September 13, 2001

Olympus Announces 5-Megapixel CAMEDIA E-20 Digital SLR with World's First Interlaced/Progressive Hybrid Scanning System and Fast Shutter Speeds

5-megapixel, 2/3-inch CCD Large aperture, F2 - F2.4, 4x zoom lens World's first interlaced/progressive scanning system

FRONT		BACK
CAMEDIA E-20

* This news release is only for Japanese market.

Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (President: Tsuyoshi Kikukawa) is pleased to introduce the CAMEDIA E-20, a digital SLR camera that offers truly exceptional image quality. It features 5-megapixel resolution, the highest currently available in a consumer-use digital camera, and a large-aperture 4x zoom lens.

The introduction of the CAMEDIA E-20 follows that of the CAMEDIA E-10, the Olympus digital camera flagship that was introduced last October. The CAMEDIA E-20 offers even higher image resolution, and is positioned above the CAMEDIA E-10 in the Olympus digital camera line-up. To achieve the highest possible image quality, the CAMEDIA E-20 is equipped with a 5-megapixel, 2/3-inch CCD that offers the highest resolution currently available in a consumer-use digital camera. The performance of the CCD is further enhanced by a large-aperture, F2 - F2.4, 4x zoom lens of exceptional crispness and clarity. The lens is the same as the one that was featured - and widely acclaimed - on the CAMEDIA E-10. The CAMEDIA E-20 is also the first camera in the world to offer both interlaced scanning (IS) for high image quality and progressive scanning* (PS) for fast shutter-speed support. This IS/PS hybrid scanning allows users to enjoy both 5-megapixel image quality and the ability to shoot at very fast shutter speeds.   * Maximum image resolution is 2.5 megapixels when progressive scanning is activated.

Top Features

5-megapixel, 2/3-inch, primary-color CCD.   Large-aperture, F2 - F2.4, 4x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 35 - 140mm zoom on a conventional 35mm film camera).   World's first switchable interlaced/progressive hybrid scanning system for high image quality and high shutter speeds.   Noise Reduction, TruePicTM image processing, and other features for enhanced image quality.

Development Background

Ever since the 1997 release of the CAMEDIA C-1400L, and the subsequent introduction of the CAMEDIA C-1400XL, CAMEDIA C-2500L, and CAMEDIA E-10 flagship digital cameras, Olympus has continuously remained at the forefront of high-resolution digital imaging. For the CAMEDIA E-10 digital SLR that was introduced last October, Olympus drew on its strengths in lens design and optical innovation to develop a large-aperture, F2 - F2.4, 4x optical zoom lens that was specifically designed to maximize the performance potential of the latest generation of high-resolution CCDs. The CAMEDIA E-10 has since gone on to become the top-selling digital SLR in Japan, Europe, and the United States. For the CAMEDIA E-20, Olympus incorporated the latest technology to develop a new CAMEDIA flagship that offers even higher image quality and performance capabilities than the CAMEDIA E-10. In addition to a CCD with an effective resolution of 5 megapixels, the CAMEDIA E-20 boasts a "World First" - an IS/PS hybrid scanning system that can be switched from interlaced scanning (for high image quality) to progressive scanning (for fast shutter-speed support). Noise Reduction and other advanced features are also featured. Olympus has long led the industry in the quest for higher levels of image quality and performance. With the development of the CAMEDIA E-20, it has effectively applied its optical and digital technology expertise to create a full-featured digital SLR that offers professional photographers and high-end users a truly versatile tool for ultra-high-quality imaging.

Main Features

High-Definition 5-Megapixel 2/3-Inch Primary-Color CCD A 5-megapixel CCD provides the highest resolution and image quality currently available in a consumer-use digital camera. The large, 2/3-inch CCD offers excellent tonal sensitivity, and uses primary-color filtering to ensure vivid color reproduction. High-Performance F2 - F2.4 4x Optical Zoom Lens (Equivalent to 35 - 140mm zoom on a conventional 35mm film camera) The lens offers the proven performance of the 14-element, 11-group design that was used so successfully on the CAMEDIA E-10. Regardless of the angle at which light enters, the lens maximizes the performance potential of the CCD by accurately guiding the light rays to the high-density CCD sensor elements. Two aspherical lens elements are used to correct distortion, and an Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass lens element is used to prevent color aberration. In addition, all lens elements are multi-coated to ensure exceptionally crisp, clear imaging. World's First Switchable Hybrid Scanning System In addition to the interlaced scanning featured on the CAMEDIA E-10, the CAMEDIA E-20 offers users the choice of progressive scanning, thereby making it possible to shoot at shutter speeds of up to 1/4,000* sec. Thanks to this hybrid system, users can switch between the two scanning systems at will, choosing interlaced scanning when they want to obtain the highest possible image quality, and progressive scanning when shooting sports events or other fast-moving subjects. * In Manual and Shutter-Speed-Priority modes, shutter speeds of up to 1/4,000 sec., and in addition 1/18,000 sec. can be used. Noise Reduction & TruePic Image Processing An advanced new noise reduction system suppresses noise during long exposures, assuring beautiful results when shooting night scenes, astronomical subjects, or fireworks. In addition, our proprietary TruePic image processing technology assures superb image quality at any resolution, with outstanding reproduction of detail and texture even when shooting photos in low resolution.

Other Features

Pro-Oriented Speed and Responsiveness Dual Autofocus System for Quick Focusing Fast, accurate focusing is provided by an advanced dual autofocus system that combines single-beam, twin-sensor active AF technology with passive AF technology. After initial measurement is made with the single-beam, twin-sensor system, the focus is fine-tuned by the passive system. In extreme low-light conditions, the twin-sensor active system alone can be used, thus greatly extending the range of situations in which digital photographs can be taken.   60ms (approx.) Shutter-Release Lag Time A shutter-release lag-time of only about 60 milliseconds (when built-in LCD monitor and flash are switched off) assures smooth and responsive shutter release for stress-free shooting.   TTL Viewfinder with 95% Field of View The TTL viewfinder eliminates framing errors caused by parallax displacement and provides a field of view that covers 95% of the total image area. Indicators within the viewfinder allow essential settings to be confirmed without taking the eye away from the eyepiece. In addition, the eyepiece features -3 - +1 dioptric correction, and is equipped with a special shutter to prevent light from entering the eyepiece when a picture is taken.   Instantaneous Mode Selection Individual buttons are provided for all frequently used shooting modes, and are positioned for easy access when the camera is held in the normal shooting grip.   High-Capacity Lithium-Polymer Battery Support An optional Power Battery Holder Kit and high-capacity lithium-polymer batteries are available for long photo sessions and high-volume shooting.   Multi-Angle 1.8-Inch TFT Color LCD Monitor A quick-response 1.8-inch color LCD monitor allows captured images to be instantly viewed. It can also be used as a viewfinder, with multi-angle display that provides a clear view for waist-level or high-angle shooting.   Rugged, Die-Cast Aluminum Body The rugged, die-cast aluminum body is built to withstand the rigors of adverse shooting conditions. Pro-Oriented Functions and Image-Creation Features   Proprietary TruePic Image Processing The CAMEDIA E-20 uses our widely acclaimed TruePic processing algorithm to ensure superior image quality at any resolution. As a result, even small images can benefit from the full 5-megapixel range of image data.   Digital ESP Metering Exclusive Olympus auto-exposure algorithms assure balanced exposures. In addition, the camera offers users a choice of center-weighted average metering or spot metering.   Auto White Balance for Beautiful Skin Tones A sophisticated white-balance system provides more accurate assessment of white balance values. As a result, color fidelity is enhanced and skin tones are more natural and lifelike.   Advanced Flash Control System A powerful GN13 (ISO 80) pop-up flash is built-in. Featuring advanced 'scene detection' technology, it assures beautiful auto flash results by automatically adjusting flash illumination according to the subject's position. +-3-step flash power compensation can also be used to achieve an ideal balance between natural light and flash illumination. In addition to forced (fill-in), slow-synchro and red-eye reduction modes, the flash also offers second-curtain synchronization. An optional FL-40 external flash unit can also be connected via hot shoe or cable for full-auto, dual-flash shooting, and an external PC synchro socket allows other external flash units to be connected for multi-flash shooting.   Wide Selection of Exposure Modes Four exposure modes are offered: Program AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Speed-Priority AE, and Manual. Aperture and shutter speed can be quickly set via an electronic dial, and an AE Lock button is positioned so that it can easily be pressed with the right thumb. The wide range of exposure settings allows photographers to take full advantage of the exceptionally bright lens, and to easily capture long bulb exposures at night.   Exposure Compensation Exposure compensation of +-3EV can be set in 1/3-step increments. In addition, there is an Auto Bracketing mode that automatically captures three frames - at 1/3, 2/3, and 1EV settings - for each shot.   4-Step ISO Sensitivity Control In addition to the Auto setting, users are given a choice of three ISO sensitivity settings. The settings are approximately equivalent to ISO 80, 160 and 320, and can be used to shoot indoors without flash, or to avoid blurring caused by camera-shake on zoom telephoto shots.   Three White Balance Modes In addition to Auto White Balance, the CAMEDIA E-20 is equipped with a One-Touch White Balance function that allows current white balance settings to be stored for later use, ensuring that color values remain constant even if the lighting changes. Users can also fine-tune color balance by choosing any of seven manual white balance settings (3000K, 3700K, 4000K, 4500K, 5500K, 6500K and 7500K).   Three Image Sharpness Settings Hard, Normal and Soft image sharpness settings allow users to choose the level of image sharpness that best suits their purpose (i.e., printing, image manipulation, etc.).   Three Contrast Settings High, Normal and Low contrast settings can be selected according to the user's preference.   Manual Focus A focusing ring is provided to allow easy manual focusing when shooting subjects that are difficult for the autofocus system to handle.   Macro Mode Macro photos can be taken from as close as 20cm at any zoom setting. At maximum magnification, an area of 76mm x 57mm fills the frame.   SmartMedia and CompactFlash/Micro Drive Support Slots are provided for 3V (3.3V) SmartMediaTM and CompactFlashTM memory cards, and both types can be inserted simultaneously to extend memory capacity for worry-free, high-resolution shooting. A dedicated button is provided for easy slot switching, and images can be copied from one card to the other at any time. Micro Drive storage is also supported.   Raw Image Data File Storage Unprocessed, raw data can be saved to allow subsequent high-level processing for printing or commercial purposes. A dedicated Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) plug-in is also provided.   Storage-Class USB Support A storage-class USB interface is provided to facilitate downloading of large image files. In addition, it allows image files in the camera can be manipulated using Windows Explorer(R) and other third-party software applications. * Supported operating systems: Windows(R) 98/Windows 98SE (using included driver software); Windows 2000 Professional; Windows Me(R); Mac OS 9.0-9.1. System-Oriented Options and Accessories   4 Types of High-Performance Extension Lenses 3x focal length telephoto (420mm equivalent; F2.8), 1.45x telephoto (200mm equivalent; F2.4), 0.8x focal length wide-angle (28mm equivalent; F2.0) and macro (49 x 37mm full-frame image area) extension lenses are available to extend shooting flexibility. Product Name Tele Extension Lens Pro (3x) TCON-300S Tele Extension Lens Pro (1.45x) TCON-14B Wide Extension Lens Pro (0.8x) WCON-08B Macro Extension Lens Pro MCON-35   Versatile Power Supply Options An optional B-32LPS Power Battery Holder Kit and B-12LPB high-capacity lithium-polymer batteries are also available*. Lasting approximately twice as long as conventional batteries, they provide enough power for about 1,200 images, making them ideal for long photo sessions and high-volume shooting. * Both products are scheduled to go on sale in mid-November.   FL-40 Electronic Flash for Creative Flash Photography The FL-40, a powerful GN40 dedicated external flash unit with a rotating head, is available for creative bounce-flash photography. By attaching an optional FL-CB05 external flash cable (scheduled to go on sale in mid-November), the FL-40 or other external flash unit can be positioned up to about a meter away from the camera.   Remote Cable Release The optional RM-CB1 Cable Release is available for remote shutter operation.   Remote Control Shooting The multi-function RM-1 is an optional remote control unit that allows camera functions such as shooting and image playback to be controlled from a distance. In addition, it can be used to control the CAMEDIA E-20 when the camera is being used as a playback device to display slideshows or business presentations on a video monitor.

Other Various Features and Functions

Shooting data such as aperture and shutter speed can be displayed on the monitor when viewing images. Image histograms can be displayed on the monitor. Time-lapse shooting intervals can be set from one minute to 24 hours. Control panel is equipped with backlight. Audible shutter release can be set to High, Low or Mute.

Specifications