Hankering for a Camera: Olympus E520

Woohoo!! I mentioned this model in a previous entry about the E420. And it's finally arrived. Was it worth waiting for? Well, near as I can tell, it is.

pictures from dpreview.com

Announced May 13, 2008, the E520 is Olympus' upper-entry level camera upgrade to the E510. The E520 sports similar features to its older counterpart, with nearly identical external features, even down to the measurements and weight. One of the few cosmetic differences one would notice between the two would be blue markings instead of green. Another would be a differently texutrized and finished command dial. However, one of the biggest differences between the E510 and E520 comes in a bigger 2.7 inch, 230,000 pixel LCD screen.

E510 rear (photo from dpreview)

VS

E520 rear (photo from dpreview)

While both the E510 and E520 have the sensor-shift image stabilization feature, (a feature you won't find in their compact little brothers, the E410 and E420), other improvements you'll find in the later model are...

• Contrast detect autofocus (with select lenses)
• Face detection in live view mode
• Auto Gradation (Dynamic Range enhancement)
• Faster continuous shooting speeds (3.5 vs 3.0 fps)
  
• Wireless flash control (Up to three groups)
• Additional Image Stabilization mode for panning

While most of the features that the E520 possesses would be a considerable upgrade from the E410, or even from the E420 that it came out with, if you're able to do without the above mentioned new features, you'd probably be set with the E510. But then again, who wouldn't want additional Image Stabilization for panning, or wireless flash control? :)



For a more indepth interview, please visit depreview.

cross-posting: photobu.

Hankering for a Camera: Olympus E510

I want a dSLR. And not just any dSLR... well, ok, I'd settle for any, but if I had the means, I'd probably go for the Oly EVOLT 510. Why?
Well, aside from the digital dedicated 4/3 format which allows for smaller and lighter lenses that gather more light than those made for 35mm, there's the 10 megapixel Live-MOS imaging sensor, enabling the user to compose pictures with the 2.5 inch hypercrystal LCD (which in itself allows a viewing angle of up to 170 degrees without shadow or glare) in Live View mode, not something that most dSLRs are able to do. It also utilizes two storage mediums: CF and XD memory cards, allowing the user more storage options than your usual dSLR. Like other Oly EVOLT dSLRs, it possesses a Supersonic Wave Filter for sensor dust protection, allowing the user to change lenses in almost any field condition. It also features an in-body image stabilizer, meaning that, since it's part of the body itself, image stabilization with this camera can be used with any lens.

Honestly, I haven't got much in the way of experience with dSLRs. If I do get to have though, I'd want to have one of these. :D According to www.olympusamerica.com, it retails for about $999.99 with two lenses: 14-42mm and a 40-150mm! Wow. Anyone need a liver? I'm kidding.