e-420 - more upgrade than meets the eye....

[Raist3d]

So at first it looks like "oh, ok, just the E-3 sensor in an e-410 format." But there's many little tidbits of differences here and there. So far I have spotted:

- dials have a new "diamond grid" pattern that should improve traction, makes it look more classic and pro at the same time
- the new dual contour rubber grip
- 3.5fps vs 3.0 fps continous shooting
- LCD is now 2.7'' vs 2.5''
- LCD now has more color gamut and twice the contrast for better previewing and seeing under difficult light (aka daylight)
- Angle of LCD is a notch bigger (forgot by how many degrees, like 3-6 more)
- has shadow adjustment tech
- has new E-3 portrait color mode
- fully supports just like the E-3 the FL36R and FL50R wireless flash system. This is the real thing- including 3 different flash groups and full control, just like the E-3
- new contrast and hybrid autofocus modes
- face detection mode (umm turning that off ASAP if I get one LOL)
- Apparently the E-3 sensor. Olympus is officially saying improved dynamic range and new amplifier circuit to lower the noise further
- New auto white balance algorithms
- New "perfect shot" preview mode- not sure how it works, but apparently makes thumbnails of the photo you are going to take or about to take (not sure there yet) under different settings

Obscure one:

- new color scheme on the camera interface to be friendlier to color blind people. This is mind blowing... that they paid attention to that..

Some information here:

E-420 preview

PDF data sheets for the e-420

http://fourthirdsphoto.com/Preview/i...ta%20sheet.pdf

PDF data sheet for the new pancake 25mm (50mm equiv) F2.8 prime lens:

http://fourthirdsphoto.com/Preview/i...ta%20sheet.pdf

- Raist

[alert_bri]

Hi Raist, thanks for the summary... I hadn't heard of "perfect shot" preview mode, and what's wrong with face detection mode? I've never used it, but if it's free... what the hey? I'll give it a go!

Kind Regards

Brian

[keepright]

Looking at the list now that they dust has settled, it's occurred to me that the smallest DSLR made now has the largest LCD in the Olympus lineup.

(I'm predicting a fixed 3" LCD for the E-520.)

[alert_bri]

Well, if we're trading predictions... I'm predicting a 2.7" articulating LCD for the E-520. (fingers crossed!)

Kind Regards

Brian

[Raist3d]

An articulated LCD would steer me away from the e-420 and towards the e-520 for sure. IS + Articulated LCD is too much to pass up. I hope the size is the same as the e-510 though.. I still love small cameras.

- Raist

[Mr. Pickles]

If they articulate (hope that means tilt and swivel) the LCD on the E-520, if there is one, then there is really little reason to have an E-3. What will it have? Better sealing and be bigger? Ohh, and have a battery/vertical grip option? Whooa.

[Raist3d]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

If they articulate (hope that means tilt and swivel) the LCD on the E-520, if there is one, then there is really little reason to have an E-3. What will it have? Better sealing and be bigger? Ohh, and have a battery/vertical grip option? Whooa.

Faster fps, far faster auto focus, all the interface buttons, etc (which I don't like that much the way they did), dedicated auto white balance sensor, stilll better IS (though not by much), more AF points (I don't use them but there are those who do I guess), faster top shutter speed, faster flash sync speed, weather sealed (the e-510 has no weather sealing, it' snot just better on the E3 but the difference between 'has it' and 'doesn't have it'.), more customization.

I am wondering if the e-420 has the same processing of the E-3 even if it has the same sensor (i.e. the processing of the E-3 being still more sophisticated). If that's also a difference, add that to the e-520.

- Raist

[alert_bri]

I wonder what's the advantage, if any of the E-3's size... when does a flag ship become a battle ship?

All of the electronic features of the E-3 will be shrinked into an E-5x0 body, and further down to an E-4x0 body... the non-electronic features (viewfinder, articulating LCD) can be delivered in the E-4x0 by innovation (clip on wifi EVF/storage? ala ipod Touch anyone?)

In the meantime, I expect the noise/DR performance of small sensor cams to experience a quantum leap within the next 12-18 months - by which time I'm hoping the 4/3rds system won't be replaced by the latest Panasonic LX3 (eek!)

Kind Regards

Brian

[Raist3d]

Well I think one thing being discounted is the fact the E-3 line can also upgrade. Olympus already said they dont' expect the same amount of time that happened between E-1 to E-3.

Personally if you ask me, I rather have them do the pro line smaller. Maybe sort of an e-510 line "plus."

-= Raist