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Olympus Evolt E620 12.3MP Live MOS Digital SLR Camera with Image Stabilization and 2.7 inch Swivel LCD
Price: $799.99
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Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| 12.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor for photo-quality, poster-size prints |
| Lightweight ergonomic design; kit includes 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko lens and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Zuiko lens |
| TruePic III for superior image quality in all lighting situations; Supersonic Wave Drive (in-body sensor shift) |
| 2.7-inch HyperCrystal III Swivel LCD; Smooth Live View allows you to change the frame rate of the Live View display |
| Stores images to Compact Flash (Type I and II), Microdrive, xD Picture card (not included) |
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Accessories
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Customers Reviews
2009-10-16
So far, great
First read this: I am not one of the professional photographers who've reviewed this camera here at Amazon. Rather, I'm an amateur travel photo enthusiast who enjoys recording my trips. With that said, during a recent trip to Europe, I shot excellent day, night, dusk, and indoor flash-less shots with this camera--all of which turned out marvelous. I really need some photography education, but even without any, I figured out how to shoot some proud photos with this easy-to-use camera.
The camera design is excellent, the construction is sturdy, and the 2 lenses fill all my needs. Any criticisms I might include would be a slightly unresponsive Menu button (sometimes after being depressed, the screen only lights for a moment, requiring a 2nd push. A 2 GB memory card held about 600 photos taken at full file size (no complaints, I'd never exceed that on a trip). Battery life was not a problem. After about 300 shots, it required re-charging, but only because I took so many trial photos with the flash. The art filters are fun, too. Don't even bother with the software, that always sucks, and you don't need it anyways to upload the photos to your computer. I have no regrets with buying this camera. Should it go south on me, I'll revise this review. Good luck!
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2009-10-10
Full featured compact DSLR camera with two flaws
Olympus E-620 is positioned between Olympus beginner and advanced DSLR camera. Currently, Olympus has E-420/450 and E-520 in the lower level class, and E-30 and E-3 in the higher end class. Compared to other popular DSLR cameras, Olympus employs smaller image sensor called 4/3 live MOS sensor. 4/3 means that the native image has 4 : 3 ratio instead of 3 : 2 ratio. This could be plus and minus. The plus is 4 : 3 ratio is widely used in TV screen size and monitors. It is also squarer. In my opinion, it is better for portrait. However, you can adjust the ratio to 3:2, 16:9 or other as you like at the expense of maximum image resolution.
The negative side of this type of sensor is the noise in high ISO. There is appearance of noise in lower ISO level such as ISO 640 or 400 as well. Fortunately, I found the noise is rendered very fine and more pleasing to look at than noise generated from other DSLR or compact cameras. It has the film like feel to it.
WHAT IS NEW COMPARED TO E-420 and E-520?
Compared to Olympus E-420, the E620 is just a tad bigger, but it is now has Image Stabilization that works with Olympus or third party lenses. Compared to both cameras, E-620 has 7 AF points instead of 3. A slightly bigger viewfinder, improved 2.7 swivel LCD screen, wireless flash commander and six art scenes mode.
BODY & HANDLING
Olympus is not the lightest camera around. It weights 521g, which is almost the same as best seller Canon XSi / 450D, but measured 130 x 94 x 60 mm, 2mm shorter and thinner than Canon XSi. The E-620 noticeably smaller than Olympus E-520.
Despite the size, Olympus E-620 is very solid to hold. Thanks to the weight and ergonomic design. The built quality is also a step up from entry level DSLR cameras. It has a nice rubberized texture in the hand and thumb rest on the back.
It has one thumb dial and four-way buttons which you will use to change various settings and navigate the menu. Each of the four-way buttons for navigation and also for access popular settings such as ISO, WB, metering, and AF mode. This is buttons are similar buttons that you often find in compact camera layout.
In addition, there is Super Control Panel. By the touch of INFO button, it will let you navigate and change various important settings in one screen. This is very smart design. Canon and Nikon interface does not come close.
Buttons are considered small compare to other DSLRs, so if you have a big fingers, you might find a bit uncomfortable to find or access the button. Unique to Olympus E-620, it has backlit buttons, which is automatically light on when you are in dark condition. This small feature is significant if you often shoot in low light condition indoor or outdoor. There is also a dedicated live view button, which will activate live view mode instaneously.
Viewfinder (96% coverage, .95 magnification) is slightly bigger than E-520 but still smaller and narrower than other entry level camera. Looking at the viewfinder is like looking at the tunnel, which is uncomfortable. You will notice significant different if you regularly shoot with higher end cameras such as Olympus E-30 or Nikon D90.
Overall, the body design and ergonomic is very good, better than some beginner DSLR cameras on the market. Despite that, you might have balance issue when you mount Olympus pro grade lenses which is heavier than regular kit lens. Olympus has thought about it and provide battery/vertical grip to counter this problem. The only significant downside is the small viewfinder.
LCD SCREEN & AF PERFORMANCE
Olympus E-620 has swivel LCD screen which is helpful for composition and also for people who are used to compose photos using back LCD screen (compact camera users). The resolution of the screen is standard (230k) but it is clearer and more detailed than other DSLR with 230k resolution.
Auto focus in live mode is slower than most compact camera, but works very well in bright or low light condition. Depending on the light condition, it takes a round one to two seconds for the camera to focus.
Aufo focus performance in viewfinder are much faster. Now it has 7 AF points, 5 of them are cross type sensor. AF continuous works very well, it is very quiet and fast. There is nothing to worry about.
To change AF points, there is dedicated button in the top left of the camera, and then you change it using thumb dial. This approach is similar to Canon DSLR cameras, but different from Nikon approach. Nikon uses four way buttons which I prefer more because it is faster and spot on.
IMAGE QUALITY
Image rendered by this camera is generally very good dan very detailed. Thanks to the above Olympus Zuiko lenses. ISO. Unfortunately, noise in in issue. There is noticeable noise especially in shadow area across ISO (low of high). Of course in high ISO, the noise are more prominent. ISO 800 is the limit between acceptable and unacceptable image.
However, to be fair, the noise generated by this camera is not annoying like many other DSLR. It is more film like than electronic noise which is usually generated by camera with CMOS sensor. It is also worth to mention that Olympus prefers to keep details rather than losing it by smearing the noise, which could be good or bad depending on your taste.
ART SCENE MODE
Art scene mode is fairly new in Olympus DSLR cameras. Basically, the camera will process the image directly after you take the picture. The process is very fast and negligible. If you use live view mode, you can see the effect on the screen. This might be fun for people who has no editing or photoshop skills but for advanced / photo enthusiasts, they might want to take original image instead and edit the photo later. In the other words, donft based your decision on buying this camera because of this feature.
OTHER
1. The shutter noise gka-chingh is not very appealing. It is quite loud and sounds cheap.
2. The size of the camera and kit lenses are equally small. It is half the volume of pro grade system, and much more enjoyable to carry on traveling or walking.
3. Evaluative metering is slightly underexposure to protect highlight, but there is also exposure compensation button that you can use to adjust it. I usually set it at +0.7 in various lighting condition.
COMPETITORS
Olympus E520
Olympus E-520 is an older DSLR cameras which is a bit bigger in body size, but have fewer and less sophisticated features. Like E-620, it has built-in image-stabilization, but thatfs about it. E-520 has a smaller viewfinder, non-swivel LCD screen, no backlit buttons, no art scene mode, and only has 3 AF points and 10 megapixel image resolution. But E-520 wins in price. It is approx. $250 cheaper than E-620.
Canon T1i
Canon T1i is $100 more expensive than E-620 but it has movie mode, bigger and hi-res (910k) LCD screen, 11 AF points and compatible with EOS lenses collection.
Pentax k-x
Newcomer Pentax k-x has better image quality in high ISO, very compact size, has a live view mode but in a cheaper package. Pentax kx might be the toughest competitor Olympus must face beside Canon and Nikon cameras.
Nikon D5000
D5000 also has swivel LCD screen, but lack of AF motor that prevent this camera to use older Nikon lenses. Image quality is superb in low or high ISO setting.
CONCLUSION
Olympus E-620 is an interesting camera, it focuses on compact size which is the right thing to do to get advantage of four third sensor. Built quality is better than most beginner DSLRs. There are many dedicated buttons and very friendly menu / control panel so you can find and change setting you want very fast. The ergonomic is also very good especially for average hand man/woman. Featurewise, this camera is very up to date although it lacks movie mode. In addition, it has backlit buttons which is non-existence even in my Nikon D700, a $2500 camera. It also has crystal clear swivel LCD screen. I find myself using it for many occasions. There two weaknesses of this camera, small viewfinder and noticeable noise in ISO 1600 or higher. If Olympus fix this problem in upcoming dSLR while retaining the compact size, this camera will make a great travel or street companion.
Subjective rating relative to beginner DSLR cameras in 2009
Image Quality : 4/5
Features : 5/5
Performance : 5/5
Body and Handling : 4/5
Value for Money : 3/5
Please visit my website for sample images, high iso comparison and size comparison.
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2009-10-04
Nimble Beauty and a Complex Beast
I am stepping up to DSLR from an advanced P&S (Panasonic LX3), and I know how to operate with manual option. I find the transition from a P&S to a DSLR is less than smooth. I am writing this review to show people who are in similar situation and would like to make the best use of their E-620. The manual is very technical and informational, but hard to understand and badly organized. I couldn't find a E-620 explained website, so here I am. I hope this review is invaluable to you.
First of all, here is what I think of e-620.
Very compact, like a good old 35mm film SLR camera. The built quality is like a tank. Everything is well assembled together and doesn't feel like something will turn loose at any moment. It is NOT weather proof, but it feels that way. The only flimsy part is the battery door. It also has no spring, which feels listless....
Olympus's lens collection is top notch. I read many reviews and saw many sample pictures from users before I made the commitment, I can say I think Olympus is the best bang for the money. I purchased a lens (Zuiko 14-54MM 2.8-3.5 II) along with the body-only option, and shot some baby portraits landscape pictures. From the baby picture, I can see the glistening of his eye brows where sun shined. The detail is simply amazing. Nothing is perfect, so please read my review on the lens for a more complete view of the combination. It's very impressive overall.
Tips:
1. Try to play with your camera first and see what each button does before move on. Take a few pictures to get a feel.
2. Super Control Panel: Press OK on your four-way direction pad will let you access Super Control Panel (SCP). Learn how to use it instead of going through the complicated but feature-(super)rich menu; it'll save you a lot of time. Don't you wish this is a touch screen? :)
3. Customization: Right after setting up your E-620's time clock, you should turn on the customization menu by going to Menu -> Utilities (wrench icon) -> Menu Display (gears) and turn it On. Press OK on your four-way button to go back, and voila, now we are ready to rock.
You can find all of the following in Chapter 8 of your manual, but they're not in layman's terms.
Here are few stuff that you should be aware of in Customization Menu that you cannot access through SCP:
Under AF/MF Menu (Menu A, A for AF):
* AF Illuminat: just a fancy term for flash strobe. Turn it off when you are in the museum.
Under Button/Dial (Menu B, B for Buttons)
* Dial Function and Dial Direction: If want turning clockwise to decrease aperture (or slower shutter speed) instead of the default counter clockwise, or something similar, then you go to this menu to reverse the dial direction, or change the default action of the dial.
* AEL/AFL Memo: Memo is confusing. It should be memory. Basically when you press and hold AEL/AFL button, you can do a spot metering (Auto Exposure Lock) and even after you move your camera away from that spot, the picture's metering stay with it. It's not that easy to hold and press AEL and half-press shutter button to focus at the same time, and that's why there is this option. When turned ON, you press (no need to hold) AEL/AFL to meter and then one more time to cancel.
* Fn Function: This is a biggy and can save you time! Read your manual on pg. 97-98 (of the current English edition) to find out more. I customize my Fn button to do one-button white balance.
* My Mode: If you want your camera to automatically turn on face detection, no flash, spot meter or similar series of options just by pressing a single button, this is where you set that up. Only work if you also set up Fn button to use My Mode.
* Four-way direction button Function (icon: four-way buttons): Don't want the default quick functions associated with direction buttons? Use this.
* Multiple Shot Function (icon: three photo shots): If you don't use burst mode that much or you don't care about timed exposure, then you can change this button into another Fn button (sort of, they have different options you could use).
Under Release Menu (Menu C)
* RLS Priority S/C: These two options change the behavior of S-AF and C-AF. Typical shutter behavior is when you pressed the shutter release all the way down (i.e., without half-press it first to AF), it'll auto focus quickly, lock it and take the picture all in one operation. If you need the picture intentionally out of focus, then you need to turn either one of the options On, so it'll just take the picture without AF first.
Under Display Menu (Menu D for Display)
* USB Mode: When you update the firmware, you should change the option to STORAGE (that's the current instruction from Olympus's website as of October 3, 2009)
* Live View Boost: Should be Off, if you want to see the effect of changing shutter speed/aperture, etc. under Live View (only). Otherwise, you can turn it on to dynamically adjust the LCD screen brightness level for reading LCD screen under bright sun light.
* Info Setting: Don't like cycle through so many screens when you press Info button, here is the way to get rid of a few screens you don't use.
Under Exposure/Meter/ISO Menu (Menu E for Exposure)
* ISO-Auto Set: Here you can set minimum and maximum ISO value when you use Auto ISO. E-620 is said to have the best dynamic range when you use ISO 200-800.
* ISO-Auto: If you don't want Auto ISO grayed out when you use Manual mode, then here is the way.
* Anti-shock: Turn Off for better picture quality. Turn On when you need anti-shock (works when the mirror is raised. This is not the same as IS)
Under Pixel/Aspect/Color/WB menu (Menu G)
* Color Space: Change it to AdobeRGB for better color range. Windows use sRGB, but most likely your photo suite and online photo sharing sites can accept AdobeRGB for better color reproduction.
* Pixel Set (picture of a triangle with some pixels): Here you can set your picture detail of your output jpg files are. Default for Large size is Fine detail. You can change it to SF (super fine) if you don't do RAW post-processing. It does NOT affect RAW file's resolution.
* Pixel Count: Similar to the previous except this changes the resolution (i.e., 3200x2400 or 2560x1920 or 1600x1200 for Medium size jpg).
* Aspect Shooting: I recommend keep this to default setting. Turning it on doesn't affect View Finder shooting.... Yes, it'll give you a nice frame around your picture when output to LCD, but it doesn't crop the photo like it would when you shoot with LV AND use jpg as the output. RAW files are not cropped at all (always the native 4:3). What's the point? My LX3 can crop it even when the output is in RAW format....
Under Record/Erase (Menu H)
* DPI Setting: You can increase your Dot Per Inch setting with E-620!!! Most photo processing shops use 300 dpi, so you can do that. If you want to have finer detail or just being future proof, you can increase the pixel count.
Under Utility Menu (Menu I)
* Pixel Mapping: If you have dead pixels, use this to map them. Please read manual first.
* Cleaning Mode: READ MANUAL FIRST before you do your own sensor cleaning and follow the instruction carefully.
* AF Adjustment: If your lens never seems to auto focus right, here is the way the change that!
* Exposure Shift: It's known this camera will slightly under expose, so go to this menu to bump up the exposure by 1/3 step (or whatever you're comfortable with), that way you don't have to do a lot of post-processing because of it. I love this feature.
AF Performance of E-620:
I find AF under E-620 to be slow if you don't use the traditional S-AF mode. C-AF can be fast only if the contrast of the subject is high, or it'll get confused. P&S cameras are often faster than that (but P&S are built to do this type of job). With high speed Imager AF enabled lens, S-AF performance is fast and it behaves like a film camera; press shutter release half way to focus and lock, and press all the way down to shoot. Instead of pressing AFL to lock and then shutter button to shoot, which is very cumbersome. I don't recommend using C-AF+MF mode. C-AF+MF can make your head whirl as it keeps searching for focus, and after you MFed it, C-AF will turn it out of focus again....
Wish List: The hand grip takes time to get used to. It hurt my below average size hand initially, but once I got used to it, I actually could mount my Zuiko 14-54MM f2.8-3.5 II lens on it and running around a hiking trail taking pictures. It is highly mobile. I do wish Olympus could make the buttons larger. I also plead they'd switch the placement of Info button with Menu button, as I use prior more often to switch LCD views. At current position (next to the viewfinder eye cup), the button is hard to press. Another tip for Olympus's interface department, the control dial should be right under PASM dial, cascading in a Mastercard logo formation, as that's where the user's thumb is. The current design of the thumb pad forces the user to hold the camera in a very specific position. Moving the thumb backward to turn the control dial at its present position can be very uncomfortable (and it's the most often used dial). It takes time to get used to, but I think my design is more ergonomic. Also, like one online reviewer has mentioned, Olympus should try to make the control dial a button, like Panasonic G1's, so no more two-finger operation to change aperture and shutter speed when one works with Manual mode.
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2009-09-12
chicky43545
I love this camera. I have been wanting a dslr for a long time and have always used Olymuus cameras. I am very unexperienced in the slr world, but love taking pictures and the photo bug had hit me hard. I had finally decided to purchase a dslr and then found that olympus had this model comming out. I read reviews and decided this one was worth waiting for the release of. I am not dissapointed. I am learning how to use the advanced controls one at a time, but what is really great is that I no longer miss shots because of slow auto focus. Having a camera that takes the picture when you actually push the button is great. I have printed several of the pics I have shot and am very happy with the quality. As I said I am new to dslr so I cannot comment on how that works, but this is definately a great camera at a great price for someone wanting an entry level dslr. I have read alot of reviews that said that pros were carring this camera as a backup, and love it to.
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2009-08-31
The perfect set up
I won't go deeply into the features and benefits, if you're reading this - then you've already researched those. I would rather tell you about how much fun this camera is to use. I've been a fan of super zooms for a long time and while they have their obvious drawbacks - they really are very handy. I was a big fan of the Canon S5 IS and when I moved up to an DSLR - I looked at Canon, but ultimately decided on an E-510. I liked it - solid camera, but I missed the swivel screen. It was really useful when shooting at odd angles (such as in a crowd). So along comes the E-620 and I jumped at it. I then added the battery grip, an Olympus grip strap and a Zuiko 18-180 lens. Suddenly I had the perfect camera (for me, of course)- a DSLR Super Zoom. It fits my hand perfectly, has 10x capability, is fast, light, perfect for a wide variety of shooting situations, and it has the versital swivel screen. It's a HOT set up. Put it in a Tamarac 5683 and you have a great travel photography combo. I have this camera with me nearly all the time and the results have been fantastic.
A word about the art filters - LOVE THEM! I recommend you pair this camera up with a wrist strap and the Zuiko 25mm pancake lens. Then use the "grainy B&W film" art filter for astounding retro results. (This lens works well with the "Pop Art" filter as well). This set up has nearly the same size and weight as a point and shoot (like the Canon G series for example) with the image quality of a DSLR. Again, very fast and light and it can fit in a small bag or big coat pocket. Think - a cross between the E 410 and the E 30. It's perfect!
This is Olympus' best work to date. I highly recommend this camera. It's a true artist's camera and an absolute blast to use. If you're already an Olympus fan, this is a "no brainer". If you own another brand and are not too heavily invested in glass - this is a great camera to start with. The photographs you will take with this camera will WOW people.
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Product Details
Batteries Included:
Binding: Electronics
Brand: Olympus
Color:
EAN: 0050332167360
Floppy Disk Drive Description:
Has Red Eye Reduction:
Is Autographed: 0
Is Memorabilia: 0
Label: Olympus
Legal Disclaimer:
Manufacturer: Olympus
Model: E-620 Dual Lens
Publisher: Olympus
Release Date:
Special Features:
Studio: Olympus
System Memory Size: |
Olympus Cameras HistoryOlympus Corporation (early known as Takachiho Seisakusho) was founded by Takeshi Yamashitaon on October 12, 1919, and initially specialized in microscope and thermometer businesses. The company is named after Mount Olympus, the home of the gods in Greek mythology.
Olympus continued the tradition of manufacturing high-quality optics through the development of camera lenses, starting in 1934. Two years later the Zuiko lens was born.
 Through its history Olympus Company has manufactured various types of cameras: medium-format cameras, fully automatic zoom cameras, 35mm cameras, EE-equipped cameras, autofocus cameras - in different series.
The history of Olympus cameras began in 1936, when they introduced their first camera, the Semi-Olympus I. It was very expensive camera for that time.
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