Olympus Announces E-620 SLR

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February 24, 2009 *– Today Olympus announced the E-620 digital SLR, a very compact 12.3-megapixel model weighing just over a pound (without lens or battery), featuring a swiveling 2.7-inch LCD display and 6 Art Filters to produce special visual effects. The E-620 will ship in May priced at $699.99 for the body alone and $799.99 packaged with a 14-42mm lens  (28-84mm equivalent in 35mm photography). Digitalcamerainfo.com had the opportunity to work with a pre-production model of the camera, and we have an extensive First Impressions review here.

The E-620 echoes many of the features of the company's recently introduced E-30, which sells for $1299.99 for the body alone. Both cameras shoot at 12.3-megapixel resolution and feature the same Art Filters line-up and in-camera image stabilization system. There are clearly differences between the two, including a more advanced autofocus system, faster burst mode shooting and a larger, more rugged body for the E-30. Still, our reviewer was impressed with the pre-production sample Olympus provided, though actual image quality testing will have to wait until a final unit is available. To learn more about the E-620, read the First Impressions review here.