Featuring a built-in image stabilization mechanism functional at up to 33x* when used with ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, the new E-520 is scheduled to be released at the end of May 2008.

Main Features
Thanks to a powerful built-in image stabilizer with a compensation effect of up to 4 EV steps, image stabilization shooting is available at magnifications up to 33x over a wide range of focal lengths from super-wide-angle to super telephone when combined with ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses

Enhanced "Live View" shooting with new "High-Speed Imager AF" that provides users to the same ease of use available with a compact digital camera

"Face & Back Control" for clearer reproduction of both faces and backgrounds

Advanced new 10-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic III image processing engine

An advanced, updated version of the E-510 digital SLR camera (released in June 2007), the E-520 features a built-in image stabilization mechanism that actually shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera shake, as well as an impressive array of versatile functions that make it easier than ever for users to take exactly the photographs they intended. The image stabilization system incorporated in the E-520 uses SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) actuators to shift the image sensor and compensate for camera shake by up 4 EV steps*. As the E-520 is fully compatible with any lens compliant with the Four Thirds System standard, this means that image stabilization shooting is possible at up to 33x magnification across a wide range of focusing distances from 18mm (35mm camera equivalent) super-wide-angle to 600mm (35mm camera equivalent) super telephoto. To achieve this performance, the user can simply combine the E-520 with a Four-Thirds standard lens such as the newly released ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6, the ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 or ED 40-500mm f4.0-5.6, and ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 super telephoto zoom lens.

The E-520 also incorporates the same High-Speed Imager AF initially unveiled on the E-420 (released in April 2008). This sophisticated autofocus system uses contrast detection to assure fast, accurate focusing and improve the ease and comfort of Live View shooting. In addition, the E-520 boasts Olympus's sophisticated new Face & Back Control that uses a face detection function able to detect up to 8 separate faces and optimize exposure of both faces and background. This function assures beautiful portrait or group shots, in which both the faces of the subjects and the background are clear and sharp.

All of this performance and versatility is incorporated in a compact, lightweight body. Thanks to the new 10-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and the TruePic III image processing engine, the E-520 offers the same outstanding quality as the E-3, our widely praised flagship model. With its simplicity, convenience, and excellent portability, the E-520 is a great choice even for beginners, while its powerful function set and superb quality will satisfy advanced users as well.

Development Background
In the autumn of 2006, Olympus began writing Chapter Two in the story of the Olympus E-System with the declaration, "we will continue to develop revolutionary features that extend the frontiers of DSLR photography, and to strengthen the Olympus E-System body, lens, and accessory line-up. We will continue to develop Olympus E-System bodies, lenses, and accessories for a wide range of genres, so that even more people are able to take photographs that could never be taken before."

All three models launched in 2007, the E-410, E-510 and E-3, embodied the concept set forth in "Olympus E-System Chapter Two" declaration through the incorporation of the Live View function, and, in the cases of the E-510 and E-3, through the incorporation of an integrated image stabilization mechanism.

The newly announced E-520 incorporates advanced versions of both functions. The Live View function is now easier to use and more reliable thanks to face detection and a High-Speed Imager AF, while the built-in image stabilization is now even more effective in more situations thanks to the enhancement of the lens line-up. When combined with the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 image-stabilized super-telephoto shooting at 600mm (35mm camera equivalent) is possible, while with the newly announced ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 image-stabilized super-wide-angle shooting of 18mm (35mm camera equivalent) is possible. This means makes possible handheld super-telephoto shooting of a distant subject with a compressed effect as well wide-angle shooting of city lights at night.

With these features, the E-520 and the Olympus E-System series of cameras have written the climax of Chapter Two the Olympus E-System story, fulfilling Olympus's goal of making it possible for "even more people... to take photographs that could never be taken before."

Other Features
Reliable Dust Reduction System
Fast 3.5 frames-per-sec. sequential shooting
Built-in flash with wireless flash control
New large 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD monitor with improved visibility in Live View shooting and picture playback

"Perfect Shot Preview" function to compare the results of various effects before actual shooting

Continuous AF mode with improved focus tracking
Super Control Panel with excellent visibility and operability
Large, ergonomic grip that fits the hand and direct-access buttons for quick setup

Main Features
Thanks to powerful built-in image stabilization with a compensation effect of up to 4 EV steps*1, image stabilization shooting across a wide range from super-wide-angle to super telephoto at up to 33x*2 is possible when used with ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses
Like its predecessor, the E-510, the E-520 also features an integrated image stabilization mechanism that shifts the image sensor using the independently developed SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) actuators to compensate for camera shake. Using a gyro sensor that detects camera shake accurately and SWD actuators with excellent response and controllability, the E-520's image stabilization mechanism achieves a compensation effect equivalent to up to 4 shutter speed (EV) steps*1.

Effective with any lens that complies with the Four Thirds System standard, including ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, this system makes handheld shooting without image blur possible even when using a super-wide-angle or fisheye lens under low light or when using a telescopic lens. Now users can take advantage of affordable high-performance image stabilization shooting by combining the E-520 with one of Olympus's four sensibly priced Standard Series*3 lenses – the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 (released at the same time), the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED f3.5-5.6 or ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 (included in the Lens Kit), and the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 super telephoto zoom lens. Between them, these four lenses cover a wide range of focusing distances from super-wide-angle of 18mm (35mm camera equivalent) to super telephoto of 600mm (35mm camera equivalent), with magnification up to 33x.

This image stabilization mechanism also effectively compensates for camera shake even when the camera is held vertically and moved into the horizontal direction during shooting.

*1 Under our in-house test conditions
*2 When the E-520 is used in combination with one of Olympus's four Standard Series lenses – the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6, the ED f3.5-5.6, the ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 or the ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 super telephoto zoom lens. Between them, these four lenses cover a wide range of focal lengths from super-wide-angle of 18mm (35mm camera equivalent) to super telephoto of 600mm (35mm camera equivalent), with magnifications up to 33x.

*3 The OLYMPUS ZUIKO DIGITAL series of interchangeable lenses is comprised of three lines: 1) the Standard series, which prioritizes high cost efficiency and reduced size/weight; 2) the High Grade series with advanced functions and high performance including a splash- and dust-proof design; and 3) the Super High Grade series, which features the professional specifications and superior imaging required by top professionals.

Enhanced "Live View" shooting with new "High-Speed Imager AF" that provides users to the same ease of use available with a compact digital camera

The E-520 incorporates the AF Live View function made popular by the E-420, which features the ability to autofocus without moving the mirror. The autofocusing system uses Olympus's High-Speed Imager AF*2, which detects the contrast value on the image sensor when the shutter button is half pressed, drives the lens to the position with the peak contrast value and then adjusts focusing. Because the focusing system used by previous Live View function was based on phase difference, the mirror had to be moved down. With the new system, this requirement has been eliminated, making Live View shooting as easy and convenient as shooting with a compact digital camera.

When a lens other than the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6, ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 and 25mm f2.8 is used, the number of distance measuring points for autofocusing is 3 so autofocusing is executed again at the moment the shutter release button is fully pressed. When the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 or ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 is used, the firmware should be upgraded to Ver. 1.1 or higher.

"Face & Back Control" renders both human faces and the background more clearly
The E-520 incorporates the same face detection function incorporated in the E-420, which detects up to 8 faces at a time and automatically adjusts focus to ensure that everyone's faces are accurately focused, even in group photos. This works in conjunction with "Face & Back Control", which optimizes exposure for the faces in the foreground and the scenery in the background, assuring sharp, clear, more natural-looking pictures. Even when shooting against the light, faces can be optimally exposed without over-exposing the background.

Advanced new 10-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic III image processing engine
The E-520 uses a powerful new 10-megapixel Live MOS Sensor for image capturing that enables accurate reproduction of details with natural, vivid colors. The new sensor features an improved dynamic range to ensure richer, subtler gradations, giving images a natural, true-to-life appearance.

The TruePic III image processing engine features an advanced processing algorithm to improve imaging performance, gradation expression and color reproduction. -Olympus