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Olympus E-3

Olympus · fixed lens · 2.00× crop

The Olympus E-3 uses the built-in lens (fixed-lens camera) with a 2.00× crop factor (about 17.3 × 13.0 mm sensor). Below: equivalent focal lengths, maximum shutter speeds for sharp stars, a hyperfocal distance chart and how to check the shutter count.

Mount
Fixed lens
Crop factor
2.00×
Sensor (approx.)
17.3 × 13.0 mm
Circle of confusion
0.015 mm

Equivalent focal length & field of view

Lens focal lengthFull-frame equivalentDiagonal FOVHorizontal FOV
8 mm16 mm107.0°94.5°
10 mm20 mm94.5°81.7°
12 mm24 mm84.1°71.6°
14 mm28 mm75.4°63.4°
16 mm32 mm68.1°56.8°
18 mm36 mm62.0°51.3°
20 mm40 mm56.8°46.8°
24 mm48 mm48.5°39.6°
28 mm56 mm42.3°34.3°
35 mm70 mm34.4°27.8°
50 mm100 mm24.4°19.6°
85 mm170 mm14.5°11.6°
135 mm270 mm9.2°7.3°
200 mm400 mm6.2°5.0°
300 mm600 mm4.1°3.3°
400 mm800 mm3.1°2.5°

Multiply by the 2.00× crop factor for the full-frame equivalent field of view.

Milky Way exposure: NPF and 500 rule

Focal lengthNPF @ f/1.8NPF @ f/2.8Strict NPF @ f/2.8500 rule
8 mm20.2 s24.6 s13.3 s31.2 s
10 mm16.2 s19.7 s10.7 s25.0 s
12 mm13.5 s16.4 s8.9 s20.8 s
14 mm11.6 s14.1 s7.7 s17.9 s
16 mm10.1 s12.3 s6.7 s15.6 s
18 mm9.0 s10.9 s6.0 s13.9 s
20 mm8.1 s9.8 s5.4 s12.5 s
24 mm6.8 s8.2 s4.5 s10.4 s
28 mm5.8 s7.0 s3.9 s8.9 s
35 mm4.6 s5.6 s3.1 s7.1 s

NPF = (35 × f-number + 30 × pixel pitch) ÷ focal length, with a pixel pitch of 3.3 µm (typical for this format — exact resolution not in our database). The strict version (Michaud's detailed NPF for the galactic core) gives pin-point stars at 100% view; the 500 rule is a loose rule of thumb that shows trailing on modern sensors.

Hyperfocal distance chart

Focal lengthf/2.8f/5.6f/8f/11f/16
10 mm2.4 m1.2 m0.8 m0.6 m0.4 m
14 mm4.7 m2.3 m1.6 m1.2 m0.8 m
16 mm6.1 m3.1 m2.1 m1.6 m1.1 m
18 mm7.7 m3.9 m2.7 m2.0 m1.4 m
20 mm9.5 m4.8 m3.4 m2.4 m1.7 m
24 mm14 m6.9 m4.8 m3.5 m2.4 m
28 mm19 m9.4 m6.6 m4.8 m3.3 m
35 mm29 m15 m10 m7.5 m5.1 m

Focus at the hyperfocal distance and everything from half that distance to infinity is acceptably sharp (circle of confusion 0.015 mm). Use the hyperfocal calculator for other settings.

How to check the Olympus E-3 shutter count

Olympus and OM System bodies show shutter actuations in a hidden service menu; ExifTool does not usually report it. Search for your model's service-menu key sequence.

ExifTool tag: (service menu). Always test an original, unedited file straight from the card.

Where to buy

Compare new and used prices at these retailers:

B&H PhotoAmazonKEH (used)MPB (used)

FAQ

What is the crop factor of the Olympus E-3?
2.00×. A 24 mm lens frames like a 48 mm lens on full frame.
What shutter speed should I use for the Milky Way with the Olympus E-3?
With a 8 mm lens at f/2.8, about 25 seconds keeps stars sharp (NPF rule).
How do I check the shutter count on the Olympus E-3?
Olympus and OM System bodies show shutter actuations in a hidden service menu; ExifTool does not usually report it. Search for your model's service-menu key sequence.