Olympus E-3
digital camera model

The Olympus E-3 was until 2010 Olympus Corporation's flagship camera, positioned as a professional DSLR camera. It is the successor to the Olympus E-1, which was launched in November 2003. The E-3, originally codenamed Olympus E-P1, was announced on 17 October 2007. The E-3, like the other cameras in the Olympus E-series, conforms to the Four Thirds system. It was succeeded in 2010 by the Olympus E-5 professional DSLR flagship camera.
Features
The E-3 has several novel features, including a live preview full articulating screen, autofocus in live view mode, the ability to capture a scene with wide dynamic range using an image processing method called shadow adjustment technology and the ability to control up to three wireless flash groups without external transmitters. The camera is also fully weatherproof even with the popup flash in the "up" position.
The camera, with the new SWD (ultrasonic motor) lenses, is expected to appeal to professional users who want a rugged, portable and lightweight camera body with quality lenses and class leading autofocus.
Additional features include:
Fast autofocus (Olympus claims that this was the world's fastest autofocus at the time the camera was released (when used with the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm f/2.8-4 SWD lens at 60mm, as of October 2007).
100% viewfinder with ×1.15 magnification with a 50 mm lens (as 25 mm is the "standard" lens on the 4/3 format, this is equivalent to ×0.57 in 35 mm format)
External white balance sensor
5 frames per second (frame/s) capture speed
11 point biaxial cross AF sensor that works at −2 EV at ISO 100
In-body image stabilization achieved by moving the sensor (thus, it works with any lens)
Environmentally sealed magnesium alloy camera body
Dust reduction system (Supersonic Wave Filter)
Shutter tested to 150,000 cycles
Internal Viewfinder shutter
'X' sync and External remote ports
The camera is compatible with existing BLM-1 batteries used in the E-1, E-300, E-330, E-500 and E-510.
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