Olympus Launches New Entry-Level E-450 DSLR

Olympus announced an upgrade to its E-420 compact DSLR today. The new E-450 builds on its predecessor’s popularity by adding a new processor, improved LCD, increased shooting buffer, and three new Art Filters.

The E-450 features a small and portable design and easy to use controls for any skill level, including first time digital camera users. For increased creativity while shooting, the E-450 has three Art Filters: Pop Art, Pin Hole, and Soft Focus. The creative filters were introduced earlier this year on the Olympus E-30 prosumer DSLR. You can view the effects of an Art Filter on the camera’s 2.7-inch LCD when shooting in Live View mode. The E-450’s new and improved HyperCrystal II Technology enables the LCD to display a broader range of color detail, delivers twice the contrast and better viewing in extreme lighting conditions, and offers a wider angle of view (up to 176 degrees off-center) than previous LCD technologies.

In Live View mode, you’ll be able to take advantage of the E-450’s On-Screen Autofocus feature which works like point-and-shoot camera displays to focus on the subject when the shutter button is pressed half way. Face Detection Technology and Shadow Adjustment technology are also available to help you get the best shot possible. With the Perfect Shot Preview function, you can select and preview various photographic effects from the LCD before snapping the photo.

The E-450 has a 10 megapixel Live MOS image sensor and Olympus’ TruePic III+ Image Processor. This processor enables the camera to shoot up to 3.5 frames per second in sequential shooting mode. The E-450 is also compatible with the Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes. For your convenience, the E-450 accepts CompactFlash Type I & II, Microdrives, and xD-Picture Cards.

The E-450 will be available as a two-lens kit for an estimated street price of $699.99. The package includes the E-450 Body, ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens, ED 40-150mm f4.0/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens, and other accessories. The E-450 will launch on QVC on Saturday, May 9. The product will be more widely available in July.