Olympus E-3 DSLR gets the hands-on treatment

Olympus' E-3 DSLR may not have been released yet, but that hasn't stopped the folks at LetsGoDigital from getting a hands-on with the camera, which they got to check out at an Olympus junket in Istanbul, Turkey. More specifically, they got to check out a pre-production model of the camera, although judging from the picture above and the sample shots at the read link below, it sure appears to be pretty close to the real thing. They are still reserving final judgment 'til they get their hands on a production model, however, but sure do seem to have been impressed by the camera, saying that while it's not a professional DSLR camera, "it certainly has the features of a professional one." They were also especially impressed with the camera's waterproof construction and, most importantly, the quality of the images captured, which you can check out for yourself at the link below.

[Thanks, David]

[Kooz @ Nov 23rd 2007 2:17PM]

It is definitely a camera I will look into when it comes out. (No pun intended haha)

[Toadlet @ Nov 23rd 2007 2:26PM]

Even if I had a waterproof camera, I still wouldn't expose the hot shoe to the rain...

[fatty @ Nov 23rd 2007 2:54PM]

for the reason of shorting out the camera? the hot shoe is just for data and the triggering; you don't have those hundreds of volts just sitting in the hot shoe.

[Maff @ Dec 5th 2007 4:40PM]

i've got 100 volts sitting in my hot shoe, lmao!

[dream_scape @ Nov 23rd 2007 2:35PM]

I'd love a waterproof camera, but all my lenses are Nikon... hmm...

[Eric Welch @ Nov 23rd 2007 2:36PM]

I've seen photos taken with the camera. It's very good for a 4/3 camera. Tough as nails, and fast AF. Shots with the 300 f/2.8 lens (like a 600 f/2.8 on a film camera) that costs $7,000 it's an outstanding sports camera. Too bad the sensor is so small that there still is an issue with high ISO noise. The Nikon D3 is still my choice.

[Ultraorange @ Nov 23rd 2007 2:43PM]

Is it wrong to like it for hte blue accents?

[James @ Nov 23rd 2007 2:48PM]

yes it is because the blue accents are actually on the lens, not in the camera.

[Kotahn @ Nov 23rd 2007 3:15PM]

Its interesting, it really seems like quite the sturdy camera...

[Jeeverz @ Nov 23rd 2007 9:12PM]

AH ! I wish this was a part of the giveaway !

I need a really good camera(for when i got to Antarctica this summer)

And im spending all the money on the ticket !

[charles lowe @ Nov 23rd 2007 10:20PM]

cool contest

[gregf @ Nov 23rd 2007 10:38PM]

/me drools

[Leo @ Nov 23rd 2007 11:10PM]

Look cool. Let me have one so I can try it :)

[Bryan Koylass @ Nov 24th 2007 12:13AM]

me!

[Neporeed @ Nov 24th 2007 1:08AM]

I want to give this to my wife for Christmas

[Matt @ Nov 24th 2007 1:25AM]

I really think I need a waterproof camera.

[Kai Ping Leong @ Nov 24th 2007 1:36AM]

I really love this camera!

[garettw @ Nov 24th 2007 1:50AM]

stop this is a stickup give me that camera

[Jennifer @ Nov 24th 2007 5:22AM]

I have always wanted a nice DSLR camera! It sure would make a nice christmas gift to myself!

[Stew @ Nov 24th 2007 4:34PM]

Anyone else notice the distinct lack of a discussion about the specs/new features of the camera?

All they talk about is the subjective feel of the camera, the fact that it is FourThirds, and it has a Live-View variable angle LCD.

Not a very useful article.

[marc @ Nov 25th 2007 5:44AM]

Having used the E1 for the last few years "professionally" and having this baby in my hands I can catorgorically tell you it is a "professional" camera....no question. I shoot fashion and am more than happy with it.

[Alvin Vicencio @ Nov 26th 2007 3:04PM]

After having to pay 3k for my car repair.. I cant afford this camera =(. I want it so bad!!! *tears