A lightweight digital snapper from Olympus packs in some heavyweight features

By Smiley Byte

Daily Xpress

The Olympus E-420 is a 10-megapixel digital SLR camera for those who like their equipment small and light. Touted as the world's smallest DLSR, it matches cameras twice its size when it comes to taking high-quality shots.

The Live View technology allows you to preview shots on an LCD screen rather than having to squint through the viewfinder, as is the case for most digital SLR cameras.

This is just one of the features that makes the E-420 a joy to use.

There's also the face-detection function which automatically adjusts focus on up to eight faces, meaning everyone comes out pin-sharp in group photos.

And the Scene Select AE (auto exposure) mode makes it easy for even a newcomer to control the exposure. It comes with 18 pre-set modes for various scenarios including Sunset, Fireworks, Nature Macro, Candle, High-key and Low-key. The High-key and Low-key modes enhance bright and dark areas respectively.

The E-420 also

comes with the very useful Perfect Shot Preview  function, which  allows the photographer to compare results of various effects before      actually taking           the shot.

The function can be used to display four images with different adjustment settings on the LCD monitor.

You can then select the preferred image. This technology should be useful for novices who want to learn about techniques like exposure compensation and white balance.

The Olympus E-420 is distributed in Thailand by Jebsen & Jessen.

With a Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 lens, the camera costs Bt19,990. Opt for the Zuiko Digital 25mm f2.8 lens and the price rises to Bt23,990.

xtra

Picture this

>> Sensor: Four Thirds Live MOS sensor with 10 million pixels

>> Lens mount: Four Thirds mount

>> Sensitivity: Auto, ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600

>> Shutter: Auto mode: 2 - 1/4000 sec; P,S,A, M modes: 60 - 1/4000 sec; bulb: up to 30 minutes

>> LCD monitor: 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD (semi-transmissive TFT colour LCD)

>> Storage: Compact Flash Type I and II; xD Picture Card

>> Power: BLS-1 Li-ion battery

>> Dimensions: 129.5 by 91 by 53 millimetres

>> Weight (without battery): 380 grams.