要談E1的身世,就得回溯到二十年前美國Las Vegas的PMA( 2003 Las Vegas, 02 March 2003, 08:00 a.m)展覽,Olympus發表了4/3系統的原型機(Olympus exhibits the Four Thirds system digital SLR prototypes)。
(有注意到機身上沒有E1的番號嗎)
新聞稿是這樣寫的
Las Vegas, 02 March 2003, 08:00 a.m. - Visitors to this year's PMA have the chance to witness a defining moment in the development of professional digital SLR photography. Between 2 and 5 March, Olympus will unveil, for the first time ever, prototypes of the new Four Thirds system digital SLR camera, lenses and accessories.
The Four Thirds system is a new open standard for digital SLR cameras with interchangeable lenses that utilise a 4/3 inch image sensor. In addition to facilitating the development of camera lens systems specifically designed to maximise digital image sensor performance - without being bound by the design conventions imposed by 35mm film camera SLR systems - the Four Thirds system establishes a common standard for lens mounts, ensuring compatibility between lenses and bodies even if they are produced by different manufacturers. Furthermore, the Four Thirds system interchangeable lenses are much smaller and lighter than 35mm and APS SLR lens systems.
Olympus is currently developing a line-up of Four Thirds system bodies, interchangeable lenses, and accessories that offer professional-quality ruggedness, performance and system expandability.