The 10-megapixel Olympus E-420 is a purposely compact DSLR that features Live View and Shadow Adjustment technology.

Product Overview

Overall rating:

86%

Olympus E-420

Overall score:86%
Features:90%
Value:90%
Performance:80%
Image Quality:85%
Design:85%

Pros:

  • Little effort to carry, dust reduction, excellent value for money, consistent AWB

Cons:

  • Handling, position of right eyelet, highlight control, slow AF system with standard lenses

Product:

Olympus E-420 Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£330.00

Features: Page 4

Built-In Flash

The built-in flash has a guide number of 12 (at ISO 100) and is operated automatically through the camera or manually via a button on the top plate. An assortment of slow-sync, rear-curtain-sync and flash compensation options may be selected.

Wireless Flash

As was the case with the E-3, wireless flash operation is also possible. The camera is able to synchronise safely with up to three compatible off-camera flash units – at present, this will work with the FL36R and FL50R wireless flashguns. This allows individual positioning and control over each separate unit and is clearly something Olympus is pushing, having also recently made it possible on its SP range of bridge models. The camera is also compatible with Olympus’s non-wireless units, including the two ring and twinflash options, but not the FL-40 flashgun.

Misc Features

Face Detection and Perfect Shot Preview modes are both available, allowing you to view a preview of an image at different exposure and white balance settings so that you can select the most appropriate settings. Images are whisked onto the user’s choice of either CompactFlash, xD or the less common Microdrive media formats.

  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. Features: Page 1
  3. 3. Features: Page 2
  4. 4. Features: Page 3
  5. 5. Features: Page 4
  6. 6. Design
  7. 7. Performance: Page 1
  8. 8. Performance: Page 2
  9. 9. Image Quality
  10. 10. Value For Money
  11. 11. ISO Comparison
  12. 12. Olympus E-420 Controls Layout
  13. 13. Verdict
Page 5 of 13 - Show Full List