The Olympus E-330 is a one-of-a-kind digital SLR camera.
For now, at least.
Released in March of 2006, the E-330 is the successor to two other Olympus digital SLR cameras: the EVOLT E-300 and E-500.
These models were reliable digital SLRs in their own right, but they didn't have the stand-out feature of the E-330.
The E-330 has a live LCD mode so that you can compose photos without looking through the viewfinder.
What's the big deal? Every compact digital camera does that already.
Here's the trick: no other digital SLR does. With every other digital SLR camera, the only way to compose photos is to look through the viewfinder.
With the Olympus E-330, you can choose whether you want to use the viewfinder or use the LCD.
Once you add on the fact that the LCD flips out from the camera body to allow you to shoot from waist level and above your head, this digital SLR really stands out from the rest of the pack.
Features of the E-330
- Four Thirds System - a new mounting system for Olympus lenses designed to maximize the image quality of a digital SLR camera
- Live View LCD - free yourself from the viewfinder and compose photos holding the camera at waist level or above your head
- Self-Cleaning Sensor - never worry about dust particles on your digital photos again
- 7.5 Megapixels - more than enough for those who want to make 11x14 inch prints of their photos
Olympus E-330 Technology
- Four Thirds System - The New Digital SLR Standard
- The Four Thirds system establishes a new common standard for digital cameras.
- Four Thirds at Wikipedia
- More information about this new lens and camera system with links to additional resources (if you really want to read the patent).
- Supersonic Wave Filter
- Information from Olympus about their dust-removing Supersonic Wave Filter.
Olympus E-330 Overviews
- TIME Gadget of the Week
- The Olympus E-330 is the TIME.com Gadget of the Week and for good reason. The reviewer does a great job of explaining why this camera deserves recognition.
- Popular Photography
- Popular Photography sums up the features of the E-330 and describes how this camera achieves its live preview mode.
- Olympus E-330 Guide
- This plain-English guide introduces you to the pros and cons of the E-330 and provides a variety of photo samples taken by the E-330.
- Olympus E-330 Receives 2006 TIPA Award
- Olympus E-330: Reshuffling the Deck
- Here's another review of the E-330 that focuses on how the innovative live view LCD lets you easily capture shots that would be downright hard with another digital SLR camera.
Professional Reviews
- Steve's DigiCams
- Steve takes a good close look at the E-330 and reports his findings.
- Digital Photography Review
- Digital Photography Review goes into all the details and specifications of the E-330. It's almost the same thing as holding the camera in your hands.
E-330 Specifications and Support
- Firmware Update
- Olympus announced a firmware update for the E-330 on April 26, 2006. Firmware updates keep your camera operating at it's best.
- Firmware Update Instructions
- Not sure how to update the firmware for your Olympus camera? These instructions will help you with the steps.
- Quick Start Guide
- Get up and running quickly with basic information about the camera.
- Advanced Manual
- Find out about all of the camera's features and settings with the complete user manual.
- Product Support
- Have a problem with your E-330? Here's the place to contact Olympus customer support.
- Lens Guide
- A guide the the Zuiko lenses that work with the E-330.
- MF-1 OM Adaptor Compatibility
- If you want to use an old Olympus lens with the E-330, then you're going to need this adaptor. Unfortunately, there are many limitations associated with it (no autofocus, limited aperture control) so it's worth a look at this compatibility document (which lists the limitations) before you spend money on this adaptor.
Buy The Olympus E-330
Olympus Evolt E330 7.5MP Digital SLR Camera with 14-45mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens
Amazon Price: $552.00 (as of 10/12/2008)
E-330 Lenses
Olympus 50mm f/2.0 Telephoto Macro ED Lens for E1, E300 & E500 Digital SLR Cameras
Amazon Price: $406.83 (as of 10/12/2008)
Olympus 50-200mm Zuiko Digital f/2.8-3.5 ED Lens for Digital SLR Cameras
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
Olympus 300mm f/2.8 Super Telephoto ED Lens for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras
Amazon Price: $4,801.47 (as of 10/12/2008)
Memory Cards
Since the E330 packs in a whopping 7.5 megapixels of information per shot, you're going to need a card with a capacity of either 512MegaBytes or 1GigaByte.
You will want to get an xD memory card if you want to take panoramic shots with the E330 - the panorama mode only works with the xD cards, and not with Compact Flash.
SanDisk SDCFH-512-901 512 MB Ultra II CompactFlash Card (Retail Package)
Amazon Price: $59.99 (as of 10/12/2008)
Lexar Media 512 MB 80x Pro Series Compact Flash Card (CF512-80-380)
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
SanDisk SDCFH-1024-901 1 GB Ultra II CompactFlash Card (Retail Package)
Amazon Price: $20.95 (as of 10/12/2008)
Lexar Media 1 GB 80x Pro Series Compact Flash Card (CF1GB-80-380)
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
Olympus 202031 H-512 MB xD-Picture Card (Retail Package)
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
Olympus 202032 H-1 GB xD Picture Card (Retail Package)
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
E-330 Accessories
Olympus BLM-01 Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery for C7070, C8080, E1, E300 & E500 Digital Cameras
Amazon Price: $24.79 (as of 10/12/2008)
Olympus FL-36 Electronic Flash for SP series, C7070, E1, E300 & E500 Cameras
Amazon Price: $321.99 (as of 10/12/2008)
Olympus MF-1 OM Adapter for Olympus E1 , E-500 , E-300 , Evolt System
This is the adaptor that I decribe above that will let you use old lenses with the E-330. Check the compatibility chart before you make a purchase decision.
Amazon Price: $89.89 (as of 10/12/2008)
E-330 Sample Photos
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