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Digital Camera Reviews and Ratings By manufacturer:
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The Olympus E-400 is a new 10 megapixel DSLR from Olympus that features a 2.5 inch LCD, four thirds compatibility, dus protection, dual memory card slots (xD and Compact Flash), one touch white balance, JPEG and RAW, built in flash, Depth of Field preview and 3 frame per second shooting.
The design of the camera is reminiscent of days gone by and has been released with a new 14-42mm lens and a 40-150mm lens.
The Olympus E-400 is a limited release at this point with it not being available in some countries - including the US. It will be available in the UK in early November 2006.
The E-400 is expected to arrive in the UK in November, for stockist information call 0800 0720070 or visit www.olympus.co.uk.
Compact size with innovative D-SLR technology
As it is the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLR*, the E-400 is sure to never become a burden. It is the perfect travel companion, compact enough to take along on holidays or for use as a high quality back-up camera when out on the road.
Within its extraordinarily tiny frame is a treasure-trove of innovative technology. To begin with, a 10.0 million pixel CCD provides plenty of imaging power so that even the finest of details do not go to waste. This highly energy-efficient CCD features a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit that all but eradicates noise and is incredibly fast. It enables sequential shooting at up to 3fps with a five image RAW buffer in burst mode.
Like every Olympus E-System camera, the E-400 is armed with a Supersonic Wave Filter. This patented technology allows lenses to be changing – even in challenging environments – without the fear of dust contamination, giving users the brilliance of dust-free pictures every time. Developed by Olympus, the Supersonic Wave Filter generates ultra-high-speed vibrations that literally shake off dust and other particles from the CCD. These are then captured on a special adhesive membrane to prevent recontamination. For the E-400, the Supersonic Wave Filter has been optimised with smaller dimensions and a higher frequency of vibrations for even more effectiveness.
Pro features and comfortable handling
The Olympus E-400 proves that even a feature-packed D-SLR needn’t be difficult to operate. Of course it includes the full range of manual control options for boundless creativity, and complements these with 31 scene modes that cover a wide variety of shooting situations. These include Underwater, Macro, High Key and Low Key. Users also benefit from special colour modes and the possibility to apply various Black&White filters to images.
So that photographers can continue shooting as long as they wish, the E-400 is powered by a new high-power rechargeable battery. The camera also accepts both CompactFlash and xD-Picture Cards, giving a choice of data storage options for even more flexibility. And, to ensure that the versatility and quality of E-System photography is open to as many people as possible, the menus on the E-400, as well as its manuals and software, can be displayed any one of 25 languages, making the camera completely understandable in 39 European countries – something only Olympus currently offers.
Four Thirds compatibility for boundless versatility
As with all E-Series cameras, the E-400 conforms to the Four Thirds Standard. Olympus and various other manufacturers produce high-quality Four Thirds-compliant lenses and accessories that are specifically designed for digital SLR image capture. With only very few exceptions, the E-400 is compatible with virtually the complete range of Olympus E-System accessories. This includes the full line-up of the ZUIKO DIGITAL Top Pro lenses, which recently received an EISA award. Even an Underwater Case (PT-E03) will be available to let adventurous photographers capture the delights of the aquatic world in up to 40m of water.
New E-System lenses
For better results and improved handling, lenses based on the Four Thirds Standard feature near telecentric construction, which takes into account the specific technical characteristics and requirements of digital cameras. Two new Olympus Four Thirds lenses will be introduced with the E-400 at its launch: the EZ-1442 ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 (equiv. to 28-84mm on a 35mm camera), which is perfect for standard applications, and, for more magnification power there is the EZ-4015-2 ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 (equiv. to 80-300mm on a 35mm camera). Both lenses are exceptionally compact, for greater mobility and speedy use. They also offer maximum image quality at an excellent price and feature a stylish design with a blue ring in the middle – the new insignia for the Olympus E-System lens line-up.
The E-400 achieves a remarkable balancing act between being the world’s smallest and lightest D-SLRand relinquishing nothing in terms of image quality and professional performance. It combines the size usually attributed to compact cameras with the stunningly crisp picture quality and versatility expected from an SLR. The E-400 will be available from November 2006.
As at June 2006
The Olympus E-400 digital SLR – main features
Digital Camera Info reviews the Olympus EVOLT E-400 where they write - 'Timing can be very important. If the E-400 had been introduced two years ago, in the place of the E-300, it would have been very impressive to see all its features in such a small package. It would have made the Four Thirds format look like the next big thing. Small, high-resolution, not ugly, with dust control – it appears much more exciting than the E-300.'
Trusted Reviews has posted a review of the Olympus E-400 where they recommend - 'The Olympus E-400 is a very accomplished camera, a serious photographic tool that will appeal to both professionals and advanced amateurs. It offers a combination of easily controlled versatility, exceptional performance and superb image quality that should secure it a place in the top rank of mid-range digital SLRs. The kit price may seem expensive, but it includes two excellent lenses that perfectly complement this outstanding camera.'
Camera Labs reviews the Olympus E-400 and writes - 'The Olympus E-400 has a lot going for it. It’s very small and light without compromising comfort or usability, there’s quick and easy access to all the settings, the resolving power roughly matches rival 10 Megapixel DSLRs, and while noise speckles are more noticeable at higher sensitivities, at least there’s no smearing through noise reduction. And finally the kit lens is decent quality and the SSWF anti-dust system remains unmatched.'
DigiCam Review has reviewed the Olympus EVOLT E-400 Digital SLR where they write - "The Olympus E-400 is an impressive digital SLR camera, offering excellent image quality, and an excellent range of lenses with very precise manual zoom control. The screen is good, and the camera can produce excellent photos. If you can stick with the lower ISO settings and you want high quality large images then this camera should be high on your shopping list. This camera is easy to use (in auto mode) and offers speedy performance, excellent battery life, with good controls and excellent build quality. I would recommend this camera especially to people who want greater creative control that normal compact digital cameras generally do not provide. I'd recommend trying out the camera and comparing with other brands before purchase, as you may find looking through the viewfinder and getting used to reading the information provided takes a little time, when compared to your average (electronic viewfinder) digital camera. If you have been put off getting a Digital SLR due to the physical size of them compared to point and shoot cameras, then the E-400 could be what you've been waiting for, as one of the smallest, it is also one of the easiest Digital SLRs to take with you. The double zoom lens kit with new smaller lenses, designed specifically for the E-400, offers excellent value for money and a very appealing package. Highly Recommended!"
Pocket-Lint review the Olympus E400 DSLR and give it a rating of 9 out of 10. They write - 'In a camera replete with so much clever stuff, you’d be forgiven for expecting a much bigger device. Until you hold the camera however, it is not immediately apparent just how svelte the E400 really is. But one worry I have is the price; it is not svelte by any standard. The E400 twin lens kit it is to be sold in includes the lens tested here plus a very compact 40 to 150mm (80 to 300mm in 35mm terms) lens for around £850. This is far too expensive for an “entry level” model and particularly so when there are cheaper 10-megapixel models on the shop shelves already, which would be a shame because it will prevent many people from buying this camera when they should, because I can heartily recommend this camera to all those who might consider it.'
Let's Go Digital has a review of the Olympus E400 and concludes, "The Olympus E-400 made a good impression on me during the test. If you look at the target group and the idea with which the camera was designed, the E400 meets nearly all the requirements necessary to make it the most comfortable take-along digital SLR camera of the present moment. However, I think that SLR owners are people who clearly demand and require more. I'm not sure if the Olympus E400 can live up to these requirements in the long term or whether the quickly reached limitations become visible depends upon the user. In regard to quality, the Olympus E-400 is an excellent digital SLR camera which is extremely easy to use and very user friendly."
PhotographyBLOG has a review of the Olympus E-400 and writes, "The Olympus E-400's compact size might be enough to set it apart from the competition but once a protruding lens is attached it isn't exactly pocket sized. That said, it could be the final nail in the coffin for bridge cameras like the Sony R1 and the Samsung Pro815, as it is lighter and smaller and offers all the creative benefits that an interchangeable lens camera can offer. It's unlikely that this will this signal the beginning of even smaller DSLRs, as portability isn't usually the top priority of consumers wanting to use these cameras. But the E-400 should satisfy most consumers demands as it has 31 auto shooting modes for totally automatic functionally and there's a number of colour modes cable of producing vivid tones, as well as black & white and sepia computer-free effects. It is also worth noting that the 10MP 4:3 ratio CCD size doubles the focal length of all its lenses (to 35mm equivalent) which is especially useful for shooting subject matter that is hard to get close to, like wildlife or sports. The Olympus E-400 delivers a pleasing user experience with straightforward handling that will appeal to beginners and enthusiasts alike."
ComputerActive has a review of the Olympus E-400 and writes, "the E-400’s images are commendably sharp even if they do reveal increasing levels of noise from ISO200 upwards. Colours are a tad cool when the camera is left on its ‘natural’ setting, meaning that the alternative ‘vivid’ option provides, for us, the closest to reality. The E-400 is a well-constructed digital SLR offers alternative to the market-dominating Nikon D40/D50 and Canon EOS 400D. Viewed in isolation it’s worthy of praise, but considered against its nearest rivals a 10-megapixel resolution is not enough to make the E-400 stand out – though recent price reductions will aid its chances."
ThinkCamera has a review of the Olympus E-400 and writes, "People considering this as a travel camera for landscapes should check carefully - its rendition of greens can also vary from awful to acceptable, depending on the picture. Olympus have tried hard to bring simple, portable DSLR photography to everyone and have come close to achieving that. If you need a really portable DSLR, the E-400 would probably suit you. If budget is tight, you'll find it hard to get a 10MP DSLR for anything like this price from another manufacturer - if you can spend a little more then there are other options around."
Posted by Darren in our Olympus category on September 14, 2006