Olympus E-3 User manual

Blazing speed.
Spectacular images.
Rugged durability.
Consider barriers broken.

SPEED. The world’s fastest Auto
Focus system when combined with Zuiko
Digital Specific SWD 12-60 mm lens.
The E-3’s AF system works in the blink of an eye to ensure you
never miss a shot. When combined with the ZUIKO DIGITAL WD
ED 12-60 mm, the E-3’s AF technology works at speeds
unmatched by any other camera in the world. An 11-point full-
twin cross AF sensor system produces tack sharp images. Dual
sensing arrays on horizontal and vertical axes are arranged in a
unique half pitch shifted pattern for ultimate precision. Critical
auto focus functions are faster: processing speed, object
capturing, and tracking performance. A dedicated data
processing engine and a new AF algorithm rapidly handles
sensor information. New pixel multiplication technologies gives
the E-3 an AF luminescence range of -2 to 19 EV for better low
light shooting
Enhanced WD Technology. The ultra-fast auto focus
speed of the E-3 is partly due to the sophisticated upersonic
Wave Drive motors in our new ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses. Combined
with an ultra-compact encoder for detecting rotational
movement with 5 µm precision, these lenses work smoothly,
quietly and instantaneously.
hutter speeds that truly let you capture it all.
Imagine what you could shoot with a shutter speed of 1/8000 of
a second and a X-sync speed of 1/250 second. Freeze action
while photographing a cheetah in motion. Or clearly capture a 96
mph fastball as it connects with a bat. You can shoot at maximum
aperture even in bright sunlight and take full advantage of the
unmatched imaging power of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses. A simplified
mirror design gives the E-3 the fastest response time of any
Olympus E-series camera.
Blazing shot-to-shot response. hoot in high speed
succession. The sequential 5 frames-per-second shooting
comes from the rapid reading speed of the Live MO ensor
coupled with a newly developed TruePic III image processor and
the redesigned mirror.
IMAGE UALITY.
Capture it all spectacularly.
The E-3 delivers sharp shots in low light or
with a telephoto lens even without a tripod. A
sophisticated image stabilization system
compensates for camera shake by shifting the
image sensor an equivalent of 5 shutter speed
steps — all possible thanks to a gyro sensor that
detects even the slightest hand tremble. An in-
body image stabilization system gives you the
freedom to use any Four Thirds lens. They are
significantly smaller and lighter than other lenses
because they don’t need an image stabilization
component in the optics.
10.1 megapixels of amazing clarity.
Capture high-resolution images with rich tones
and natural, true-to-life color. The E-3’s 10.1
megapixel high-speed Live MO sensor features
excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity,
and a new, advanced circuit to eliminate noise.
The sensor’s low power usage saves battery life.
True color thanks to TruePic III. The Live
MO sensor is complemented by the TruePic III
Image Processor. It produces crystal clear photos
using all the pixel information from each image to
provide accurate, natural color, true-to-life flesh
tones and precise tonal expression. TruePic III
lowers the noise in images shot with ramped-up
I O settings resulting in blur-free photos in low
light.
Great photos start with precision-
crafted glass. You need high-quality lenses to
achieve superior image quality. ZUIKO DIGITAL
lenses are designed to work exclusively with digital
cameras today and ready to work seamlessly with
future high-performance image sensors. This
large, award-winning family of lenses is perfectly
matched to the E-3’s image sensor so every pixel
is properly exposed. The results? Photos with
bright colors and incredible edge-to-edge
sharpness that can’t compare to shots taken with
traditional film lenses.
VIEWING.Shoot from
unique angles for more creative
control with Live View.
Olympus is the undisputed leader in Live View LCD
technology. It lets you see your subject on a large,
bright screen in real-time. The E-3 features an
articulating, 2.5” Live View LCD screen that can be
rotated up and down and from side to side. It
covers all viewing angles so high and low angle
shots are easy to compose and shoot. The LCD
shows 100% field-of-view for accuracy. The Live
View screen can also be used for AF shooting.
Make adjustments quickly. Instantly check
the effects of white balance adjustment and
exposure compensation in real time on the Live
View LCD before shooting. You’ll be able to
monitor image quality more closely and exert
greater creative control.
Magnify it. The E-3’s Live View feature lets you
magnify your subject right on the LCD by a factor
of 5, 7 or 10 times for sharp, pinpoint focus —
a great feature for macro shooting.
Choose your framing assist pattern.
Three different framing assist patterns — a grid,
golden section or a scale — can be displayed on
the LCD without switching the actual physical
focusing screen. You can even see an easy-to-read
histogram that checks the exposure condition.
A bright viewing idea. A sensor on the LCD
swivel detects your surroundings brightness.
The screen will brighten or dim for optimum
visibility and to reduce glare.
RELIABILITY. All the
technology to ensure reliable
performance in the most
demanding shooting conditions.
The E-3 is equipped with a large optical viewfinder
that provides 100% accurate viewing and 1.15x
magnification for reliable composition — what you
see is exactly what you’ll get. Even fine details are
seen with astonishing clarity. The E-3’s large,
precision-crafted pentaprism is made from high
refractive index glass with a highly reflective silver
coating. The eyepiece uses glass lenses. All the
lenses are surface coated to maintain brightness.
The focusing screen features a Neo Lumi-Micro
Mat for bright, easy-to-adjust manual focusing.
Keeping the dust out. pots on photos are
now banished forever. The Olympus dust
reduction system is an industry first and a proven
technology. Every time you turn on the E-3, our
upersonic Wave Filter™— located between the
shutter and the image sensor — silently vibrates
an amazing 30,000 times per second. Dust is
blasted away. The dust reduction system even
removes dust attached by intermolecular force
that can’t be shaken off or discharged with static
electricity. Dust will no longer get between you
and a great shot.
One tough, hard body. hoot anywhere,
anytime, in any condition. The E-3 body — even
the built-in flash and LCD — is splash and dust-
proof. Constructed from a magnesium-alloy
with a homogeneous composition, the E-3 is
lightweight yet strong and rugged. The same
goes for ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses. You’ll find
splash and dust-proof models that are as tightly
sealed as the camera.

Product Type Single-lens reflex Live View digital camera with interchangeable lens system
Memory CompactFlash Type I/II, Microdrive, xD-Picture Card (Dual-Slot)
Screen size 17.3mm(H) x 13.0mm(V) / .68 in.(H) x .512 in.(V)
Lens mount Four Thirds Mount
Effective Pixels Nu ber 10.1 megapixels
I age Pickup Unit
Product type Live MOS Sensor
Total no. of pixels Approx. 11,800,000 pixels
Aspect ratio 1.33 (4:3)
Dust reduction system Supersonic Wave Filter (dust reduction system for image sensor)
Recording
Recording format DCF, DPOF compatible/Exif, PRINT Image Matching III
File format RAW (12-bit lossless compression), PEG, RAW+ PEG
Recording image size [RAW] 3648 x 2736 pixels, [ PEG] 3648 x 2736 pixels - 640 x 480 pixels
Viewfinder
Product type Eye-level single-lens reflex viewfinder
Field of view Approx. 100%
Viewfinder magnification Approx.1.15x (−1m-1, 50mm lens, infinity)
Eye point Approx. xx mm (-1m-1)
Diopter adjustment range -3.0 - +1m-1
Focusing screen Neo Lumi-Micro Mat screen supplied, can be changed to grid mat type at a service center.
Eyepiece shutter Built-in type
Live View
Display Live MOS Sensor, 100% field of view, Exposure compensation preview, White balance adjustment
preview, Gradation auto preview, MF/S-AF possible, 5x/7x/10x magnification possible.
Grid line, AF Frame, AF Point, Shooting information, Histogram
Preview
Preview Function Can be checked (when Fn button is set in preview mode.)
I age Stabilization
System Built in (Imager shift image stabilizer)
Mode 2 modes (I.S. 1, I.S. 2)
Effective compensation range Max. 5 EV steps (depends on the lens type and shooting conditions)
Monitor
Product type HyperCrystal LCD (semi-transmissive TFT color LCD)
Size 2.5 inches
Total no. of pixels Approx. 230,000 pixels
Playback field of view 100%
Focusing
AF system TTL phase-difference detection system
Focus mode Single AF (S-AF) / Continuous AF (C-AF) / Manual Focus (MF) / S-AF + MF / C-AF + M
Focusing point 11-cross points multiple AF
Focusing point selection Single point, Group area, All points
AF luminance range EV -2 - 19 (at 20 , ISO 100)
AF illuminator Built-in flash (flash-off mode and external flash available)
AF lock Locked at first position of Shutter button in Single AF mode / AFL button (customizable) (AF lock
available with AFL button on Live View)
Focus tracking Interlocked with Continuous AF mode
Focus aid Available
Exposure Control
Metering system (TTL open-aperture metering system) (1) Digital ESP metering (49-points multi pattern metering)
(2) Center weighted average metering (3) Spot metering (4) Spot with Highlight control
(5) Spot with Shadow control
Metering range EV 1 - 20 (At normal temperature, 50mm f2, ISO 100)
Exposure mode (1) P: Program AE (Program shift can be performed) (2) A: Aperture priority AE (3) S: Shutter priority
AE (4) M: Manual
Underwater program Underwater program AE can be set to Fn button
ISO sensitivity AUTO (ISO 100 - 3200) / Manual (ISO 100 - 3200), 1/3 or 1 EV steps
Exposure compensation ±5 EV (selectable in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps)
AE lock AEL button (customizable)
Exposure bracketing 3 or 5 frames in 0.3, 0.7, 1EV steps selectable
ISO bracketing 3 frames in 0.3, 0.7, 1EV steps selectable
White Balance
White Balance Mode Auto, Preset, One-Touch, Custom
Preset white balance 8 settings (3000K - 7500K)
One-touch white balance 4 settings can be registered
Custom white balance 1 setting can be registered at Kelvin temperature (2,000K – 14,000K)
White balance compensation ±7 steps in each R-B / G-Maxis (in Auto/Preset/One-touch WB mode)
White balance bracketing 3 frames in 2, 4, 6 steps selectable in each R-G/G-M axis.
Color Mode
Color matrix sRGB, Adobe RGB
Picture Mode
Mode Vivid, Natural, Portrait, Muted, Monotone, Custom (default setting: Natural
(Basic 5 modes and adjustment options are available in custom mode)
Adjustment parameter Contrast, Sharpness and Saturation level available in 5 steps for Vivid, Natural, Portrait and Muted,
Contrast and Sharpness level available in 5 steps for Monotone. In custom mode, gradation level
available in 4 steps for Custom.
Filter effect Yellow, Orange, Red or Green filter available for Monotone
Picture tone Sepia, Blue, Purple or Green tone available for Monotone
Gradation 3 levels (Auto, High key, Normal, Low key) available
Shutter
Product type Computerized focal-plane shutter
Shutter speed P(Ps), S, A, M mode (60 - 1/8000 sec.) Bulb *1/3, 1/2, or 1EV steps selectable.
Self-timer Operation time: 12 sec., 2 sec. (cancel available)
Remote cable release Available with optional RM-CB1 Remote Cable
Optical remote control Available with optional RM-1 Remote Control (bulb control also available)
Anti shock mode Available (selectable 1 to 30 sec.)
Drive
Drive mode Single-frame shooting, Sequential shooting H, Sequential shooting L, Self-timer,
Remote control
Integrated Flash
Built-in flash Retractable flash, GN=13 (ISO 100)
Flash control mode TTL Auto (TTL pre-flash mode), Auto, Manual
Flash mode Auto, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction slow sync., (1st curtain), Slow sync. (2nd curtain) Manual
(1/4, 1/16, 1/64), Off
Synchronization speed 1/250 sec. or less, Super FP up to 1/8000 sec.
Flash intensity control Up to ±3 EV in 1/3 EV steps
Flash bracketing 3 frames in 0.3, 0.7, 1 EV steps selectable
Wireless flash control
Compatible external flash FL-50R, FL-36R
Control method Triggered and controlled by built-in flash light
Flash control mode TTL Auto (TTL pre-flash mode), Auto, Manual, FP TTL Auto, FP Manual.
Number of channels 4 channels
Group setting 3 groups
Playback
Playback modes Single-frame, Index (4/9/16/25 frames), Calendar, Close-up ( 2-14X), Slideshow, Picture rotation
(auto mode available), Light box
Information display Histogram (independent luminance / RGB available), Highlight / Shadow point warning, AF frame,
Shooting information, Off
Menu
Languages English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese (Another language can be added)
Custo Setting
My mode 2 settings can be registered
Erasing
Erasing function Single frame, All frames, Selected frames
Copy
Copy between media Single frame, All frames, Selected frames
Editing
RAW picture editing RAW development
PEG editing Resize (producing another file), Gradation auto
Print
Print function Print reservation (DPOF), Direct print (PictBridge compatible)
Input/Output
PC interface USB 2.0 High Speed for storage and camera control (MTP mode is available)
Video connector Video out (NTSC/PAL selectable)
Flash attachment Hot shoe
Power DC-input Yes (AC-1 compatible)
Power Require ents
Battery BLM-1 Li-ion battery (included) or CR123 x 3 with LBH-1
Sleep mode Available (1, 3, 5, 10 min., off selectable)
No. of recordable pictures Approx. 600 shots (optical viewfinder) (with BLM-1 under CIPA testing standard)
Power battery holder HLD-4 compatible
Di ensions/Weight
Dimensions 142mm(W) x 116mm(H) x 74.5mm(D) / 5.9 in.(W) x 4.56 in.(H) x 2.9 in.(D) (excluding protrusions)
Weight 810 g (body only)
Operating Environ ent
Temperature 0-40°C/32-104°F (operation) / 20-60°C/68-140°F (storage)
Humidity 30-90% (operation) / 10-90% (storage)
Dust/Splash Proof Yes
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©2007 Olympus America Inc. Olympus is a registered trademark of Olympus Optical Co. Ltd. Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or
obligation on the part of the manufacturer. All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respecti e holder. ©2007 Olympus Imaging America Inc.
SPECIFICATIONS
LENSES, FLASHES AND ACCESSORIES.Choose from these new accessories or from the full line of Olympus E-System products, including over 20 100% Zuiko™digital lenses .
24-120mm (35mm camera equivalent)
ZUIKO DGITAL ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD
28-70mm (35mm camera equivalent)
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm f2.0 SWD
100-400mm (35mm camera equivalent)
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD
FL-50R
Electronic Flash
FL-36R
Electronic Flash