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Camera Review: Olympus EVOLT E-510 Digital SLR

Posted by John Pastor • August 14, 2007 • Printer-friendly • Feed • Share

Olympus EVOLT E-510 digital SLR

Just over a year ago, I reviewed the EVOLT E-500 from Olympus and it was by far the best digital SLR I've ever used. More recently, Olympus took this camera to the next level with the E-510.

The E-510 Dual Lens Kit we received comes with a 14-42mm lens for wide angle shots and a 40-150mm for telephoto shots, and it's a great package for someone who is new to digital SLR cameras. Compared to the E-500's 8.0 megapixel sensor, the E-510 kicks it up a notch to 10 megapixels - giving you high-quality, stunning images. Combined with the sensor is the Live View CMOS that gives you the live view (get it?) of the image without having to look through the viewfinder.

Olympus EVOLT E-510 digital SLR

After unboxing the camera, I charged the battery, installed a memory card, and got to the shooting. No need to read the manual. It's that simple. Battery life was great, and I didn't even have to charge the battery within the month that I had the camera.

Olympus also included 13 scene modes in the camera and an additional 5 dedicated modes on the control dial itself for things like fireworks, macro, nature, sports, and more.

In terms of performance and photo quality, the E-510 won't let you down. It offers a fast continuous shooting mode at 3.2 frames per second and optical image stabilization system that works quite well. On the downside (and the only downside with the camera), Live View is sluggish at times like when autofocus is on.

Worried about having to lug around a heavy camera and lens? Not to worry, the EVOLT E-510 is very light and comfortable to hold in your hands. Best of all, you can buy it for under $1000 for the dual lens kit, or $900 with the 14-42mm lens only. Already have Olympus lenses? The body will set you back $800.

Pros

  • Fast continuous shooting mode.
  • Optical image stablization system works great.
  • Lightweight and comfortable.
  • Live View allows you to see a preview on the LCD.
  • 18 scene modes.
  • Dual memory card support (CF and xD).
  • Excellent battery life.

Cons
Live View is sluggish in autofocus mode.

Final Verdict
5 out of 5 stars.



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