The
"N" designation after E-20 denotes the NTSC version.
The letter "P" (PAL) is used in Europe.
Olympus'
E-20N* is the new 5 megapixel version
of last year's successful E-10,
adding one more rung in the ladder of digital cameras produced by Olympus.
The E-20N is the brand's new flagship camera, intended for both professionals
and serious amateur photographers. Externally, there are few distinguishing
features between the E-10 and the E-20N. The solid, and heavy aluminium
body now sports an embossed gold 5.0 megapixel label, matching the gold
Olympus logo; and the left side of the body identifies it as an E-20N,
and that's about it.
The E-20N deserves that designation by its use of a true TTL optical viewfinder.
This
is a viewfinder that shows a clear and sharp image of 95% of what is captured
by the CCD. It has a large exit pupil with a wide rubber trim, and a diopter
correction adjusted by a large ring between the trim and the camera. The
viewfinder also offers a clear and comprehensive LCD readout that shows
all critical information.
Finally,
the eyepiece is also equipped with a shutter, opened and closed
by a small lever on its left side, which ensures that light will not enter
the eyepiece and reach the CCD during long exposures.
The
grip side of the E-20N retains all the functions and controls of the E-10,
including a LCD status display that covers most of the camera settings
and can be backlit at a press of the Light button.
The
grip is topped by the Sub-Dial, which is closest to the shutter
release.
The Sub-Dial is one of two dials used on the E-20N to make changes to
the camera's settings. The other is the Main Dial, embedded near
the top of the E-20N's back.
Three
buttons flank the Sub-Dial. On the right is the White Balance, on the
left the Image Resolution and the Flash Modes. When pressing in and holding
any of these, the current setting for each can be changed by rotating
either the Sub, or Main Dial. Directly below the LCD display, a button
labelled SM/CF controls whether a SmartMedia, or a CompactFlash
card will be used to record the image (the E-20N works with both).
On the right of the status display is the Mode Dial which offers
7 positions, and has the camera's On-Off switch underneath it:
Manual
mode
Shutter
Priority
Aperture
Priority
Full
Auto Program
Playback
Print
Reserve (DPOF)
Setup/Connection
Called a "Quick Reference White Balance", this small
button makes it possible to set the white point instantly, under any lighting
condition.
Besides
the Main Dial, the back of the camera provides further controls. Near
the upper right and placed so it can be easily held with the thumb, is
the AEL button. Pressing the shutter halfway to establish the metering,
and then pressing and holding the AEL button, maintains the metered reading
and allows reframing without having to hold the shutter button at the
halfway point. This, in turn, allows refocusing without loosing the exposure
parameters.
The remaining buttons are located on the periphery of the LCD screen.
First on the right side of the LCD screen, is the screen ()
button to turn on the screen, and one to call up the menu: .
Below is an arrow pad, used to navigate menus and make selections; while
slightly further and to the right, the OK button is used to confirm actions.
Three
more buttons are fitted below the screen. The Info button calls
up an overlay of information on the LCD screen, and when pressed twice
shows a distance gauge in the lower part of the LCD screen. The button
with the green key icon serves to "lock" photos and prevent
accidental deletion; while the far right button is to delete.
The
controls on the left side of the Olympus E-20N are, again, the same as
those found on the E-10.
Metering
(ESP Average, Centre-Weighted and Spot) is selected near the top of the
viewfinder housing, while immediately below, a button lets the user select
from Multiple Exposure; Self-Timer and Remote Control
operation, the latter being supplied with
the camera. Further to the left are connections for a wired remote control
and a standard flash (both with screw-on caps); the button to pop-up the
built-in flash; the Macro Mode button; Exposure Compensation;
the Autofocus/ Manual Focus selectors; and a DC Input covered by
a rubber cap.
The
E-20N continues the design of the E-10's LCD screen.
The Sub-Dial is one of two dials used on the E-20N to make changes to
the camera's settings. The other is the Main Dial, embedded near
the top of the E-20N's back. 
)
button to turn on the screen, and one to call up the menu: 
.
the camera. Further to the left are connections for a wired remote control
and a standard flash (both with screw-on caps); the button to pop-up the
built-in flash; the Macro Mode button; Exposure Compensation;
the Autofocus/ Manual Focus selectors; and a DC Input covered by
a rubber cap. 
