First Look: Olympus EVOLT E-300
By
Dave Etchells
(Monday, November 8, 2004 - 09:00 EST)
Olympus has announced the second model in its d-SLR line based on the "Four Thirds" spec, this time a prosumer model.
We've run a prototype of the new Olympus EVOLT E-300 through its paces, and feel that it has potential, although final judgement will as always have to await our testing of a full production model. This new camera is entering an increasingly crowded d-SLR market, with aggressive price and feature competition among a number of manufacturers. With an 8-megapixel sensor, rugged build quality, and several unique features, it could offer a good choice for many users.
With a combination of extensive Scene modes with full-featured exposure and creative control, it could be uniquely suited to situations where both novice and experienced shooters need to share the same camera. It also could make a good choice for an enthusiastic novice, who wants a camera that's easy to use from the start, but that offers no limitations as their skills mature.
Because it works with most of the same components already created for the more expensive Olympus E-1, this entry-level SLR has a number of high-quality, affordable lenses at its disposal. Olympus has also developed the 14-45mm "kit" lens the camera will be sold with, and Sigma has a growing line of Four Thirds-compatible lenses available in their line, covering a wide range of focal lengths.
Bottom line, we'll have to see how production units perform, but our early reaction to the E-300 was quite favorable. See our first impressions now. Check it out!
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