Olympus E520 | Digital Camera Review | Introduction

Olympus E-520 digital camera review : Since the introduction of the FourThirds system, Olympus have managed to extend their assortment of D-SLR cameras very nicely indeed. Especially over the last period, new models have been arriving frequently, which is ever so positive. We have received a new DSLR of Olympus that, although not introducing something entirely new, should not be considered merely a simple successor to the E-510. The Olympus E-520 has been improved sufficiently and has been equipped with additions that will make you seriously consider purchasing it. If only for Olympus' claim that elements of the E-3, the semi-professional model, have been integrated in this new model.

Olympus E-520 features elements of the E-3
There isn’t much to be said about the appearance of the Olympus E-520. Except for the fact that the pictograms/symbols have received a different colour, which is fine considering that the former colour combination sometimes proved hard to read. At the time of its predecessor, the E-510, the Olympus E-3 had not yet been launched onto the market. Word had already spread it was in the pipeline, but as far as specifications and performance were concerned, these were not yet clear. Today, however, it is clear that at the same time of the introduction of the E-3, a new quality level has been reached. The new E-4 and E-5 series DSLR cameras are spin-offs of their big brother, allowing them to take advantage of its quality.

Specifications of the Olympus E520 camera
We find familiar things such as Live View and, of course, all the features of the FourThirds system on the Olympus E-520 camera. Olympus were able to enlarge the LCD monitor from 2.5 to 2.7 inch and leave the resolution of 230,000 pixels untouched. A larger sized monitor doesn’t yet seem appreciated by Olympus. In addition, the R&D department has managed to get more speed out of the camera by enhancing the frame speed from 3 to 3.5 frames per second. Furthermore, face detection has also been introduced to the Olympus E-520, together with the so-called Shadow Adjustment technology and wireless flash functionality. Some of the items that can be traced back to the Olympus E-3.


Olympus E-520 review
The Olympus E520 offers the photographer the choice from three digital Olympus SLR cameras. And more cameras are to be expected. The structure is clear, from a truly ultra-compact and light E-420 to a compact E-520 with built-in image stabilizer, and as top model, the Olympus E-3 for the tough and proper photography jobs. We have used the Olympus E-520 in practice for a while and have extensively tested the camera in the DIWA Lab. The results can be read in the following Olympus E-520 review.