Creativity is yours for the taking
The Olympus E-30 not only reproduces images with amazing fidelity, it supports photographers in realising their artistic vision. Besides customary manual control options, this ground-breaking D-SLR gives users a wide range of additional choices to pursue their creativity. Six Art Filter functions on board facilitate image recording with distinct effects and lend each composition an individual sense of presence - all without additional extra lenses, filters or image processing on a computer. The filters’ effects can be previewed on the LCD during framing of the composition and include the following types: Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Colour, Light Tone, Grainy Film and Pin Hole. Other artistic effects can be attained via the Multiple Exposure mode. This allows several images to be superimposed on an image previously captured in RAW format directly in the camera, and is possible when shooting both in optical viewfinder mode or when using Live View. Wireless flash control is also incorporated for creative lighting requirements. This enables control over any number of compatible external flash units which can be placed anywhere around the subject - all without a single cable.

Expressive photography is further supported through the Multi-Aspect function. It provides a choice of nine aspect ratios, taking in standard 4:3, cinematic 16:9 and medium-format 6:6. This lets the photographer crop the scene according to his or her desired style.

Framing can be undertaken through a conventional viewfinder which offers an approx 98% field of view and approx 1.02x magnification (-1m-1, 50mm, at infinity). Or, for greater flexibility, compositions can be framed using the 2.7”/6.9cm HyperCrystal II LCD with 176° viewing angles. This offers complete framing freedom through its free-angle design which allows even the most adventurous perspectives to be captured. The effects of adjustments to settings can also be monitored in real time. Furthermore, thanks to improved high-speed contrast AF capabilities*, LCD depictions are extremely fast and faithful, making Live View framing significantly more comfortable than before. Views can be enlarged by a factor of 5x, 7x or 10x, enabling the photographer to close-in on subject details to check, for example, the focus.

Image quality par excellence
A newly-developed, 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensor guarantees the capture of all image details, right down to the smallest minutiae. Based on proven MOS signal amplification technologies, the sensor boasts low power consumption properties to enable fulltime Live View usage. The E-30’s new TruePic III+ image processor ensures ultra-high processing speeds together with professional image quality. This includes enhanced tonal gradation, colour fidelity and many possibilities for creative expression thanks to the Art Filters - while reducing image noise.

The E-30 further heightens results with built-in mechanical image stabilisation. Effective to an equivalent of up to 5 EV steps, the incidence of blur is dramatically diminished. Photographers profit from the flexibility of obtaining razor-sharp shots in a wider variety of situations - no matter if in darker shooting environments or at long focal lengths. And because the image stabilisation is built into the camera, every attached lens reaps the benefit.

Protection against the effects of dust is provided by the Supersonic Wave Filter. This technology was developed by Olympus and is deployed in every E-System model. It eliminates the risk of image blemishes caused by dust resulting from normal operation or particles entering the camera body during lens changes.

Up to speed
Inheriting the fully-biaxial 11-point AF system of the E-3 flagship model in the Olympus E-System range, the E-30 achieves the same breakneck autofocusing speeds and performance. Featuring both horizontal and vertical sensor lines, a total of 44 different data points are available in order to calculate the optimal focus. Furthermore, the AF sensor boasts an extremely wide detection range of -2 to 19 EV which ensures high-precision autofocusing even in low light, due to its houndstooth layout.

Photographers can also look forward to an accelerated experience in situations when every fraction of a second counts: up to 5fps can be recorded by the E-30 in full 12.3 Megapixel quality (with a 12 image RAW buffer in burst mode) for capturing fast-moving scenes. And for freezing high-speed action - or shooting in bright sunlight with the aperture wide open - this model enables shutter speeds as fast as 1/8000th sec. What’s more, flash synchronisation at up to 1/250th sec. further enhances its flexibility and artistic potential.

Picture-perfect ease
The E-30 incorporates additional features to improve photo results. Auto Gradation uses Shadow Adjustment Technology to help prevent blown highlights and blocked-in shadows as well as ensuring that even high-contrast subjects are naturally rendered. Meanwhile, the Face & Background Control function also adds Face Detection Technology to optimally balance foreground subjects and background scenery.

In addition, photographers can compare the results of adjustments to various camera settings before shooting by using Perfect Shot Preview. It lets you view the effect of up to four different exposure compensation or white balance settings on the LCD prior to taking the picture.

Operating ease and superior visibility of camera settings are supported via a top-mounted LCD panel which displays the current shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation level and other important settings. Naturally, this and further information can also be viewed on the Super Control Panel which is displayed on the camera’s LCD and navigated via an intuitive, graphical menu.

Accessories to promote creativity
As part of the Olympus E-System and based on the Four Thirds Standard, many lenses and other accessories are available to ensure the E-30 takes creativity to a higher level. From fish-eye, macro and ultra-wide-angle lenses through to ultra-zoom models, the ZUIKO DIGITAL range of lenses leaves nothing to be desired. New in the line-up is the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II lens, which now enables full contrast AF performance with the E-30. Olympus also offers two wireless flash solutions: the FL-50R and FL-36R make the most of the camera’s wireless flash control capabilities. And for sessions that go into overtime, the HLD-4 Power Battery Holder - which includes a handy shutter release button - ensures shooting can continue for extended periods without the need to recharge.

The Olympus E-30 gives photographers a portable creative studio. It provides everything required to live out and express creativity while enjoying pro-level image results, control and performance. It will go on sale from mid-January 2009.

**Les performances de l'AF à détection de contraste est compatible avec l'ensemble des objectifs Olympus