Olympus has launched the world's first digital SLR with continuous live view. The new model - called the Olympus E-330 digital SLR means that users will be able to take shots without looking through the viewfinder.

The new model, the E-330, is the fourth SLR body in the Olympus E-System range.

It features a 2.5-inch LCD that can be tilted or swivelled to virtually any angle to help photographers frame the picture.

Inside and the camera boasts a 7.5 megapixel MOS sensor for high speed and sensitivity while safeguarding image quality against dust contamination, Olympus's exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter once again appears on an E-System SLR.

The camera's TTL optical porro design has made it possible to fit the E-330 with two separate image sensors, enabling two different live view modes. Mode A, for Full Time Live View framing, utilises a CCD mounted in the viewfinder's optical path to return a 92% field of view and retains full AF functionality. Meanwhile, Mode B locks the mirror in the up position and uses the camera's Live MOS sensor to enable a Macro Live View with a 100% field of view.

Slots for both CompactFlash and xD-Picture Card feature have been included so that photographers can choose the type of media on which they wish to record their results and files can be saved in JPEG, TIFF and RAW formats.

The Olympus E-330 is compatible with the full range of Olympus E-System accessories. It will be supplied with a ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens (equivalent to 28-90mm on a 35mm camera) and, from March 2006, will be available from High Street camera shops priced at around £900.

Features at a glance include:

The Olympus E-330 digital SLR - main features:
- World's first Live View digital SLR with two modes:
A Mode - Full Time Live View with incorporated AF
B Mode - Macro Live View with 10x magnification for easy focusing
- 7.5 million pixels Live MOS sensor
- Multi-angle 6.4cm/2.5” HyperCrystal LCD (215,250 pixels)
- Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection
- TTL Optical Porro Finder design
- Single AF, continuous AF and manual focusing, plus S-AF+MF and C-AF+MF
- 49 area AE sensor
- ESP, centre-weighted average and spot exposure metering plus high light basis and shadow light basis spot metering
- Based on Four Thirds standard
- Professional AE lock functionality
- Sequential shooting at up to 3.0fps
- IR Hybrid Type Cut Filter for equalisation with human eyes
- 1/3 EV ISO steps
- ISO up to 1600
- TruePic TURBO image processor
- P/S/A as well as full manual operation
- 20 scene modes, 7 creative modes plus 4 exposure modes
- Dual slot for CompactFlash/Microdrives and xD-Picture Cards
- Built-in pop-up flash
- User-friendly with detailed and simplified display modes
- Weight: 550g, size: 140x87x72mm
- Compatible with the complete range of Olympus E-System lenses and many accessories, including the FL-36 flash and the ME-1 magnifier
- Available as camera body only or in kit containing camera body, 14-45mm (28-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6 lens , BLM-1 rechargeable battery pack with BCM-2 charger