The photo world got a peek at Four Thirds, the first imaging system and lens mount designed from the ground up for digital. In addition to establishing an open design standard, the forward-looking digital SLR technology, introduced at the Photo Marketing Association International trade show last March, promises greater dynamic range and less noise in captured images. But shutterbugs already owning numerous lenses will probably remain entrenched in "yesterday's technology."
Olympus's E-1 SLR, the first camera designed with the new specs, features a larger 5.08-megapixel 4/3-type CCD exactly matched to the lens for full frame transfer. Built like a tank, easy to use, yet lighter and smaller than the typical digital SLR, the innovative E-1 even features a supersonic wave filter that pops any dust particles off the CCD.

While the $1,800 (street) E-1 captures stunning photos, it may not make the A-list of many photographers -- digital or not -- who already own a stable of Canon, Nikon, or other lenses. Using the E-1 means acquiring new lenses and at this point, there are only five.

It's also a little more expensive than Canon's 10D and Nikon's D100, both with street prices of $1,500. Pentax, Sigma, and Fujifilm also have their own digital SLRs as well. The key to success for the E-1 and Four Thirds is the availability of lenses and support.