etc.
These are just a few of the many features that should give Olympus the required confidence from a discriminationg audience on a tough market. I will not place the Olympus E-3 in the same class as Nikon D3 or Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, but at least the Nikon D300 and the Canon EOS-1D Mark III have got a worthy competitor. Some of the specs are better for the mentioned cameras, but the flexible LCD screen and image stabiliser with all lenses are important points in favour of the E-3, not to forget the price tag. Most important is still the compact design of the camera body, plus powerful, compact and light weight lenses at affordable prices, details that will please both your back and wallet.
PS: All shots in the ISO comparison was taken in aperture priority mode at f/4.5. Image stabilizer was activated and the camera was supported against a wall. The ISO 100 image was shot at 2 s. exposure time, making it slightly blurred, either by insufficient stability or may have been caused by the image stabilizer (any image stabilizer should be deactivated when camera is placed on tripod).
See more image samples below.
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