“To develop the E-1 further, we need understand what benefits the user and how we can continue to evolve the system while keeping faith with the original development philosophy.
“Our first target was to achieve a better balance between high performance and multi-functionality than we did with the E-1.
“Obviously, this means greater ease of handling.
“Our second goal was to provide the new camera with Live View in order to give professionals a wider range of shooting possibilities.
“We were confident that, from the viewpoint of ease of handling, operability and expansion of shooting possibilities, Live View would be welcomed because it frees users from the any restrictions in shooting angles and makes it possible to shoot from angles that it is no exaggeration to say would be impossible with previous digital SLR cameras using the viewfinder.
“The main thing we were worried about was whether incorporation of Live View as a core component of the Olympus E-System would negatively affect the mobility and portability required for the next-generation E-1.
“We then went on to undertake cautious studies and ardent discussions, and eventually came to the conclusion that the successor to the E-1 needed to have an even higher level of picture quality, operability, functionality and mobility than the E-1.
“All the development staff agreed,” Ogasawara continued, gesturing to emphasize his enthusiasm. “The E-1's successor should inherit the philosophy of the E-1 but should also meet user needs more effectively.”

“Users can switch OFF the functions like Live View and image stabilization, but the fundamental functions involved in shooting such as the viewfinder and the control panel should be given as high operability as possible.
“We aimed at achieving a balance between high performance and multi-functionality, while improving the basic functions to the level of E-1 plus something extra.
“We believe that this is the correct path to follow to ensure stable and continuous system evolution.
“For example, to make it easier and more comfortable to shoot with the camera held vertically, we set the viewfinder position closer to the center than on the E-1.
This is mechanically possible by changing the layout from the E-1’s L-type to the T-type. However, it’s important to make sure this does not spoil the ease of gripping.
“All of this made perfect sense from the point of view of offering more benefits to the user.
“We made many clay models and tried out many different designs and layouts.
“As a result, we discovered that the form proposed by the designers was “inevitable”, which was almost identical to the layout with the mechanism in the center.
“In addition, the new flowing contours of the S-shaped form on the left part of the body where the user’s ring and little fingers contact the camera (when held with the left hand) makes it easier to hold and made lens replacement safer.
“This was also one of the features we insisted on.
“We hope that our customers can remain patient a little longer. Once they get a chance to actually experience how much more operable and functional the new camera is — much better than the original E-1 — and how solid and natural it feels, they will definitely appreciate the effort we have put into making this camera the best it can be. I am sure no one will be disappointed.”