Olympus E-520 review
Full specification for Olympus E-520
| Output Size | 3648 x 2736 pixels |
|---|---|
| Focal Length Mag | 2x |
| Lens Mount | Four Thirds |
| File Format | Raw, JPEG, Raw+JPEG |
| Compression | Super fine, fine, normal, basic |
| ISO | 100 - 1600 |
| Shutter Speeds | 1/4000 – 60sec. / Bulb |
| Drive Mode | 3.5 fps / Up to card capacity Large Normal JPEG / 8 frames RAW |
| Viewfinder Type | Eye-level pentaprism-type optical viewfinder |
| Field of View | 95% coverage |
| LCD | 2.7in LCD, 230,000 dots |
| Live Mode | Yes |
| Built-in Image Stabilisation | Yes |
| Dust Reduction | Yes |
| Focusing Modes | Single shot AF, single shot AF+MF, continuous AF, continuous AF+MF, MF |
| Exposure Modes | Auto, PASM, 20 scene |
| Metering System | 49 zone ESP Multi-pattern – multi, centre-weighted, spot, highlight, shadow |
| Exposure Comp | +/- 5 EV / 1/3 steps |
| Colour Space | sRGB / AdobeRGB |
| White Balance | Auto, Overcast, Shade, Tungsten Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent 1, Fluorescent 2, Fluorescent 3 |
| White Balance Bracket | Yes |
| Colour Temp Control | Yes (2000K - 14000K) |
| DoF Prview | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | Yes, GN 12m @ ISO 100 |
| Max Flash Sync | 1/180 sec |
| PC Socket | No |
| Cable Release | Optional |
| Memory Card | xD / CF |
| Power | Li-ion |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 |
| Dimensions | 136 x 91.5 x 68 mm |
| Weight | 475g (body only) |
| Other | - |
| AF Points | 3 (11 in live view Imager AF mode) |
| Video | <a href="http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/videos/reviews/285104/olympus-e420-and-e520-review.html">See Olympus E420 and E520 review video</a> |
Manufacturer website: Olympus
Have your say!
Latest comments
October 01 14:49
Stephen Brasure
With the release of the Olympus E-620, the E-520 is now available at some very low prices (at least in the United States). It's hard to find a better deal than the E-520 lens kit, which is a great camera for those purchasing their first digital SLR. Having purchased a dual lens kit for my first SLR, I'm more than pleased with the camera's performance but you do have to be aware of it's limitations, as with any camera. One advantage of the Olympus E-520 is the quality of the JPEG images straight from the camera. They are usually quite excellent, and those who prefer to avoid a lot of post processing should compare JPEG quality of the 520 with images from other entry level SLR cameras. The quality of Olypus Zuiko lenses available for the E-520 is generally considered to be excellent and competitive with comparable offerings from Canon and Nikon. And again, for the average consumer, buying into the 4/3 Olympus system isn't any more or less advantageous than purchasing other systems. That being said, if the purchaser plans to upgrade to a full sensor body, than sticking with Canon or NIkon or other system may be preferable. With the availability of quality lenses, getting started with a 520 system can be a very cost effective means to enter SLR photography. And, there is always the option of upgrading to a newer body i.e. E-620 as prices come down or newer bodies are released. Bottom line..........the Olympus E-520 is a very competent and cost effective camera system for most consumers.
May 26 16:35
Peter Bower
Quite frankly, most photographers would not notice the limitations of the 520, because they would never put the camera to extremes of use. 99% will just shoot on auto with perhaps a few minor adjustments. On the positive side, I have not seen better landscapes than with the Olympus 510/520. Only the Sony 850 equals it but look at the price difference. Olympus kit lenses are supurb for the money and must be class leaders. Fit an Olympus 14 - 54 F 2.8 zoom and you will get pro results that are hard to beat. I still prefer the 510 over the newer 620 because for me the pop art is of very low priority in taking factual pictures. I want real life reproduction and nothing more. Peter