Olympus E-510 EVOLT Review

Just before PMA in March 2007 Olympus introduced two new Four-Thirds system compact digital SLRs, the E-410 and this model, the E-510 (which is essentially a replacement for the well regarded E-500). Although the E-510 has much in common with its little brother, including an all-new (Matsushita) Live MOS Image Sensor that can provide Full Time Live-View on the LCD monitor and an updated TruePic image processor, it is a considerably more sophisticated tool with some important extra features. Key amongst these is a sensor-shift image stabilization system and more sophisticated external controls, though are also numerous minor feature differences too. Note that some of the text in this review (when describing identical functions) is repeated from the E-410 review.

Compared to E410 - key differences

Once you start to look under the hood there are actually a surprising number of differences between the E-410 and the E-510, even putting aside the obvious; the latter's CCD-shift image stabilization system and bulkier design (the E-510 has a true 'grip', something the E-410 does without). This is obviously a camera aimed far more squarely at the 'enthusiast' market than its kid brother, and it offers a far more sophisticated level of control and customization. Below is a far from exhaustive list of the key differences:

• Larger and heavier
• Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
• Dedicated buttons for WB, ISO, Metering and AF mode
• Dedicated AF area button
• Customizable Fn button
• Two 'MyMode' custom modes
• Finer, customizable EV steps (1/3, 1/2 and 1 EV)
• Wider range of custom settings and minor extra features (e.g. file naming options, customizable HQ mode, Auto ISO limit etc)
• Very slightly different continuous shooting / buffering (6 raw frames vs 7 on the E-410)
• Optional wireless remote control

Olympus SP-560UZ review

Olympus was one of the first manufacturers to realize that building digicams around small sensors allows much longer zooms to be offered without the bulk of the camera becoming unmanageable. With its "Ultra zoom" range, starting back in 2000 with the 1.3MP C-2100UZ, Olympus almost single-handedly created a niche for digicams offering 10X optical zooms in relatively compact formats. Over the years, that niche has developed into a popular and fiercely fought market segment.

Realizing that the utility of a 10X zoom was great enough to make many users overlook the compromises that such a large zoom range entails, Olympus decided to investigate whether customers would put up with still more compromises if the zoom range was even greater. The result was the SP-550UZ with its astonishing 18X zoom range. And, just a few months later, the Olympus was joined on the market by similar offerings from Panasonic and Fuji, suggesting it wasn't alone in its thinking. So here we have Olympus' second-generation 18X zoom camera, the SP-560UZ. The question is, having lost its unique selling point, can the Olympus still make a convincing pitch for your money, and have the SP-550's shortcomings been overcome? Let's find out...

Headline features

• 18X optical zoom, giving a 27mm-486mm equiv. range
• Dual IS, combining sensor shift technology with high ISO settings
• 8.0 million pixel sensor
• ISO 6400 at 3.1MP
• ISO 3200 at full resolution
• RAW mode
• Face detection
• Face detection-combined In-camera red-eye reduction
• Rapid continuous shooting (up to 15fps at 2MP)
• 25 scene modes
• Smile mode (waits for subject to smile)
• Expression Edit
• Shadow Adjust
• Control of off-board flashguns, with latest firmware

Olympus E-3 review

The new flagship of the Four Thirds Standard-based Olympus E-System. The E-3 gives photographers a high-performance tool that is primed for any assignment and satisfies the most stringent demands for D-SLR photography. It represents the ultimate choice for the professional photographer and provides the highest levels of speed and image quality as well as Live View capabilities and the ultimate in reliability.

The E-3 features the world’s fastest* auto-focusing speeds thanks to an advanced AF system and new ZUIKO DIGITAL SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) lenses. Matched with shutter speeds of up to 1/8000th sec. and 5fps sequential shooting (with a 19 image RAW buffer in burst mode), the E-3 gives photographers a crucial edge to help capture that decisive shot.

Ensuring the best image quality in the widest range of situations, this new professional model also incorporates a powerful built-in image stabilisation system which is capable of compensating against the effects of camera shake to the equivalent of up to 5 EV steps. This is complemented by a 10 Megapixel High Speed Live MOS sensor and Olympus’ TruePic III image processing engine. Together with the ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses – which are custom-made for the needs of D-SLR photography – photographers can rely on optimal results each time.

Meanwhile, the camera’s Live View capabilities provide the freedom to shoot with more versatility: Whether wanting to keep eye-contact with the subject or shooting above the head or close to the ground, compositions can be framed with ease on the 2.5”/6.4cm multi-angle HyperCrystal LCD, which also faithfully displays the effect of camera adjustments in real time.

In addition to Live View, photographers can also choose to use the camera’s large viewfinder which provides 100% coverage. Like all Olympus E-System cameras, the E-3 incorporates the most effective dust reduction system available – the Supersonic Wave Filter. Reliability of the camera system is further heightened under all types of shooting conditions thanks to dust and splashproof protection of both body and most E-System lenses. Moreover, a shutter life of 150,000 operations guarantees that the E-3 will tolerate the treatment of even the most active photographer with ease.

Reliability – exceptional durability

The E-3 also takes viewfinder performance up a notch. Full professional level coverage of 100% plus 1.15x magnification enhances framing ease even when using the eyepiece.

• Since the development of the world’s first dust protection system in 2003, Olympus has continuously improved on it so that it still remains the most effective solution available today. The critically acclaimed Supersonic Wave Filter ingeniously protects the High Speed Live MOS sensor from dust and other foreign particles that could otherwise compromise image quality and serves as a symbol of Olympus’ long-standing commitment to imaging excellence.

Its magnesium alloy construction combined with dust and splashproof protection lets the E-3 go wherever the action is: No matter at a rainy football game or on the dusty plains of the Serengeti. The power grip and a wide selection of lenses are equally protected against the elements, thereby considerably reducing the risk of downtime as the E-3 is always ready for the next assignment no matter the conditions. And with a shutter life of 150,000 operations, professionals will really come to appreciate this model’s extreme reliability.

Ideal selection

Naturally, low light doesn’t put an end to shooting opportunities. In addition to the built-in flash (GN13), the E-3 allows wireless control of flash units, such as the new Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R, in up to three groups – enhancing lighting options dramatically.

In addition, the E-3 boasts flawless automatic white balance. This is due to a hybrid detection system which employs a dedicated white balance sensor in conjunction with the image sensor. The combination of colour data from two different sources results in stunningly faithful colour reproduction.

A complete D-SLR system

Adhering to the Four Thirds Standard, the E-3 is optimised for the special demands of digital photography and provides photographers with a superior level of flexibility and freedom. Cross-manufacturer compatibility ensures a future-proof investment that users can rely on. 32 lenses and three lens converters are available to date, including many from the award-winning ZUIKO DIGITAL range, which is designed for the specific demands of digital SLR photography. Furthermore, Four Thirds enables a smaller, lighter lens construction which means photographers benefit from more mobility and control, thus increasing the likelihood of magnificent imaging results.

In addition to the many lenses which include the recently-introduced ZUIKO DIGITAL SWD models for attaining the world’s fastest* autofocus speeds, a wide and exciting range of E-System accessories await professionals looking to customise their photographic experience with the E-3. For flash control without the need for cables, Olympus offers the FL-50R and FL-36R wireless flash units. And for assignments that go into overtime, the Power Grip HLD-4 provides long-lasting battery power and conveniently includes a shutter release button on its side to make the quick capture of shots in portrait format just as simple as landscapes. Two new eye-cups (DE-P3 and DE-N3) are also available to broaden the camera’s dioptre correction adjustment capabilities. Shifting the dioptre either up or down by 3m-1, an expansive total range spanning -6m-1 to +4m-1 is possible. Moreover, the optional FS-3 Focusing Screen provides a grid matte screen in the viewfinder on which the image area is divided into 4 x 6 sections to assist in framing (purchase & installation via Olympus Service Dept. only).

Olympus E-410 EVOLT review

The Olympus E-400 was announced on the 14th September 2006, just before the Photokina show in Cologne, Germany. At the time there was much excitement about this compact and lightweight camera however this turned to disappointment for many of our readers when we discovered the camera would not be available in North America. Fast forward six months and we have the solution, the new E-410, gone is the Kodak CCD replaced with a (Matsushita) Live MOS Image Sensor which can provide Full Time Live-View on the LCD monitor, an updated image processor and a few other added features. So finally an affordable, compact, lightweight 4/3 digital SLR for everyone, including those who live in North America.

New features (compared to the E-400)

• Ten megapixel Live MOS Image Sensor (provides Full Time Live-View)
• Auto Focus in Live View (although still requires live view freeze and mirror flap)
• TruePic III processor (faster, better image quality, better noise reduction)
• Improved continuous shooting; still 3 fps but unlimited at JPEG HQ or 7 RAW
• No warning message at higher sensitivities (E-400 warned from ISO 800 upwards)
  

Two new ZUIKO Zoom Digital lenses

In conjunction with their announcement of the E-410 Olympus also announced two more ZUIKO Zoom lenses. There is a new kit lens in the 14-42 mm F3.5 - F5.6 which provides a nice wide angle three times zoom coverage equivalent to 28 - 84 mm on a 35 mm camera, next up is the 40-150 mm F4.0 - F5.6 which when combined with the kit lens would give you a full 28 - 300 mm equiv.

Olympus - Camedia C-350 Zoom review

The Camedia C-350 Zoom is grouped at the Olympus Web site with other cameras under a heading of 'easy', where the alternative groupings are 'creative', 'stylish' and 'high end'. This, as much as anything else, indicates that Olympus sees the C-350 Zoom as a beginner's camera. Still, at £250 it is not a pocket-money gadget, so it is important to know that you are getting value for money.

The camera's photography specifications are reasonably strong. It manages 3.3 million pixels, which is enough for standard sized prints and fair quality A4 prints. You can choose between four image qualities, the lowest of which is 640 x 480 pixels.

There is a 3x optical zoom, with digital zoom taking this up a further 3.3x. Optical zoom is the one to concentrate on as you lose image quality with digital zoom. The move between optical and digital is seamless, so you might not know when you shift from one type of zoom to the other. The answer to this issue is to disable digital zoom, which is easy to do from the camera settings menu.

The camera is equipped with a flash, and can capture movies as well as stills. It also supports sequential shooting - that is taking a series of pictures in rapid succession. You can grab up to 11 images at 1.5 frames per second using this mode. There is a macro mode for close-ups, too, and a self-timer.

Olympus provides a rechargeable NiMH cell comprising two AA batteries in a single container. You can use standard AA batteries too, which means it is possible to keep spares on hand for use as and when required.

Included in the box is a 16MB xD-Picture Card, which will store a maximum of 165 images. Bear in mind, though, that if you want prints from this camera you'll be using it at its highest quality, in which case the 16MB card will accommodate just 6 images. Where video is concerned it will manage up to 48 seconds at the highest quality on offer (320 x 240 pixels), and 211 seconds at the other, lower quality (160 x 120 pixels).

The xD-Picture Card is a small format memory card, not widely used at the moment, but you can get a 128MB card for around £40. This should be large enough for most purposes. Getting images into your computer will require either a reader or the provided USB cable.

Olympus seems to have taken pains to make the C-350 Zoom as easy to use as possible, and kept buttons to a minimum. There is no power button, for example; instead power is switched on by sliding the lens cover away from the lens, and off by reversing that procedure.

The LCD monitor, which can be switched off to save battery power, is, as usual, your route to all on-camera settings and controls, and its feature are accessed by just five buttons. We barely needed the manual at all to get to grips with it, and newcomers to digital photography should not find it too intimidating. The only other buttons on the casing are the shutter button and a rocker which invokes the zoom mode.

Olympus - Mju410 Digital review

We had mixed initial impressions of the Olympus Mju410. For starters we couldn't even decide what to call it, as the packaging and manuals refer to the µ [mju:] 410 Digital, which is a ridiculous mouthful. Presumably that would be the Micron 410 Digital, but let's just call it the 410 and be done with it.

Then we looked through the contents of the box and were aghast by the number of 'getting started' guides and manuals. In total there are fourteen of the things thanks to the multilingual nature of this modern world, yet we were unable to find an explanation for the tiny remote control that was included in the package.

After we had plugged in the battery and inserted the tiny 32MB xD card we were ready to rock. For starters we had to figure out that remote control, and in the depths of the self-timer menu we found an option with a strange icon that looks like a bolt of lightening.

Yes, that's the option to enable the remote control. You stand in front of the camera, click the button and two seconds later the 410 takes a photo. This is an ingenious idea, but we have to wonder just how many camera owners will use this facility, particularly as the manual doesn't spell it out.

The 410 is a beautifully constructed piece of hardware with a metal casing that feels very solid, yet it weighs a reasonable 195g and is only slightly larger than the Canon IXUS. On top of the 410 body there's a label that proclaims it is 'all-weather' and the various covers over the battery and xD card compartments, and the power connector all have rubber seals to keep rain and sand at bay.

As the lens retracts behind a sliding cover you can be confident that the 410 is as likely to withstand rough treatment as most other cameras on the market, but it's not weatherproof and the manual warns that you should not wash the camera in water. This is sound advice, but it's tragic that the end-user may need this sort of advice on an electronic device that costs well over £200.

Most of the controls on this camera have dual functions so it can take a few seconds to figure out how to navigate the menus and settings, however the options listed on the 1.5-inch screen are very clear and help you to sort out your settings quite quickly.

The feature list of this camera is quite mainstream with 4-megapixels and support for PictBridge, and of course Olympus has a solid reputation in the world of cameras, so we were looking forward to seeing how the TruePic Turbo image processor would perform.

It came as quite a surprise that the 410 produced rather poor photos, and close up shots in particular were out of focus. Although longer-range photos came out reasonably well they weren't particularly good.

Picture quality was helped when we stopped using the Auto setting and changed to the appropriate profile (Portrait, Exterior and so on) but the photos that we took indoors were rather grainy and lacked definition.

The best photos we produced were taken outdoors using the flash, but overall we were rather disappointed by this camera.

Olympus - C-70 Zoom review

In the crowded digital camera market, the products that are likely to get the edge are the ones aiming at superior quality of image allied to flexibility for the serious camera enthusiast and as many 'extras' as you can cram under the hood.

The C-70 Zoom goes squarely for photo superiority with 7.1 megapixels of quality image. The 5x optical zoom is complemented by a 6x digital zoom and the results can be viewed either through the optical viewfinder or the 2-inch colour TFT LCD screen. The lens leaps out in record time when you switch on, so you know this is a camera that means business.

Olympus uses its TruePic TURBO image processor to boost contrast and colours and to significantly increase processing speed. There are also two Macro modes, including Super Macro which will get you as close as 2cm away from your target. Images can be stored in either TIFF, JPEG or RAW file formats and can then be transferred to computer (or printer) via a USB port or viewed on TV through an AV out.

The controls on the back of the camera are easy to access and navigate. Within thumb range at the top are the Metering/Auto Focus mode, the Self Timer/Remote Control and the Flash mode (which includes red-eye reduction).

The main mode dial features Programme auto exposure (i.e. the main shooting mode), Aperture priority (ranging from f2.8 to f8.0), Shutter priority (with speeds up to 1/2000 sec) and Manual exposure. Experienced photographers will greatly appreciate the My Mode addition which will enable you to store any of the PSAM settings in any of four memory banks. White balance and auto-bracketing are also adjustable.

If that's too much like hard work for you, the SCENE option will offer you presets for Sport, Landscape, Portrait and Night shooting. If you also feel the urge to capture a special moment on moving pictures, you can film around 20 seconds of movies with sound at 15 and 30fps, at resolutions of 640 x 480 and 320 x 240.

The only control on the main mode dial that is largely redundant is the Play function, as all its features (viewing, rotating, zooming, etc) are duplicated on a separate Quick View button beside the LCD display.

Surprisingly, the one area where the C-70 Zoom is disappointing is in the basic design and layout. Although there's a comfortable rubber hand grip on the right side of the camera, the lens is positioned so far over to the left side that it's difficult to find a clear grasp. The pop-up flash button is unusually stiff to operate, it wasn't wise to put the power-on switch so close to the shutter button and for some strange reason the tripod socket in the base is off-centre and overlapping the battery compartment.

Olympus - mju DIGITAL 600 review

Digital cameras are so widespread these days that it can be tough to differentiate between those on offer. This is very apparent if you have between £200 and £300 to spend, as the market is awash with options.

Olympus has just added to your worries in this respect with its mju / µ (pronounced 'mew') DIGITAL 600, which, as you might gather from the latter part of the name, offers you a healthy six megapixels of image snapping capability.

For those of you fed up with silver digital cameras, you may be pleased to know that the mju DIGITAL 600 comes in (navy) blue and (ruby) red as well as (Arctic) silver. However, you are probably going to want to chose your camera on the basis of more than just its colour...

The first thing of note about the mju DIGITAL 600 in terms of operation is its massive LCD screen. The specifications rate it at measuring 6.4cm across the diagonal, though in fact the viewing area is closer to 6cm. This is still a whole lot more than we are used to in a digital camera, and it makes framing shots a dream.

There are two elements of bad news though: the LCD takes up almost all of the space on the back of the camera, leaving no room for an optical viewfinder, and the control buttons have a relatively small area in which to live, so they do feel a little squished. If you have large fingers you may find them a little difficult to manage.

Many of the extras are fairly standard. There is a 3x optical zoom, with 5x digital to supplement it if you don't mind sacrificing image quality. There are macro and super macro shooting modes, the latter allowing you to shoot at as little as 7cm from your subject. And you can control things like white balance and ISO settings with just a couple of button presses.

For those who prefer presets, there are 23 scene shooting modes. Choosing these is really simple. There's a button dedicated to choosing the mode; press this then scroll. A short description of each mode helps you make a selection.

The offerings include sport, behind glass, documents, beach and snow, and reducing blur. Some of the modes are oddly named - e.g. the still life mode is called 'cuisine', while others are designed for very specific purposes, e.g. auction mode, which, says the description, 'captures three pictures sequentially at different exposures in the appropriate size for e-auction.' Ebayers go wild.

Along with all this is BrightCapture technology, designed to improve the quality of images shot in low light conditions. It also fiddles with the brightness of the LCD so you can frame your shots easily. There is more than one shooting mode that uses this; available light portrait, indoors and night scene. The latter, as an example of how these modes work, slows the shutter speed down to allow more light into the lens. If you shoot indoors with the flash and get the dreaded red-eye, try the red-eye fixing option which helps remove 'demon-eyes'.

The mju DIGITAL 600 has 8MB of internal memory and supports xD picture cards. You'll need to invest quickly as you don't get any supplied with the camera and you can only store two images at the highest quality on that 8MB.

Olympus - Mju 770 SW review

Compact digital cameras vary a bit in design, but generally look and behave in similar ways. The Olympus μ (greek letter Mu) 770 SW is a bit different, though, as it's designed to be waterproof to a depth of 10m. This means you could drop it in a swimming pool without having to claim on insurance, or even take it snorkelling.

The camera is also claimed to be shockproof up to a height of 1.5m, though it's not clear what kind of a surface Olympus dropped it on. We'd be impressed by concrete or stone, not so much by a barrel of feathers or a bath of recently-set jelly. We take the company's word that the μ 770 SW is a sight more rugged than most digital compacts, though.

The styling fits with the rugged but smart image Olympus has set for the μ range, aiming it at the outdoor lifestyle market with a touch of extreme sports thrown in for good measure. It's cased in brushed steel with highly polished buttons and is held together by deftly-placed hex and cross-head screws.

Controls aren't that easy to use, as the buttons are small and don't project far from the surface of the case. There's a separate button for shot mode: landscape, portrait, night shot, even one for taking eBay sale items, and the usual four-way ring for menu navigation.

The 64mm LCD display is the only viewfinder and in bright sun it's not easy to see. The lens offers 3x optical zoom and focuses down to a minimum macro distance of 70mm, and the camera supports ISO ratings up to 1600, designed to give good response in low light.

This is a 7.1-megapixel device, so each full-resolution shot takes around 3.5MB and you'll only get five on the 19MB of available internal memory. The camera uses xD cards for removable storage, but none is supplied as standard. The μ 770 SW is powered by a 740mAh Lithium-ion battery, which showed notable drain after only a few shots. A charger is provided, but takes about five hours to deliver a full charge.

With all this ruggedisation, what's the image quality like? Not bad, but not the best we've seen in this price range. Set to auto, landscape shots on a bright sunny day came out slightly under-exposed and we also detected some barrelling when shooting straight edges near the sides of a frame. When we shot close up, indoors, colours tended to over-saturate.