Olympus E-510 / EVOLT E-510

Opinion: I don't really understand people who rate cameras without actually handling them - or testing them. Anyways, I've had a sneak preview of the new E510 and I'll note any positives" of the new camera as well as any downfalls...

First off the camera is much more responsive in low light condition unlike earlier models, faster focusing and noise has been reduced at higher ISO and in low light conditions.

The liveMOS system has been fully intergrated into this model and allows the user to aim the camera like a point and shoot... same as the E330 camera. Some people love this feature and other simply hate the idea as it breaks with photographic tradition...if you don't like the LiveMOS viewing then you can turn it off by touching a button. The view finder in this camera is very comfortable to look through and digital information appear inside - fstop, focal length and lighting conditions. Very smooth. The body is made from plastic but it fits very nicely in your hand. This reminds me of the Canon Rebel XT.

Performance: While some people condemn Olympus for noise problems, I have to say that noise in this particular model is quite low across the board. Far far better than any Olympus camera to date, hands down - even a bit better than the E410 -- not sure why that is??
Now you might wonder how this camera compair to other entry dSLRs. Well lucky thing, I did a test. Here is my overview. At 100 ISO I put the E510 beside the Nikon D80 and the Canon Rebel XTi - no noise filter. The preset colors on the E510 were off a bit so I adjusted and tried again. The E510 had less color noise than Nikon and Canon - shadow noise was very low and less obvious than either the Canon XTi or Nikon D80. Okay so I pushed the next test - 1600 ISO - I found far less noise than expected...obviously Olympus has improved significantly here. Canon XTi and the Nikon D80 showed a marked increase in the noise factor --- in fact, I'd say the color noise was 10% worse in the Nikon/Canon models than what I saw with the E510. Shadow noise was on par with the E510.

So like I said before - this is a great leap forward for Olympus. Go buy one, you won't regret it - promise! This is a fine camera for keen photographers.

Color accuracy: You need to adjust this camera before you simply shoot with it. Using an 18-180mm lens I found the performance pretty decent - and it is a slow lens.
Once adjusted correctly to lighting condition this camera is simply a gem to use. No camera is perfect...

Opinion: I was able to pick up and use a E410 which is basically the same camera, without the anti-shake. The low light problem is gone as far as I could see. I tried to get a bad shot under several lighting conditions and just could not make the camera do so.

Olympus beats all comers with its anti-dust reduction system! Cannon's is a joke as is Nikon's. Go to the Four Thirds sight and read some of the testimonials by professionals on Olympus' dust reduction.

I plan on buying the E-510 when it hits the market with the two lens kit. If it is not what it is cracked up to be -- I will go back to the E-500. However, if it is anything like the E-410, plus having anti-shake and live preview, the photos will be spectacular!

Good feel to the body, well designed buttons, and light weight. Excellent kit lens by the way, even better than the older models that were with the E-500 -- beats Cannon's kit lens!

Opinion: I love this camera. I have tested the IS and it certanly makes a difference in long shots and low light. Noise is significantly reduced over the 500 at high ISO. The kit lenses both use ED glass and are very sharp. For the money there is no better camera available. None!

I have now had this camera for about 9 months and I still think it is a great camera. I have a test site for those that would like to see test images.

http://www.pbase.com/maddogmd11/tests

Now that Olympus has updated the firmware to allow the use of IS in manual lenses I am happier since I have an excellent 300mm OM lens.

The kit lenses are amazingly small and very high quality for kit lenses.

Opinion: I am extremely satisfied with my purchase of the 510.

It exceeds the image quality of more expensive cameras and then has the added benefit of a very large range of useful features.

Image stabilization extends the range of situations you can take a hand-held photo. Live view is indispensible for macro photos, low level or overhead shots. This will become an expected feature on all cameras in future, along with effective dust eliminationl.

Picture quality is outstanding with accurate colour and very low noise. The small amount of noise on the higherst ISO settings is fine and has an appealing, film-like grain.

Focus is accurate and very fast. Coupled with the unlimited 3 frames a second, it makes a responsive sports camera.

The E510 is light to carry, easy to understand and versatile.

I believe this camera will be very popular with a wide range of buyers and will set a new benchmark for cameras in its price range.