Digital Photography Review - Olympus E520 SLR
Performance that Works for the Photographer on a Budget
The new upper-entry-level camera from Olympus is really just a refreshed version of their E510. With its excellent price point and new feature list though, it is a must have for the photographer on a budget.
Whether you’re a professional photographer, or a hobbyist, this SLR simply works.
Olympus E520 SLR
Olympus E520 New Model – New Features
The new 10 megapixel E520 has several advantages over the older E510 model that it replaces. In fact, with the upgrades, the new model includes comparable features to the higher end Olympus E-3.
Some of the advantages to E520 when compared to the older model:
* Larger, 2.7″ LCD display
* Faster Shooting Speeds 3.5fps compared to the older 3fps
* Wireless flash control
* Additional Image Stabilization
* Contrast detect autofocus
* Automatic face detection
* Dynamic Range enhancement
The E520 Digital Photography Review
With the camera’s new enhancements, it leads me to believe that Olympus has finally come up with a camera that may just give Canon a run for their money. The Rebel line of cameras has long held the top spot for entry to mid-entry level DSLRs, with the E520 that may be about to change.
The E520 will be marketed in two models. For $599 you can get the camera body itself, and if you spend an extra hundred you get Olympus’s newer 14-42mm lens as part of the package.
When you pick up your new E520 there are a few things you’ll notice right away. First of all, it feels good. It is slightly heavier than its predecessor, but as far as SLRs go, it have the right amount of bulk/weight.
Next you’ll notice the new bigger screen. The extra .2” over the old model makes all the difference when reviewing your images on the camera’s LCD. Olympus improved the contrast on the new model which makes the screen easier to see under any lighting conditions.
Along with those, there were other details about the camera that I liked.
1. Extensive menus, with many options/settings: This camera is adjustable to suit any shooting requirements.
2. 650 Images on one battery charge: The E520 beat out my Rebel Xsi by 150 shots (in terms of number of pictures taken with one battery charge).
3. Dust Reduction: Olympus is years ahead of the competition with their dust reduction system.
4. Image stabilization that works: One of the biggest improvements I found was with the built in image stabilizer.
Along with the good there was also a few things I didn’t like. For example, the camera won’t allow you to delete an image without first entering review mode. In most cases this isn’t a problem, but there are times when the first picture doesn’t work. With most of my cameras I would simply delete and then shoot again. I also didn’t find the documentation to be sufficient. With its wide variety of menu options, you would think that proper instructions would be supplies; they weren’t.
All in all, if you’re in the market for a mid-entry level camera, I would definitely put this one on my list. With the major improvements over the older E510, Olympus may just give Canon’s Rebel series some competition.
