Customer Reviews

Olympus Evolt E510 10MP Digital SLR Camera with CCD Shift Image Stabilization and 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens

5 star:		(134)
4 star:		(33)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I have had this camera for about a month and after using this, I felt compelled to write this review, especially after seeing some comments from first time SLR owners.

My advice to them, please think carefully before buying a dSLR. If all you are going to do is set this camera in Auto mode and shoot, you are making a mistake, an expensive mistake. E-510 or any other dSLR is not designed to excel in this department, definitely not as good as an advanced P&S.

If you want better image quality (color, dynamic range, low noise at high ISO, interchangeable lens etc) and convenience (IS, more buttons, speed), DSLR is the way to go. With power, comes the responsibility. You should also be ready to take the challenge of trying out different settings and spend some time in post processing the RAW images. You can get dynamic range that no P&S can match, if and only if, you are ready to spend the time on it. JPEGs straight from camera will not be significantly better, unless you tweak the settings for each situation perfectly.

Most complaints about this camera are about focusing, under or over exposure. You have to learn how an SLR camera works. There are different metering and focusing modes and you have to choose carefully. Also you have to decide whether to shoot aperture priority or shutter priority based on situations. You can also choose whether to shoot for high key or shadow areas.

No SLR in auto mode can give you a perfect shot of a person when the sun is behind him/her. Either use the proper P mode, or you use spot metering (or at least fill flash).

When something is moving, shooting with slow shutter will also result in blurry image and an SLR expects that the person behind the view finder knows these basics. So my advice is, read the manual and try out all the options and find the modes that suit your needs.

Also, the default ESP metering on this camera is a bit off. It's actually set to ESP + AF in factory. In my experience, if you change Menu2 > Metering to ESP, it works better. You might also consider turning the Noise Filter off for ISO 100 shots. It makes the images sharper (even with sharpness -2) and you can get details that you can't get in any other entry level camera at this moment. But, you might get some visible grains.

What I like -

1. IS, all my lenses are stabilized and I can get sharp shots sometimes at 1/30 when using focal length of 300mm in 35mm equivalent.

2. Clean high ISO, up to 800 is completely usable with little noise reduction. ISO 1600 gives you better or same results compared to other brands, only Canon is half stop ahead.

3. Image quality. The details with noise filter off, the color and the sharpness are wonderful. The dynamic range is not best in it's class, but with RAW files and a little time with Lightroom, it's not really an issue.

4. SSWF. The dust buster in this camera works, unlike other brands (read Canon/Sony/Pentax). Never got a single dust peck on the sensor and I change lenses frequently.

5. Live view. This is the only one in this class at the moment to have this feature. Another Olympus model, E-330 has it, but it was too expensive. This feature really helps when you have time and your eyes are tired. Also when you are shooting macro in an awkward position or using a manual focus lens and want to do precise focusing with the live view magnifier. This is a life saver for me that I can still use old manual focus lenses.

6. The size, weight and ergonomics. With the kit lenses you get 28-300mm range covered and NO OTHER brand can get you this quality in this size and weight. D40x is as good in handling, but lack of IS (and the price/weight of their VR lenses) was a deal breaker.

7. Speed. It's always ready for next shot. In drive mode, you can get 3 frames a second unlimited in HQ JPEG. With RAW, it's limited to 10 shots at the same speed and after that speed reduces to around 1.6 fps. Better than most in it's class if you have a fast card. I don't miss a shot these days due to camera.

What I don't like -

1. Though viewfinder is brighter than some previous Olympus models, it could be bigger. LV helps, but it's not usable always. A small issue considering my eyes aren't too bad.

2. Focus confirmation using manual focus lenses. Though I didn't buy this camera for this purpose, it would have helped a lot. Especially when Panasonic L1 and Pentax models have it, it's just a software fix they have to do so I am hoping they'll release a firmware with this fix.

These are just minor gripes and the second one is easily fixable. All in all, I would say this camera is a winner in the hands of a little experienced person, but a new owner will just need some time to get to know this little gem. IMO, it's the best camera in it's class today if you can live with the "Made in China" sticker on it.

As a professional photographer I have used Cannon and Nikon cameras. I purchased an Olympus E-500 two years ago and was impressed with the sharpness, color capture, and other features. Needing a second camera I tested several Cannon and Nikon pro-level cameras. I found the Olympus E-510 equal or superior to each in edge-to-edge sharpness and color capture using color charts and sharpness charts. Additionally, the ease of use of the E-510 was a contributing factor. I am also impressed with the four-thirds system lenses produced by Olympus; they weigh less then their equivalent lenses in the Cannon or Nikor lines and I feel give better edge-to-edge sharpness. The only negative is the narrow line of pro-level lens in the Olympus line.

I recommended the E-500 to my photography students and now I'll recommend the E-510 as the cost factor is important to students. If you are looking for a solid D-SLR I highly recommend the E-510. I suggest that consideration be given to purchasing the Olympus "high-grade" lenses rather then the kit lens for the advanced photographer. The kit lenses are fine for the consumer.

I would give this camera five and a half stars, really, if not for one issue.
And a pretty serious one.

But first the good news: the camera is great.
It works blazing fast, controls are excellent and so is the level of control.
All important SLR options, all those many competitors usually "reserve" for "professional" models - like all metering modes, auto ISO limit, custom WB, mirror anti shock, remote control capability, manual focusing after AF and even shutter release priorities - are there.
Anti-dust system and set of two lens gives you worry free 28-300 (10.7x) range, image stabilization works surprisingly good, widely rumored problem of dynamic range that is half EV below the competition is not visible in 99.95% of the pictures. The rest 0.05% requires microscope and 100% zoom to point out the blown out highlight.

All things considered - an excellent camera and value for money.

Of course, there are many things one may complain about, like slow kit lens (and fast lens are available, but expensive) or aggressive noise filter at high ISO (and it could be turned off) or one second delay at start up (never bothered me much) etc. But all these issues are pretty minor and every camera has list of them.

***
Now the bad news - low light focusing. I just do not understand that.
Here it is: below certain light level camera just struggles to get focus. That level is somewhat below standard living room illumination - so it does not bother many people in standard situations, but try to shoot at the dark bar or at the street in the evening - and change in camera behavior is dramatic. Suddenly it may take several seconds before focus is locked - way too long. Using flash to illuminate target does not help much - flash keeps strobing and strobing and strobing again and finally, when focus is locked it takes additional second to charge it for the shot. I rarely meet people who would stand still for that long... They think I made three pictures of them already, when I accomplished, well, none!

I perfectly understand the technical issue of focusing in low light, but... I am old Olympus E10 owner - and it have never bothered me much with this issue. Cheap Canon A70 have never bothered me with this issue either - well at least nobody expects performance from $200 compact camera.
May be these old cameras are not trying to get perfect focus when they cannot, may be they limiting time to some reasonable interval - I do not know, but Olympus should fix the problem. It is a show stoppers.

For now I turn off AF illumination and switch to shutter release priority in low light situations - but I need to recognize it first. I prefer to have slightly out-of-focus pictures, than no pictures at all. Olympus, do you hear?

I got this camera after reviewing & trying out several different brands at local stores. Compared with the others, the only one I liked better in the hand was the N80, which is considerably more expensive & lacks anti-dust & body-based image stabilization. The viewfinder on this camera is smaller than you're used to if you've shot 35mm SLRs for years, but it's not bad.

Now that I've been using this for a couple of weeks, I like it even more. The body-based image stabilization works well, I can hand-hold the long lens of the set (150mm) for a 1/20 second shot, and it comes out very clear, no visible shake. I can't really comment on the usefulness of the anti-dust capabilities, but have switched out lenses several times, & no dust spots are apparent on my shots. Image quality is great, but the Oly software is worthless. Terrible UI, and the included software that can do decent post-processing of the raw files is trial only. Photoshop Elements w/ Adobe's raw processing & batch conversion from the camera's ORF files to DNG's works great for me. The kit lenses are good, very comparable to old Zuiko lenses from the manual focus 35mm days. Fewer lenses are available for this system than for e.g. Canon or Nikon, but most of the needed lenses are out there. Only thing I really miss is a good fast prime (25mm f/1.4 or f/1.8 would be very appreciated, Oly!) Overall, I'm totally pleased w/ this camera & would recommend it.

Have had this kit for a week now and am throughly pleased with my purchase and Amazon's service. I ordered the kit Sunday evening, paid $8 for 3-5 business day shipping, and it arrived Wednesday afternoon, 2 days in my book. I am a noob at digital SLR photography, though I have used older film SLRs, and was able to get some amazing fireworks shots last night using the 40-150mm lens on a tripod (M-mode, 8s, F16, ISO 100, SHQ JPeg).

I am totally amazed at how easy it is to change settings. The buttons are well placed, at least for me, and the menus are very intuitive. I "glanced" through the manual before the camera arrived and began shooting as soon as the battery was charged. I've had nothing but fun, none of the usual frustrations with something new.

It's a lot of money, but I can't believe it won't last me many, many years and the kit lenses are very good, though I'm already drooling for the EC14 (and an EC20 would be even better to double the range).

If there is one negative I can think of it's getting used to shooting with 4x6 prints in mind. Oly uses a 4x3 format and that doesn't translate directly to a 4x6 sheet of paper. Mind you, I don't print often, but it's something to consider, especially if some of your family/friends are computer shy. :)

The other negative might be the Master 2 software. It is painfully slow, but does a good job for free software. I personally use Picasa for most things and Paint Shop Pro when needed.

EDIT: I just found out Amazon has a 30-day price guarantee. This means I will be getting a nice $88 refund on my credit card. Have yet to be disappointed with Amazon.

Here are my initial thoughts on this Olympus. The E510 makes its predecessor (the E500) proud. This camera will definitely keep the DSLR competition honest and only benefit us consumers! I am thrilled to-date. (3 days with it)

PROS
* Image Stabilization
* Great Construction, feels well made
* Light weight (lighter than my friend's Pentax K100)
* Phenomenal Kit Lenses
* Lightning fast AF with 2 very good & light Zuiko kit lenses
* Image quality, lower noise at higher ISOs
* Great battery life (500+ photos in mixed shooting conditions)
* Image sensor dust removal (at bootup)
* Both CF and xD cards

CONS
* Not a con, but Live View is quirky. When I use a DSLR I prefer to use the viewer, but I can see how some folks would LOVE to use the LCD. Its more of personal thing and if you dont want to use the LCD you just don't.
* No others yet

If you are reading this review, you are probably lost amongst all the DSLR choices, and wondering which way to go. If you are a pro, you will have already made up your mind to either buy this Olympus because you are interested in the Four-Thirds format, or you will be buying a Canon, Nikon or what-have-you because you have 3k invested in lenses. Fortunately, you can't go wrong with any of the major brands. There are variations of excellence, and some choices for features. For instance, the Pentax K10 is recognized as having good dust protection.

The particular features of the E-510 are:
- Four-Thirds format (do a google or wikipedia search on that)
- slightly more compact than other DSLRs
- "Live View" target image viewing on the rear LCD
- decent quality kit lenses
- 10MB sensor (other starter DSLRs are mostly 6-8MB, although still excellent sensors)
- Image stabilization

Technical reviews on photo sites such as popphoto rate this camera as excellent. But then, all the major brands perform to a very high level these days.

The auto-focus is rated as fast, but in low light it is slow, and takes up to 3 seconds while it blinks the flash continuously. Subtle it is not. Its automatic sensor cleaning on startup and shutdown apparently works, which is just as well because dust tightness is very poor while changing lenses.

The top and rear of the body are festooned with buttons for easy access to many common functions. Other features are accessed through the usual menu system on the rear LCD. There is no movie mode. Overall I have found the camera easy to learn and use. My wife is non-technical and has no problem getting good pictures in point-n-shoot mode. If in doubt, go "wide", because you can crop into a 10MB shot forever.

If you have chosen the E-510, you are probably wondering whether to buy the body only, the 1-lens or the 2-lens kit. When you buy an SLR, you are buying extensibility and potential. If you only ever use one lens, and never upgrade the built-in flash, you really might as well buy a compact. I went with the 2-lens kit, because even though both lenses have direct upgrades available (for a price!) the kit was a great value, and I might take kit lenses where there is a chance they might get knocked.

As with any DSLR, then, the kit is just the starting point. You must immediately budget around $50+ for a memory card, $20+ for a gadget bag, $25 or so for a spare battery (Duracell has one), a $35 good quality clear filter for each lens for protection (a MUST!), and a lens brush. This is over $100, all of which you will spring for in the first week. After that, if you never get a flash upgrade ($150-350+), an additional lens ($200++) and a mono- or tripod ($50+), then buy a compact. This may sound like a lot of money, but actually Olympus addons, especially the flash and lenses, are good value.

If you are choosing between the 410 and 510, only the 510 has image stabilization, which is built into the body and so works with all lenses. I.S. is decent but it will not fix sloppy handling in dim rooms. The 410 is even more compact, and is also more dust tight, and $100 cheaper.

Some folks buy DSLRs because they are neat, and a bit of a status symbol compared to your average compact. You can spot these types because they have the camera, one lens, and the built-in flash. You are really buying into a system, and a large and bulky system at that, if you are going to realize many of the benefits.

EDIT 1: New favorite button: exposure compensation, right next to the shutter release. Press it, then twiddle the knob under your thumb to quickly adjust exposure.

EDIT 2: For a few days, buy the flash too. There is an excellent rebate available right now.

I'm a long time photographer that places high value on construction quality and ergonomics, My original search lead me to a Panasonic DMC-L1 and nothing I looked at in the $1000-$2000 range had the quality feel and traditional ergonomics of the L1. For studio work I love the L1 but its size and weight make it a less ideal travel companion.

One of the original premises of the 4/3 system was being able to offer high quality pictures from a system that was less expensive, smaller, and lighter. Olympus seems to be offering several products that fit that premise. The latest being the E-510

The E-510 body is relatively light, very rigid and sturdy, with a quality feel. The two kit lenses (14-42 and 45-150) have the same cheap, horrid feel of other "kit" lenses, but these are considerably smaller and lighter and of higher optical quality than most. This two lens kit is capable of very high quality pictures over a large zoom range, while not taking up much space or weighing much. Its ideal for travel where you want a DSLR instead of a SuperZoom. Olympus offers plenty of high quality lenses and accessories if you want to make this kit the basis for a much larger system. I've added an 18-180 lans and Fl36 flash to mine so far.

The E-510 is as capable as anything else in its price range. Why would you or wouldn't you want to purchase it over its competition?

Pro's
- System small size, light weight, and high quality
- Effective Sensor self cleaning (don't underestimate this one)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization (a bit less effective than lens based but much cheaper)
- Awesome battery life
- Live view

Con's
- 4/3 sensor smaller and intrinsically less sensitive than larger APS sensors
- 4/3 viewfinder a bit dimmer and smaller making manual focus more difficult
- Creative program modes not as well done as some of the competition

What's missing?
- An auto ISO that permits 800 and 1600
- A sports mode that senses movement and adjusts aperture and ISO to ensure a frozen image
- Permit base changes of creative mode settings (currently lost when you leave and reselect a creative mode)

All of these missing things could be addressed in a firmware upgrade. Are you listening Olympus? ;-)

I've owned this camera (with the 2 lens kit) for about a week now and have spent this time getting to know it. It's exactly what I expected - which is a good thing. The IS works well - don't expect too much though, a tripod is still required in many situations - and the good performance at high ISOs (something previous Olympus dSLRs were often criticized for) combined with this gives you more options in more situations. People who have owned the e-500 have consistently said that the high-ISO prformance on the e-510 is much improved. I cannot comment on this or make a comparison, but I do think that the high-ISO performance (and many people underestimate how important this is) is excellent and the equal of its competitors.

Liveview works as advertised, it takes some getting used to due to the special properties involved but can be very useful in some situations (i.e. macros (which I don't take) or low-light situations w/ tripod using MF on the liveview zoom). It is also very nice being able to see a live histogram. The LCD screen doesn't tilt out but again, truth in advertising, you can see it well in direct sunlight (if a little dark) and indoors you can see it at ridiculous angles. It is important to remember, however, that this does not work in the same way as it does on a P&S. The mirror must flip up in order for the camera to focus, resulting in lag times that are often longer than the typical compact camera. One of the main advantages of a dSLR is the speed that can be achieved both for focusing and framing shots. In other words, for those of you taking a step up to dSLRs, this camera is not meant to be used using Liveview as the main way to set up your photos. What it is, is another option providing you with more flexibility and the possibility of getting certain shots that would be difficult/impossible without it.

Image quality in my opinion is quite good. In many reviews you are advised to turn off the Noise Reduction, and decrease sharpness (-2) to compensate and after fiddling around with these settings I agree. Remember to decrease sharpness across the board (Vivid, Muted etc). I would recommend only using noise reduction for very long shutter speeds.

The 3-point AF can seem limiting at first but if you take the time to frame your shots properly it is no hindrance. If anything it's making me consider this all important aspect more than I used to. And in other situations, when you don't have much time, the simplicity of it can be an advantage. Less is sometimes more. Focusing in dark lighting conditions can sometimes be difficult. In these circumstances, when stability is available, I like to use the LV enhancement + MF.

It is a comfortable camera to hold, and I especially like the ability to not only use the wheel but the 4-point controller to set things up while looking through the viewfinder. Once you get the hang of the menu layout it is actually much faster. 4/3 system makes sure both the body and the lenses don't break your back. Whether or not you like what this system offers, is a matter of personal choice. I use my camera almost exclusively for street and travel photography and so for me the decision makes itself.

The user interface is very intuitive, and I must say is a huge improvement over the last Olympus I owned (the C-8080wz - an absolutely fantastic P&S btw). It must be said that the excellent impression the previous Olympus I owned left on me was a factor in deciding to go for Olympus again this time.

RAW+SHQ are huge. I can fit 81 on a blank 2GB card. So make sure you have sufficient space. Write times are very good and the buffer space is excellent. I personally do not have a need for continuous shooting but those of you who do will be happy with this camera's capabilities. Battery life is also another plus, it takes a while to charge, but lasts very long.

Canon and Nikon will always dominate the market but thankfully there are other companies pushing the envelope in other directions, which ultimately benefits us, the consumers. And Olympus is foremost among them.

With excellent image quality and good high ISO performance, a quality build (though it uses plastic it feels much less "plasticky" than much of the competition), the best kit lenses available, good ergonomics and low weight and a (in my opinion) very user friendly menu system, the e-510 is a fantastic camera and I do not hesitate to recommend it. Personally, it is ideal, for the type of photographer I am and the types of pictures I take. But combined with its trifecta of features not offered (together) on any other dSLR in this price range (liveview, IS in body, effective dust reduction), Olympus have really hit a home run.

I wonder what the reaction (and sales) would be like if Canon or Nikon produced a camera like this. And I wonder why they haven't.

When I first saw this camera I fell in love with its compact form factor. After reading the full hands-on of the E410 from dpreview I pulled the trigger (since I'm on vacation this week). Just got back from Yosemite, shooting in automatic mode at SHQ (3648x2736) operation was easy even though I'm a DSLR newbie and I was mostly hiking not photogging.

Performance is quite phenomenal compared to my Camedia from 1998. . . I tried doing quick panos by shooting in full auto (~3fps) and just spinning in place (taking around 25 frames in 8 seconds). Two panos this way came out great, the third one I started on a shadowed area so the rest came out overexposed.

I've got the 8GB Extreme IV CF card in it, so the camera has a capacity of ~1000 SHQ shots.

Battery life so far is decent; one charge lasted all day yesterday, at least.

Zoom range on the shorter kit lens was acceptable. Due to the dusty environment I didn't pack the longer one.