The Olympus E-3; A Pro-Caliber 10Mp D-SLR
Peter K. Burian, February, 2008
The new “flagship” of the Olympus E-System, the E-3 replaces the
5-megapixel E-1 introduced in 2003. This 10-megapixel model shares no components
with its predecessor but a quick glance through the specifications may suggest
that it’s similar to the EVOLT E-510. In truth, the E-3 is more advanced
in virtually every respect, boasting superior technology, an entirely new AF
system, and additional high-end features. It’s more desirable in other
aspects, too, including more rugged construction and a fully articulated LCD
screen that makes Live View far more practical.
There has been some debate about the E-3’s “professional”
designation. Some participants agree that it’s a “pure professional”
D-SLR as Olympus has suggested because of its tank-like construction, pro-style
controls, and pro-oriented feature set. Others view the E-3 as a “prosumer”
model like the Pentax K10D, Sony A700, Canon EOS 40D, and Nikon D300. (In truth,
the D300 also qualifies as a pro camera by some definitions.) That’s understandable
because the E-3 is priced far below the Nikon and Canon pro series and it does
not provide the same speed or the same resolution as the higher-end models from
those companies. On the other hand, some working professionals have been using
the E-1 for several years; the more sophisticated E-3 should appeal to a larger
segment in this category.
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Although
some exposure compensation was occasionally required, the E-3 produced
beautiful JPEGs right out of the box. That is a benefit, since this
pro-caliber camera includes many new or innovative features that
can make for a steep learning curve. (Image made with the SWD 12-60mm
zoom and a Hoya SMC PRO-1 polarizer.)
All Photos © 2007, Peter K. Burian, All Rights Reserved |
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Technology And Features
Smaller and lighter than average for the category, the E-3 exudes a professional
look and feel. It gains size and heft with the optional HLD-4 vertical grip;
this accessory includes a set of secondary controls and accepts two BLM-1 lithium
ion or six AA batteries. The camera’s magnesium-alloy frame is very rigid
but lightweight. The body—as well as the grip and SWD-series lenses—are
fully splashproof, capable of tolerating a thundershower, not merely a light
drizzle. The E-3 is built for long-term use; the shutter mechanism has been
tested for reliability during a minimum of 150,000 cycles. Olympus has employed
a lot of sophisticated technology including a new 10-megapixel Live MOS sensor
with faster data transfer capability and a larger “light capture area”
at each pixel. The latter aspect should provide wider dynamic range and better
image quality at high ISO.
Like the E-510, the E-3 employs a Supersonic Wave Drive motor to shift the sensor
module for Image Stabilization, but benefits from a more sensitive gyro for
shake detection. According to Olympus, this is “the world’s most
effective Image Stabilizer with shake compensation up to a remarkable five EV
steps.” Two IS modes are available, one for multipurpose use and the other
strictly for panning. When the camera’s Live View feature is on, the effects
of the Image Stabilizer can be previewed with constant pressure on the IS button.
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The improved stabilizer was very effective when the camera was handheld
and even more impressive when braced against some firm support:
the roof of a parked car in this case. That technique allowed me
to make many sharp images at shutter speeds as long as 1 second
at a 50mm equivalent focal length. (Image made at f/8 at ISO 800
using a 1 second shutter speed.) |
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Pros who have been shooting with an E-1 will appreciate the dramatic improvement
in autofocus performance. Olympus has installed a faster and more effective
AF system, including a sensor with 11 (not three) detection points. All are
double cross-hatched for great reliability with any type of pattern. There’s
no need for an f/2.8 lens for optimal focus detection as with some other cameras.
The E-3 is much faster than its predecessor in other respects, too, including
the 5 fps (vs. 3 fps) Drive mode. Improved algorithms for the TruePic III engine
plus a larger buffer (temporary data storage bank) allow for shooting 17 raw
files or an “unlimited” number of JPEGs in a sequence.
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The 11-point AF system is great for quick shooting during a sports
event or with any off-center subject. More importantly, the new
system is very reliable. Particularly when used with one of the
SWD-series lenses, it’s also incredibly fast to acquire focus,
making the E-3 highly competitive with other pro cameras in this
respect. (Image made at ISO 200 with the SWD
12-60mm zoom and a Hoya SMC PRO-1 polarizer.) |
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Unlike any previous camera with a Four Thirds (17.3x13mm) size sensor, this
one features an oversized viewfinder, with virtually 100 percent framing accuracy.
The viewing screen is bright and contrasty, great for manual focusing. The 2.5”
LCD monitor provides a crisp image with automatic brightness adjustment to suit
the lighting conditions. A dual axle mechanism allows for 360Þ articulation:
the LCD can be pulled out from the body and placed into just about any desired
position. This should be standard on any with Live View since the moveable screen
allows for shooting from ground level or over heads in a crowd, or at waist
level for candid picture taking. A larger LCD—with even higher resolution—would
be preferable.
A built-in flash is typically considered an amateur-oriented feature, but this
amenity allows the E-3 to provide pro-caliber lighting. When the camera is used
with the new FL-50R or FL-36R flash units, wireless off-camera TTL flash is
possible without the need to buy a “commander” accessory. The built-in
flash can trigger up to three groups of remote units, with four channels for
each group. While taking photos of a model posing in various locations in Old
San Juan, Puerto Rico, with two off-camera flash units, the process proved to
be simple and quick.
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The E-3 responded virtually instantly to a touch of the shutter
release button and provided very fast autofocus. That allowed me
to capture just the right instant in candid picture taking, with
nearly a 100 percent success ratio. (Image made at a 1/160 sec shutter
speed at ISO 100 at a 340mm equivalent focal length with the SWD
50-200mm zoom.) |
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Since pros tend to shun a mode selector dial, that control has been omitted;
the body includes many well marked buttons, a few with two distinct purposes.
There’s also a four-way thumb pad, two input dials, and a (customizable)
Fn button for quick access to the user’s favorite function. The menu includes
a multitude of items but frequently used features can be quickly accessed from
a submenu, found by pressing the OK button.
Evaluation: This is a remarkably solid, fast, and incredibly versatile 10-megapixel
camera with some new or uncommon features. That makes a study of the instruction
manual—and some experimentation—essential. This includes checking
out items such as gradation control for wider dynamic range, the new external
white balance sensor option, and the highlight or shadow spot meter for better
exposures with ultra-bright or very dark-toned subjects.
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Wireless off-camera TTL flash can be very simple as illustrated
by this photo, made with two remote FL-50R units, using the camera’s
Program mode. More advanced effects are possible when professional
techniques are used for flash placement and exposure control. (This
image was made using the SWD 12-60mm zoom.) |
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The E-3 includes numerous white balance options and overrides as
well as a unique feature, a secondary external white balance sensor.
When used—along with the appropriate white balance preset—this
amenity can help to provide more accurate results under artificial
lighting. (The Tungsten white balance preset and Double White Balance
Sensor mode were used for this image, made at ISO 1600, handheld,
at a 1¼8 sec exposure.) |
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