Olympus E-520: Improved IS, Double Live View, and More
by Wesley Fink on May 14, 2008 12:10 AM EST- Posted in
- Digital Camera
Additional Features
The HyperCrystal™ II LCD display grows to 2.7 inches in the E-520, matching the new E-420. The Olympus trademark Supersonic Wave Filter auto-sensor cleaning system has appeared on every Olympus DSLR since the E-1 and it is continued on the new E-520. Sensor Resolution remains 10 megapixels but it is now derived from 11.8 million effective pixels. While the resolution is the same as the E-510 it appears the sensor for the E-520 and E-420 are upgraded from the earlier models. Other features include:
- In-Body Image Stabilization with Supersonic Wave Drive™ technology provides blur-free images when using any of the more than 30 digital-specific lenses;
- Face Detection Technology targets and locks on faces to ensure they are in focus and blur-free for amazing portraits;
- Shadow Adjustment Technology opens up detail in the shadows that other cameras would render too dark or underexposed while maintaining detail in the highlights; and
- Perfect Shot Preview enables photographers to view and select White Balance and Exposure Compensation effects right on the LCD, and see how the image will look before they even capture it.
Enhanced In-Body Image Stabilization
For the first time, in-body Mechanical Image Stabilization has three modes for increased
versatility. IS-1 mode for general shooting adjusts the sensor on both the X and
Y axes to compensate for movement by the photographer so images stay sharp even
at slow shutter speeds. To capture the motion of athletes and animals, and other
moving subjects, the E-520 offers two specialized modes. IS-2 mode is ideal for
capturing a racecar flying down the track, preserving the sense of motion while
panning with the moving subject and holding the camera horizontally to dramatically
portray the car’s high speed. For sharp images of moving subjects like a basketball
player charging up the court, the IS-3 mode allows a photographer to hold the camera
vertically while panning. The artistic effects of panning enhance the shot and render
the player in sharp detail with blurred background.
Always Find a Face in the Crowd
The E-520’s Face Detection reduces the chance of blurred subjects in photography
by distinguishing between people’s faces and the background. It tracks up to eight
faces within the image area even if people are moving and automatically focuses
and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.
In Sunshine or the Shadows, Never Miss a Detail
Shooting scenes with shadows can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between
dark and bright areas. The E-520 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment
Technology that compensates for extreme contrast and maintains visible detail in
both the shadow and highlight areas of the scene. Now users can preview and capture
images showing the shadow detail they saw. This feature is also available in the
Edit menu after the shot has been taken.
Preview a Multitude of Possibilities
Perfect Shot Preview enables users to preview and select from a variety of thumbnail
previews of the photographic effects of white balance and exposure compensation
adjustments live on the LCD before taking the photograph. It is an ideal way for
novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, visually,
without having to scroll through menu options. With 20 preset scene-select modes
for every imaginable shooting scenario from underwater photography to fireworks,
and program, automatic modes and full manual controls, the E-520 offers a world
of possibilities to photographers.
Experience Life under the Sea
Olympus will offer the PT-E05 optional underwater housing for the E-520 to allow
photographers to document the richness of life in the depths. Capable of reaching
depths of 130 feet underwater, the housing will ensure that divers will not miss
an image during their journeys to the abyss. Special underwater scene modes on the
E-520 will assure that the camera is set up correctly for underwater use.
Wireless Flash Capability
Sometimes wireless flashes can help photographers cast the best light on their subjects
and capture great images. For this reason, the E-520 is compatible with the Olympus
FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes that are designed exclusively for
digital photography. When these flashes are used in combination with the E-520,
wireless multi-flash photography is possible. The E-520 can control up to three
wireless flash groups independently, with multiple flash units in each group.
TruePic III for Image Clarity & Speed
The 10.1 megapixel E-520’s TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos
using all of the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images
possible for every photo with accurate color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant
blue skies and precise tonal representation in between. TruePic III also lowers
image noise by one step to reduce graininess in images shot at higher ISO settings,
enabling great results in low-light situations.
Availability
The Olympus E-520 Digital SLR will be available in July 2008. It includes: E-520
Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLM-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger
(BCM-2), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Warranty Card.
U.S. Pricing/Product Configurations
E-520 body Estimated Street Price: $599.99
E-520 with ED 14–42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens Estimated Street Price: $699.99
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23 Comments
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frombauer - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - link
These 4/3's cameras do look nice but the small "tunnel" optical viewfinder on them are a deal breaker in my opinion. Not to mention the higher noise due to the small pixel size.7thSerapHim - Thursday, May 15, 2008 - link
While I agree that the optical viewfinder may not be as big as the competition, it's by no means looking through a 'tunnel' as you have been quoted saying.The E-510/410 sensor has great ISO performance up to ISO400 and usable images at 800. Most of the time you can get by with ISO400, want brighter images? You would be better off with a faster lens instead, and that goes with any camera brand.
Stop pixel peeping, people!
Mavtek - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - link
I'm not sure what you are talking about necessarily, but it would seem no camera is instant auto focus. It's important to hold the button half way down prior to your shot(not sure if that's something you are doing or not). I have the e510 the model prior to this one and with the exception of very low light the auto focus is very quick. With a shutter speed above 1/50, at low ISO in normal or day time lighting I can achieve a maximum burst around 3 shots per second. If your concerned about action shooting the Olympus SLR probably isn't the camera for you anyway, although in my opinion it won't be because of it's AF. It's smaller size viewfinder, it's limited burst rate of 3 fps, and it's reduced depth of field make it not the ideal camera for that situation. If you are looking for a camera to take absolutely stunning shots of landscapes, family and friends, and general vacation type photography the E520 or 510 are excellent cameras.marina - Sunday, May 18, 2008 - link
I have been looking at many cameras to make a step up and am very excited with what I see on the new Olympus E-520 that is coming out. I have been using a little Sony DSC-H1 and have actually taken some gorgeous photos and for what I have been using it for has been a great camera. I mainly want to advance to something where I can get in closer, take action shots, wildlife and landscapes. The action I take so far is only HS level Field Hockey and actually the little Sony does great however I'd like to be able to zoom in from one end of the field to the other. Do you feel your E-510 would do good on the type of photos I want to take? If so I assume the new E-520 will do as well.I really don't need a super perfect camera right now for this next step up and I figure if the little Sony takes such clear and nice photos with the Hockey I am bound to be incredibly surprised and happy with the E520 as my next step up?
Any comments?
Thanks so much and have a great day!
marina
teldar - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - link
What I want to know is when is Olympus going to improve the speed of their auto focus in their 'entry' level DSLR cameras? I have been an Olympus fan for years and my two cameras have been Olympus, however, I havn't even been considering an Olynpus as my first DSLR because I've been so unhappy with focus and shot speed on my c-450 ( i think that's what it is, it's at home, not at school with me).When are they going to get their stuff together and offer a camera with competetive shot speed (by this I mean lag between when the button is pressed and the camera decides it's able to take the picture)?
From what I've read, I'd buy an update the the now 520, partially because of the kit lenses, but they're really going to have to do something about speed, or lag if you would rather.
T
Haider - Thursday, May 15, 2008 - link
Mate with autofocus you need speed and accuracy. The lens bundled with all DSLRs do not have super-sonic motors therefore they are slower to focus. It's not the aufocus system's problem. It's like you blaming your trainer 'cause you cannot run the 100m sprint in under 9s. The Oly AF speed & accuracy is good enough with the kit lens. For professionals who shoot high speed sports you need the extra speed of the super-sonic motors to make sure you capture the full action such as two player playing tennis, you want capture a number of frames of each the shot and subsequent return from the other player. I shoot high speed sports football, motor racing, skate-boarders etc...Without supersonic motor equipped lens, it take a bit more concentration and skill, you anticipate the actyion rather than just react...Equipment is no substitute for photographic skill...Abdar - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - link
You realize of course that your c-450 is NOT an SLR. Therefore your camera, as well as every other non SLR will have that lag. That is one of the main reasons I upgraded to an SLR in the first place. I have compared the Nikon D40 to the Oly 510 and Oly 300 and can assure you there is no difference in this so called 'shutter lag'. You should do your homework before trying to sway people with your opinion.Here is a thought, go to a camera shop and try an E510 out, see if you notice any lag between shutter press and shot, I think you will be surprised.
teldar - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - link
In the quest to find a camera that I feel would be something I would like to have for quite a number of years, I have been looking at the Pentax (previously the K10) K20.I've looked around at a few sites as preliminary info gathering and the reviews about it's build quality, it's dust removal, the image stabilization in body rather than lense and the drastically improved auto-focus (Supersonic Drive Motor) have led me to believe it will possibly be my camera. The only problem is that the SDM lenses (super fast auto focus) are viciously expensive. However, you get what you pay for. Cutting edge is always outrageous, and good camera lenses have always been on the pricey side.
And I wasn't trying to sway people with my opinion. I simply am looking for a camera which is noted to have very fast auto focus and other features which makes it better than normal entry level.
strikeback03 - Thursday, May 15, 2008 - link
Except SDM is hardly cutting edge. Canon Ring USM, Nikon SWM, Sigma HSM (at least some versions) are the same thing, and have been around for a while.The prices have come down though. B&H now has the DA* 16-50 for $699, it was over $800 last year when I suggested it as an option (with a K10D) to a friend looking for an SLR. I'd guessed the price would be in the same ballpark as the Tamron 17-50, not double.
Maxington - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - link
Actually the K20D isn't super fast autofocus, neither are SDM lenses.They also aren't viciously expensive, they are actually a lot cheaper than the top end lenses available in other ranges, so you get a lot of value for money.
I own a K20D and a DA* SDM lens btw. :)
On topic, Olympus always have attractive features and innovation, but I can never get over their 2x crop, relatively noisy sensors. Pity.