NewsAugust 2000

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Olympus E-10 Q&A translated

Browsing over the Olympus Talk forum I noticed some interest in a partially translation of the E-10 Q & A from the Olympus Japan website. Taking this a bit further (and making it accessible to more people) I've spent about 2 hours or so translating, sifting and sorting that Q & A page to bring it to you in English (all 130+ questions & answers). There's also an intersesting comparison to the C-2500L. So if you're really interested in the E-10, you need to see this.

Olympus Camedia E-10 Q&A
(translated -almost literally- from this page on Olympus Japan)

Q1. Please compare the E-10 to the C-2500L

	Olympus E-10	Olympus C-2500L
Recording methods	TIFF, RAW, JPEG	TIFF, JPEG
Storage	SmartMedia 3.3V: 4MB - 64MB CompactFlash Type I/II up to 256MB (doesn't support Microdrive)	SmartMedia: 2MB - 64MB CompactFlash Type I up to 96MB
CCD type	2/3 " Interlaced GRGB CFA	2/3 " Progressive GRGB CFA
CCD pixels	4,000,000	2,500,000
CCD effective pixels	3,900,000	2,400,000
Image modes	2240 x 1680 TIFF / RAW Plus any combination of: 2240 x 1680 (FULL) 1600 x 1200 (HALF) 1280 x 960 1024 x 768 640 x 480 At: 1/4 (JPEG) 1/2.7 (JPEG) 1/8 (JPEG)	1712 x 1368 TIFF 1712 x 1368 JPEG SHQ 1712 x 1368 JPEG HQ 1280 x 1024 SQ 640 x 512 SQ
Metering modes	Digital ESP Center weighted average Spot	Center weighted average Spot
Exposure modes	Program Auto Aperture Priority Shutter Priority Manual	Program Auto Aperture Priority Manual
Exposure compen.	+/-3 EV in 0.3 EV steps	+/-3 EV in 0.3 EV steps
Aperture range	W: F2.0 - F11 T: F2.4 - F11	W: F2.8 - F5.6 T: F3.9 - F7.8
Shutter range	Auto: 2 sec - 1/640 sec Manual: BULB, 30 sec - 1/640 sec	Auto: 1/2 sec - 1/10000 sec Manual: 8 sec - 1/10000 sec
White balance	Full Auto TTL Seven preset modes Manual preset (one-touch)	Full Auto TTL Six preset modes Manual preset (one-touch)
Lens	Olympus Lens F2.0 - F2.4 14 pieces in 11 groups 35 - 140 mm (35 mm equiv.) - 4 x	Olympus Lens F2.8 - F3.9 7 pieces in 7 groups 36 - 110 mm (35 mm equiv.) - 3 x
Burst	Full res: 3 fps, max 4 frames	Full res: 1.3 fps, max 5 frames
Macro	None (not req.) W & T: 20 cm	W: 2 cm - 60 cm T: 3 cm - 60 cm
Manual focus	0.2 m - Infinity (focus ring)	0.3m, 0.35m, 0.4m, 0.5m, 0.6m, 0.8m, 1m, 1.2m, 1.5m, 2m, 2.5m, 3.5m, 5m, 8m, 15m
Playback zoom	1,5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4 times scrollable	2, 4 times scrollable

* Interesting, I thought the E-10 had a RAW mode...

Q2. Please explain the main features of the E-10

1. High Picture Quality

• High pixel count CCD of 4,000,000 pixels
• High performance four-times zoom lens (F2.0 - F2.4) multi coated and ED ASP
• Variable metering modes
• Variable white balance including one touch and 7 presets

2. Mobility

• Shutter lag of about 60 msec (assuming half-press of shutter release)
• High speed burst of 3 frames per second up to 4 images
• Support for 5 kinds of battery
• Robust metallic case
• SmartMedia and CompactFlash Type I/II support
• Macro range 20 cm in both wide and tele

3. Operation

• Ergonomical button arrangement
• Optical TTL viewfinder with focus screen to confirm focus
• Display in the viewfinder of picture information
• Movable LCD monitor

4. Expandibility

• Extension lens system
• Remote cable
• Flash system including hot-shoe and sync port
• Easy connectivity - USB

Q3. Is there a digital zoom?

A3. No

Q4. Is there a playback zoom?

A4. Yes, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 times magnification. You can scroll the image.

Q5. Is there a movie recording function?

A5. There is not.

Q6. Is there a voice recording function?

A6. There is not.

Q7. Is their a waterproof option?

A7. There is not.

Q8. Is the camera splash proof / dust proof?

A8. It is not.

Q9. Can you print directly?

A9. You can not print directly because of the amount of time for communicating 4 megapixel images. You can print using a DPOF compatible printer by card.

Q10. Is there a super-macro mode?

A11. No. It is possible to take a picture up to 20 cm away from the lens. This gives a frame coverage of about 49 mm (1.9 ") at Wide and 37 mm (1.5 ") at Tele. Distortion at this distance is as little as 0.2%.

Q11. Is there a quick focus?

A11. There is not because of the addition of a focus ring and focus screen in the viewfinder.

Q12. Is there a one-touch white balance?

A12. Yes.

Q13. Can the LCD monitor be used as a viewfinder?

A13. Yes, however the image is "a little rougher" than the final image.

Q14. [Can't make this out accurately]

Q15. Is there a record confirmation mode?

A15. There is not.

Q16.[Can't make this out accurately]

Q17. Is there a quick preview mode?

A17. There is, in any mode you can get a review of the last image by pressing the LCD monitor button twice.

Q18. Is there a full-time AF mode (continuous focus mode)

A18. There is not.

Q19. Is there multi-AF?

A19. There is not.

Q20. Is there "blur protection" (phil - image stablisation?)

A20. No.

Q21. Are there picture effects such as sepia and black & white mode?

A21. No.

Q22. Is there a panorama taking picture mode?

A22. There is not. You can perform panorama using third party software from multiple images.

Q23. Does the camera maintain the date and time without battery?

A23. Yes, there is a backup battery (Magenese Lithium) which charges internally.

Q24. Can you display the output of the camera on a television?

A24. Yes, there is a supplied video cable. The LCD display will be disabled during this mode.

Q25. Is the time of the self-timer controllable?

A25. Only 12 seconds. This can be overcome by using a remote cable.

Q26. Can the camera be used for odontology department photography?

A26. There are no recommended ring flashes which can be used, therefore it is unsuitable for odontology department.

Q27. Is there a preview button?

A27. No, the camera can display a live preview of the screen on the LCD.

Q28. Can the finder be exchanged?

A28. [no answer]

Q29. Can the aperture be changed?

A29. Wide aperture can be changed from F2.0 - F11 in 1/3 stop steps. Tele aperture can be changed from F2.4 - F11 in 1/3 stop steps.

Q30. Can the visibility be adjusted? (dioptric)

A30. [no answer]

Q31. Is there an eye-piece shutter on the viewfinder?

A31. Yes

Q32. What is "True Pic" processing?

A32. It is a method of processing the pixels as they come off the CCD, it also guarantees that all the pixels are used even if lower resolutions are selected.

Q33. How was the short shooting delay function achieved?

A33. There is an SDRAM buffer of 256 Mbits (32 MB) installed in the camera. After taking each image the picture is written to the memory and written out to the storage card in parallel.

Q34. How does the continuous shot function work?

A34. In continuous mode you can take another image only a delay of 1 - 2 seconds between each shot, the image is pushed into the memory buffer and written out to the storage card. If you hold the shutter release the camera will take a burst of shots at about 3 fps (maximum 4 images). The LCD viewfinder will not operate in this mode, you must use the optical viewfinder.

Q35. Can the flash be used in continuous mode?

A35. Although a photograph will be taken the flash charge time may cause the image to fail.

Q36. What options are there for exposure bracket photography?

A36. In automatic bracket mode you can take three pictures with different levels of exposure compensation (-,0,+), these can be done in steps of 1/3EV, 2/3EV or 1.0EV.

Q37. Can the flash be used during bracket photography?

A37. No, only AEB (Auto Exposure Bracket) of the exposure.

Q38. What is the view rate of the viewfinder and LCD?

A38. The viewfinder is about 95% and the LCD monitor about 100%.

Q39. Which extent is the eye point?

A39. From the cover glass of the finder to 11.1 mm (-1 Dp)

Q40. What is the dioptric adjustment of the viewfinder?

A40. There is a degree of adjustment from -3 to +1 Dp, and is shipped with -0.5 Dp.

Q41. How much is the finder magnification?

A41. At Wide x0.42 and at Tele x1.60

Q42. Please explain what data is displayed in the viewfinder

A42. Exposure mode, Flash mode, Macro mode, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Light measurement, Exposure compensation, AE Lock, White balance mode. Information displayed when the shutter release is half-pressed, then for 8 seconds afterwards.

Q43. Is EV16 the maximum light ability, how should I shoot for higher brightness?

A43. Please install an ND filter.

Q44. Please explain the the ESP light measurement mode of the E-10

A44. The CCD ESP system takes three area measurement, in ESP mode the central part (about 10%) and the circumference part (about 90%) of the composition, the camera carries out automatic selection of the optimum exposure from the luminosity difference of the central and circumference part.

Q45. When should exposure compensation be used?

A45. Since the camera carries out selection of the optimum exposure from the luminosity difference it has already applied compensation based on its own algorithm.

Q46. What does ESP stand for?

A46. Intelligent Electro Selective Pattern (fully iESP).

Q47. What are the exposure modes?

A47. P: Program automatic, A: Aperture Priotity, S: Shutter Priority, M: Manual.

Q48. Same as Q29.

Q49. How many blades make up the aperture diaphragm.

A49. There are 7 blades in the aperture diaphragm.

Q50. How is the manual mode set?

A50. When the exposure is set to M the sub-dial turned the shutter speed turns to BULB. The shutter is open whilst the shutter release button is held down. Please note that image quality will "roughen" by the exposure for a long time.

Q51. Can the E-10 take night view shots?

A51. Yes it is possible (1) Set the shutter speed to a slow value (up to 8 seconds), please note that the image quality will "roughen" for long exposure images.

Q52. Can the E-10 take pictures of the night sky?

A52. Yes, it is possible to take an exposure of up to 30 seconds automatically, longer with a remote control.

Q53. Please explain the time interval mode of the E-10

A53. The time interval (time lapse) mode of the E-10 can be set for intervals of one minute to 1 to 24 hours.

Q54. Please explain the picture quality modes:

Display on LCD	Pixel Size	Compression rate
TIFF	2240 x 1680 FULL	1/1 (non - compressed)
SHQ	2240 x 1680 FULL	About 1/2.7 JPEG
HQ	2240 x 1680 FULL	About 1/8 JPEG
SQ	1280 x 960 SXGA	About 1/8 JPEG

The picture quality mode can also be set by combining five kinds of image size and four compression modes from the menu:

Name	Pixel Size	Compression rate
TIFF	2240 x 1680 FULL	1/1 (non - compressed)
SHQ HQ SQ	2240 x 1680 1600 x 1200 1280 x 960 1024 x 768 640 x 480	1/2.7 JPEG 1/4 JPEG 1/8 JPEG

There is also a RAW mode, TIFF indicator will blink to indicate RAW mode, files will have the .ORF extension. In RAW mode it is not possible to view a full size preview or magnify the review image.

Q55. Why is 1600 x 1200 called "HALF"?

A55. Because it halves the number of pixels from 2240 x 1680 (FULL)

Q56. Please explain the file size of the E-10

Pixel size	Compression rate
	1/1	1/2.7	1/4	1/8	RAW
2240 x 1680 (FULL)	~ 11.3 MB	~ 2.8 MB	~ 2 MB	~ 1 MB	~ 7.6 MB
1600 x 1200 (HALF)	-	~ 1.5 MB	~ 1 MB	~ 510 KB	-
1280 x 960 (SXGA)	-	~ 940 KB	~ 650 KB	~ 340 KB	-
1024 x 768 (XGA)	-	~ 610 KB	~ 420 KB	~ 230 KB	-
640 x 480 (VGA)	-	~ 260 KB	~ 180 KB	~ 110 KB	-

Q57. Please explain the ISO sensitivity setting of the E-10

A57. ISO can be selected from Auto, 50, 100 or 200.

Q58. Please describe the flash modes of the E-10

Flash mode	Description
Auto Flash	Flash will be automatically used to prevent blur at low light levels
Slow Sync	Useful for night portraits, the shutter speed is as slow as 2 seconds (ISO 50). We advice the use of tripod.
Fill flash	Emits flash regardless of light level, useful for fill-in
Red-eye reduction	Flash will strobe ten times to reduce the chance of red-eye with the final flash (about 1 second delay)
Rear Sync	Same as Slow Sync but the flash fires just before the shutter closes rather than as it opens

Q59. Explain how to set the flash mode on the E-10

A59. Select the flash mode by turning the dial whilst holding down the flash button (depending on exposure mode).

Q60. How do I prohibit the flash from firing?

A60. The internal flash will not fire if it is closed (not popped up), external flash must be disconnected or powered-off.

Q61,62,63. Please detail the range of the built-in flash.

ISO	Wide	Tele
Auto	0.6 m - 9.9 m (1.9 - 32.5 ft)	0.47 m - 8.2 m (1.5 - 26.9 ft)
50	0.6 m - 4.9 m (1.9 - 16 ft)	0.47 m - 4.1 m (1.5 - 13.5 ft)
100	0.79 m - 7.0 m (2.6 - 23 ft)	0.66 m - 5.8 m (2.2 - 19 ft)
200	1.12 m - 9.9 m (3.7 - 32.5 ft)	0.93 m - 8.2 m (3.1 - 26.9 ft)

Q64. Please explain what external flash can be used with the E-10

A64. The output angle of the flash must be wider than the range of the camera. Use a flash which emits a flash shorter than 5 msec. Do not use flash with communications functions other than the FL-40 the flash or camera might be damaged. Match the F number to the external flash.

Q66. What are the connections on the terminal for external flash?

A66. There are two connection terminals and a lock hole, the sync terminal and X point.

Q67. Same as Q60

Q68. Can the external flash be used in conjunction with the internal flash.

A68. No, please close the internal flash otherwise the camera will over-expose.

Q69. [Cannot make out accurately]

Q70. What storage media can be used in the E-10?

A70. It is possible to use SmartMedia 3.3V or CompactFlash Type I/II.

Q71. Can 5V SmartMedia be used?

A71. No.

Q72. Can 2 MB SmartMedia be used?

A72. No.

Q75. Can the Microdrive be used?

A75. No.

Q76. Can you use either card slot?

A76. Yes, you can record to either SmartMedia or CompactFlash, both can be inserted at the same time.

Q77. Does the camera switch automatically to the other card?

A77. The card slot is only set manually.

Q78. What are focus modes?

A78. There are two types of focus mode: AF (auto focus) and manual focus (focus ring on lens). There is not a continuous focus mode.

Q79. Is there multi-AF?

A79. There is only one point AF at the center.

Q80. Same as Q78.

Q81. How many focus steps are there in Auto Focus?

A81. There are 70 steps at Wide and about 550 steps at Tele.

Q82. Is there no quick focus?

A82. There is no quick focus because focus can be determined from the focus screen in the viewfinder by using the focus ring in manual focus mode. The distance is displayed on the LCD monitor.

Q83. How does manual focus mode work?

A83. The manual focus is "fly-by-wire" the camera determines the amount the ring has been turned and the focus motor matches this amount. Note the focus ring can continue to be rotated even if a focus limit is reached. In AF rotating the focus ring has no effect.

Q84. Is there an AF illumination lamp?

A84. There is no AF illumination lamp as active AF illuminates the subject with infrared light.

Q85. Please explain dual auto focus (dual AF).

A85. The E-10 has two AF systems, an active AF system and a contrast detection system. Active AF uses an infrared lamp to light the subject and measure the distance to the subject. Contrast detection is the standard AF used in most digital cameras.

Q86. How does active AF work?

A86. Active AF uses an infrared lamp to illuminate the subject then detects the reflected light by an optical detection sensor, this measures the distance to the subject by principals of triangulation. Focus can be made in low light. There are some limitations: Subjects further than 3 m cannot be measured accurately. It does not work with an extension lens. With poor reflection of infrared the subject cannot be measured accurately. A subject through a window cannot be measured accurately. Distance of reflective things like a mirror or lamp cannot be measured.

Q87,88,89,90. Please explain the white balance on the E-10.

A87,88,89,90. Beside auto white balance there is also fine weather, cloudy sky, incandescent bulb, fluorescent tube (3 types). You can also set a preset white balance by pressing the white balance button on the camera whilst aiming it at a white subject.

Q91,92. What is the function of RAW data photography?

A91,92. When RAW photography mode is enabled the camera creates RAW image files (10-bits of data per pixel) directly from the CCD. The RAW data file is written as an "Olympus Original File" (extension .ORF) this can be displayed only using Camedia Master 2.5, an ICC profile is NOT appended.

Q93,94,97. What is the histogram / how do I use it?

A93,94,97. The histogram represents brightness from 0-255 along the horizontal axis and the number of pixels at that brightness on the vertical axis. It is used to determine an accurate exposure, if all pixels are in one area of the graph it indicates either an under or over exposure.

Q95,96. Is the histogram displayed BEFORE taking a photograph, like a meter?

A95,96. No, a histogram can only be displayed of a taken photograph.

Q98. Can existing extension lenses be used on the E-10

A98. No. You can only use specific E-10 extension lenses, you must use the built in lens modes when using extension lenses.

Q99. Can filters be attached to the lens on the E-10?

A99. Yes, the filter diameter is 62mm. Be careful with what filters are used so as not to damage the lens.

Q100. When connecting a lens to the E-10 is a step-up ring required?

A100. A step-up ring is not required, the lens can be attached to the 62mm filter screw. However the camera must be equipped with the 3x extension lens support arm.

Q101. What are the optional lenses available for th E-10?

Lens	Name	Focal Len (35mm equiv.)	Aperture	End filter size	Notes
Macro	MCON-35	420 mm	Same as camera	72 mm	Two pieces in two groups, multi coated
0.8 wide conversion	WCON-08B	28 mm		105 mm	Three pieces in three groups, multi coated
1.45 tele	TCON-14B	200 mm		86 mm	Five pieces in three groups, multi coated
3 x exension lens	TCON-300	420 mm	F2.8	49 mm	Twelve pieces in 11 groups, multi coated. Extension arm required, 180 mm in length

Q102. Please explain what is included with the optional lenses.

Lens	Name	Included
Macro	MCON-35	Lens, Front Cap, Rear Cap, Case, Manual
0.8 wide conversion	WCON-08B
1.45 tele	TCON-14B
3 x exension lens	TCON-300	Lens, Front Cap, Rear Cap, Case, Manual, Support Arm 1 (TCON-SA1)

Q103-107. Please explain the focus distances / range for standard lens on the E-10.

Zoom	Option lens	Mode	Subject distance
WIDE	None	Normal	60 cm - Infinity
		Macro	20 cm - 60 cm
TELE		Normal	60 cm - Infinity
		Macro	20 cm - 60 cm
WIDE	MCON-35	Normal	22 cm - 35 cm
		Macro	12 cm - 22 cm
TELE		Normal	22 cm - 35 cm
		Macro	12 cm - 22 cm
WIDE	WCON-08B	Normal	39 cm - Infinity
		Macro	11 cm - 39 cm

Note: I couldn't accurately translate the figures for the TCON-14B & TCON-300... Something weird about Olympus's numbers there.

Q108. Please explain the shutter sound.

A108. The shutter sound output from the speaker can be set to either (1) Mechanical sound based on an OM-2 or (2) Mechanical sound with motor drive based on the L-1. Phil: Interesting, this would suggest the E-10 doesn't have a mirror.. In which case they must be using a prism to split the image between the CCD and viewfinder (which would also explain the cameras ability to produce a live video stream to the LCD viewfinder).

Q109. Is there a beep mode?

A109. Yes, a beep can be set for AF confirmation.

Q110. Is there a volume adjustment?

A110. [no answer]

Q111. Is it possible to copy images between the storage cards?

A111. It is possible to copy either a single or batch of images between the cards, however the filename and date of the image will change.

Q112. Does the LCD have a good viewing angle?

A112. Although it is not an extensive viewing angle it is possible to rotate the LCD for easier viewing.

Q113. What is the filename structure? Is it possible to have custom filenames?

A113. No, folder is constructed as: DCIM/xxxOLYMP (where xxx is an incremental number) the filename is Pmddnnnn where "m" is the month (1-9 Jan-Sep, A-C Oct-Dec), "dd" is the day of the month and "nnnn" is an incremental number from 0001-9999.

Q114. Please explain the file name auto reset mode.

A114. The number will be reset when set to "auto reset" each time the storage card is changed, otherwise a running number is used.

Q115. Is there any condition where the camera automatically resets the number?

A115. No.

Q116. Please explain what batteries can be used in the E-10.

Battery	Serial no.	Number of
Lithium battery CR-V3	LB-01	Two
AA NiMH	B-03NH16	Four
AA Alkaline	-	Four
AA NiCD	-	Four
Custom rechargeable	B-10LPB	One

AA Lithium and Maganese battery cannot be used.

Q117. Why can maganese or lithium battery be used?

A117. The maganese battery only has a short life but is dangerous because of the heat generated, damage could be caused to the camera body. Please never use these two kinds of battery.

Q119. Please explain the power save options.

A119. It is possible to set the power save to 1, 2, 5, 10 minutes or never power off. In power save mode the camera "sleeps" but still draws a little power.

Q120. Is it possible to take a picture in power save mode?

A120. It is possible to take a picture.

Q121. How to get the best life out of batteries in the E-10?

A121. If the camera is not used it will power off completely after one hour. It is important to switch off the camera when not being used so to preserve the battery life. Use of the LCD drains power more.

Q122. How does the "record view" function on the LCD work?

A122. The record view can be set to AUTO (live preview always displayed), 5 seconds (live preview displayed for 5 seconds), OFF (live preview never displayed).

Q123. Please explain the function of the InfraRed remote control.

A123. The InfraRed remote control can be used to release the shutter from a distance away, this can be affected by strong light. It is not possible to zoom the E-10 using the remote control.

Q125. Please explain how to download images to personal computer.

A125-132. The camera supports USB, downloads can be made with Mac OS 8, 9, Windows 2000, Windows 98. The selected card cannot be changed while the camera is in PC connect mode, select the correct card before connecting.

Rest of questions are repeats of details earlier on in the Q&A.