Olympus E-3 VS Nikon D300 Camera Review
Picture this comparison, two incredibly impressive Digital SLRs by two of the best still image camera manufacturers to date. Here we compare the long-awaited Olympus E-3 and the Nikon D300.
Editor's Pick
Olympus E-3 Camera
Olympus E-3 DSLR Features:
-Single-lens reflex Live View digital camera with interchangeable lens system
-Memory CompactFlash Type I/II, Microdrive, xD-Picture Card (Dual-Slot)
-Screen size: 17.3 mm (H) x 13.0 mm (V)
-Lens mount: Four Thirds Mount
-10.1 million pixels
-High speed Live MOS Sensor
-Total pixels: Approx. 11.8 million pixels
-Aspect ratio: 1.33 (4:3)
-Primary color filter (RGB)
-Supersonic Wave Filter (dust reduction system for image sensor)
-Recording format: DCF, DPOF compatible/Exif, PRINT Image Matching III
-File format: RAW (12-bit), JPEG, RAW+JPEG
-Recording image size: [RAW] 3648 x 2736 pixels
[JPEG] 3648 x 2736 pixels - 640 x 480 pixels
-File size: RAW: 3648 x 2736 compressed Approx. 11MB
-Eye-level single-lens reflex viewfinder
-Field of view Approx. 100%
-Viewfinder magnification Approx.1.15x (-1m-1, 50mm lens, infinity)
-Eye point Approx. 20 mm (-1m-1)
-Diopter adjustment range: -3.0 - +1m-1
-Interchangeable Eye Cup type EP-5/6/7, EP-7 is supplied (Magnifier Eyecup ME-1 is available)
-Optical Preview (viewfinder) Yes, by preview button
-Live Preview available to set to Fn button
-Live View: Live MOS Sensor for still picture shooting is used, 100% field of view, Exposure adjustment pre-view, White balance adjustment pre-view, Gradation auto pre-view, Grid line displayable, 5x/7x/10x magnification possible, MF/S-AF, AF frame display, AF point display, Shooting information, Histogram.
-Phase-difference detection system with mirror down.
-Image stabilizer
-HyperCrystal LCD (semi-transmissive TFT colour LCD) 2.5 inches
-AF system TTL phase-difference detection system
-Focusing point selection: Single point, Group area, All points are selectable.
-AF luminance range EV -2 to 19 (at 20�, ISO 100)
-AF illuminator Built-in flash (external flash available)
-AF lock: Locked at first position of Shutter button in Single AF mode / AEL button (customizable)
-Focus tracking: Interlocked with Continuous AF mode
-TTL open-aperture metering system
(1) Digital ESP metering (49-point multi pattern metering) (2) Centre weighted average metering
(3) Spot metering (approx. 2% for the viewfinder screen. Highlight / shadow bases are available)
-Metering range: EV 1 - 20 (Digital ESP metering, Centre weighted average metering, Spot metering)
-Exposure mode: (1) P: Programme AE (Programme shift can be performed) (2) A: Aperture priority AE (3) S: Shutter priority AE (4) M: Manual
-Underwater program AE Available to set to Fn button
-ISO sensitivity: AUTO (ISO 100 - 3200) / Manual (ISO 100 - 3200), 1/3 or 1 EV steps
-Exposure compensation ?5 EV in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps selectable
-AE lock, AEL button (customizable)
-Exposure bracketing 3 or 5 frames in 0.3, 0.7, 1EV steps selectable
-ISO bracketing 3 frames in 0.3, 0.7, 1EV steps selectable
-Color matrix sRGB, Adobe RGB
-Adjustment parameter Contrast, Sharpness and Saturation level available in 5 steps for Vivid, Natural, Portrait and Muted
-Contrast and Sharpness level available in 5 steps for Monotone.
-Computerized focal-plane shutter
-Shutter speed P(Ps), S, A, M mode: 60 - 1/8000 sec.
-Bulb: up to 30 min.
-Self-timer
-Remote cable release: Available (with optional RM-CB1 Remote cable.)
-Optical remote control: Operation time: 2 sec., 0 sec., bulb control available (with optional RM-1 remote control)
-Anti shock mode: Available (1 to 30 sec selectable)
-Drive mode: Single-frame shooting, Sequential shooting H, Sequential shooting L, Self-timer, Remote control
-Sequential shooting speed: Approx. 5 frames/sec. in sequential shooting H, 1 to 4 fps selectable in sequential shooting
-Built-in flash (Retractable), GN=13 (ISO 100.m)
-Compatible external flash: FL-50R, FL-36R, FL-50, FL-36, FL-20, STF-22, SR-11
-Flash control mode: TTL Auto (TTL pre-flash mode), Auto, Manual
-Flash mode: Auto, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction slow sync., Slow sync at 1st curtain, Slow sync at 2nd curtain, Fill Manual (1/4, 1/16, 1/64), Off.
-Synchronization speed: 1/250 sec. or less, Super FP up to 1/8000 sec.
-Flash intensity control: Up to ?3 EV in 1/3 EV steps
-Flash bracketting: 3 frames in 0.3, 0.7, 1 EV steps selectable.
-Wireless Flash Control
-Flash control mode: TTL Auto (TTL pre-flash mode), Auto, Manual, FP TTL Auto, FP Manual.
-Super control panel
-Menu Languages: (US Model) English, French, Spanish, Portguese
-Additional one language is possible to download.
-Erasing function: Single frame, All frames, Selected frames
-Protect function: Single frame, Selected frames, Release protect (Single/All selected)
-Copy between media: Single frame, All frames, Selected frames
-RAW picture editing: RAW development
-JPEG editing: Resize (producing another file), Gradation auto
-Print reservation (DPOF), Direct print (PictBridge compatible)
-PC interface: USB 2.0 High Speed for storage and camera control (MTP mode is available)
-Video connector: Video out (Video: NTSC/PAL selectable)
-Flash attachment: Hot shoe
-DC-in: Yes (AC-1 compatible)
-CR123 x 3 with LBH-1
-No. of recordable pictures (with 50% flash light) Approx. 610 shots (optical viewfinder) (with BLM-1 under CIPA testing standard)
-Dimensions 5.6 in. (W) x 4.58 in. (H) x 2.9 in. (D /(142.5 mm (W) x 116.5 mm (H) x 74.5 mm (D) (excluding protrusions)
-Weight 1.79 lbs./810 g (body only)
-Splash proof
-Box contents: E-3 body, Li-ion battery BLM-1, Li-ion battery charger BCM-2, USB cable, Video cable, Shoulder strap, OLYMPUS Master CD-ROM, Instruction manual, Waranty card.
Avg. Price: TBA Learn More: More Digital Camera Reviews
Nikon D300
Nikon D300 Features:
-Single-lens reflex digital camera
-Effective Pixels: 12.3 million
-Image Sensor: CMOS sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm; total pixels: 13.1 million; Nikon DX-format
-Image Size (pixels): 4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]
-Dust-reduction System: Self-cleaning Sensor Unit, image dust-off data acquisition
-Sensitivity: ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV with additional settings of approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) under ISO 200 and approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200
-File System: Compliant with DCF 2.0, DPOF and Exif 2.21
-Storage System: NEF 12-bit or 14-bit (uncompressed, lossless compressed or compressed RAW), TIFF (RGB), JPEG: JPEG baseline compliant
-Storage Media: CompactFlash (CF) Card (Type I and II, UDMA compliant), MicroDrive
-Release Modes:
1) Single frame [S] mode
2) Continuous low speed [CL] mode: 1 to 7 frames per second (note 1)
3) Continuous high-speed [CH] mode: 8 frames per second (note 1) , 6 frames per second (note 2)
4) LiveView [LV] mode
5) Self-timer mode
6) Mirror-up [Mup] mode
- Eight Playback Functions
-Video Output: NTSC or PAL
-HDMI Output: Supports HDMI version 1.3a; Type A connector is provided as HDMI output terminal; simultaneous playback from both the HDMI output terminal and on the LCD monitor not available
-Interface: Hi-Speed USB
-Text Input: Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input
-Lens Mount: Nikon F Mount with AF coupling and AF contacts
-Compatible Lenses:
1) DX AF NIKKOR: All functions possible
2) D-/G-type AF NIKKOR (excluding IX NIKKORlenses): All functions possible (excluding PC Micro- NIKKOR)
3) AF NIKKOR other than D-/G-type (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions except 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible
4) AI-P NIKKOR: All functions except Autofocus, 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible
5) Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is 5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides
-Picture Angle: Equivalent in FX-format [135mm] is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length (DX format)
-Viewfinder: SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0 m-1)
-Eyepoint: 19.5 mm (-1.0 m-1)
-Focusing Screen: Type-B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with superimposed focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines
-Viewfinder Frame Coverage: Approx. 100% (vertical and horizontal)
-Viewfinder Magnification: Approx. 0.94x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1
-Autofocus: TTL phase detection, 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module; -Detection -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20 degree C/68 degree F); AF fine adjustment possible. Focal-plane contrast [in LiveView (Tripod) mode]
-Lens Servo: Single-servo AF (S); continuous-servo AF (C); manual (M); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status in continuous-servo AF
-Focus Point: Single AF point can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points LiveView (Tripod mode): Contrast AF on a desired point within entire frame
-AF Area Mode:
1) Single point AF
2) Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)]
3) Automatic-area AF
-Focus Lock: Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
-Exposure Metering System: TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor
1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); Color Matrix Metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed)
2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame (8 mm circle when non-CPU lens is used)
3) Spot: Meters approx. 3 mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)
-Exposure Metering Range:
1) 0 to 20 EV (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) 2 to 20 EV (spot metering) (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20ºC)
-Exposure Meter Coupling: Combined CPU and AI
-Exposure Modes:
1) Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program
2) Shutter-Priority Auto [S]
3) Aperture Priority Auto [A] 4) Manual [M]
-Exposure Compensation: Plus or minus 5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
-Auto Exposure Lock: Detected exposure value locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
-Auto Exposure Bracketing: Exposure and/or flash bracketing (2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV)
-Shutter: Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter, 1/8,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, Bulb
-Sync Contact: X=1/250 s; flash synchronization at up to 1/320 s (FP) adjustable with Built-in Speedlight or optional Speedlight (will reduce GN)
-Flash Control:
1) i-TTL: TTL flash control by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, built-in flash, SB-800 or SB-600: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash
2) AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash: Available with SB-800 used with CPU lens
3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27, and 22S
4) Range-priority manual flash; available with SB-800
-Flash Sync Mode:
-Built-in Speedlight: Manual pop-up with button release
-Flash Compensation: -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
-Accessory Shoe: ISO 518 Standard hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided
-Sync Terminal: ISO 519 standard terminal
-Creative Lighting System: With Speedlights such as SB-800, SB-600, SB-R200, supports Advanced Wireless Lighting, Auto FP -High-Speed Sync, Flash Color Information Communication, modeling flash and FV lock
-Depth of Field Preview: When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M mode) or value selected by camera (P and S mode)
-Remote Control
-GPS
-Supported Languages: Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
-Power Source: One EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack (optional) with one EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries, EH-5a AC Adapter (optional)
-Tripod Socket: 1/4 in. (ISO 1222)
-Dimensions (W x H x D): Approx. 5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in. (147 x 114 x 74 mm)
-Weight: Approx. 1.82 lbs. (825 g) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover
-Supplied Accessories: EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-18a Quick Charger, UC-E4 USB Cable, EG-D100 Video Cable, AN--D300 Strap, BM-8 LCD monitor cover, Body cap, DK-5 Eyepiece Cap, DK-23 Rubber Eyecup, Software Suite CD-ROM
-Optional Accessories: MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack, WT-4a Wireless Transmitter, DK-21M Magnifying Eyepiece, EH-5a AC Adapter, Capture NX Software, Camera Control Pro 2
Avg. Price: TBA Learn More: See More Cameras
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The research for this comparison came from the manufacturers, and a few people who were lucky enough to get their hands on these pre-release models.
You will note that the specification listing for these two units is long, very long and to some small degree the specification listing has been edited and still these listings are detailed and immersive. The first and most obvious lesson to learn from that is the expected learning curve for these two units. Unlike standardized SLRs these units flex their technological might completely. These units are geared for the Pro. Every photographic manipulation is present in both of these units and nearly every digital aspect is covered as well from image stabilization to file transfer and in-camera editing. If your not used to the D in DSLRs the gadgetry can be a bit imposing, but once overcome, some truly great images will surface.
The build quality on both the Nikon D300 and the Olympus E-3 are very good. The E-3 gets going right off the bat by being splash proof. In practical use there are a few differences. First off Olympus' E-3 features a swivel LCD screen, and while it is slightly smaller than the Nikon D300's screen it boasts auto and manual light compensation for displaying images to maintain the integrity of the shot you chose. Nikon has legendary lenses and so this round Olympus spent as much time on the design and soul of the E-3 as they did on the new optics. A new line of lenses support the E-3. Another area where these two go head to head is in the area of AF. In the Auto-Focus arena the Nikon D300's 51-point focal system is impressive, however, Olympus' E-3 AF system is nearly perpetual and instantaneous. Images from these units were exactly what the photographer intended. Some were crisp, clean and clear, while others were intentional grain-fed with forced exposures and pushed ISOs. In short these two cameras are incredible tools that can unleash lots of creative freedom when properly mastered.
In choosing a model pricing should not be a large factor. The Nikon D300 will utilize the Nikkor Lenses on the F-Mount so if you've made an investment in Nikkor Lenses that might be a reason to stay with Nikon. Olympus wants to be taken seriously in the DSLR world and the E-3 might do that with it's swivel live view screen and inventive dust cleaning technology as well as their new auto-focus system and optics. If you're moving into the D part of SLR photography you may find the interface on the Olympus E-3 more intuitive than the Nikon D300.
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