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Accessible D-SLR quality

The Olympus E-450: Everyone is an artist

Hamburg, 31 March 2009 – With the Olympus E-450, the superior quality of E-System D-SLRs and ease-of-use of compact cameras are fused in a model that brings out the artist in anyone. Indeed, the successor to the renowned E-420 is packed with features that encourage novices to explore their creative potential and create masterpieces. Three in-camera Art Filters, for example, apply stylish effects to any image at the touch of a button. Meanwhile, image composition is simplified thanks to Live View depictions on the bright LCD. This latest addition to the Olympus E-System range is not only one of the smallest and lightest models on the market*, it also boasts all the benefits of the Four Thirds Standard at an affordable price. And, of course, the E-450 has a full range of Olympus’ innovative E-System technology on board. It will be available in stores from May 2009 at a recommended retail price of €XXX for the standard lens kit.

A creative powerhouse
Developed with amateurs in mind, the easy-to-use Olympus E-450 brings a high performance D-SLR to users with unbridled imaginations. A range of Art Filters allows photographers to stretch the limits of their creativity, without complicated software or a computer. Introduced with the E-30, this function gives pictures a make-over by selecting from one of three Art Filters. Inspired by the kaleidoscopic colours of the pop art movement, the Pop Art effect, for example, infuses photographs with rich shades to give pictures a livelier, dynamic feel. Soft Focus, on the other hand, makes pictures seem ethereal and otherworldly, while Pin Hole gives images an air of secrecy. Framing shots perfectly is also a breeze with the generous 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD with 176° viewing angle, which allows you to shoot from virtually any perspective and is even brighter than the E-420’s. The Live View functionality with the camera’s contrast AF** capabilities, on the other hand, allows you to comfortably judge exactly what results to expect, even before images are shot. This way, what you see is what you get, no matter what the perspective! Further guaranteeing pictures are optimally exposed, Face Detection Technology automatically detects and focuses on faces while Shadow Adjustment Technology balances out shadowy areas. 28 shooting modes, including automatic, semi-automatic and manual shooting options, ensure complete versatility. Nice pictures at the touch of a button – what more could you ask for?

Trusted and true
Olympus has packed the E-450 with everything an entry-level photographer needs to take high-quality pictures. It is equipped with Olympus’ proprietary dust reduction system, the Supersonic Wave Filter, which protects from the threat of dust – and has become the world’s leading solution against dust on the image sensor. Additionally, a powerful 10 Megapixel Live MOS sensor provides incredible resolution for crisp, detailed shots. This is supported by the incorporation of the TruePic III+ image processor: it guarantees exceptionally true-to-life image reproduction while reducing noise and enhancing processing speed. It is possible to shoot at up to 3.5fps in full Megapixel mode with up to eight images in RAW buffer. Compact and light, the E-450 boasts all the advantages of Four Thirds and Olympus state-of-the-art technology in a handy format everyone can appreciate.

Full range of accessories
The Olympus E-450 is compatible with nearly all E-System accessories, such as 19 lenses with a focal range of 7 – 300mm (equivalent to 14 – 600mm on a 35mm camera) and various flash systems. A perfect companion for this compact model, for example, is the short-barrelled and lightweight ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 (equivalent to 50mm on a 35mm camera) Pancake lens. The E-System D-SLR newcomer also ensures perfect light no matter what with up to three Wireless Flash groups familiar from the professional E-3. Available are the FL-50R and FL-36R wireless flashes. And in any situation where a flash is needed, new robust Olympus Flash Brackets, such as the FL-BK04, guarantee good light and maximum flexibility. Two flashes can also be mounted on the practical FL-BKM03 Twin Flash Bracket.

Rookie creative types will find everything they want from a digital SLR in the E-450. One easy-to-use package unites Olympus technology and incredible E-System features such as the Supersonic Wave Filter and Live View with artistic options like Art Filters. Look for the new E-450 in stores as of the end of May 2009 at a retail price of €xxx.

Face Detection Technology
A technology that searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. It then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that’s sharp in the right places and ideally exposed.

HyperCrystal
A high-grade, semi-transmissive technology used in LCDs, which employs an additional layer at the bottom of the LCD to reflect light from external light sources. This enhances the brightness of the LCD, so even in direct sunlight images are displayed sharply and with improved contrast compared to that of conventional displays. Also, it provides for particularly wide viewing angles without glare or shadow, so images can be framed from a variety of angles and viewed by several people at once.

Live View
Provides an alternative to framing shots through the viewfinder on a digital SLR camera. The image sent through the lens to the image sensor is displayed directly on the camera’s LCD. Whereas most compact digital cameras have been equipped with Live View functionality for many years, this feature has only recently become available on D-SLRs. The world’s first D-SLR to feature continuous Live View capabilities was the Olympus E-330.

RC Wireless Flash Control
The user can control wireless flash units remotely – eliminating the need for extra cables – by using the built-in flash as the system’s master unit. Control options include the ability to independently regulate flash mode and compensation settings for up to three groups of flashes, four channel settings to avoid interference as well as a wide range of brightness levels.

Shadow Adjustment Technology
A technology designed to improve exposure for pictures with dark areas. Using a sensor that works much like the human eye, dark parts of a composition (e.g. a shadow under a tree) are identified and the camera then adjusts the exposure settings accordingly for those areas. The result is a more realistic and detailed picture.

Supersonic Wave Filter
Dust entering digital SLRs, for example during lens changes, can cause damage to photos – unless it is removed. With the Supersonic Wave Filter, the potential for dust to ruin photos is eliminated. A transparent filter is located between the camera’s shutter and sensor. It makes sure no dust is able to land on the sensor. Instead, the particles settle on the filter and are then shaken off by a series of ultrasonic vibrations generated by the filter when activated. Olympus was the first manufacturer to incorporate dust protection in D-SLRs.

TruePic III+ image processor
Olympus’ latest-generation image processing engine. It automatically enhances important aspects of image quality including: colour reproduction (colour range, saturation and brightness), picture sharpness (reduced image noise, improved edge reproduction), as well as providing faster processing speeds. Furthermore, it supports Art Filters to enable unprecedented creative expression.