Olympus E330

Just a few years ago, the idea of composing shots without the use of a viewfinder would have been absurd to most photographers. However, such is the permeation of digital technology that today most consumers expect to be able to view their shots via a large LCD screen rather than squint into a viewfinder – or so Olympus would have us believe.

Following the release of the E-300 SLR and, more recently, the excellent E-500, Olympus has now become the first company to release a digital SLR featuring a live view, allowing users to see the image live via a tilting, multi-angle LCD.

Improving on the aesthetics of its forefather, the

E-300, the new E-330 is a little smaller and more stylish in appearance, but still lacks the physical appeal of competitors such as the Canon EOS 350D. Weighing in at approximately 550g without batteries (616g with), it’s a weighty piece of kit, but not a touch on some of its heavyweight competitors. A sturdy handgrip ensures that the camera can be held comfortably. On the top of the camera a busy Mode dial offers a full compliment of manual modes together with some 20 scene modes, and this is joined by an easy-reach dial for reviewing detail in shots and adjusting controls such as shutter speed, plus a well-located exposure compensation shortcut. Around the back, the camera is sensibly designed, with a d-pad sitting within comfortable reach of the thumb, and dedicated buttons for functions such as on-screen information and burst modes well placed for easy operation.

The most noticeable feature on the back of the camera, however, is the flip out TTL hinged monitor. A sizeable 2.5 inches, it can be extended out from the back of the camera and manoeuvred to allow for shooting from otherwise difficult angles. Crystal clear in its display, the LCD performed well in most tests and 15 adjustable brightness levels are available to cope with most conditions.

The E-330 proves user-friendly from the outset. Firing up in around 1.7 seconds, the SLR has a slow start-up compared to some of its competitors, but one attributable to the camera’s Supersonic Wave Filter, which removes dust particles when the camera is turned on. With the Live View switched off, an information screen presents the user with instant access to the camera’s creative controls. ISO, white balance, metering, exposure compensation and focus options can all be adjusted easily here by using the Menu button and d-pad, and shutter speeds (60-1/4000 seconds) and aperture settings can also be adjusted via this screen by using the top dial in a manner reminiscent of traditional models.

However, that is where the camera’s traditional feel ends, because the E-330 is all about innovation. With the camera ready to shoot, users are provided with two key operational modes. A-Mode utilises a small CCD sensor in the viewfinder’s optical path, and allows the photographer to use the camera’s autofocus function; B-Mode prohibits the use of autofocus and locks the internal mirror up to capture images directly onto the live MOS sensor.

In tests, both modes have their benefits and, sadly, their weaknesses. For those who prefer to work with autofocus, A-Mode must be selected. However, coverage is noticeably impaired in this mode – the viewfinder offers 94 per cent and the LCD just 92 per cent, which significantly impacts on composition. For complete accuracy, therefore, together with the flexibility one would expect from a continuous digital live view, B-Mode is the preferred option, allowing the photographer to conduct a detailed assessment of focus via a 10x live view magnification and providing a 100 per cent field of view.

Image quality, as expected, is generally excellent. Shots taken in a range of conditions in our tests display depth and accuracy in colour reproduction, with the sophisticated ESP metering system performing well, and images taken in good light proving to be stunning, flaunting a remarkable level of detail.

Without question, the E-330 is a bold innovation, and for that Olympus must be applauded. Whether the camera’s selling point – the live view LCD  – is enough to justify its relatively high price tag is debatable, and its implementation across two focussing modes, neither of which allow full flexibility, leaves room for improvement. However, for photographers who are looking for a ground-breaking piece of kit with wide-ranging creative controls and impressive image quality, the E-330 comes recommended.