Olympus America, Inc. today announced that its Japan-based parent company, Olympus Optical Co. Ltd., is developing a new multiple lens digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera that utilizes a new 4/3″ CCD.
Olympus admits the new camera is still early in the concept stages of product development, so pricing, availability, features and specifications are still some time away from being determined.
Olympus says that the new large CCD — developed specifically for professional photographers — provides four times the image area of CCDs now in use. If successful, says Olympus, it hopes that the new CCD will become an industry standard, encouraging competition and expanding the market for digital SLR cameras.
As an example of current state-of-the-art in Olympus’ product line, the company points to the Camedia E-10 model, a 4 megapixel SLR camera which retails for less than $2,000. The Camedia E-10 uses a 2/3″ RGB interlaced CCD with 2240 x 1680 pixel resolution.