Definition
The Olympus E-20 is a digital single‑lens reflex (DSLR) camera produced by Olympus Corporation. It was marketed in the early 2000s as a compact, consumer‑oriented DSLR offering interchangeable lenses and a 5‑megapixel image sensor.
Overview
The E‑20 was introduced as a successor to the Olympus E‑10 and positioned as an entry‑level DSLR within Olympus’s “E” series. It featured a relatively small and lightweight body compared to professional‑grade DSLRs of the time, aiming to provide an accessible bridge between point‑and‑shoot cameras and higher‑end interchangeable‑lens systems. The camera was sold primarily in North American and European markets and was discontinued a few years after launch as Olympus shifted focus to its later Four‑Thirds system cameras.
Etymology/Origin
The designation “E‑20” follows Olympus’s naming convention for its DSLR lineup, where the letter “E” denotes “electronic” or “E‑system” and the numeric suffix indicates the model’s placement within the series. The number does not correspond to a specific technical specification but reflects the chronological order of release.
Characteristics
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 5‑megapixel (approximately 5.2 MP) CCD sensor, Four‑Thirds format (≈17.3 mm × 13.0 mm) |
| Image Processor | Olympus “Supersonic Drive Motor” (SDM) for image processing and autofocus |
| Lens Mount | Olympus Four‑Thirds mount, compatible with Olympus‑branded lenses and adapters |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism viewfinder with approximately 95 % frame coverage |
| LCD Monitor | 2.5‑inch TFT LCD panel, approx. 115 k pixels, rear‑display for image review |
| Exposure Controls | Manual (M), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), Program (P) modes |
| ISO Range | ISO 100–400 (expandable to ISO 800 in later firmware updates) |
| Shutter Speed | 30 s to 1/2000 s, plus Bulb mode |
| Autofocus System | 3‑point TTL phase‑detect AF system |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 2.5 frames per second in continuous mode |
| Storage Media | CompactFlash (CF) Type I/II cards |
| Power Supply | Olympus rechargeable Li‑ion battery (BLS‑5) |
| Dimensions / Weight | Approx. 139 mm × 106 mm × 64 mm; ≈ 560 g (including battery) |
Note: Certain specifications, such as the exact ISO expansion capability and firmware‑dependent features, may vary between production batches. Accurate information is not confirmed for all firmware revisions.
Related Topics
- Olympus E‑10 – Predecessor model with a 4‑MP sensor.
- Olympus E‑1 – First Four‑Thirds DSLR released in 2003, succeeded the E‑20 in Olympus’s product line.
- Four‑Thirds System – A sensor and lens mount standard introduced by Olympus and Kodak for interchangeable‑lens cameras.
- Digital Single‑Lens Reflex (DSLR) Cameras – A class of cameras that use a reflex mirror and interchangeable lenses to capture digital images.
- CompactFlash (CF) Memory Cards – The storage medium commonly used in early‑2000s DSLR cameras, including the Olympus E‑20.
The Olympus E‑20 represents an early stage in the transition from film‑based SLRs to fully digital interchangeable‑lens systems, reflecting both the technological capabilities and market expectations of its era.