Olympus Introduces Small DSLR in E-450

Olympus has emphasized a small size and advanced creativity features in its new entry-level digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, the E-450.

The E-450 is one of the smallest DSLR models around, measuring only 2.1 inches in thickness. It also offers 18 scene modes, making the camera extremely easy to use for a DSLR model.

The company pioneered a live view LCD in a DLSR camera three years ago, and the E-450 includes a sharp 2.7-inch LCD. This model includes 10 million pixels of resolution and three art filters for special effects.

Olympus will sell the E-450 in a kit with two interchangeable lenses in July at a suggested price of about $700. On May 9, the company will offer the E-450 on QVC.

For a digital SLR, this model is a decent value. However, it's well above the price of mid-level point and shoot models. It will be interesting to see whether Olympus has hit a sweet spot with its price point for the E-450, or if the company has a camera that ends up lost in a spot in between the point and shoot and digital SLR customer segments.

Photo courtesy Olympus