You will get the same shooting effects in its new E-620 as found in the E-30, but the new E-620 is cheaper; that's what the Olympus touts about its new digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) E-620, launched today.

Olympus launched its DSLR E-30, which was priced at $1,299.99, in November last year. About the new E-620, Olympus says that it is smaller than the E-30, but offers the same shooting effects at roughly half the price.

According to Olympus, the new 12.3 megapixel E-620 offers more powerful imaging than its E-420 and E-520, but sans the $1000-plus price tags of the E-30 and E-3.

Technologically, designed similar to the E-30, the new E-620 is also equipped with a 12.3-megapixel live MOS sensor, a 2.7-inch LCD screen that pivots on a retractable arm, and six "Art Filters". The six "Art Filters" can be used while shooting photos: Soft Focus, Pale & Light, Light Tone, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, and Pop Art. Like the E-30, offering the same Multiple Exposure Shooting effect, the new E-620 allows users layer multiple shots.

Now, many of you may ask, if the shooting effects are the same, then what makes the new E-620 different from the E-30? Difference certainly is there. 

While the E-30 has 11 focus points, the E-620 has 7 focus points; Where the E-30 has 5 frames-per-second shooting at maximum resolution, the E-620 has 4 frames; and where the E-30's fastest shutter speed is 1/8000, the E-620's is 1/4000. Furthermore, the E-620's Multiple Exposure Shooting effect is capable of merging 2 to 3 photos, depending what mode it's in, but the E-30 is capable of merging up to 4 photos in any of its Multiple Exposure modes.

The Olympus E-620 available in two kits in May. The camera body only kit will be available for $699.99, and the camera kit with the Zuiko 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 lens will be available for $799.99. Olympus will also offer optional accessories, which will include a battery grip, and an underwater housing rated for use down to 130 feet.