Olympus Digital SLR Cameras
A Review of the Top Two Models

Olympus E-620

Features - Average

Price - Low

The Olympus digital SLR cameras deserve a lot more attention. They offer a wide array of Zuiko digital lenses, an outstanding and very high quality lens system. Their bodies are lightweight and weather sealed. They were one of the first to offer auto sensor cleaning.

The new E-620 DSLR puts creative freedom in the palm of your hands. Six creative in-camera art filters, Multiple Exposure shooting and a swivel Live View 2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD offer artistic freedom and endless creative possibilities. The 12.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor and TruePic III+ processor provide exceptional picture quality. With in-body Image Stabilization and small 16.76-ounce body, the E-620 is a camera that truly lets you shoot outside the frame.

List price $560 body only.

Olympus E-620 Full Specifications

* Art Filters The six in-camera Art Filters allow you to replicate dramatic effects as you shoot using the Autofocus Live View LCD. Choose from Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale and Light Color, Grainy Film, Light Tone and Pin Hole Camera filters.

* Multiple Exposure Multiple Exposure shooting allows you to alter space and time by combining images shot in different locations and moments, lending your photos another dramatic dimension. (2 Frames - up to 3 Images Overlay)

* aspect ratios Express yourself by altering how you frame the world -- choose from four aspect ratios, from the standard 4:3 to the cinematic 16:9. By selecting an aspect ratio before shooting and easily reviewing images on the LCD throughout the shoot, the Multi-Aspect function adds a new means of expression to your photography.

* On-screen autofocus On-screen autofocus with Live View works as seamlessly as a point-and-shoot to display subjects, in focus, on the LCD the instant the shutter is pressed half way. The 2.7-inch dual-axis, high-definition, Live View monitor swivels 270° so you can capture dramatic images, even at difficult-to-shoot angles.

* AF system The seven-point twin AF system has five twin-cross AF points with two horizontal and two vertical lines and two twin vertical pairs in a houndstooth alignment which allow for more accurate focusing than a single line sensor. Twin AF points means you'll get accurate focus and capture the best images possible.

* 12.3-megapixel The powerful 12.3-megapixel Live-MOS sensor means you'll capture more detail than ever before in your pictures. And you'll have the flexibility to crop and still produce large, detailed prints.

* In-Body Image Stabilization In-Body Image Stabilization is a state-of-the-art technology that prevents camera shake. Built into the camera body, Olympus' image stabilization works by moving the image sensor and it works with all Four Thirds Zuiko Digital lenses from the 8mm fisheye (16mm equivalent in 35mm photography) to the 300mm super telephoto (600mm equivalent) for handheld shots. Shoot in low light and slower shutter speeds without worry.

* Face Detection Tracks up to eight faces and automatically focuses and optimizes exposures for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.

* Shadow Adjustment Technology Shadow Adjustment Technology brings out more details in shadows. It captures scenes exactly as you see them, even in challenging situations -- for example, when shooting a backlit subject.

* dust reduction system The Olympus dust reduction system is an industry first and a proven technology. Every time you turn on the E-620, the Supersonic Wave Filter™ — located between the shutter and the image sensor – silently vibrates an amazing 30,000 times per second. Dust is flung away and collected so it can't come back.

* wireless electronic flashes The E-620 is compatible with the Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes that are designed exclusively for digital photography. Gain remote control of up to 200 flashes divided into as many as 3 groups for easy camera-controlled wireless flash, without needing an external commander unit.

* TruePic III+ Image Processor Olympus’ TruePic III+ Image Processor produces clear and colorful photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible, it also lowers image noise in photos shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.

* continuous shooting Fire off a burst of shots at four frames per second continuous shooting. The E-620's burst rate is perfect for capturing the ideal shot at a backyard birthday party or at a youth soccer game.

* Scene-Select Modes 13 Scene-Select Modes including two new underwater modes.

* shutter speed With a wide range of shutter speeds -- from two Seconds to 1/4000 of a second -- you can take full advantage of the high optical performance of Zuiko Digital lenses.

* five Metering Modes With the E-620, there are five Metering Modes: Digital ESP metering, Center weighted averaging metering, and three types of spot metering including shadow and highlight spot metering. Simply select the most suitable mode for the shooting condition.

* illuminated buttons The E-620 is equipped with illuminated buttons on its body that are easily viewable in low light to quickly find the settings you want.

* Automatic Pixel Mapping The Automatic Pixel Mapping function inside the camera helps prevent faulty pixels from affecting image quality. This feature can be manually selected from the camera’s menu and takes only seconds to complete.

* memory cards The E-620 supports Compact Flash (Type I and Type II) Microdrive and xD-Picture Card memory cards. It is UDMA media-compatible for the highest performance. Use the dual-slot design to transfer images you want to save from one card to another. Manage your memories better.

* viewfinder With a 96% field-of-view viewfinder you'll have a clear and accurate view of your subject.

* languages Choose from 34 different languages in the menu system.

Olympus E-5

Features - Very Good

Price - Moderate to high

Built on our revolutionary E-System technology, the new Olympus E-5 adds powerful new features that let you do more than ever before. Designed to maximize the award-winning performance of Zuiko Digital lenses, the E-5 achieves the highest image quality of any Olympus camera—with astonishing detail, blazing speed, and true-to-life color. New options like user control in Art Filters and 720p HD Video give you more freedom to explore creative effects. And with its weatherproof design, the rugged E-5 can go anywhere.

List price $1699 body only.

Olympus E-5 Full Specifications:

* IN-BODY IMAGE STABILIZATION The camera's In-body Image Stabilization system compensates for up to five shutter speed steps*. Mechanical Image Stabilization automatically compensates for camera shake in low-light situations or when using a telephoto lens.

* DUST REDUCTION SYSTEM The E-5's proven Dust Reduction System, with the Supersonic Wave Filter™ (SWF) self-cleaning ultrasonic sensor unit, eliminates dust particles on the sensor by silently vibrating an amazing 30,000 times per second, ensuring spot-free images. Recently awarded the "Special Invention Award" from The Asahi Shinbun Company in 2010.

* 12.3-MEGAPIXEL LIVE-MOS SENSOR & TRUEPIC V+ IMAGE PROCESSOR The powerful 12.3-megapixel Live-MOS sensor coupled with the newly developed TruePic V+ image processor means you'll capture more detail than ever before in your pictures thanks to the "Fine Detail Process" technology. In addition to more detail, the image sensor, combined with the next-generation TruePic V+ Image Processor, delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity and reduced noise, all the way up to 6400 ISO. And you'll have the flexibility to crop and still produce large, detailed prints.

* RUGGED CONSTRUCTION A Rugged "thixomold" magnesium-alloy construction coupled with advanced splash and dust protection, make the E-5 the perfect choice for photographers who demand the most from their equipment, in any situation.

* SHUTTER DURABILITY Durable shutter mechanism tested to 150,000 cycles. The pro-level shutter ensures reliability, even at five frames per second, thanks to a durable shutter mechanism tested to 150,000 cycles, making the E-5 the camera of choice for photographers who demand durability from their equipment.

* OPTICAL VIEWFINDER The 100% accurate high eye point optical viewfinder, delivers the precise viewing accuracy demanded by the most discriminating photographer. When shooting with the E-5, what you see is what you get.

* 3" 920,000 DOT SWIVEL LCD Dust and Splashproof like the body; the 270 degree swivel LCD gives you the flexibility to capture your image from low on the ground to above your head, or at any angle. The 100 percent accurate LCD delivers the precise compositional accuracy in Live-View demanded by the most discriminating photographer. When shooting with the E-5, what you see is what you get.

* DATA STORAGE Accepting Compact Flash Type I, UDMA, and SD- SDHC/SDXC, the E-5 provides a choice of data storage options for enhanced flexibility, and it is possible to transfer image files from one card to the other right inside the camera.

* WORLD'S FASTEST AUTOFOCUS The E-5's 11-point High Precision Fully Twin Cross AF system is one of the world's fastest and most accurate. The Twin Cross AF design assures you accurate fast AF even at the edges of the viewfinder allowing you to get the most out of your Zuiko Digital lenses.

* ART FILTERS A series of 10 new built-in Art Filters let you create dramatic effects when shooting stills or video. The innovative Art Filters include Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama, Gentle Sepia, Cross Process, Dramatic Tone can all be used in all the shooting modes of the camera, Aperture, Shutter, Program and Manual modes, as well as for Movie shooting.

* MULTIPLE EXPOSURE Multiple Exposure makes heightened creativity an easily-obtained objective. Four frames can be combined, and portions of one can be combined with those of another in any of the shooting modes. Images can be combined in playback mode or directly on the LCD through the use of the new TruePic V+ Image Processor.

* MULTIPLE ASPECT RATIOS Express yourself by altering how you frame the world -- choose from nine aspect ratios, from the standard 4:3 to the cinematic 16:9. By selecting an aspect ratio before shooting and easily reviewing images on the LCD throughout the shoot, the Multi-Aspect function adds a new means of expression to your photography.

* WIRELESS FLASH CONTROL The E-5 is compatible with a range of optional external flashes, including the Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R. Both of these flashes can be controlled wirelessly by the E-5 so you can dynamically control lighting as your photography skills grow. The E-5 features a commander function incorporated in its built-in flash, making wireless multi-flash photography possible without using an outside commander.

* DIGITAL LEVELER The camera's Digital Leveler function is a highly functional and practical feature for such specialized requirements as architectural photography and other similar needs. * HD VIDEO Shoot movies at 30 frames per second in 720p with available manual control over aperture and shutter speed. This level of control allows you to express your vision exactly how you want in your HD videos. When shooting a movie you have the choice of Standard or HD Movie with or without the 10 Art Filters, total movie creativity is in your control.

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