Olympus E-500 8.89MP 4/3" CCD 3264 x 2448pixels Black

E-500- digital SLR camera, 8.89 million pixels Leaves others in the dust
The Olympus E-500 digital SLR for reliably clean photography

As digital photography has gained popularity and become affordable for just about everyone, increasing numbers of photographers are demanding the higher quality and flexibility that only an SLR camera can offer, with the availability of interchangeable lenses, external flash systems and other accessories. Now, with the Olympus E-500, the promise of creative digital SLR photography is within everyone’s reach.

High reliability
For all ardent photographers, image quality has the highest priority, and the Olympus E-500 does everything to ensure perfect photos in every situation. By incorporating the Supersonic Wave Filter, the problem of dust entering the camera body and landing on the CCD while changing lenses – a phenomenon until now virtually impossible to prevent – is finally solved. As a piece of dust can cover several hundred pixels on the CCD, even the tiniest particles can potentially cause serious damage to photos. The patented technology ensures worry-free lens changing anywhere and anytime, enabling users to really experience the brilliance of dust-free pictures. Developed by Olympus, the Supersonic Wave Filter generates ultra-high-speed vibrations that shake off dust and other particles, which are then captured on a special adhesive membrane. This function is invoked at each start-up of the camera but may also be manually effected. This ingenious solution also spares users the otherwise necessary time and expense of cleaning dusty image sensors.

High image quality
With 8.0 million pixels, the Olympus E-500 ensures subjects are always recorded in brilliant detail. Furthermore, rather than using an ordinary Interline Transfer CCD, this model incorporates a Full Frame Transfer CCD (FFT CCD). This type of CCD has a larger pixel area, because there is no dedicated transfer channel, instead the photodiode itself is used for this purpose. As a result, the FFT CCD captures more electrons, to deliver a higher signal/noise ratio and a wider dynamic range. The photos therefore benefit from greater exposure latitude, more detail and less noise.In addition, the camera is equipped with a special noise filter that minimises image noise at high ISO values.

High mobility
Featuring a penta type design, the Olympus E-500 has the authentic professional look and feel of a classic SLR. Yet with its smaller size, it is also one of the most compact D-SLRs on the market. Active users will welcome a camera that they can take and use almost anywhere – from hikes in the country to busy city visits.The multi-coated viewfinder provides them with clear and bright views – even in strong sunlight. Professionals will also appreciate the lightweight load, which makes the Olympus E-500 an ideal back-up camera, particularly useful for photo-journalism assignments in the field. The professional style and very user-friendly layout of controls make intuitive operation of the camera possible in next to no time.

Photographers can choose from 21 pre-defined scene modes to suit most common situations, among them a new setting for capturing kids in action. Black & white shooting is also available with the possibility to add colour filters – as known from analogue photography. Manual options, including P/A/S/M, facilitate unrestricted creativity and allow the user’s individuality to unfold. The new 49 area AE sensor provides accurate exposure values for ESP metering using a newly-developed evaluation algorithm, with conventional centre-weighted average and spot metering available too. Moreover, amazing exposure control is provided by high light and shadow basis spot metering. The Olympus E-500 also features professional AE Lock functionality for camera customisation. And when there’s not enough natural light, the built-in pop-up flash is always there to shed more light on the subject.

Incorporation of the TruePic TURBO image processor not only ensures images pack a punch with their life-like colour, resolution and contrast, it also adds speed to the Olympus E-500. Sequential shooting at 2.5fps is possible with all image data formats. In the HQ (1/8) or SQ JPEG format, images can even be recorded up to the full memory card capacity when using high-speed media, such as SanDisk SDCFX (Extreme III). In addition, users also benefit from the two memory card slots – one for CompactFlash and another for xD-Picture Cards – which add to this model’s practicality and provide extra data security.

Operation is further enhanced by the camera’s large 6.4cm/2.5” HyperCrystal LCD screen with 215,250 pixels for viewing shots. It conveniently allows results to be viewed in large format directly on the camera without glare, even in direct sunlight and at angles of up to 160°. Views of recorded shots can be enlarged up to 14x to facilitate easy checking. The LCD doubles as the easy-to-read status panel, giving clear, detailed information on all camera settings.


High versatility
Of course, one of the main benefits of an SLR is its ability to extend the photographic possibilities through specialised accessories. Here the Olympus E-500 profits from the Olympus E-System line-up. Currently, the lenses on offer cover a focal range of 7-300mm (equivalent to 14-600mm on a 35mm camera). From unique, wide-angle perspectives right through to ultra-magnification power with large apertures, Olympus provides a solution for any situation. Various external flash units are available too. As well as standard types, ring and twin flash units provide for specialist applications.

Furthermore, based on the FourThirds System, cross-manufacturer compatibility of accessories is also assured. Jointly developed by Olympus and Kodak especially for digital capture, it sets standards on three levels – mechanical, optical and communication – to maximise the performance of camera body, image sensor and lenses. A growing number of manufacturers are now part of the FourThirds consortium.


The eight million pixel Olympus E-500 digital SLR combines a classic design, stunning performance and a tempting price to bring the high quality and creative freedom of digital SLR photography to ambitious hobby photographers and semi-pros alike. And thanks to the Supersonic Wave Filter, photos will never again be ruined by the harmful effects of dust on the image sensor. The camera is extremely light and compact, and offers excellent ergonomic handling. Equipped to facilitate full creative expression and sensational results, the Olympus E-500 will be offered in a choice of four kits which will be available from November 2005.

The Olympus E-500 digital SLR – main features:
- 8.0 million pixels with Full Frame Transfer CCD
- 6.4cm/2.5” HyperCrystal LCD (215,250 pixels)
- Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection
- Light and compact penta type design (for classic SLR look)
- Single AF, continuous AF and manual focusing
- 49 area AE sensor
- ESP, centre-weighted average and spot exposure meteringplus high light basis and shadow basis spot metering
- Professional AE lock functionality
- Sequential shooting at 2.5fps in HQ (1/8) and SQ JPEG format up to the full memory card capacity when using high-speed media, such as SanDisk SDCFX (Extreme III)
- IR Hybrid Type Cut Filter for equalisation with human eyes
- 1/3 EV ISO steps
- TruePic TURBO image processor
- 21 scene programme and scene select programme modes
- Dual slot for CompactFlash/Microdrives and xD-Picture Cards
- Built-in pop-up flash
- User-friendly menu with detailed and simplified display
- Weight: 435g, size: 129,5 x 94,5 x 66mm
- Compatible with the complete range of Olympus E-System lenses and many accessories