E 330 super low noise?

[Sigbhu]

http://www.mycen.com.my/picturestory/e330_c.html

maybe that has soemthing do with the new sensor...who makes it, anyway?

[coldrain]

That is not really super low, is it?

[pip22]

olympus have not released any details regarding who makes the new sensor for the E-330. But if noise levels are lower than previous E models, I would think that's been achieved by using a cmos-type sensor (as used by Canon) instead of the more usual CCD type. However I've yet to see any high-ISO pictures from the 330 (or any pictures at all, for that matter) with which to make comparisons.

[George Riehm]

olympus have not released any details regarding who makes the new sensor for the E-330. But if noise levels are lower than previous E models, I would think that's been achieved by using a cmos-type sensor (as used by Canon) instead of the more usual CCD type. However I've yet to see any high-ISO pictures from the 330 (or any pictures at all, for that matter) with which to make comparisons.

It appears that the imager manufacturer has a new (to me) hybrid process, as according to the Malaysian write-up this is a CCD (NMOS) and CMOS hybrid. Hence one preview saying NMOS CCD and another saying CMOS. Or it could be a true hybrid using stacked die. Either way if it improves the breed then bravo.

As a note: CMOS is basically the combination of NMOS and PMOS. CCD's are typically designed and manufactured on NMOS.

Panasonic Semiconductor seems a likely suspect for the new sensor source, being part of the four thirds consortium, and having both processes. If not, then maybe Oly stayed with Kodak (not as likely).

Whether the 330 is an expensive entry level dSLR worth $350 more than the competition, or just another improved dSLR version of the C-8080WZ remains to be seen.

I would be more inclined to cheer a new and improved 4:3 sensor over the gimickry.