The Olympus E-System offers a range of recording qualities. Besides non-compression TIFF and a variety of JPEG resolutions (SHQ, HQ, SQ), the E-System enables files to be captured in RAW (12 bit) format. If required, these RAW files can even be processed in the camera later and converted to TIFFs or JPEGs using the RAW data edit function. Also the E-System can be set to store in parallel a frame in both RAW and JPEG format.
Media – Recording Media
The Olympus E-System saves files to the Compact flash storage media (Type I and II) and is compatible with all capacities as well as Microdrive. xD Picture Cards can also be used with a CompactFlash adapter card. With the E-3 and E-420, you can also save your images to xD Picture Cards directly.
Exif and DCF
Files are saved according to the DCF industry standard. This enables direct printing and ensures the memory cards may be shared between cameras.
Thanks to Exif 2.2 support, the camera settings used are saved with the image file. Compatible printers can apply the information to optimise results.
The 1.8 inch/4.5 cm TFT LCD display in the E-1 and E-300 provides you with approximately a 100% view of the captured shot. Their 134,000 pixel screen features low-reflection technology and 7-step brightness adjustment. The E-1 also features a detachable protection cover (MC-1).
The newer models incorporate an even larger LCD screen of 2.5 inches/ 6.4cms.
Versatile playback features
A histogram function lets you check the exposure of a captured shot and a highlight point warning is activated when areas in the frame seem too bright. To compare the settings for different images, detailed image information, such as exposure or white balance, can be displayed with the shots. Images captured with the camera held vertically may be easily rotated and saved again.
Other features include:
4, 9 or 16 thumbnails
Single image zoom function
Slide show mode
Print reservation (enables shots to be printed with special settings by printers or photo labs that support DPOF)
Intuitive menu operation
The detailed menu has been laid out with great care to permit effortless navigation. Operation is easy thanks to the arrow key controls.
The E-System cameras incorporates neo-lumi micron matt screens.
The E-300/ E-500 has a fixed type but the screen in the E-1 can be changed between two focusing screens.
Pattern of Neo-lumi micron matt
Besides the FS-1 full-matt type focusing screen provided with the camera, a full-matt grid type screen (FS-2) is optionally available
Measuring 18.8 x 14.8 x 1.5 mm, both feature an AF target centre-weighted AF metering area plus a bright, fine 20µm pitch micro lens. These also have a deformed hexagonal micro lens to reduce the moiré phenomenon on image areas without a specific structure.
In addition the E-System is one of the few digital SLR Systems whose viewfinder provides approximately a 100% field of view. Their high-quality pentaprism viewfinders presentsa 0.95x view of the scene passing through the lens (at a 50mm focal length).
The screens are supplied in a case with tweezers for inserting and removing them from the camera.
Viewfinder Information
All important camera settings are displayed in the viewfinder. In addition, you can check the depth of field before shooting.
By pressing the preview button of the camera, the image as it would be captured is shown in the viewfinder.
