INTRODUCTION: Whether by mistake or design Olympus 'leaked' news of their latest DSLR camera, the E-500. It appeared on a Danish Olympus site where perhaps the webmaster was testing his updated pages. Word soon spread and within hours speculation and discussion resounded across the Internet. All that follows is quoted from the Danish site:

"The new model is called Olympus E-500. It has 8MP and shall be available in October 2005. No prices are available yet. But because of the name, we assume between the E300 and the E-1. If you want to talk immediatley with other Olympus users about this new model, just visit our Olympus community forum and Olympus photo gallery. Just click here (link removed). And here are the details of the danish Olympus website:"

Leaves others in the dust:

The Olympus E-500 digital SLR for reliably clean photography:

As digital photography has gained popularity and become affordable for just about everyone, increasing numbers of photographers are demanding the higher quality and flexibility that only an SLR camera can offer, with the availability of interchangeable lenses, external flash systems and other accessories. Now, with the Olympus E-500, the promise of creative digital SLR photography is within everyone’s reach.

High reliability:

For all ardent photographers, image quality has the highest priority, and the Olympus E-500 does everything to ensure perfect photos in every situation. By incorporating the Supersonic Wave Filter, the problem of dust entering the camera body and landing on the CCD while changing lenses – a phenomenon until now virtually impossible to prevent – is finally solved. As a piece of dust can cover several thousand pixels on the CCD, even the tiniest particles can potentially cause serious damage to photos. The patented technology ensures worry-free lens changing anywhere and anytime, enabling users to really experience the brilliance of dust-free pictures. Developed by Olympus, the Supersonic Wave Filter generates ultra-high-speed vibrations that shake off dust and other particles, which are then captured on a special adhesive membrane. This function is invoked at each start-up of the camera but may also be manually effected. This ingenious solution also spares users the otherwise necessary time and expense of cleaning dusty image sensors.

High image quality:

With 8.0 million pixels, the Olympus E-500 ensures subjects are always recorded in brilliant detail. Furthermore, rather than using an ordinary Interline Transfer CCD, this model incorporates a Full Frame Transfer CCD (FFT CCD). This type of CCD has a larger pixel area, because there is no dedicated transfer channel, instead the photodiode itself is used for this purpose. As a result, the FFT CCD captures more electrons, to deliver a higher signal/noise ratio and a wider dynamic range. The photos therefore benefit from greater exposure latitude, more detail and less noise. High mobility

Featuring a penta type design, the Olympus E-500 has the authentic professional look and feel of a classic SLR. Yet with its smaller size, it is also one of the most compact D-SLRs on the market. Active users will welcome a camera that they can take and use almost anywhere – from hikes in the country to busy city visits. Professionals will also appreciate the lightweight load, which makes the E-500 an ideal back-up camera, particularly useful for photo-journalism assignments in the field. The professional style and very user-friendly layout of controls make intuitive operation of the camera possible in next to no time.

Photographers can choose from 21 pre-defined scene modes to suit most common situations. Alternatively, the manual options, including P/A/S/M, facilitate unrestricted creativity and allow the user’s individuality to unfold. A 49 area AE sensor and high light and shadow basis metering provide for amazing exposure control. The Olympus E-500 also features professional AE Lock functionality for camera customisation. And when there’s not enough natural light, the built-in pop-up flash is always there to shed more light on the subject.

Incorporation of the TruePic TURBO image processor not only ensures images pack a punch with their life-like colour, resolution and contrast, it also adds speed to the Olympus E-500. Sequential shooting at 2.5fps is possible with all image data formats. In the HQ (1/8) or SQ JPEG format, images can even be recorded up to the full memory card capacity when using high-speed media, such as SanDisk SDCFX (Extreme III). In addition, users also benefit from the two memory card slots – one for CompactFlash and another for xD-Picture Cards – which add to this model’s practicality and provide extra data security.

Operation is further enhanced by the camera’s large 6.4cm/2.5” HyperCrystal LCD screen with 214,000 pixels for framing and viewing shots. It conveniently allows results to be viewed in large format directly on the camera without glare, even in direct sunlight and at angles of up to 160°. Views of recorded shots can be enlarged up to 14x to facilitate easy checking. The LCD doubles as the easy-to-read status panel, giving clear, detailed information on all camera settings.

High versatility:

Of course, one of the main benefits of an SLR is its ability to extend the photographic possibilities through specialised accessories. Here the Olympus E-500 profits from the Olympus E-System line-up. Currently, the lenses on offer cover a focal range of 7-300mm (equivalent to 14-600mm on a 35mm camera). From unique, wide-angle perspectives right through to ultra-magnification power with large apertures, Olympus provides a solution for any situation. Various external flash units are available too. As well as standard types, ring and twin flash units provide for specialist applications.

Moreover, based on the FourThirds System, cross-manufacturer compatibility of accessories is also assured. Jointly developed by Olympus and Kodak especially for digital capture, it sets standards on three levels – mechanical, optical and communication – to maximise the performance of camera body, image sensor and lenses. A growing number of manufacturers are now part of the FourThirds consortium.

The eight million pixel Olympus E-500 Digital SLR combines a classic design, stunning performance and a tempting price to bring the high quality and creative freedom of digital SLR photography to ambitious hobby photographers and semi-pros alike. And thanks to the Supersonic Wave Filter, photos will never again be ruined by the harmful effects of dust on the image sensor. The camera is extremely light and compact, and offers excellent ergonomic handling. Equipped to facilitate full creative expression and sensational results, the Olympus E-500 will be offered in a choice of four kits which will be available from the end of October 2005.

Quick overview of E-500 specs:

The Olympus E-500 digital SLR – main features: 8.0 million pixels with Full Frame Transfer CCD 6.4cm/2.5” HyperCrystal LCD (214,000 pixels) Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection Light and compact penta type design (for classic SLR look) 49 area AE sensor & high light basis, shadow light basis metering Single AF, continuous AF and manual focusing Digital ESP, centre-weighted average and spot exposure metering AE lock functionality Sequential shooting at 2.5fps in HQ (1/8) and SQ JPEG format up to the full memory card capacity when using high-speed media, such as SanDisk SDCFX (Extreme III) IR Hybrid Type Cut Filter for equalisation with human eyes 1/3 EV ISO steps TruePic TURBO image processor 21 scene programme and scene select programme modes Dual slot for CompactFlash/Microdrives and xD-Picture Cards Built-in pop-up flash User-friendly menu with detailed and simplified display modes plus full manual operation Compatible with the complete range of Olympus E-System lenses and many accessories.
KITS AVAILABLE*:
(1)Camera body, BLM-1 rechargeable battery pack with BCM-2 charger.
(2)SE Kit with camera body, 17.5-45mm (35-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6, LBH-1 battery holder, 3x CR-123 batteries.
(3)Kit with camera body, 14-45mm (28-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6, BLM-1 rechargeable battery pack with BCM-2 charger.
(4)DZK Kit with camera body, 14-45mm (28-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6, 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:3.5-4.5, BLM-1 rechargeable battery pack with BCM-2 charger.

E-500 body related PDF's for Download (thanks to J. Birch)

E-500 Box Contents press here.

E-500 Full Specification Sheet press here.

E-500 Details here.

In addition this list of E-System Lenses was announced:

Olympus E-System lenses:
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm (14-28mm) 1:4.0
ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm (22-44mm) 1:2.8-3.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm (28-70mm) 1:2.0 (available from 2006)
ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm (28-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6
ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm (28-108mm) 1:2.8-3.5
NEW! ZUIKO DIGITAL 17.5-45mm (35-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6
NEW! ZUIKO DIGTAL 18-180mm (36-360mm) 1:3.5-6.3 (available from spring 2006)
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 35-100mm (70-200mm) 1:2.0 (available from October 2005)
ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:3.5-4.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm (100-400mm) 1:2.8-3.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 90-250mm (180-500mm) 1:2.8 (available from November 2005)
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm 1:3.5 Fisheye (available from January 2006)
NEW! ZUIKO DIGTAL 35mm Macro (70mm) 1:3.5 (available from winter 2005/2006)
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50mm (100mm) 1:2.0 Macro
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150mm (300mm) 1:2.0
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm (600mm) 1:2.8

E-System Lens related PDF's for Download (thanks to J. Birch)

ZD 35mm x 3.5 Macro Specifications here.

ZD 35mm x 3.5 Macro details here.

ZD 35mm x 3.5 Macro Architecture & MTF here.

ZD 35-100 x 2.0 Zoom here.

ZD 35-100 x 2.0 Zoom details here.

ZD 35-100 x 2.0 Zoom Architecture & MTF here.

ZD 17.5-45 Zoom here.

ZD 17.5-45 Zoom details here.

ZD 17.5-45 Zoom Architecture & MTF here.

ZD 18-180 Zoom here.

ZD 18-180 Zoom details here.

ZD 18-180 Zoom Architecture & MTF here.

The specification of the E-500 appears more or less the same as the E-300. Major differences seem to be a larger (2.5") LCD screen and new power capability from 6 AA's rather than proprietaries. This is in line with the recent Olympus SP compact range - a change of power cell direction in an effort to save costs?

What can we make of this? I believe it is Olympus' response to two major criticisms. The E-300 design was seen as unattractive and sufficiently un-DSLR like as to put buyers off. And the E-300 was a little more expensive than the major opposition.

It is rumoured that the E-500 will be cheaper than the E-300 and presumably that's why there's a new lens in the above line-up, the 17.5-45mm (35-90mm equivalent). Nothing startling, a budget 'standard' zoom lens, cheap to manufacture, light and contributing to the low cost of the new camera. Will the E-500 it replace the E-300? It seems perverse that the pair might compete for the same ground but stranger things have been known.

It's strange Olympus chose to upgrade their most recently developed DSLR when the E-1 flagship has been out longer. If Olympus want to compete in the all important entry level DSLR market (that's where the money is) then this is the right move. I see this as positive and encouraging. It's pretty obvious the designers are not going to be rushed into coming up with a new flagship model. We can gather a few inferences from a recent interview with one of the Olympus design team bosses quoted in its entirety here. There are some encouraging signs that Olympus are looking at a different CCD manufacturer and the possibility of in-camera image stabilisation. Excellent!