The E-330 is an update of Olympus's previous digital SLR camera, the E-300. On the face of it, there are no major changes.

However, the big difference becomes apparent when the camera is switched on; it's now possible to view a live image on the viewfinder.

For those used to digital compact cameras – which is to say, most of us – that's not going to be an earth-shattering revelation.

Most digital cameras allow the photographer to use the screen as a viewfinder while lining up a shot. In fact, many digital cameras don't even come with conventional viewfinders any more.

On a digital SLR, though, things are different. Because SLRs use a mirror mechanism to direct the image from the lens to the viewfinder, the screen can't be used to view the image. So digital SLR users have until now been stuck with old-fashioned viewfinders for composing images.

The clever bods at Olympus have found a way round the problem, however, and the E-330 allows the user to use the screen as a viewfinder.

It also includes a standard viewfinder, and many users might stick to that. But for newcomers, the screen might be a big plus point. The screen is big and the image is clear, but it's slow to refresh, so movement looks a bit jarred.

Cleverly, the screen can tilt up and down, making it easier to see tricky overhead shots, for example.

The camera is easy to use, generally, with a selection of basic modes such as landscape, macro and night shooting, as well as fully automatic and fully manual controls.

Image quality is very good – there's a 7.5 megapixel CCD inside – and there is little noise on most images.

There's a small flash which pops up after a small well-placed button is pressed, and can be used to highlight dull or dark images. Like most built-in flashes, it won't be much use for longer distances, but the E-330 includes a hot-shoe adapter to take a flash gun.

There's one more innovation – the camera automatically cleans the CCD by shaking it each time it's switched on, to remove any dust particles that will create spots on the image. It's much like the technology integrated into the Sony Alpha 100 digital camera. It's another innovation in a very clever camera.

The recommended selling price of £900 is a little high, but it's widely available online for £200 less.

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Sony Alpha 100
Verdict: Boasting more pixels (for now) than its budget D-SLR rivals, Sony’s Alpha 100 mixes innovation with the tried and tested. The result is a camera that’s a fuss-free pleasure to use.
Rating: 5
Price: £599