Olympus: Building a Mystery
09 June 2007

If Olympus?intent is to drive us crazy with curiosity, we commend their strategy which entails being teasingly vague over plans to expand their advanced E-System. So far we know of three new DSLRs: the E-410 which is said to be an "ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight go-anywhere camera" and the E-510, a high-performance model with advanced functionality. Unfortunately Olympus has been a little more hush-hush over the development of their third camera, said to succeed the revolutionary E-1.

The E-1 remains the company's most advanced DSLR, but the 5-mega pixel model is already going on 4 years old and starting to show its age. Its replacement, rumoured to be called the E-2 or P-1, will boast remarkable improvements in performance and functionality to ensure unrivalled image quality, efficiency and mobility.

But other than expressing high hopes and a promise to ship the eagerly anticipated camera out within the year, Olympus has been very short on details. We do know that the new DSLR, like the E-410 and E-510, will follow the Four Thirds System standard and will feature a Fulltime Live View function as well as the 100% Dedicated Digital Design and the Dust Reduction System. The "Live View" LCD screen enhances visibility so shooting is a simple as with a compact camera, and this unusual capability allows users to explore more creative shots from new and unique angles.

We were also privy to speculation that Olympus has plans to develop four lenses to support the new cameras. Like their DSLR partners, all will be fully compliant with the Four Thirds System standard, and three will feature the newly-developed SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) auto focusing system.

These upcoming products mark the company's progression into "Chapter Two" in the history of the Olympus E-System. This next step sees them exploring new frontiers in DSLR photography as they continue to strengthen and expand their impressive range. Without question we're most focused on finding more on the E-1's elusive successor, but in view of all these new products, we have to hope that there will be many more ground-breaking chapters in the E-System book.