The successor to the Olympus E-1 dSLR has been talked about for years. Since the E-1's launch in 2003, the Japanese company has concentrated mainly on entry- to mid-level dSLRs, though it has mentioned a replacement model for the E-1 from time to time. Finally, Olympus has announced the new E-3, a camera that brings together all the best features in its line of dSLRs. We managed to get out hands on one of the units during its launch event in Tokyo. Here are some initial thoughts about the new camera.

Those familiar with the E-series from Olympus will know that the cameras are relatively light for its class, starting from a mere 435g for the E-500 to 660g for the E-1. The E-3 isn't particularly heavy, either, when compared to other dSLRs, but at 810g, it is certainly not as light as its predecessors. It will be competing in the same space as the Canon EOS 40D and Nikon D300, which at 740g and 825g respectively, are very similar to the E-3.

Framing shots using the LCD display (live view) is a dSLR feature pioneered by Olympus that's also been incorporated into the E-3. Though not as big as some of the 3-inch camera displays in the market, the 2.5-inch LCD on the E-3 has a useful capability. Like some prosumer cameras, the LCD screen can be flipped out and swiveled to face different directions. These two features, live view and the flexible screen, make it possible to frame shots that would have been difficult to do with other dSLRs. For example, it is now possible to hold the camera above the head and still be able to frame a shot--useful for capturing a photo through a crowd. Someone using the E-3 can also take a self portrait as the LCD can be swiveled to face the front, though we suspect most photographers will prefer to stay behind the lens.

Aside from the LCD, the viewfinder on the E-3 has also been improved. It now shows 100 percent of what the camera will capture. A magnification factor of 1.15 times further helps to enlarge the viewfinder image.

Olympus claims that the E-3 has the fastest autofocus among dSLRs. While we cannot immediately verify this, we certainly did find the focusing extremely speedy compared to cameras we have used. A part of this is dependent on the SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) feature found on some of its lenses. The innovation is in the motor on the lens, which we managed to catch in action thanks to a special demonstration set with a see-through case.

Like the E-510 just before it, the E-3 has a 10.1-megapixel sensor. That is similar to the Canon 40D's but has fewer pixels than the 12-megapixel Nikon 300D.

Other features of the E-3 include an image stabilizer built into the body, 11-point autofocus sensoring and dust reduction using its SSWF (Supersonic Wave Filter) technology. The Olympus camera uses the Four Thirds system and lens mount.

Bottomline

Though targeted at professionals, Olympus faces a huge challenge in convincing long-time photographers to switch over to its cameras. After all, most of them are already used to a particular system (such as Nikon's or Canon's) and has invested heavily in the compatible lenses and accessories.

Notwithstanding, the E-3 has several few innovative features that will appeal to serious photographers. Those already using the Four Thirds system will certainly look forward to the culmination of Olympus' dSLR technologies in the E-3.

The Olympus E-3 will be available in November 2007 in Japan and selected Asia-Pacific markets. The Asian price has not been announced, but it will retail for about 200,000 yen (about US$1,715) in Japan.