Olympus E-1
The Olympus E-1 is the first digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) to be designed and manufactured according to the Four Thirds standard jointly developed by Olympus and Kodak . The market launch took place in September 2003. Due to the robust construction, the handling based on the classic analog SLR cameras and some technical features, the E-1 is an interesting camera for professionals and demanding amateur photographers. However, the E-1 with a resolution of 5 megapixels is no longer up to the generally required level, especially in the professional sector.
prehistory
At the beginning of 1997, Olympus entered the field of sophisticated digital photography with the Camedia C-1000L and C-1400L . Back then, digital SLR cameras did not have interchangeable lenses . In 1998 the faster and better equipped C-1400XL followed. Just one year later, the C-2500L came on the market, already with a 2.5 megapixel - CCD was equipped. This camera already achieved an image quality that enabled photo-realistic A4 printouts. With the Camedia E-10, Olympus introduced one of the first professional DSLRs at the end of 2000, which was also interesting in terms of price for discerning amateurs. Just one year later, the E-20 replaced the E-10 as the successor model.
In 2003, Olympus then took the logical step towards the open four-thirds standard , the world's first fully digital single-lens reflex system. Thus, the Olympus E-1 is the first camera that was designed and manufactured uncompromisingly and tailor-made for this system. The accessories and the high-quality interchangeable lenses have also been developed for this system and optimally matched to one another.
The Four Thirds Standard
The Four Thirds Standard is a system developed by Olympus and Kodak for digital SLR cameras. It was first presented in September 2002 at the Photokina in Cologne. In this open standard, the basic mechanical, optical, communicating and electronic core data were specified in order to achieve the greatest possible compatibility with other camera and interchangeable lens manufacturers. Another advantage lies in the exact coordination between the housing and the accessories, as no compromises had to be made to reduce quality. The core of the system is a full-frame transfer CCD image sensor measuring 17.3 × 13.0 mm.
Design and operation
The case
The robust 660 gram housing made of magnesium alloy is designed for professional use and for a long service life. 65 rubber seals ensure problem-free work even in rainy weather. Both the housing and most of the lenses are splash-proof in accordance with the IEC standard .
The handling
The operation of the camera is also geared towards professional needs. The handling is based on the user-friendly concepts of the classic SLR cameras. All important function keys are clearly arranged and easily accessible on the housing. The settings are made in combination with two adjustment wheels, which are arranged so that they can be easily operated with the thumb or index finger of the right hand. The selector switch for the types of exposure is also a simple rotary knob based on the classic model. Only rarely required settings and fine-tuning are made via the menu of the LC monitor .
The technical components
The image sensor
The CCD surface of the full-frame transfer CCD sensor manufactured according to the Four Thirds Standard by Kodak has a length of 18 mm and a width of 13.5 mm, resulting in a diagonal of 22.3 mm. This diagonal corresponds to about half of the small picture diagonal (43 mm). Since the bayonet diameter of the housing roughly corresponds to the diameter of a 35mm SLR, there is an image circle of 33.87 mm for the incident light on and around the sensor . This size ratio between the image circle diagonals and the sensor diagonals enables uniform illumination over the entire sensor surface, including the edge areas. Most digital compact cameras and many television and computer monitors also have an aspect ratio of 4: 3 . The image sensor has a resolution of 5.0 million pixels . There are effectively 4.9 million pixels available for image output (2560 × 1920). The full-frame transfer technology enables the image data to be saved and read out quickly and, consequently, the rapid serial image rate of 3 images per second with 12 images in a row - regardless of the selected resolution and the selected file format . In terms of image quality, the sensor delivers the finest details in all brightness ranges as well as excellent color fidelity and sharp, high-contrast images. The higher background noise compared to DSLR cameras with larger image sensors has a disadvantageous effect when a high light sensitivity is set . Another secondary advantage of the E1 image sensor results from the production of high-quality, particularly bright lenses with a large focal length range in a lightweight and compact design that was never possible before.
The supersonic wave filter
With DSLR cameras with interchangeable lenses, the probability is very high that dust particles will settle on the sensitive image sensor. Even the smallest dust residues show up as clearly visible contamination on the finished images. The dirt must be removed from the image sensor using cleaning cloths and a brush with or without a bellows. With this laborious and tedious cleaning work, the risk of mechanical damage to the sensor is considerable. On the E-1, the Supersonic Wave Filter, patented by Olympus, is located between the image sensor and the shutter. This component is a new type of ultrasonic dust filter that safely removes the particles adhering to the sensor when the camera is switched on with the help of high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations. Due to the cleaning process when switching on, there is a slightly longer switch-on delay than with other modern DSLRs.
The LCD information field
This LC display is the information center for all relevant camera settings. It provides information about the flash mode, the measuring mode, the focus mode and the memory mode. If applicable, it shows the aperture value, the shutter speed, the battery charge level and the remaining exposures. It also provides information on image quality settings , exposure index (in ISO), color space, white balance, remote and self-release, automatic bracketing, noise reduction and series shots. Depending on the preselection, an exposure level for tracking metering and exposure corrections, exposure compensation values, the active AF metering area and the number of storable series images is displayed.
The seeker
With the E-1, the LC monitor cannot be used as a recording display. There is no need to install a semi-transparent mirror to supply light for the LC monitor and for the viewfinder. In the case of the E-1, as with classic SLR cameras, all of the light entering the lens is directed via the mirror to the viewfinder. This results in a bright, clear viewfinder image. The E-1 viewfinder is an optical pentaprism viewfinder with a 100 percent accurate display that corresponds to the image. A diopter adjustment is possible on the viewfinder eyepiece . In the center of the viewfinder, the autofocus measuring field (AF measuring field) with its three measuring fields is displayed. An information bar with the most important recording data is displayed below the viewfinder image: shutter speed, aperture value, exposure and metering mode and exposure level display for manual exposure and exposure compensation. The viewfinder also provides information about the flash mode, AF and AE memory, automatic bracketing, white balance, AF confirmation, AF point selection and the storable series of pictures. Eyepiece cup and finder panes are interchangeable.
The autofocus system
The autofocus (AF) of the E-1 works with 3 measuring fields. If required, the active measuring field can be preselected manually. The following processes result in the two operating modes of the autofocus: In the S operating mode , the autofocus focuses when the shutter release button is pressed halfway and does not change this setting, regardless of the image section, until the shutter is fully released (shutter release fully pressed). In mode C , the focus is continuously readjusted when the shutter release button is pressed halfway, which means that moving subjects are constantly corrected. The accuracy of the E-1's autofocus is very precise, but a little slow. Therefore, the autofocus of this camera is less suitable for fast processes, such as sports shots in car races. In the MF operating mode , as with classic SLR cameras, focusing is possible manually using the front setting ring of the lens. Special operating modes can be programmed via the menu of the image monitor, for example a combination of autofocus and manual refocusing. Very interesting and individual settings can be programmed in combination with the exposure metering , for example exposure metering when the shutter button is pressed halfway and focusing when the shutter button is fully pressed or vice versa.
Exposure and exposure metering
The light metering methods
The measuring system of the E-1 is a TTL - open aperture measurement . The camera supports three exposure metering methods, which corresponds to the normal standard of modern SLR cameras. The digital ESP measurement is a contrast measurement between the center of the image and other image areas. This measuring method delivers the best results when there are strong differences in light between the main subject and the surroundings, for example when there is backlight. With the center-weighted integral measurement, the measured values of the image center and the image background are determined and an average value is formed in which the image center is weighted more heavily, since the main subject is usually located in the image center. With spot measurement, only the center of the image, more precisely 1.8% of the image, is taken into account in the measurement. The environment has no influence on the measurement result. In combination with the measured value memory (AE memory), the measured values can be saved with the shutter button pressed halfway. This is useful if the camera position for the desired image section does not match the previously selected camera position for exposure measurement. Very interesting and individual settings can be programmed in combination with the autofocus , for example exposure metering when the shutter button is pressed halfway and focusing when the shutter button is pressed fully or vice versa.
The closure
A precise, electronically controlled metal lamella focal plane shutter ensures the correct exposure time . As an aperture and automatic timer and with manual exposure setting, the shutter allows an exposure time between 1/4000 and 60 seconds. When the automatic program is selected, the E-1 sets exposure times between 1/4000 and 2 seconds. In the setting for long exposure (bulb), the shutter can remain open for up to 8 minutes.
Exposure compensation and photosensitivity
The possible exposure correction of the E-1 comprises 5 light value levels (EV) in positive (overexposure) and negative (underexposure) direction. Corrections can be made in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps. With automatic bracketing , the same EV levels can be selected, with either 3 or 5 images being created.
In the basic setting, the exposure index of the E-1 can assume the ISO values 100, 200, 400 and 800. When preselecting ISO BOOST, the sensitivity can be extended by the values 1600 and 3200, but this leads to increased image noise .
The program selection
The automatic exposure controls of the E-1 correspond to the standard of modern digital cameras. With programmed automatic (P), the camera selects the aperture number and the shutter speed without the photographer being able to influence it. The automatic system selects suitable aperture-time combinations, which depend on the focal length of the lens, for example, to prevent the risk of blurring due to long exposure times. If the program shift function (P S ) is activated at the same time , it is possible to select the aperture / time combination without leaving the automatic program. The E-1 does not have any other scene-oriented automatic programs, which is usually not desirable with professionally oriented cameras. At the time automatic (A) of the photographer selects the diaphragm and the camera sets the time automatically. With automatic shutter (S), the time is determined manually and the camera automatically determines the corresponding aperture. With manual exposure (M), the photographer determines both the aperture and the exposure time, the automatic no longer intervenes in the exposure metering. An exposure scale is then displayed in the info display and in the viewfinder, which enables manual tracking measurement . This scale also indicates the correction value when exposure correction is active . In bracketing manual intervention and exposure are considered. The aperture has a direct influence on the depth of field . The depth of field can be checked by adjusting the aperture using the stop-down button .
The flash modes
The E-1 does not have an internal flash. External flash units (including third-party units) are connected using a hot shoe or a flash sync socket . Thanks to the TTL flash measurement and the use of the corresponding system flash units , a large number of flash modes are possible, which can also be combined with one another as required. The basic modes are here: Manual flash control, Auto-flash by the flash, Auto flash (TTL mode) by the camera, reducing the red-eye reduction , slow sync with flash at first curtain , Slow sync with flash on the rear curtain and fill-in flash . The flash sync time for the E-1 is 1/180 seconds. In combination with the FL36 or FL-50 system flashes , the Super FP flash mode is possible. This mode enables the subject to be brightened even in very bright light, with an open aperture or with very short exposure times. The Flash Powergrip FP-1 is available as a special accessory for the E-1, which further increases the distance between the optical axis of the camera and the flash. An additional trigger is integrated in the FP-1. The high-performance battery BN-1 enables over 250 flashes per battery charge and a flash charging time of less than 1.3 seconds for the FL 50 flash unit. The E-System also includes camera housings and the accessories offered.
The LC monitor
The E-1's TFT-LC color screen has a screen size of 4.6 cm (1.8 ″) and a resolution of 134,000 pixels.
The image reproduction
The monitor shows 100 percent of the recording. The following information about the respective picture can be called up via the information button and the dial: The first sequence shows the picture number and provides information about the print preselection and the write protection . The second sequence provides information about the storage mode ( image file ), the number of pixels, the image compression , the recording date, the recording time and the file number. In the third sequence, overexposed areas of the image, so-called highlights , are marked flashing. In the next sequence, the histogram provides information about the arrangement of the brightness components of the image shown. With the help of the histogram, the exposure can be optimized for further images or for post-processing on the computer. The last sequence gives recording-related information such as metering mode, exposure mode, exposure index, color space , color saturation , focal length, exposure time, aperture, flash mode, correction values, white balance , contrast and sharpness gradations. This information essentially corresponds to the entries in the Exif format. There is also the option of displaying several images at the same time or enlarged sections of a single image.
The menu
In the menu, user-specific settings, rarely used functions and fine adjustments of the E-1 can be made. It is divided into four main menus.
The first main menu is the recording menu. The memory card can be deleted or formatted here. When fine-tuning the color saturation , a decrease of two levels and an increase of two levels from the mean is possible. In addition, the red, green or blue tones can be increased in a targeted manner. A special setting results in the optimal reproduction of skin tones. The contrast can be set in 5 steps ((−2) to (+2)). 9 levels from (−3) to (+5) are available for sharpening . In terms of color space , you can choose between the sRGB color model and the Adobe RGB color space . For the white balance , exposure series (bracketing) of 3 images each in the gradations -2 / 0 / + 2, -4 / 0 / + 4 or -6 / 0 / + 6 can be programmed. If desired, the recordings can be saved simultaneously in raw data format ( RAW) and in Joint Photographic Experts Group format (JPG). At very high setting of the exposure index to the activation of the recommended noise reduction (noise filter) or the noise reduction (Noise Reduction). Activating a special exposure correction enables the edge areas to be brightened, similar to the effect of a center filter. When the AF-assist illuminator is activated, the camera sends a red stripe pattern onto the subject in low light to make it much easier to automatically focus the focus. The mirror lock-up function is hidden behind the term anti-shock . Here, in one-second steps from one second to 30 seconds, you can choose the interval at which the picture should be taken after the mirror has been folded up. The pixel correction function is rarely needed, but still useful . It automatically compensates for any failed sensor cells and cleans the CCD sensor. The last function of the recording menu is the flash plus / minus correction . Here the flash intensity can be corrected between −2 and +2 EV in 1/3 EV steps.
The second main menu is the playback menu. The first function of this menu enables you to choose whether 1, 4, 9 or 16 images are to be displayed on the monitor at the same time. With the help of image rotation , portrait format images can be rotated by 90 degrees. The RAW DATA EDIT function enables post-processing of raw data by the E-1. The raw data set is optimized with regard to white balance, color saturation, contrast, sharpness, storage mode and color space. The edited image file is then saved in JPG format. The last function of the playback menu is the print reservation according to the DPOF format. Certain or all images can be selected and these can be provided with additional print information, such as the number of prints (maximum 10) and date or time stamps for the printout.
The third main menu is used to fine-tune various parameters. First of all, it can be determined whether the exposure compensation steps should be in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps. With the help of the ISO extension, the adjustable exposure index can be extended to the values 1600 and 3200. The white balance can be influenced in the following function . The automatic white balance and the default color temperature can each be corrected in ± 7 steps. Standard specifications for the color temperatures are 3000, 3300, 3600, 4000, 4300, 4500, 4800, 5300, 6000, 6600 and 7500 Kelvin . In combination with the manual white balance, additional color temperature values can be specified for special lighting conditions. The SQ quality level is the lowest quality level in the storage mode of the JPG format. In this quality level, image sizes with a resolution of 1600 × 1200, 1280 × 960, 1024 × 768 and 640 × 480 pixels can be preselected. A compression ratio of 1 / 2.7 or 1/8 is available for each of these image sizes . With the next function it is possible to determine the times for storing the exposure and the autofocus during the release. In the basic setting, when the shutter release button is half-pressed, the measured exposure is saved and, when the shutter release button is fully pressed, photographs are taken with these values. In combination with the operating mode of the autofocus, the AEL button and the 2 levels of the shutter release, 12 modes can be set to establish a meaningful coupling or decoupling between exposure and autofocus memory. For example, you can specify whether the exposure is measured when the shutter release button is half-pressed and whether the auto focus is activated when the shutter release button is fully pressed, or vice versa. The setting wheels in the automatic programs can be reprogrammed in the following function. In the basic setting, both are assigned the corresponding preselection functions (selection of the aperture / time combination for automatic programs, aperture preselection for aperture automatic and time preselection for aperture automatic). One of the two buttons for exposure compensation can be reprogrammed for each program. In the next menu item, the direction of rotation of the focus ring on the lenses can be reversed. If the following function is activated, it is possible in the single focus (S) mode to focus automatically and then to refocus manually. The next two functions determine whether the release function should have priority over the two operating modes of the autofocus. If the shutter release has priority, the shutter will be released even if the autofocus has not yet focused. If the lens reset function is activated, the focus of the lens is always set to infinity after the camera is switched off. In PC mode, you can choose whether to transfer images when connected to a computer (storage mode) or whether to control the camera remotely from the PC (control mode). The deletion settings function defines the mode (yes / no) of the security query for the deletion confirmation. When the cleaning mode is started, the mirror and the shutter release access to the image sensor to enable manual cleaning of the sensor. Since the E-1 has automatic cleaning of the image sensor, this function is hardly required. The camera can be individually adapted to the preferences of the photographer or very specific photographic situations under the 4 user settings.
In the fourth main menu, the date and time are set in the first submenu. Next, you can determine whether the numbering of the images in the file name should always be consecutive (AUTO) or should be reset when the memory is changed. The following options are available in the recording view :
- OFF: The new picture is not displayed on the LCD monitor
- AUTO: the display of the recording is determined by the camera and depends on the duration of the storage process
- 5 SEC: The recording is displayed for 5 seconds
- 20 SEC: The recording is displayed for 20 seconds.
In the basic setting, the E-1 emits a signal tone after the correct setting of the autofocus. This acoustic signal can be switched off in the following menu item. If necessary, the brightness of the picture monitor can be adjusted to the ambient light using ± 7 brightness levels. The sleep mode function allows you to select the length of time that should elapse before the non-operated camera goes into sleep mode. This operating mode switches off all displays to save the batteries. When switching languages, you can choose between German, English, French, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. The last function allows the video signal to be selected between NTSC and PAL .
The storage mode
The E-1 supports the following picture formats. Uncompressed raw data (RAW) with a resolution of 2560 × 1920 pixels. The name of the file format is ORF and the file size is approximately 10.2 MB . Uncompressed TIFF files with a resolution of 2560 × 1920 pixels. The file size is approximately 14.4 MB. High-resolution JPG files (2560 × 1920 pixels) with a data compression of 1 / 2.7 (storage mode: SHQ; file size 3.8 MB) or a data compression of 1/8 (storage mode: HQ; file size 1.2 MB). Compressed JPG files with a resolution of 1600 × 1200, 1280 × 960, 1024 × 768 or 640 × 480 pixels (storage mode: SQ). In this storage mode, data compressions of 1 / 2.7 or 1/8 can be selected. Depending on the resolution and data compression, file sizes between 0.1 MB and 1.4 MB result. RAW files and JPG files can also be saved together for each recording.
The communication
Three independent circuits take over the internal functions and processes in the E-1. Image processing, data transfer and camera control can therefore be carried out simultaneously. A special feature is the detailed exchange of information between the camera and the accessories, which follows the communication protocol of the Four Thirds standard . Lenses and system flash units not only provide the usual data such as distance, focal length and exposure, but also information about their own characteristics and their own imaging properties. Every lens, but also other accessories, is therefore equipped with its own intelligence, which - like the camera itself - can be updated in the event of changes and adjustments. For example, tiny deviations in the color characteristics of different lenses can be taken into account by the camera and automatically compensated for. In the same way, the camera can also compensate for the low loss of light in the edge areas of extremely wide-angle lenses. Thus, tiny deviations of any kind can be compensated.
The connections
For the connection of an external flash unit the E-1 has a hot shoe and a flash sync socket . There is also a corresponding socket for connecting a remote control . A 9 volt DC input is available for external power supply via a power pack . A FireWire (IEEE 1394) and a USB 2.0 port are installed for communication with a computer . The camera has a corresponding video output for viewing images on television sets and external monitors .
literature
- Late Frank: Olympus E-System . 2003, ISBN 3-925334-65-3 .
- Reinhard Wagner: The Olympus E-System Book. Olympus camera technology in detail / Lenses, flash units & accessories / Practice tables for depth of field, guide numbers, focal lengths and panoramas . Franzis-Verlag, Haar 2009, ISBN 978-3-7723-7169-1 (including white balance card).
Web links
- The E-1 at Olympus Germany
- Best camera 2004 at Stiftung Warentest , in: test, issue 02/2004 (accessed on January 2, 2013)
- Unofficial Olympus Wiki
