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Olympus E1 SLR The first "Four Thirds" system (almost) sees the light of day! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet E1 Photo Gallery! E1 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on E1 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, Software Review First Posted: 06/24/2003, Updated: 03/16/2004

Video Out

The E-1 comes with a video cable for connection to a television set for image review. A settings menu option sets the video signal to support PAL or NTSC timing.

 

Power

For power, the E-1 utilizes a single lithium-ion battery pack, which ships with the camera, along with the necessary charger. An AC adapter is available as a separate accessory, and is highly recommended for time-consuming tasks such as image downloading or review, or when running the camera from a computer for extended periods. A Sleep option in the settings menu helps the camera save power, by shutting itself down after either one, three, five, or 30 minutes of inactivity.

The E-1 uses an unusual power connector, and Olympus didn't provide me with an adapter for it. - Hence, I wasn't able to conduct my usual detailed power measurements. I can say though, that the battery pack used in the E-1 lasts a long time: My son Chris and I had the opportunity to shoot with it at the US Open, and we racked up over 700 shots that day on a single battery charge (with a fair bit of capacity left over). Granted, we were being careful to use the LCD screen as little as possible, but this struck me as really excellent battery life. (Mind you, I'd still strongly encourage purchasing an extra battery pack along with the E-1, but it clearly ranks among the best D-SLRs in terms of battery life.)

 

Included Software

Although my first prototype sample did not come with any software, Olympus states that the E-1 will be bundled with Adobe Photoshop Elements, Olympus' own e-Studio (a new suite of applications), and Web Photo School Lessons on CD.

Not Included: "Brainware"
Every manufacturer includes some level of needed software with their cameras, but what's missing is the knowledge and experience to know what to do with it. For lack of a better term, I've called this "Brainware." There's a lot involved between snapping the shutter, and watching a beautiful, professional-quality print spool off your printer, and there's sadly very little guidance as to how to get from point A to point B.

Fortunately, Uwe Steinmueller of OutbackPhoto.com has come up with an excellent series of e-books that detail every step of the process, show actual examples of files moving through the workflow, and the final results. If you want to get the absolute best prints possible from your digital files, you owe it to yourself to purchase one of the Outback Photo Digital Workflow books.

In the Box

Included in the box with the Olympus E-1 SLR are the following items:

• Lithium-ion battery pack and charger.
• USB cable.
• IEEE-1394 cable.
• Video cable.
• Shoulder strap.
• Software CDs with Adobe Photoshop Elements, e-Studio, and Web Photo School.
• Instruction manual and warranty information.
  
  

Recommended Accessories

• Additional battery.
• AC adapter.
• Large capacity memory card.
• Protective case.
  
  

 

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