Development Background
In 2002, in a clean break from the conventional approach of basing digital SLR cameras on existing 35mm SLR camera systems, Olympus proposed the Four Thirds System, an entirely new designed-for-digital SLR system that was conceived to fully realize the image quality and performance potential that digital SLR cameras offer. In October 2003, we introduced the first-generation E-1 for professional users, and in December 2004, the E-300 for consumers and photo-enthusiasts. In November 2005 we introduced the world’s lightest digital SLR camera body, the E-500. During this time we further consolidated the Olympus E-System and realized our development objectives by introducing 14 designed-for-digital Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses.
The E-330 was developed for the wide range of users who want to more easily enjoy the “shoot what you see, and see what you shoot” advantages inherent to SLR cameras. As such, our development goal was to combine the accurate framing and focusing benefits of an SLR camera with the convenience and ease of use of a compact digital camera. For compact digital camera users who have never used a digital SLR before, the inability of a digital SLR to display a live view on its rear-mounted LCD monitor can be confusing. But until now, the position of the main mirror in front of the taking sensor has made it difficult to achieve live view shooting with conventional digital SLR cameras.
To overcome this problem and allow users to frame their subject on a rear-mounted, variable-angle Live View LCD monitor, we employed the porro mirror viewfinder system used on the E-300, and incorporated a separate CCD sensor dedicated to LCD display in the viewfinder’s optical path. As a result, the E-330 meets the needs of both entry-level digital SLR users who want to be able to take SLR-quality pictures with the rear-mounted LCD framing ease of a compact camera, and more experienced users who not only like to use a viewfinder for framing, but who also want to be able to take high-angle shots with both hands extended over their head, low-angle shots from near ground level, and macro shots where camera position can make it difficult to confirm composition and focus. The E-330 is a truly revolutionary digital SLR camera that maximizes the inherent advantages of digital photography, and opens the door to a whole new style of SLR shooting.
