Olympus E-600 DSLR debuts

Offers cheaper alternative to E-620

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31 August 2009 15:06 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Olympus has announced a new E-Series model on Monday; the E-600, that will sit under the slightly higher spec'ed E-620.

The cutbacks mainly affect software for the new digital SLR that will come with a 12.3-megapixel image sensor, 2.7-inch swivel LCD screen and In-body Image Stabilization to help remove camera shake.

Aimed at the beginner to DSLRs the camera sports a number of features that pro-users wouldn't normally bother with. Art Filters for Expanded Creative Control as featured in the E-620 are the main victim being reduced from six presets to just three here; Pop Art, Soft Focus, and Pin Hole. The Art Filters give you in-camera editing without the need for a PC, while Olympus' "Find a Face in the Crowd" will track up to eight faces and distinguish between people’s faces and the background - ideal for parties.

Live View and 13 preset scene-select modes for every imaginable shooting scenario, automatic modes and full manual controls should cover most of the bases.

The camera will also sport Olympus' usual camera tech including a Live MOS image sensor and the Olympus TruePic III+ Image Processor.

The Olympus E-600 DSLR will be available in early November 2009.

US pricing currently sees an E-600 Body with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens for $599.99.