Olympus HLD-4 POWER BATTERY HOLDER E-3

I have been using the Olympus HLD-4 battery holder for about a week and I couldn't be more pleased. I have used a similar type of power pack on my Nikon 35mm cameras in the past, however this one is far superior to the ones I used in the past.

I really appreciate the comfortable feel. Even though it adds more weight, everything is well balanced. The addition of the optional AS-GS3 strap gives much added support and comfort.

The additional buttons on the battery holder really come in handy and they are very well placed for comfort and convenience. I use the extra shutter button often since I shoot a lot of portraits.

My power pack is still using the original batteries that I loaded last week. Although I shoot over 200 photos daily, I still have plenty of power in the unit. I shoot in the 5 fps mode often, and the camera is never slowed down by lack of power.

I believe that anyone with an Olympus E-3 should give the HLD-4 a try. Once you get used to the added weight, the extra power and comfort are well worth the price.

I purchased this battery grip for my new Olympus E3 thru Amazon from Cameta Camera. Unfortunately the grip I received from this seller failed in is primary function which is to allow me to take pictures while holding the camera in portrait mode. The shutter button just simply does not work and the Fn button, the AF button, and the front and rear thumb wheels do nothing to adjust the settings on the camera. Also, the info screen on the LCD display does not flip when I reposition the camera. It does power the camera so I am giving it 2 stars, and I am hoping this vendor stands behind their product and provides me with a replacement. I will update this review with details of my experience with Cameta.

The good news is that this grip is fully compatible with the E-30. The dials and buttons fully replicate the functions of the buttons on the body. Battery life is terrific; I shot over 1,000 frames at an athletic event and the charge indicator didn't budge from "full." Be aware that zooming your lens can create a lot of torque and might cause the electrical contacts to lose connection. This will cause the camera to freeze, but this is quickly and easily fixed by removing and reconnecting the grip. Overall, this is a very useful accessory for those who do a lot of vertical shooting.

I have been wanting to buy the HLD-4 Power battery holder for my E-3 for a while. After checking around for about 2 months I checked back with Amazon.
I read many reviews on this item to make sure people were happy with the HLD-4. The item was described to the T everything I needed or wanted to know was there. The description was perfect I new what I was getting long before it arrived at my door. I bought my Olympus E-3 from Amazon and I have never been happier with this item. I have never used or for that matter really ever heard of a four thirds system. I'm along time user of Canon SLR. But when I started reading about the four thirds system I thought why not. The HLD-4 was the icing on the cake. Thanks Amazon

This is an item which is helpful for anyone who has a big hand, because, without it it is not quite possible to find the place for two fingers on the camera body. I have E510 and E1 and I know what am I talking about. Taking vertical shots is much more convenient than without it. The only minus is short battery duration. In comparison to the Canon, this is not something you could be very proud of. If anyone has a good offer fo help, I'll be more than happy to receive it. :-))))))