The Olympus EVOLT E-330 is the world’s first interchangeable lens digital SLR to offer a “Live View” image on the LCD screen, in addition to the optical viewfinder. The design of a normal DSLR camera is such that the mirror remains down, blocking the image sensor, until the moment of exposure. This does not allow for the use of the LCD for framing as it has nothing to display. Olympus took the unique design of their E-300 and went a step farther including a preview CCD imager in its optical viewfinder. In addition, the E-330’s LCD is “articulated” it can extend out from the camera body and swivel downward or upward so the camera can be held overhead to snap over a crowd, or held at the hip or even placed on the ground – something that’s not possible with a traditional SLR. And for critical work the B-mode function of the Live View system locks the mirror up and the LCD image is generated directly from the Live MOS image sensor itself.

Trusted Reviews gave this one a once-over and posted their review of the Olympus E-330 Digital SLR here. Overall they rate this camera 7 out of 10. That’s a little low on account of cost, not quality. Read on-

“This is a camera that you could use professionally and be assured of good results. Although it may look a little strange, it performs as well as any of its direct mid-range competitors. It has a full range of professional options, including excellent colour options. The live monitor view is a very welcome bonus on an excellent camera.”

Olympus EVOLT E-330 Features
* World’s first interchangeable lens SLR with live LCD preview
* High performance 7.5-Megapixel Live MOS image sensor
* SuperSonic Wave Filter for image sensor dust protection
* Four-Thirds System lens mount for Zuiko Digital Specific lenses
* 2.5″ flexible HyperCrystal LCD monitor with 160° viewing angle
* Program AE, Aperture Priority, Shutter-speed Priority, Manual and 31 Scene modes, including two for use underwater
* sRGB or Adobe RGB color space selection
* JPEG, TIFF and RAW file formats
* Simultaneous capture of RAW + JPEG files
* Metering modes: 49 point ESP, Center weighted, Spot (2%), Spot High Light and Spot Shadow
* Exposure compensation ±5 steps EV in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 steps
* 3-point (selectable) TTL Auto Focus
* Auto popup multi-mode intelligent flash
* Hot shoe for E System TTL flash units (FL20, FL36, FL50)
* Capture 3fps up to 4 frames in SHQ
* Capture 3fps in HQ or SQ up to the capacity of high speed CF card
* Bracketing of Auto Exposure, Flash, MF and White Balance
* ISO range 100-400 with boost from 400 to 1600
* RGB histogram display for accurate color information per channel including overall luminance
* 5-level Sharpening, Contrast and Saturation controls
* USB connectivity and PictBridge direct-print compatible
* xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash/Microdrive storage
* High capacity Li-ion rechargeable battery and rapid charger
* Optional high-quality underwater housing