Olympus has released the E-30 digital SLR with powerful in-camera artistic tools, including art filters and multiple exposure settings. The E-30 will lead the E-System lineup above the E-520 as the flagship Olympus DSLR.

The E-30 features a 12.3-megapixel high-speed Live MOS image sensor, advanced dust reduction and in-body mechanical image stabilization, so that every Four Thirds lens is stabilized. The new camera also offers a TruePic III+ image processor and full-time autofocus (AF) Live View.

The E-30 offers two AF systems to quickly focus and capture the image: Fast Autofocus with AF Live View and Phase Detection AF, which accurately focuses using an 11-point twin cross sensor.

The camera also offers an accurate 2.7-inch Live View HyperCrystal LCD that can rotate and swivel to 270 degrees, with a wide viewing angle of 176 degrees. The Live View function allows settings to be adjusted during composition. The E-30 provides nine aspect ratios, including the standard 4:3, the 16:9 cinematic format and others.

The E-30's art filters replicate dramatic effects while using the Autofocus Live View LCD. The multiple exposure setting allows the photographer to superimpose images from one shot onto another. The E-30 is also equipped with a digital level sensor that detects the camera's pitch and roll and indicates it in the optical viewfinder, on the control panel and during Live View operation.

Adding to the line of Four Thirds-compliant lenses, the Zuiko Digital 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 II has also been released. With a versatile 28-108mm (35mm format equivalent) zoom range, it boasts high-speed Imager AF support for Live View shooting and a circular aperture mechanism.

The Olympus E-30 DSLR body has an estimated street price of $1,299; the Zuiko Digital 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 II lens is $599.