Most Affordable, Smallest and Lightest DSLR: Olmpus E-420

The Olympus E-420, an entry level digital SLR camera is now within reach of budget-conscious enthusiasts. It's extremely portable while having the power of a DSLR and a point and shoot camera at the same time. The lightweight 10-megapixel E420 DSLR offers heavyweight technologies. Weighing a mere 380 grams (13.4 ounces), the Olympus E-420 is 20 to 40 percent lighter than competing DSLRs. Good things come in this small package, including Live View, which enables users to hold the camera away from their faces and interact with their subjects - ideal when capturing photos of children, for example. The Olympus E-420 Digital SLR will be available in May 2008, so we have really yet to hear feedback from real users. The pack will include: E-420 Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLS-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Warranty Card. Specifications: Focus lock Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AEL button (customizable) Focus tracking Interlocked with Continuous-AF Four Thirds Live MOS sensor 10 million effective pixels 11.8 million total pixels RGB Color Filter Array TTL Phase detection Contrast detection system (with 25mm f2.8, 14-42mm f3.5-5.6, 40-150mm f4-5.6) Dimensions 129.5 x 91 x 53 mm (5.1 x 3.6 x 2.1 in) Video output NTSC or PAL selectable Remote control RM-UC1 cable release or RM-1 optical remote control Continuous buffer: Unlimited Large, Normal compression JPEG, 8 RAW frames Built-in flash Guide number 12 at ISO 100 (m) Sync speed 1/180 sec or less. Super FP up to 1/4000 WB fine tuning +/- 7 steps in Amber-Blue or Green-Magenter axis AE Bracketing 3 frames in 0.3, 0.7 or 1 EV steps AE Lock Exposure can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway or by pressing AEL button (customizable) Metering range EV 1 - 20 (at normal temperature, 50mm f2, ISO 100)