Olympus E-330 review

Although it isn't the direct replacement for the 8 megapixel E-300, you might expect the E-330 to pack a higher-resolution sensor, a wider range of ISO settings and maybe feature an improved burst-rate and buffer.

Twelve months ago, that would have been the case, but we're beginning to witness a cooling-off period as sensor resolutions have largely peaked, at least for the time being.

By far the most interesting new feature of the 7.5-megapixel E-330, then, is the real-time viewing option using the large 2.5in screen on the camera's back. Although this feature is taken for granted in compacts, until now digital SLRs have been unable to provide full-time viewing on the built-in monitor, as the reflex mirror and shutter blades obscure the imaging sensor up until the point of exposure.

You might think it's superfluous in an SLR, with its superior optical viewfinder, but there are some practical benefits. Video output will allow remote viewing and picture taking, while more obvious uses include vibration-free macro photography and overhead viewing using the pull-out screen. Single-handed snap-shooting with the viewfinder blind closed to prevent erroneous exposure is another option for those who have mastered the shake-free technique required.

For the first time in a digital SLR, a full-colour real-time view of the image is made possible using a small secondary CCD, which is housed inside the viewfinder. What's more, the same view is available either in the view finder or on the screen simultaneously, making switching between the two effortless.

However, while that's fine for single-shot picture taking, the secondary CCD and optical viewfinder are momentarily cut off as the reflex mirror swings out of the optical path, preventing continuous shooting. For a camera that's capable of shooting up to three frames per second for a burst of up to 15 full-resolution Jpegs or four Raw files without pausing for breath, losing that flexibility isn't necessarily disastrous. Small as it is, in most cases, you may be better off using the optical viewfinder.

Alternatively, with the reflex mirror locked up, a second option (Mode B) provides full-time live viewing from the main, Panasonic sourced, 7.5 megapixel MOS sensor. Not only is the uncropped image better quality and more colour accurate, but depth of field can also be checked to confirm sharpness prior to exposure using the stopped-down feature. Sadly, that particular operation is a bit tricky, and Mode B prevents autofocus, although it shouldn't be a concern when you use the camera in the studio or on a tripod.

Generally, handling and operation are one of the E-330's strengths: it's very responsive, although the layout of the polycarbonate body is a bit busy. Furthermore, there's only one input control dial, which is placed at the rear, making some selections trickier than need be.

Like the cheaper E-500, the colour monitor with its generous viewing angles also doubles as a control panel to provide a vast array of the camera's settings in use at a glance. Similarly, you can select features using any one of three routes: from the panel directly adopting the arrow pad and control dial, using direct buttons or from the menu.

In typical Olympus fashion, you have to pick nearly all of the specialised features from the lengthy and fairly monotonous menu. That said, the E-330 is packed full and there are some nice touches. These include a choice of high or low key capture, an interval timer to delay the mirror return (useful for high-magnification photography and astrophotography) and even compensation for vignetting with certain lenses.