Olympus Evolt E500 8MP Digital SLR (Body Only)

by Olympus

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 6.1 inches ; 3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000BK393Y
• Item model number: 262060
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (141 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,051 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 18, 2005

Product Description

Style: Black Body Only

From the Manufacturer

Designed to be used by all photographers of any skill level, the E500's compact and durable body is packed with Olympus innovations like the exclusive Dust Reduction System for spot-free photos, 8 million pixels of detail for bright and colorful images, a TruePic Turbo Image Processor for fast response time, and an oversized, easy-to-view 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD.

Exclusive Dust Free Technology for Spot-Free Photos
Dust is all around us, and when swapping out a lens on a digital single-lens reflex camera there's a chance that a camera's electro-statically charged image sensor will attract micro dust that can ruin photos. Olympus's Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter, a patented ultrasonic technology that shakes at 35,000 vibrations a second to remove dust from in front of the camera sensor every time you turn the camera on. These spot-free photos liberate users from hours spent retouching photographs at the computer. The new Evolt E500, like all Olympus digital SLR cameras, is equipped with this exclusive user-friendly technology, and only Olympus has a solution to provide spot-free photography in a digital SLR.

Detailed, Bright, and Colorful Photos with 8-Megapixel Image Sensor
The E500 is loaded with an impressive 8 million pixels of detail, for bright colorful photos. The image sensor in the Evolt E500 is a high-performance Full Frame Transfer Kodak KAF-8300CE CCD that delivers improved dynamic range, low noise to capture fine image details in the highlight and shadow areas, as well as excellent color fidelity for brilliant colors.

TruePic Turbo for Clarity and Speed
Olympus's TruePic Turbo Image Processor provides fast camera response, operation, and processing speed for more responsive camera operation. For faster burst rates, the TruePic Turbo processor addresses the dedicated 64 MB image buffer for up to four TIFF or RAW images at 2.5 frames per second, and unlimited burst mode with HQ JPEG images and extreme speed Compact Flash cards.

Large, Easy-to-View 2.5-Inch HyperCyrstal LCD Monitor
Big and bright with 215,250 pixels, the E500 has a 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD that offers many times the contrast of conventional LCD monitors, so captured images can be beautifully displayed in vivid color on the screen with exceptional clarity. Because photos are for sharing, the E500 LCD features a wide, 160-degree viewing angle on the vertical and horizontal axis, ensuring excellent visibility and beautiful image quality even when everyone huddles around the camera to see what you've created.

The World's Largest Selection of Digital Specific Lenses
The versatility of the Olympus E-System comes from delivering the largest selection of "Designed-for-Digital" lenses--more than any other manufacturer to date. Olympus's Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses come in a wide range of focal lengths for achieving the best image result, and impress with their spectacular clarity and edge-to-edge sharpness.

Most other digital SLR cameras still use many traditional 35mm film lenses on digital bodies. But since those lenses are based on designs for film and not for pixels, they deliver insufficient light at the edges of a digital camera's image sensor. This can result in reduced sharpness and color definition, particularly when shooting with large apertures and wide-angle lenses. The E500 does not have this problem, because it accommodates the full line of interchangeable Zuiko Digital Lenses. These digital specific lenses are designed for digital capture with smart technology that allows the lenses to communicate with the camera to ensure the best possible image quality.

Olympus dedicated digital optics coupled with the Evolt E500 render sharpness and contrast more consistently at any given f-stop. The lenses are matched to the Four Thirds System standard image sensor for the optimal balance between image quality, camera, and lens size, and expandability. With a wide array of digital specific lenses to choose from, it's easy to select the ideal lens to bring along when you don't want to lug a lot of heavy, bulky gear.

Easy-to-Use, Easy-to-Handle Light and Ergonomic Design
Creating an affordable digital SLR that most anyone can pick up and start to use is about making it easier to operate. That means menus that make sense and buttons on the body that are easy to understand and operate; adding automatic settings for every imaginable situation; making the LCD big and bright enough so you can review a shot without squinting; and making it less of a chore to get images out of the camera and into your computer or printer. Moreover, at just 5.09 x 3.72 x 2.59 inches (W x H x D) and only 15.3 ounces, the Evolt E500 is light and compact enough to comfortably shoot with all day.

You don't need a degree in photography to shoot like a pro with the E500. Just take it home, charge the Li-ion battery with the included charger, and begin taking photos. Instead of working to find the right settings for the subject, select from one of the camera's 25 Exposure Modes (Easy, Basic, and Creative) that make it easy to get the results you want, whenever and wherever you want them.

To access the Easy Modes, simply turn the mode dial on the top of the camera to "Scene" and choose from a range of 15 pre-programmed Scene Select modes to achieve the optimal results for: Night Scenes, Fireworks, Sunsets, Beach and Snow, Children, Landscape, and more.

Every Scene Select mode on the Evolt E500 provides a sample image and a description of what is happening to achieve the desired result. For example, choosing the Landscape setting reveals a sample of a landscape photo, and a text description of what the mode is displayed on the large, easy-to-read 2.5-inch LCD.

The Flexibility of the Most Feature Rich Camera in its Class
Once one feature is mastered, there are a seemingly endless number of other features just waiting to be explored. Because the E500 is designed for the ultimate user-friendly experience, you can choose to let the camera make all the decisions, or take control for a new level of customization and performance.

• 5 Metering Modes: A new 49-Point Digital ESP Light Meter enables digital electro selective pattern metering for accurate exposures under the largest number of conditions. The Digital ESP can also be linked to the AF (auto focus) selection or independent of the AF selection for even more versatility. Olympus's widely acclaimed proprietary Digital ESP metering calculates the best light values under complex lighting conditions. Center-weighted metering is biased to the center of the viewfinder (cross) area. Spot Meter (2%) enables the most accurate metering for tough lighting conditions like backlit or spot lit. Highlight Spot Meter (2%) adjusts for predominantly white subject for correct exposure with detail. Shadow Spot Meter (2%) adjusts for a black subject, providing the correct exposure with detail.
• 3 Color Modes: Vivid/Natural/Muted: Vivid mode produces photos with more highly saturated colors and higher contrast to optimize images when vivid shots are required. The Natural mode produces realistic color similar to those seen by the human eye and is the perfect choice for the discerning photographer looking for the most realistic photos. The Muted mode is ideal for those users who plan to heavily manipulate or edit their images with the included Olympus Master Software or with Adobe Photoshop.
• A Choice of Two Color Space Settings: Users can choose from two color space settings according to their needs: sRGB, which is the standard for computer monitor viewing and inkjet printer output, and Adobe RGB, which is widely used for commercial applications.
• 9 Black and White Modes: Red, Yellow, Orange, and Green filters can be selected to replicate the same traditional film filters, enhancing the drama of the image in the Black and White shooting mode. In addition to Sepia tone, the Evolt E500 also offers users three tone effects: Blue, Green, and Purple for special results.
• Dual Card Slots: Users also benefit from two memory card slots--one for CompactFlash or Microdrive and another for xD-Picture Cards. Simply depress a button on the back of the camera to choose which card type to capture and copy images back and forth from one card to the other in playback.
• Support for High-Speed and High-Capacity Memory Media: The Evolt E500 supports 32-bit file formatting allowing the use of 2 gigabyte and larger CompactFlash, Microdrive, and xD media cards. The Evolt E500 also supports high-speed CF cards for faster operation in the burst mode.
• Simultaneous RAW and JPEG Image Recording: A choice of three image formats is offered: RAW, TIFF, and JPEG. If desired, image data can be simultaneously recorded in RAW and JPEG with the RAW+JPEG format.
• Contrast, Sharpness, and Tone Curve Controls: Contrast can be set to any of five levels, and sharpness can be set to any of seven levels. So whether you want pro-quality tonal fidelity or sharp vibrant colors, you can customize each image to suit their preference.
• White Balance: White balance settings from 3,000K to 7,000K can be set in 12 steps using button and dial controls, with +/- 7-step fine-tuning available for all settings. A one-touch white balance function allows users to store and retrieve up to four frequently used white balance settings at the touch of a button. By initially reading the light separately for the CCD, the camera can see a dramatic increase in speed without loss of accuracy.

What's in the box:
Evolt E500 digital camera body, USB cable, video cable, Li-Ion battery pack (BLM-1), Li-Ion battery charger (BCM-2), shoulder strap, Olympus Master Software CD-ROM, manuals, warranty card.

Product Description

Premium picture quality and superb performance come easy with this comfortable to handle digital SLR. At a time when we want complex things to become simple, the EVOLT E-500 succeeds in doing so with a sleek, lightweight design for impressive portability and advanced controls and options that can be accessed with minimal effort. Bursting with speed and producing spotless pictures with exceptional color and detail, the EVOLT E-500 is tailor-made for anyone to use while capturing the imagination in the process. Patented Dust Reduction System uses our Supersonic Wave Filter (SWF) to loosen and remove any and all dust and debris from the image sensor. The SWF vibrates at a rate of 35,000 times per second upon start-up as well as when manually activated - and is unnoticeable to the user - for clear, aberration-free images. This removal of dust also means you never have to worry about changing lenses Exercise total control with creative modes like Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual Auto/Manual Focus Automatic pop-up flash provides just the right amount of illumination when necessary and remains out of the way (closed) when not PictBridge compatible Dimensions 5 x 3.7 x 2.6 inch / 15.75 ounces body only Rechargeable Li-ion battery Pack BLM-1/3x CR123A with LBH-1

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

211 of 219 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Many blame the hardware but its almost ALWAYS the user. DSLR market just got competitive., November 7, 2005

By 

Jamshed J. Khan "Jimmy Khan" (Herndon, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Olympus Evolt E500 8MP Digital SLR with 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 & 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Lenses (Electronics)

PP= Post Processing (Photoshop and other image apps)
PQ= Picture Quality

My older brother, who by no means is a professional but has been an enthusiast since my father gave him his old Canon F series 35mm SLR in the 80s, has been my mentor.

He currently uses a 20D with a 420EX flash and some ungodly multi thousand dollar L series lenses. I recently purchased the E-500 dual lens kit for a fraction of the cost and must say that my brother and I both agree it is by FAR the best bang for the buck.

At the level 98% of us are at it is all user error and not camera error when our pictures don't come out as we would like (most professionals even say its mostly user error or lack of knowledge). I still have a friend who uses a small 2001-Canon S230 and takes pictures that are far better then most of mine.

In low light I have noticed that my E500 does not focus as fast as my brothers 20D (but it definitely still focuses) but from reading online with firmware upgrades they remedied this problem in the E300.

We both also agreed that it felt better in our hands (grip and general ergonomics) and was quite a bit lighter then the 20D as well.

He ,just as myself, LOVED the rear LCD controls for everything from ISO to flash speed and exposure, far more easier and quicker then the 20D for a newbie such as myself. But he commented saying it would have been nice if it had the small simple LCD up top that the canons do as a supplement to the detailed and informative one of the back.

PQ was amazing requiring very little PP, and with the vivid setting we both agreed that the colors did feel better and more vibrant (of course with a small PP Tweak the 20D was right there but for the casual photographer as myself I shy away from PP).

Bottom line we were both floored at what a phenomenal deal this kit is for the price.

---------- UPDATED 3/29/2006 ------------

Everything said above still holds true, and I must say this is one of the few purchases that almost 6 months later Im still VERY happy with and use it frequently. Through no advertising or sales pitch I have created 3 new customers for Olympus's E500 kit up to date.

My brother has over $4000 now invested in his camera and he still finds it amusing that my little old $700 kit gets as much attention from all our friends as it does. He recently upgraded to the 580EX flash and a new Wide angel L series lens, and I must admit VERY VERY amazing hardware bursting 3 or 4 pictures WITH flash is very cool.

But we recently went to India to tour Agra, see the Taj Mahal, Sikhanders tomb, and other such sites on the way. At the end of the trip without PP during the day my pictures looked better (we both agreed) and thats all I cared about (mainly talking about color saturation and not detail, just over all presentation). I will admit though in a couple action shots from our speeding bus his camera did perform better, and in the evening some of mine didnt focus properly while his did on the same subject, but Im not a pro, I just enjoy the hobby.

One of my better purchases in recent years.

His camera IS better, mine is just a better deal, it's all about peace of mind..

115 of 117 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Value and Wonderful Features, January 21, 2006

By 

AJS (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Olympus Evolt E500 8MP Digital SLR with 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 & 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Lenses (Electronics)

There has already been a lot said on this camera so far so I'll only add a few things. I have never owned an SLR type camera so this was a new experience for me - in fact, after owning the camera now for a month, I am finally just figuring out how to use it to its full potential - and its potential is very high.

First, let me say that this camera is an excellent value - 8 megapixels and packed with features, including the wonderful super sonic wave filter (which removes dust from the digital sensor). The Olympus line of Digital Zuiko lenses are fantastic, including one of the kit lenses (40-150).

A word to those folks like me (new to the SLR world) to clear up some confusion: a few of the reviewers have mentioned "bad low light performance." This is not a camera issue, it is more a function of the lens that is attached (or, the speed of the "film" (AKA sensor) that you have the camera set too). Without getting into too much detail, kit lenses included with all of these entry-level DSLR's are not exactly the best in low light situations - they are referred to in the photographic world as "slow" lenses - meaning that the aperture values they have at the low end are really only good in sunny conditions - at least without setting the camera to a much faster ISO (or film speed setting). So, in other words, the guy that said he is returning his Olympus to go get the canon kit is going to be just as unhappy with the performance of that camera in these situations as he was with the Olympus (from what I've read on the professional reviews of the canon, the kit lens is possibly the worst of all the major manufacturers). Blurry pictures are NOT the camera's fault - they are the user - set the ISO higher to get a higher shutter speed or buy a lens with a "faster" aperture. This is the same with all cameras.

So where does this leave one who is interested in purchasing this camera, well there are two options (at least in my opinion):

1. Buy the 14-45 and 40-150 kit. This really is an excellent value, and while the 14-45 lens isn't bad (it's very good outdoors), the 40-150 lens is fantastic. Search any major review - especially those folks that are enthusiasts about olympus and they'll tell you the same - this lens is remarkable for the price. However, if you do buy this kit (like I did), and you're planning on taking a lot of pics indoors or in low light situations, do yourself a favor and upgrade to the 14-54 f/2.8-3.5 Digital zuiko lens. This is the kit lens for the professional Olympus DSLR - the E-1. I purchased this recently and the difference is night and day compared to the kit 14-45 f3.5-5.6. The camera has no issues in low light situations, and the "speed" of the lens is fantastic. (BTW, I bought this off of ebay for $400 - I think amazon has it for about $430 with free shipping - so it's probably a toss up. (this price BTW is much cheaper than upgrading to comparable lenses of competitors like canon and Nikon - remember, you're going to have to do it no matter which camera you buy if you want good indoor/low light performance).

2. If I had to do it over again, I may have just bought the body. Save yourself $200 and just buy the e-500 body. Then take that $200 and apply it to the price of the 14-54 f2.8-3.5 lens - this would put the total purchase around $1000 and you'll have a fantastic lens to really learn how the camera works in all situations. So how do you get the great 40-150 lens? I noticed that there are probably 10 on sale on ebay at any given time (from people that are upgrading to the absolutely wonderful 50-200 digial zuiko zoom) for around $100-125.

Whichever option you choose, you really can't go wrong - this is a wonderful camera for a beginner or serious amateur in SLR photography.

Good luck and welcome to the olympus family!

247 of 262 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A digital camera for the traditional photographer, November 5, 2005

By 

David Bradford (Cary, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Olympus Evolt E500 8MP Digital SLR with 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 & 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Lenses (Electronics)

I should preface this review by saying I'm a bit of a Luddite: I hang on to the traditional tools in my primary fields of interest--music (both listening and performing) and photography. To me the Nikon F2 (well, OK, I'll stretch my endorsement to something as technically advanced as the aperture-priority F3) are the quintessential cameras: rugged, natural in the hand, and immune to the demons that possess electronic devices.

Then four years ago, my father gave me my first digital camera, a Minolta. I was initially skeptical, but I quickly came to enjoy the convenience of the camera. Then, when I paired with it the right printer (an Epson Photo R-800), I became a confirmed user, if not yet a fan. Based on that camera-printer combination (with the addition of a scanner for the conversion of my B&W negatives), I packed up my darkroom and offered it to the local public schools.

But even though I was happy with the print quality of the digital setup, I still missed the heft and the old SLRs, and I lamented the loss of control they offered me.

Then, based on fairly extensive reading of advance reviews, I decided to buy the Olympus E-500.

This camera is a revelation to me. I can't compare it to its competitors (none of which I've used extensively), but I can say that this camera fully reconciles me to digital photography. It gives me that reassuring "whump" when I press the shutter (rather than that puny "snick"), offers me total control in manual mode, allows the flexibilty of interchangable lenses, and--most importantly--seems to be to have as its paradigm (sorry for the word choice) the ways of a photographer trained on manual film cameras (rather than catering the "point and shoot" audience).

The menus are easily mastered, the features (including filters in B&W mode!) are remarkable, the battery lasts for hours of heavy shooting, and the images--even with the equivalent of a 300MM focal length--are stunning.

This is a remarkable camera at a very reasonable price.

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