Olympus E620 Review
Review Date : Wed, 29 Apr 2009
Author : Matt Golowczynski
- Product Shots: http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment/galleries/productshots/olympus/11854/1/0/olympus-e620-review-product-shot-images_pg_Inspire.html
- Sample Photos: http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment/galleries/sample-images/olympus/11262/1/0/olympus-e620-sample-images_pg_Inspire.html
- Video: http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/videos/reviews/311538/olympus-e620-preview-video.html
The Olympus E620 raises the Four Thirds DSLR standard once more. So is the E620 the Four Thirds DSLR we've all been waiting for? The What Digital Camera Olympus E-620 full review reveals all...
| Pros: | Art Filters, useful features, live view, LCD screen, wireless flash capabilities |
|---|---|
| Cons: | Noise levels, awkward handling, small and fiddly buttons, small buffer, a little expensive |
The Olympus E620 is Olympus's most recent take on the Four Thirds DSLR system, which the past year or so has seen go through something of a renaissance due to the announcement of the Micro Four Thirds format. The Olympus E-620 - maintaining the Four Thirds as opposed to Micro Four Thirds format - has caused considerable interest. But in such a challenging climate, and with the Micro Four Thirds system looming with so much promise, does the Olympus E-620 have enough relevance to be introduced at this time? The What Digital Camera Olympus E620 review reveals all...
Olympus E620 Review - Design
The Olympus E-620 is the 12th DSLR in Olympus’s Four Thirds family, targeted at enthusiasts and advanced entry-level users. Influenced by the E-30, the E620 builds on the E-420 and E-520 before it, although the company has stressed that it isn’t a replacement for either model.
The Olympus E620 has a 12.3MP LiveMOS device sensor, which in all probability is the same as, or at least similar to, the one found in the Olympus E-30. Measuring 17.3x13mm, images are output in the 4:3 format as standard, in a choice of Raw and JPEG options. The sensor is fronted by a Supersonic Wave Filter, part of Olympus’s dust reduction technology, and is complemented by an image-stabilisation system that claims to offer up to four extra EV stops of usable shutter speeds beyond what’s usually possible.
Olympus E620 review pages:
- Page 1: Olympus E620 Review - Introduction
- Page 2: Olympus E620 Review - Features & Design
- Page 3: Olympus E620 Review - Performance, Image Quality & Value For Money
- Page 4: Olympus E620 Review - Feartures Chart
- Page 5: Olympus E620 Review - Specifications
- Page 6: Olympus E620 Review - Verdict
Olympus E620 review - other What Digital Camera links:
- Compare the Olympus E620 with other DSLR cameras
Verdict
The Olympus E-620 provides the ultimate portable, creative DSLR - with this as a concept, Olympus has unquestionably succeeded. And, should the novelty of the E620's Art Filters wear off, or should you not be drawn to them in the first place, the Olympus E620 is still a fantastic camera underneath. Packed full of useful features, the model strikes a balance between Olympus's current entry-level and enthusiast DSLRs, and does indeed seem to be what Four Thirds proponents have been waiting for. The question is, would you be prepared to pay around £700 for the Olympus E620? After all, despite it being much cheaper than the E-30, it's only a continuation of the E-420 and 520 model, and so still entry-level in many respects. The omission of video capture is more forgivable, though this does look to be an area of growing interest in the future; will it be one entered by Olympus at some point? As a camera in its own right the E620 is a capable alternative to the more sober offerings from other manufacturers, and is genuinely fun to use. For the time being however it can be safely considered a pricey addition to the DSLR market, but one that should make quite a splash in the Four Thirds world. What Digital Camera Olympus E620 Review Verdict.
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Latest comments
November 28 10:50
David Curtis
I have just bought an E620, paired with an Olympus 12 - 60 lens. Straight out of the box, I was amazed by the results. Once I have got through the instruction book I am sure I will be even more pleased. Say what you like but this is one amazing camera.
January 13 20:52
IanS
I bought the e-620 with a dual lens kit at just over the £600 mark from Jacobs. I am amazed by the quality of the results and just love this little camera. I used to use Olympus 35mm kit and this is just as good. Perhaps the pro users with Nikons and Canons will sneer, I prefer Olympus and they have delivered a great camera.