I purchased the Olympus E-520 about 6 months ago after researching cameras for about 3 months. I looked at the Pentax K200D, Canon XSI, Nikon D40, Nikon D40x, Nikon D60, Sony Alpha 300 as well as the Olympus E-420 and the Olympus E-510.
I read all sorts of detailed reviews ([...] has some of the best ones), watched video reviews and product demonstrations on YouTube, spoke to friends and family that owned some of the cameras mentioned above and most importanty, I went to camera stores and actually held (and worked with) the cameras in my hands.
This is my first DSLR camera and compared to the competition, I’m very happy with my selection. I wound up buying the camera body with the 2 kit lenses. Originally I planned to only buy the body and then either the 14-54mm or 12-60mm higher end Olympus lenses but I decided that having two (lower quality) lenses would give me a nice range to work with as I learn different techniques. Also I like to take pictures outdoors and am very happy with the pictures I’ve taken so far. This is not to say that I haven’t taken great pictures at night or indoors, I have and I will say that you can too but you have to learn how to use the camera. I took loads of horrible pictures at first, lucky for me, my dad (who owns the Sony Alpha 300 and has been taking beautiful photos with SLRs for years) helped me to understand that most of my bad pictures were my fault and not the camera.
I’d also like to recommend a book or series of books, “The Digital Photography Book,” written by Scott Kelby. In this series Scott tells you exactly how to acheive a various effect without really explaining the theory behind it. He will say something like if you want to get that silky warerfall or stream effect this is what you need to do: Switch your camera to Shutter priority mode, an set the shutter speed to 1 or 2 seconds. To avoid getting a picture that is blown out (because of all the light your slow shutter speed is letting in) it is best to shoot around sunrise or around sunset. Since the shutter is open for 1 or 2 seconds use a tripod. Since the water is moving it will be blurry and the surrounding area will be sharp.
Books like the one mentioned above will help you to realize that there is a lot you can do with your camera if you only take the time to learn.
I read all of these Amazon reviews months ago and really like how people can comment on a someone’s review and I recommend that you check out the comments that appear on 1 and 2 star product reviews, sometimes the comments reveal that the user incorrectly reviewed a product and that is helpful to know!
All of the cameras above take good pictures. It’s important to feel comfortable navigating the camera menus, you should feel comfortable holding and taking pictures with the camera and you should think about what you’ll be using the camera for.
I actually just purchased the Olympus MF-1 OM Lens Adapter ($82 on amazon), which allowed me to buy an old Olympus OM 50mm f 1.8 prime lens. Good glass will help me take better pictures and this adapter helped me to get a good quality lens for a ridiculously cheap price (I got the OM 50mm f 1.8 prime on ebay for $20).
The more I use my E-520, the more I love it. I’m learning so much and appreciating all that Olympus packed into this lovely camera. You can check out to pictures that I submitted in online photo contests ([...]) by clicking on the following link:
[...]
Good luck in your search!
Joe
If you're looking for a camera, there are literally hundreds and hundreds of choices. So how do you decide on which camera to purchase? First, lets define some of the terms used when you're looking at cameras.
Point & Shoot: Point and shoot cameras are beginner level cameras. This type of camera eliminates the need for you to make any decisions on the camera settings. The camera decides on whether flash is needed and shutter speed. Depending on the camera, you may have options for a few things like whether you're taking a night picture, outdoor picture, fireworks, etc. You should also have a button to set the zoom level. If you're an amateur photographer, there are lots of great options in point and shoot cameras.
SLR or DSLR: SLR stands for "Single-lens reflex". These are aimed at the serious or professional photographers. These types have interchangable lenses, lots of manual controls, external flash units and a viewfinder that shows the image through the lens. A DSLR camera is much like a professional 35mm camera.
Optical Zoom: Optical zoom is when an image is magnified by the physical lens. In a point and shoot camera, the lens will move out from the camera to zoom in on the subject. Optical zoom doesn't effect image quality like digital zoom.
Digital Zoom: When a camera uses digital zoom, it's using software inside the camera to zoom in on the subject. Much like if you Olympus E-520 Camera were to zoom in on an image on your desktop computer, cameras work the same way. When looking at zoom on a camera, optical zoom is always preferred.
Image Stabilization: When you're taking a picture and the camera's shaking, image stabilization will kick in to help reduce the blur in the picture.
LCD: Liquid Crystal Display. The LCD is the digital display on the back of almost every point and shoot camera. These are used as the viewfinder and to review photos. Look at the number of pixels in the camera specifications to determine the quality of the LCD display. The higher the number of pixels, the better the display.
Pixel: A pixel is a single dot and the smallest element in a picture. When millions of these pixels are put together, it forms the picture. A pixel is so small, it couldn't be seen with the human eye.
Megapixels: A megapixel(mp) is very simply, one million pixels. Digital cameras usually define the image quality of the pictures. A 5 mp camera is made of 5 million pixels. A camera with a higher number of megapixels will take higher quality pictures.
SD Memory Card: A secure digital (SD) memory card is the memory card that goes in the camera to store your pictures. SD defines the technology that's used to physically store the image on the memory card. There are different types of SD cards that fit in different types of cameras like a micro SD or mini SD card. Your camera typically comes with a small capacity memory card. You will want to get a new one when you purchase your camera if you want to store a lot of pictures on it. Make sure to check the specs on the camera before you purchase an extra one.
xD Memory Card: Like an SD memory card, xD (extreme digital) cards are used to store your cameras pictures. xD cards are only used in Olympus or Fuji cameras. There are also several variations on the xD card. Check your camera specs before purchasing an extra card.
Geotagging: With the profiliation of GPS devices, cameras are now coming with GPS's built-in to them. A camera with geotagging capabilities can tag your photograph with the location and altitude where it was taken.
So given all the information above, the most important point to remember when you're shopping for a new digital camera is to find one that fits your lifestyle. If you like to carry a camera around with you to take impromptu pictures of your family, a DSLR camera is not going to work for you. However, if you like to make all the adjustments yourself and you aspire to be a professional photographer, you don't want a point and shoot camera. Most importantly, find one you will actually use. If it's too complicated and you end up not wanting to mess with it, it's going to sit at home and it's never going to get used.
Good luck and I hope this information has been helpful to you!
Help answer the question about Olympus E-520 Camera
Canon Rebel XSi or Olympus E520?
Looking for a new SLR and pretty much narrowed Olympus E-520 Camera it down to the Canon Rebel XSi or Olympus E 520. Any thoughts which is better or any ideas on an even better camera in the same price point??Thanks!
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I just got this camera this month (Dec. 2009) and I have already taken over 100 pictures with it. At first, I couldn’t figure out the Auto Focus – but then I took the time to read the manual and now I am in love with this camera. For an advanced user, this camera probably wouldn’t be too impressive — but for someone just learning a Digital SLR I think that they will be very happy. I have captured some great pictures of my Dog already (and she is a moving target, haha). I have a friend that owns a Canon Rebel and she checked my camera out and LOVED it as well. Any type of Digital SLR Brand Name w/ two lenses for under $500.00 is a steal… I cannot wait to have more opportunities to use this camera. I will not consider myself anything more than a Novice photographer, but I am a happy customer that is for sure.
I shopped and I compared before buying. While the E-520 is not my first SLR–I have owned and shot with Nikons and Canons for many years–it is my first Digital SLR. I am very comfortable with it. It is sturdy, good looking, flexible and efficient.
The main complaint I see regarding the E-520 is its ability to focus. That is a valid complaint. However…
First, every lens that Oly makes is different in its auto-focus characteristics. Yes, you will have to become familiar with each lens separately, but this is true of all SLR cameras and lenses.
Second, some lenses are better than others at AF. Most of the complaints I see come from birders, and they are probably using the 40-150 kit lens, or the 70-300 lens. These lenses do take some getting used to.
I was shocked when I received the 70-300. It’s a monster! But I have been able to focus on a wire 100 feet away, then move the camera and focus 200 yards beyond that within a split second; same with the 40-150 kit lens after a little practice.
In low light, I recommend that one ALWAYS focus manually.
As far as the quality of the image produced by the E-520 (once you master the focusing aspect), it is spectacular. I have spent hours comparing images from the E-520 to those from Nikons and Canons. There is virtually no difference. (Check out the review and compare images at: [...]
If you’re willing and able to spend $8000 for the top Nikon body (and another $10,000 or so for lenses), you will get that little bit of extra resolution and snappy auto-focus. But you didn’t spend $18,000 for the Olympus E-520.
Is it fair to buy a $25,000 Pontiac Solstice and expect it to perform like a $160,000 Ferrari?
The E-520 is an amazing camera. Period. Full stop. It’s even more amazing when you consider that you can buy it with two kit lenses and add the 50mm “Pro” lens and still have spent under $1000.
Happy shooting!
Nikon and Canon get most of the attention when it comes to the dSLR market. And for good reason. They are great cameras. But they might not be the perfect choice for everyone. I submit that this camera competes completely with anything Canon and Nikon can bring at this price point. With features like anti-shake in the camera and several scene modes, this camera makes life a little easier for folks in a hurry. I was suprised at how well this camera is able to pull in really good shots on the fly.
I bought my E-520 in November of 2008 and we purchased this second camera for my father.
As said before in many other reviews, the E-520 is a DSLR with full control over it’s features. In-body image stabilization works great and allows all 4/3rds lenses to be stabilized.
The E-520 pairs beautifully with the 50mm f/2.0 Zuiko Digital Macro.
The 14-42mm is a versatile wide angle and the 40-150mm is a great entry level telephoto.
Check out the reviews on [...]
The pictures taken from this Camera came out wonderfully. I owned a Olympus Digital Camera earlier. On that strength I purchased this Olympus E520 and I feel that I did the best thing.
Just went by the reviews on Amazon and the more expensive model of the same lineage. I am quite pleased with the speed and quality of pictures. Hunts a bit in low light, but the colors in the picture are quite good. Overall, a good buy for the money and an easy picture taker.
I started my DSLR experience with the E-510, while this was a quirky little camera that needed cajoling to perform well, the E-520 is nothing like that. After a year with the E-510, I ended up replacing it with the E-520 and what an improvement this camera is! A lot of quirks that the E-510 had (blown highlights, excessive contrast, bad LCD, underexposed mid-tones in JPEG) had been remedied in the E-520 and to add to that a bunch of newer features had been added as well. The most notable ones (for me) are:
1. Imager AF in live-view with face detection.
2. IS mode 3 for vertical panning.
3. Bigger and brighter and a more accurate LCD.
4. And by far the best addition, remote flash triggering for up to 3 groups!
It’s amazing that Olympus could offer so much in a so-called “beginner” level camera and to think Nikon doesn’t even offer live-view view! This is one of the biggest reasons for me to stick to Olympus as they don’t skimp on features even in lower-level bodies.
I have no hesitation in recommending this camera for the first time DSLR buyer as well as a pro looking for a back up body for the E-3. Although compact, it’s very nicely built and has a superior and much better build quality than the E-500 as well as similar Canon offerings.
I had the two kit lenses but sold the 14-42mm lens and kept the 40-150mm lens. I’m simply amazed with this lens as it offers an effective 300mm focal length in the smallest package currently in the market. I took the E-520 along with this lens to a recent U2 concert and the guards didn’t even stop me as they couldn’t tell what this lens was capable of by looking at its size! I ended up getting some stunning images with this camera and lens combo.
Last, but not the least, I would like to talk about IQ; Olympus has sorted out the tone curve in the E-520 and its MUCH better than the E-510 and allows amazing pictures straight out of the camera. I have no qualms using this camera all the way up to ISO 800, although at ISO 1600 the noise is higher than average and in some cases one will also notice banding in the shadows. I normally switch to B&W for ISO 1600 and that makes all the difference. However, in a pinch you can get some excellent ISO 1600 colour images as well if you’re willing to shoot RAW and carefully process. This is about the only “minus” in this camera that I can think of.
Overall, this is an excellent camera and gives an excellent bang for the buck and I highly recommend it!
I purchased the Olympus E-520 about 6 months ago after researching cameras for about 3 months. I looked at the Pentax K200D, Canon XSI, Nikon D40, Nikon D40x, Nikon D60, Sony Alpha 300 as well as the Olympus E-420 and the Olympus E-510.
I read all sorts of detailed reviews ([...] has some of the best ones), watched video reviews and product demonstrations on YouTube, spoke to friends and family that owned some of the cameras mentioned above and most importanty, I went to camera stores and actually held (and worked with) the cameras in my hands.
This is my first DSLR camera and compared to the competition, I’m very happy with my selection. I wound up buying the camera body with the 2 kit lenses. Originally I planned to only buy the body and then either the 14-54mm or 12-60mm higher end Olympus lenses but I decided that having two (lower quality) lenses would give me a nice range to work with as I learn different techniques. Also I like to take pictures outdoors and am very happy with the pictures I’ve taken so far. This is not to say that I haven’t taken great pictures at night or indoors, I have and I will say that you can too but you have to learn how to use the camera. I took loads of horrible pictures at first, lucky for me, my dad (who owns the Sony Alpha 300 and has been taking beautiful photos with SLRs for years) helped me to understand that most of my bad pictures were my fault and not the camera.
I’d also like to recommend a book or series of books, “The Digital Photography Book,” written by Scott Kelby. In this series Scott tells you exactly how to acheive a various effect without really explaining the theory behind it. He will say something like if you want to get that silky warerfall or stream effect this is what you need to do: Switch your camera to Shutter priority mode, an set the shutter speed to 1 or 2 seconds. To avoid getting a picture that is blown out (because of all the light your slow shutter speed is letting in) it is best to shoot around sunrise or around sunset. Since the shutter is open for 1 or 2 seconds use a tripod. Since the water is moving it will be blurry and the surrounding area will be sharp.
Books like the one mentioned above will help you to realize that there is a lot you can do with your camera if you only take the time to learn.
I read all of these Amazon reviews months ago and really like how people can comment on a someone’s review and I recommend that you check out the comments that appear on 1 and 2 star product reviews, sometimes the comments reveal that the user incorrectly reviewed a product and that is helpful to know!
All of the cameras above take good pictures. It’s important to feel comfortable navigating the camera menus, you should feel comfortable holding and taking pictures with the camera and you should think about what you’ll be using the camera for.
I actually just purchased the Olympus MF-1 OM Lens Adapter ($82 on amazon), which allowed me to buy an old Olympus OM 50mm f 1.8 prime lens. Good glass will help me take better pictures and this adapter helped me to get a good quality lens for a ridiculously cheap price (I got the OM 50mm f 1.8 prime on ebay for $20).
The more I use my E-520, the more I love it. I’m learning so much and appreciating all that Olympus packed into this lovely camera. You can check out to pictures that I submitted in online photo contests ([...]) by clicking on the following link:
[...]
Good luck in your search!
Joe
This is my 28th digital camera and I love it. I had the Canon SXI for a short while and it was good but did not impress me. This SLR does impress me. It is wonderful for scenic work and for studio work. It is the best buy in a dSLR by far.
I have been an Olympus Camera user since I bought my OM-1 over 30 years ago. My first digital camera was the C-3030 camera which provided great use for over 8 years while living aboard my sailboat in the Caribbean. It was a natural choice to move up to the e-520 as I have a large collection of OM lens and wanted to use them on the new DSLR. The camera has a feel very similar to the C3030 in both menu and general feel. After receiving the camera I was really impressed with the quality of the images, both vibrant and great resolution. Although the original OM lens won’t give me auto-focus, this has proved to be a minor problem as I am used to the full manual functions of the OM-1. The quality of the pictures using the OM lens has been extraordinary. If you are looking for a camera that gives you a lot of bang for the buck I would highly recommend you consider it.
This is my 28th digital camera and I love it. I had the Canon SXI for a short while and it was good but did not impress me. This SLR does impress me. It is wonderful for scenic work and for studio work. It is the best buy in a dSLR by far.
I have been an Olympus Camera user since I bought my OM-1 over 30 years ago. My first digital camera was the C-3030 camera which provided great use for over 8 years while living aboard my sailboat in the Caribbean. It was a natural choice to move up to the e-520 as I have a large collection of OM lens and wanted to use them on the new DSLR. The camera has a feel very similar to the C3030 in both menu and general feel. After receiving the camera I was really impressed with the quality of the images, both vibrant and great resolution. Although the original OM lens won’t give me auto-focus, this has proved to be a minor problem as I am used to the full manual functions of the OM-1. The quality of the pictures using the OM lens has been extraordinary. If you are looking for a camera that gives you a lot of bang for the buck I would highly recommend you consider it.
I started my DSLR experience with the E-510, while this was a quirky little camera that needed cajoling to perform well, the E-520 is nothing like that. After a year with the E-510, I ended up replacing it with the E-520 and what an improvement this camera is! A lot of quirks that the E-510 had (blown highlights, excessive contrast, bad LCD, underexposed mid-tones in JPEG) had been remedied in the E-520 and to add to that a bunch of newer features had been added as well. The most notable ones (for me) are:
1. Imager AF in live-view with face detection.
2. IS mode 3 for vertical panning.
3. Bigger and brighter and a more accurate LCD.
4. And by far the best addition, remote flash triggering for up to 3 groups!
It’s amazing that Olympus could offer so much in a so-called “beginner” level camera and to think Nikon doesn’t even offer live-view view! This is one of the biggest reasons for me to stick to Olympus as they don’t skimp on features even in lower-level bodies.
I have no hesitation in recommending this camera for the first time DSLR buyer as well as a pro looking for a back up body for the E-3. Although compact, it’s very nicely built and has a superior and much better build quality than the E-500 as well as similar Canon offerings.
I had the two kit lenses but sold the 14-42mm lens and kept the 40-150mm lens. I’m simply amazed with this lens as it offers an effective 300mm focal length in the smallest package currently in the market. I took the E-520 along with this lens to a recent U2 concert and the guards didn’t even stop me as they couldn’t tell what this lens was capable of by looking at its size! I ended up getting some stunning images with this camera and lens combo.
Last, but not the least, I would like to talk about IQ; Olympus has sorted out the tone curve in the E-520 and its MUCH better than the E-510 and allows amazing pictures straight out of the camera. I have no qualms using this camera all the way up to ISO 800, although at ISO 1600 the noise is higher than average and in some cases one will also notice banding in the shadows. I normally switch to B&W for ISO 1600 and that makes all the difference. However, in a pinch you can get some excellent ISO 1600 colour images as well if you’re willing to shoot RAW and carefully process. This is about the only “minus” in this camera that I can think of.
Overall, this is an excellent camera and gives an excellent bang for the buck and I highly recommend it!
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