Cameras play a very important role in our lives. They help us catch special moments on film and freeze them in time. Without cameras, many of the important events that have happened in our world would not have been captured. Each consumer has their own opinion about which camera brand is more efficient and reliable. Through it all, Olympus has remained one of the top camera brands in the industry.
The Company
Olympus is actually one of the oldest operating camera companies and has had a long journey in the industry. Millions of people now use the Olympus digital cameras all over the world. The company was founded back in 1919 under the original name of Takachiho Seisakusho. At this time, they did not make cameras, and instead manufactured microscopes. The brand name ‘Olympus’ was not utilized until 1921 when the company began manufacturing cameras.
After the 1920s, Olympus introduced numerous formats of cameras to the public. However, with the onset of the world wars, production suffered until the 1950s. Olympus made their comeback with their Twin Reflex camera. As a matter of fact, many camera companies based their camera models on the technology of Olympus’ idea.
It was the Olympus PEN camera which helped establish Olympus in the small camera market during the 1960s. The PEN was a small light design that could take up to 72 shots on one roll. Today, Olympus is one of the most well known companies because of their high quality digital cameras. They have multiple series and styles, of which we will discuss further in the article.
Digital SLR Cameras
With the high demand for digital cameras, digital SLR has become very affordable for all types of photographers. SLR is actually an acronym for ‘single lens reflex’. Keep reading for ways to determine if Digital SLR is right for you:
Having a variety of lens choices to capture the perfect image.
Ability to capture the image exactly as it is shown in the viewfinder.
The need to shoot images in repetition at different exposures.
Being able to control each aspect of the color, sharpness, and other qualities of the photo, which can be done from your computer.
Olympus has a great line of SLR cameras. Unlike other camera companies where you have so many options of SLR that it can be confusing, Olympus has made it simple. You can choose from an ultra-slim model, technology advanced model for budding hobbyists, and their first SLR model that is preferred by all professionals.
The SLR line is known as the ‘E’ Series. You can choose from the E-420, E-520, and the E-3. The entire E-series is designed with revolutionary options and features that have expanded the way we consider photography. The E-3 model, which was the first SLR flagship model, is aimed towards professionals. However, all three models in the series are great for photography work.
Olympus is actually the first in the industry to introduce a ‘Dust Reduction System’. All three models have this benefit. Each time that you turn off your Olympus SLR camera, the ‘Supersonic Wave Filter’, which is located in between the shutter and image sensor, will vibrate at 35,000 times per second. The dust is then scattered away and collected so that it cannot return.
In addition, Olympus was the first to introduce the ‘Live View’ LCD screens, which they incorporated on the E-520 and the E-420 SLR digital cameras .Other camera companies are just now catching up to this technology. The Live View features enable the photographer to hold the camera away from their face and at odd angles that they cannot easily see with the optical viewfinder.
One extra feature of all of the E series SLR cameras to note is the Zuiko Digital Lenses. The lenses available on the cameras are all 100% digital, meaning that you will be sure to get that perfect shot. They provide a crisp clear picture that is never blurred or fuzzy.
Compact Digital Cameras
For those who enjoy catching their memorable shots on film, but like the convenience of a small camera that they can slip in their pocket, then a compact digital camera is a better option. Olympus offers amazing compact cameras in a variety of different series and styles.
FE Series
Olympus introduced their cutting-edge technology in the digital world with this ultra slim, easy to use design. You can be a first time user or an experienced photographer. Either way, the cameras in the FE series are very fun and easy to use.
Stylus
With the Stylus series, you have the convenience of a compact camera, with the addition of enhanced design and performance. This is the latest in point-and-shoot style cameras, in a very sleek body format. What makes the Stylus series cameras so high performance is the fact that there is a 2-in-1 blur feature that stabilizes the image for all situations. There is also a large LCD screen to view extra wide angles at high contrast or bright sunlight.
Stylus SW
The Stylus SW series are the first cameras from Olympus to be shock and waterproof. They are durable and tough for all types of performance needs. The cameras are built with strong materials that minimize the effect on the pictures if the camera is dropped or bumped. There are also O-rings and rubber gaskets present in the devices to protect the technology from all types of elements.
SP
The Olympus SP series is described as versatile and powerful. These compact point-and-shoot cameras are packed with superior zoom capabilities and special optics to help you capture the most stunning memories. The SP series also contains the 2-in-1 blur feature to protect you from any stabilization problems.
Film Cameras
Those who are not familiar with digital camera photography are probably more comfortable with film cameras. This is the most common form of photography that many of us have known our entire lives. If you are not ready to make the switch to digital, Olympus carries a great line of film cameras. As a matter of fact, many professional photographers still prefer the traditional film camera and they turn to Olympus to help them achieve the best shots.
When you are choosing a film camera, it is best to choose one with auto focus. In this type of technology feature, the auto focus conducts a computer analysis of the scene and adjusts the lens to focus on the subject. With an advanced combination auto focus, the film camera will automatically switch between passive and active modes to provide the best focus for the scene. Red eye reduction is another great feature to look for in film cameras, because it will fill the flash when you are shooting pictures of people in sunlight or shadows.
Olympus offers 4 different film camera series. The IS series is a mixture of manual and automatic optic features to help you capture the perfect image. The cameras are compact and durable so that you can conveniently carry it with a number of other accessories.
For great features, such as a continuous zoom, auto focus, and sufficient flashes, the Stylus series is a great choice. It is actually one of the most popular series from Olympus. The camera models in the series are compact, stylish, and able to withstand weather conditions.
Other series of film cameras from Olympus include Infinity and Trip. The Infinity is perfect for a powerful zoom and automatic features. The Trip series is very similar with an attractive design, convenient size and large controls. For those who are insecure with cameras, the Trip series of models are great, with easy to locate buttons and a large view in the viewfinder.
