Digital Cameras Ratings

I am very pleased with this bundle.Everything (including the Compact Flash card) is compatible with this camera.I especially liked the Guide to Digital SLR Cameras DVD so that I could more easily learn what all of the standard DSLR functions mean and how to use them, like ISO, white balance, etc. without having to learn all of this from the printed manual.This is a must if you are just getting started.I would say that this bundle would appeal more to someone just starting out or someone who uses their camera as a hobby.The bag and tripod and sturdy and functional, but of course not top of the line.The extra battery, USB card reader and cleaning kit are great accessories to have.

Product Description
The new Olympus E-520 digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera delivers brilliant images thanks to advanced technologies that help take the blur out. Industry leading Image Stabilization built into the portable camera body compensates for movement so that images are sharp and blur-free with any lens and even at slow shutter speeds. Autofocus Live View brings subjects into sharp focus on the camera’s HyperCrystal II LCD. Together, these technologies produce amazing results, along with the following features that further expand the DSLR experience:
Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens: This 3x standard zoom lens is the smallest and lightest in its class and features a closest focusing distance of only 25cm. The ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and two aspherical lens elements correct aberrations without increasing lens dimensions. The circular aperture diaphragm enables beautiful defocusing.
Olympus 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens: (80-300mm equivalent) which provides users with greater telephoto power for far-away shots in a compact size. This telephoto lens is smaller than many standard zoom lens at 2.6 inch diameter x 2.8 inch length and a weight of 8.8 ounces – a real benefit for anyone who wants to pack a powerful zoom lens without taking up much space. It also has great close focusing abilities, and is able to capture a subject up-close from a distance of 31.5 inches (.8m).
++PLUS++ 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit: Loaded with extremely useful accessories!!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Olympus Evolt E520 10MP Digital SLR Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Zuiko Lenses + 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit

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I am coming from an Olympus C-8080 and a Panasonic DMC-FZ18.Both of these are decent cameras, but not quite SLR quality.Also, the Panasonic is the worst macro camera I have owned.Since I was looking for more options with macro/closeup photography, I wanted a DSLR.My old SLR was an OM2n (back in the prehistoric camera days).I considered getting the E-510 or Nikon D60.Both are decent cameras, but after seeing pictures, decided to stick with Olympus and wait for the 520.I am glad I did!
I normally have a problem with a bit of camera shake and don’t use a tripod.I just shot 400 pics and not one bit of camera shake!I was surprised to find out that I didn’t even have Image stablization enabled.It is very easy to hold this camera steady.The lens and the viewfinder are crystal clear.I stongly suggest that you get the fastest CF card you can to record your pictures, and at least 4GB. I should tell you though, that I am shooting in both raw and fine jpeg format.This typically takes longer to write. The xd cards are too slow when shooting raw and fine jpeg.Another thing to make yourself aware of:Liveview does not seem perfected in any camera yet.It may take some time, but it is a bit bothersome, because there is a wait between recording photos when using Liveview.If you don’t mind using the viewfinder,or waiting about 2 seconds between pictures, it’s not a problem.Also, my battery compartment door seems to stick a bit.May need broken in, or it’s just tight.
On the plus side:I have only had this camera 36 hours and already feel totally comfortable with it.I have heard people say that it’s not user-friendly.I disagree with that statement IF:you have previously owned and used Olympus cameras.This camera isn’t that foreign when coming from Olympus.Yes, it takes getting used to the buttons a bit, and my thumb does accidentally hit a button, but heck, I haven’t even had the camera a couple of days.I also suggest that you buy the telephoto lens.Unless you shoot all wide-angle pictures, you will not be satisfied with this lens package.Regarding the Olympus lenses … Primo, very good quality for a zoom/package deal.Much better quality than I expected.I like my pictures to be as crisp as possible, with the lowest noise (who doesn’t?), so I have experimented with shutting noise reduction off and using software to reduce noise.The results were good in my test results.The scene modes of the camera are good.I haven’t used them all yet (I had to put the camera down and get some sleep sometime in the past 36 hours), but am impressed with face detection on, macro, night modes.The flash is fairly strong.I have never had a built in flash, which doesn’t give some type of red eye or blue eyes in dogs, this has not happened yet with the 520.Impressive, but I would suggest if doing closeup, that you diffuse the flash, or stand back a bit and zoom on the subject. REVISION:If you use the Macro nature mode, it seems to adjust the flash a bit. Also, if you like to experiment, play withe the “Vivid mode” a bit.I’m usually not a fan of modes, but in bright sunlight, my colors came out exactly as they should be.
If you are considering buying a more expensive camera and are NOT doing professional studio work, I would say; don’t waste your money.Get this camera, because you will be impressed.If you are doing studio work, I would still tell you to get this camera, but get a better lens.After all, it’s not always about the camera, but it is always about the lens.Anyone who has ever bought a no-name, camera-store “pushed on you” lens, knows what I am talking about.
When my next lens arrives, I will post more information under the “40-150mm Olympus zoom lens”.Highly recommend this camera!
REVISION:Today, I received the adapter to let me use my old OM-2N lenses. I bought a generic one through ebay and it works just fine.I attached my old Tamron 90mm SP macro lens and began shooting.First, be aware that everything has to be done manually.This may not be practical if you need speed when focusing, unless you have mastered, manual focusing.I find that I shake the camera more with the heavier, manual lens, but with practice, I think that can be overcome.In other words, if you own the old OM lenses and don’t have the money to get a new lens, buy the adapter and be prepared to make some adjustments.
If you have a flash/lighting system and a tripod, those adjustments will be lessened.I don’t think I would do this for the life of the camera, but I would use the old OM lens (especially if you have a high quality one), until I could afford a new digital lens.I also have the 40-150mm digital lens (the one they give in the package deals), and am very impressed with the quality. I have posted some pictures, so you can get an idea of what this camera can do. If you scroll over the pictures, you will see the pictures I shot with the old OM-2N lens. I didn’t make any revisions, so that you can get an idea of how the pictures come out of the camera (no photoshop).

Product Description
Your life is full of priceless, fleeting moments that you want to keep just the way you see and feel them. Preserve each moment with the E-520. With the E-520’s Live View, you can shoot your subject while viewing it on the LCD monitor, so it’s just like shooting with a compact camera. In addition to phase-difference detection AF, the E-520 incorporates a high speed Imager AF that offers easy 11-point multi-area autofocusing with Live View simply by half-pressing the shutter button. Face Detection AF automatically detects up to 8 faces at a time and adjusts focus appropriately. Accurate composition is assured by the monitor’s 100% field of view. The E-520 is equipped with a 2.7″ HyperCrystal II LCD monitor with high-definition 230,000-dot resolution, improved contrast ratio, and enhanced color reproduction capability. While shooting with Live View, framing-assist patterns or a histogram can be displayed on the LCD monitor to improve your picture composition and check exposure condition. The E-520 incorporates a Live MOS sensor with 10-Megapixels, Olympus’ original TruePic III image processing engine delivers improved imaging, gradation expression and color reproduction capabilities as well as minimized noise at high ISO setting. Olympus’ highly acclaimed dust reduction system employs a Supersonic Wave Filter in front of the image sensor, which vibrates at such high speed and with such great power that it removes even the most stubborn dust; dust that cannot be removed by just shaking the image sensor or by discharging the static electricity.Weight -475 grams (body only) Requires use of an Olympus Zuiko lens or compatible for use of camera

Click Here to see more reviews about: Olympus Evolt E520 10MP Digital SLR Camera with Image Stabilization (Body Only)

The E-520 is my very first DSLR and I have had it now since April ‘09 (the Easter Bunny brought it and I can’t say enough good things about this camera or this combo.

The camera body is lightweight enough to carry all day without getting tired but sturdy enough to not feel “cheap”.The two kit lenses cover most of the distances the average user will want or need, and again neither one is a back-breaker.I use the 40-150mm when I am going to spend a day at the zoo to bring the animals closer to me (since they won’t let me get closer to them .

One really nifty feature that the camera offers is the ability to use Live View Boost to focus and frame pictures with an infrared filter in place on the front of the lens and to actually see what the camera will record.Pretty cool.

The controls are easy to use and I think the only challenge I have encountered where they are concerned is not in using them but in remembering what to use when and to remember what menu it is under. Fortunately, most of the things you will need most often (wb, AF, Flash, ISO, etc.) also have dedicated buttons easy to find right there on the camera body.You can also set your own custom profile combos to allow you to quickly switch from one set up to another without having to remember what you did the last time that you liked.

The 20 scene modes make life very easy especially when you are just starting out or if you don’t want to think and just want to shoot.And the ability (with the optional waterproof housing and light) to shoot underwater would be a really cool thing to do.

Color is great, clarity is great, the ability to remotely control the FL-36R or FL-50R flash units without having to have them attached to the camera by wires of any kind is great too.

A word about the proprietary XD card (the camera supports three different recording formats, CF, XD and Microdrive (But who uses those really?)) you can have the card in the camera in addition to the CF card and I would recommend having one just for the panoramic assist option which is only available if you use the XD card.The panoramic assist supports horizontal and vertical pans and the stitching software is built into the Olympus Master software that comes standard with the camera.

The only down side to having this camera is that you may find it difficult to find all the different lenses available at your local camera store (but there is always Amazon) as Nikon and Cannon have much better marketing.Oh, and one more word about lenses, you can get adapters which will allow you to use not only Olympus OM mount lenses from your SLR but also Pentax, Minolta, Nikon, Cannon, Miyama, and all the rest.Olympus only makes the OM mount adapter but you can find all the others aftermarket.You will need to be able to manually focus and set the f-stop on the lens itself as those features won’t be supported through the adapters but it sure opens up options.

Product Description
Your life is full of priceless, fleeting moments that you want to keep just the way you see and feel them. Preserve each moment with the E-520. With the E-520’s Live View, you can shoot your subject while viewing it on the LCD monitor, so it’s just like shooting with a compact camera. In addition to phase-difference detection AF, the E-520 incorporates a high speed Imager AF that offers easy 11-point multi-area autofocusing with Live View simply by half-pressing the shutter button. Face Detection AF automatically detects up to 8 faces at a time and adjusts focus appropriately. Accurate composition is assured by the monitor’s 100% field of view. The E-520 is equipped with a 2.7″ HyperCrystal II LCD monitor with high-definition 230,000-dot resolution, improved contrast ratio, and enhanced color reproduction capability. While shooting with Live View, framing-assist patterns or a histogram can be displayed on the LCD monitor to improve your picture composition and check exposure condition. The E-520 incorporates a Live MOS sensor with 10-Megapixels, Olympus’ original TruePic III image processing engine delivers improved imaging, gradation expression and color reproduction capabilities as well as minimized noise at high ISO setting. Olympus’ highly acclaimed dust reduction system employs a Supersonic Wave Filter in front of the image sensor, which vibrates at such high speed and with such great power that it removes even the most stubborn dust; dust that cannot be removed by just shaking the image sensor or by discharging the static electricity.Weight -475 grams (body only)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Olympus Evolt E520 10MP Digital SLR Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Zuiko Lenses

I am coming from an Olympus C-8080 and a Panasonic DMC-FZ18.Both of these are decent cameras, but not quite SLR quality.Also, the Panasonic is the worst macro camera I have owned.Since I was looking for more options with macro/closeup photography, I wanted a DSLR.My old SLR was an OM2n (back in the prehistoric camera days).I considered getting the E-510 or Nikon D60.Both are decent cameras, but after seeing pictures, decided to stick with Olympus and wait for the 520.I am glad I did!
I normally have a problem with a bit of camera shake and don’t use a tripod.I just shot 400 pics and not one bit of camera shake!I was surprised to find out that I didn’t even have Image stablization enabled.It is very easy to hold this camera steady.The lens and the viewfinder are crystal clear.I stongly suggest that you get the fastest CF card you can to record your pictures, and at least 4GB. I should tell you though, that I am shooting in both raw and fine jpeg format.This typically takes longer to write. The xd cards are too slow when shooting raw and fine jpeg.Another thing to make yourself aware of:Liveview does not seem perfected in any camera yet.It may take some time, but it is a bit bothersome, because there is a wait between recording photos when using Liveview.If you don’t mind using the viewfinder,or waiting about 2 seconds between pictures, it’s not a problem.Also, my battery compartment door seems to stick a bit.May need broken in, or it’s just tight.
On the plus side:I have only had this camera 36 hours and already feel totally comfortable with it.I have heard people say that it’s not user-friendly.I disagree with that statement IF:you have previously owned and used Olympus cameras.This camera isn’t that foreign when coming from Olympus.Yes, it takes getting used to the buttons a bit, and my thumb does accidentally hit a button, but heck, I haven’t even had the camera a couple of days.I also suggest that you buy the telephoto lens.Unless you shoot all wide-angle pictures, you will not be satisfied with this lens package.Regarding the Olympus lenses … Primo, very good quality for a zoom/package deal.Much better quality than I expected.I like my pictures to be as crisp as possible, with the lowest noise (who doesn’t?), so I have experimented with shutting noise reduction off and using software to reduce noise.The results were good in my test results.The scene modes of the camera are good.I haven’t used them all yet (I had to put the camera down and get some sleep sometime in the past 36 hours), but am impressed with face detection on, macro, night modes.The flash is fairly strong.I have never had a built in flash, which doesn’t give some type of red eye or blue eyes in dogs, this has not happened yet with the 520.Impressive, but I would suggest if doing closeup, that you diffuse the flash, or stand back a bit and zoom on the subject. REVISION:If you use the Macro nature mode, it seems to adjust the flash a bit. Also, if you like to experiment, play withe the “Vivid mode” a bit.I’m usually not a fan of modes, but in bright sunlight, my colors came out exactly as they should be.
If you are considering buying a more expensive camera and are NOT doing professional studio work, I would say; don’t waste your money.Get this camera, because you will be impressed.If you are doing studio work, I would still tell you to get this camera, but get a better lens.After all, it’s not always about the camera, but it is always about the lens.Anyone who has ever bought a no-name, camera-store “pushed on you” lens, knows what I am talking about.
When my next lens arrives, I will post more information under the “40-150mm Olympus zoom lens”.Highly recommend this camera!
REVISION:Today, I received the adapter to let me use my old OM-2N lenses. I bought a generic one through ebay and it works just fine.I attached my old Tamron 90mm SP macro lens and began shooting.First, be aware that everything has to be done manually.This may not be practical if you need speed when focusing, unless you have mastered, manual focusing.I find that I shake the camera more with the heavier, manual lens, but with practice, I think that can be overcome.In other words, if you own the old OM lenses and don’t have the money to get a new lens, buy the adapter and be prepared to make some adjustments.
If you have a flash/lighting system and a tripod, those adjustments will be lessened.I don’t think I would do this for the life of the camera, but I would use the old OM lens (especially if you have a high quality one), until I could afford a new digital lens.I also have the 40-150mm digital lens (the one they give in the package deals), and am very impressed with the quality. I have posted some pictures, so you can get an idea of what this camera can do. If you scroll over the pictures, you will see the pictures I shot with the old OM-2N lens. I didn’t make any revisions, so that you can get an idea of how the pictures come out of the camera (no photoshop).

Product Description
Ready to upgrade to a digital camera? Get the Olympus E-520. Your life is full of priceless, fleeting moments that you want to keep just the way you see and feel them. Preserve each moment with the E-520. With the E-520’s Live View, you can shoot your subject while viewing it on the LCD monitor, so it’s just like shooting with a compact camera. In addition to phase-difference detection AF, the E-520 incorporates a high speed Imager AF that offers easy 11-point multi-area autofocusing with Live View simply by half-pressing the shutter button. Face Detection AF automatically detects up to 8 faces at a time and adjusts focus appropriately. Accurate composition is assured by the monitor’s 100% field of view. The E-520 is equipped with a 2.7″ HyperCrystal II LCD monitor with high-definition 230,000-dot resolution, improved contrast ratio, and enhanced color reproduction capability. While shooting with Live View, framing-assist patterns or a histogram can be displayed on the LCD monitor to improve your picture composition and check exposure condition. The E-520 incorporates a Live MOS sensor with 10-Megapixels, Olympus’ original TruePic III image processing engine delivers improved imaging, gradation expression and color reproduction capabilities as well as minimized noise at high ISO setting. Olympus’ highly acclaimed dust reduction system employs a Supersonic Wave Filter in front of the image sensor, which vibrates at such high speed and with such great power that it removes even the most stubborn dust; dust that cannot be removed by just shaking the image sensor or by discharging the static electricity.CompactFlash Type I/II, Microdrive, xD-Picture Card (Dual-Slot) Memory Card Slot 3.5 frames per seconds sequential shooting speed, up to 8 frames in RAW mode Built-in Electronic-Flash – If you decide to try your hand at advanced lighting techniques, the E-520 is ready to meet the challenge. The E-520 is compatible

Click Here to see more reviews about: Olympus Evolt E520 10MP Digital SLR Camera with Image Stabilization w/ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens