Where to Pre-Order the Olympus Evolt E-620
Olympus' upper entry level DSLR, the Evolt E-620, that just two weeks ago debuted at PMA 2009 is now available for pre-order from Amazon, and will soon be available from several other major camera retailers.
| Retailers offering Olympus E-620 |
| Amazon ($699 body, $899 kit) |
| Adorama (not yet available) |
| B&H (not yet available) |
| Calumet (not yet available) |
The Evolt E-620 features a 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor and a TruePic III+ image processor. It has a 2.7-inch Live View HyperCrystal III LCD that swivels 270 degrees and rotates, allowing the photographer to get the right shot even in the most difficult of circumstances. You can view the effects of changing settings such as white balance or exposure instantly in Live View mode. The E-620 also offers two autofocus systems - Fast Imager AF and Phase Detection AF. Fast Imager AF works with the Live View mode while Phase Detection works in the optical viewfinder and uses a new 7-point twin cross AF system. The system uses super sensitive Twin and Twin Cross AF target points to measure focus both horizontally and vertically, making focusing easy. The E-620 is also equipped with an in-body image stabilization system to help reduce blur caused by camera shake. The IS has three different settings, one for general shooting in low light or at slow shutter speeds, one for moving targets in the horizontal and one for moving targets in the vertical.
One of the more notable features of the E-620 lies in the Art Filters. Art Filters allow the photographer to perform on-the-spot editing, rather than waiting to go back to a computer to use editing software. Some of the filters include:
- Pop Art - allows the user to enhance colors to make them more saturated and vivid
- Soft Focus - allows the user to create an "otherworldly atmosphere that renders subjects in a heavenly light without obscuring details"
- Pale and Light Color - allows the user to change the color and lighting of the foreground of the image
- Light Tone - allows the user to adjust shade to highlight specific areas of the subject
- Grainy Film - allows the user to apply a grainy, monochrome, high contrast effect to the image
- Pin Hole - allows the user to darken the periphery of an image so the subject is the sole focus
According to John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc., the Art Filters allow for "experimenting and creating your own unique masterpieces has never been easier or more fun,... Pop Art, Grainy Black & White, and Pin Hole are just a few creative options that can be effortlessly found on the camera’s mode dial. The access is easy, and the results are fun and limitless.”
The camera is available for pre-order from Amazon now as body only or in a kit, which includes a 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Zuiko Lenses. Amazon says that it "usually ships within 2-4 weeks" while B&H expects it to arrive in May. So who knows, at least you'll be guaranteed an early one if you get it now through Amazon. More info on the camera can be found here.
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