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Olympus E-420 DSLR Camera

The Olympus E-420 is a 10MP Type 4/3 DSLR camera — known for its 10MP Four Thirds Sensor and TruePic III Processor. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Olympus E-420 DSLR Camera

Olympus E-420 DSLR Camera

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Overview — Olympus E-420

The Olympus E-420 is a 10-megapixel DSLR built around a Type 4/3 (Four Thirds) sensor and powered by the TruePic III image processor. It captures stills at a maximum resolution of 3648x2736 pixels and supports a burst rate of up to 3.5 frames per second, making it a capable option for everyday shooting and casual action. The autofocus system combines both Phase Detection and Contrast Detection methods, with 3 focus points available for subject targeting.

ISO sensitivity runs from 100 to 1600, giving shooters a reasonable range for varying light conditions. Color output can be tailored through a selection of profiles including sRGB, Adobe RGB, Monochrome, Contrast, Saturation, and Gradation, offering meaningful creative flexibility at the time of capture. The E-420 features an optical pentaprism viewfinder and a fixed 2.7-inch LCD with 230,000 dots of resolution.

Storage is handled via CompactFlash. Connectivity includes USB, and the camera is powered by a BLS-1 Li-ion battery rated for approximately 500 shots per charge under CIPA standard testing. The polycarbonate body measures 130 x 91 x 53 mm and weighs 426g, making it notably compact for a DSLR.

A built-in pop-up flash with a guide number of 12 at ISO 100 is included, and wireless flash is also supported.

Key Features — Olympus E-420

10MP Four Thirds Sensor: Type 4/3 sensor with a 2x crop factor delivers 3648x2736 pixel stills suitable for everyday photography and moderate-sized prints.

TruePic III Processor: Olympus's TruePic III image processor handles color rendering and noise reduction across the ISO 100–1600 sensitivity range.

Optical Pentaprism Viewfinder: Provides a bright, accurate optical view of the scene for comfortable eye-level composition.

Compact DSLR Body: At 426g and 130 x 91 x 53 mm, the E-420 is notably small and light for a DSLR, making it easy to carry for extended periods.

3.5fps Burst Shooting: Continuous shooting at up to 3.5 frames per second supports capturing fast-moving subjects in everyday scenarios.

Six Picture Mode Profiles: Includes sRGB, Adobe RGB, Monochrome, Contrast, Saturation, and Gradation profiles for in-camera creative control over image output.

Specifications — Olympus E-420

Olympus E-420 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel, Beginner-Friendly
TypeDSLR
SensorType 4/3 (Four Thirds)
Resolution10MP
ProcessorTruePic III
ISO Range100 – 1600
AF SystemPhase Detection, Contrast Detection
AF Points3 points
Max Photo Resolution3648x2736
Burst Rate3.5 fps
Image StabilizationNone
Display2.7 inches Fixed LCD

Description — Olympus E-420

The Olympus E-420 is a DSLR camera built around a Type 4/3 (Four Thirds) sensor delivering 10MP resolution, with images captured at up to 3648x2736 pixels. The TruePic III image processor handles rendering, and ISO sensitivity spans from 100 to 1600. Autofocus combines Phase Detection and Contrast Detection with 3 focus points for subject acquisition.

Continuous shooting reaches 3.5 fps in burst mode. Color output can be shaped using six profiles: sRGB, Adobe RGB, Monochrome, Contrast, Saturation, and Gradation. Framing is supported by an optical pentaprism viewfinder and a fixed 2.7-inch LCD with 230,000 dots of resolution.

The camera stores images to CompactFlash media and connects via USB. A built-in pop-up flash (GN 12, ISO 100) is included, with wireless flash support available. The polycarbonate body measures 130 x 91 x 53 mm and weighs 426g, running on a BLS-1 Li-ion battery rated at approximately 500 shots per CIPA standard.

No image stabilization or video recording is present in this model.

Pros — Olympus E-420

  • ✓Compact and lightweight body at 426g with dimensions of 130 x 91 x 53 mm
  • ✓Dual autofocus system combining Phase Detection and Contrast Detection
  • ✓Built-in pop-up flash with GN 12 (ISO 100) and wireless flash support

Cons — Olympus E-420

  • ✗No image stabilization of any kind — neither in-body nor digital
  • ✗Limited autofocus coverage with only 3 focus points
  • ✗No video recording capability based on specifications

Videos — Olympus E-420

Olympus E-420 review — Gordon Laing

Resources & Downloads — Olympus E-420

Frequently Asked Questions — Olympus E-420

What sensor does the Olympus E-420 use?+
The E-420 uses a Type 4/3 (Four Thirds) sensor with a 10MP resolution. Images can be captured at a maximum resolution of 3648x2736 pixels. The camera uses the TruePic III image processor.
Does the Olympus E-420 have image stabilization?+
No. According to the specifications, the E-420 has no image stabilization — neither in-body nor digital IS is present. Shooters relying on stabilization would need to source a stabilized lens separately.
What memory cards does the Olympus E-420 accept?+
The E-420 supports CompactFlash (CF) cards as well as an additional media type listed as 'Other' in the specifications. Buyers should confirm secondary card type compatibility before purchasing.
Can the Olympus E-420 record video?+
Based on the specifications, the E-420 has no video recording capability. Maximum video resolution, frame rate, and related fields are all listed as null or empty.
What flash options does the E-420 support?+
The E-420 includes a built-in pop-up flash with a guide number of 12 at ISO 100. It also supports wireless flash control, giving photographers the option to work with off-camera flash setups.
What is the ISO range of the Olympus E-420?+
The E-420 offers an ISO range from 100 to 1600. This provides a moderate sensitivity range suitable for shooting in a variety of lighting conditions.

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