Here are a few images that accurately reflect the abilities
of any given camera model. The images are altered only in
terms of size and sharpness after reduction and by the JPEG
compression used. Unless otherwise mentioned, assume that
any marbling or artifacts visible in the images are due to
the compression required to display them here. We feel however,
that they still faithfully represent the results we experienced.
STILL LIFE PHOTO
This subject is photographed in a room that has
a mix of fluorescent and incandescent light, but which is not
brightly lit. The camera's flash is used to add fill light.
The backdrop is 1.95 m (6.5 ft) from the camera.
The RAW + SHQ format is used for the images presented here,
allowing for a comparison of the RAW image and the highest
quality JPEG.
The wide angle shot is captured using the 14-45 mm kit lens,
which at the widest angle yields a relatively soft image without
any processing.
The pop-up flash provides excellent coverage, and no light
falloff can be detected in the corners of the frame.
Photo Information
Format:
RAW
Aperture:
f3.5
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Speed:
1/30 sec.
Res.:
3264 x 2448
Flash:
On
Quality:
Uncompressed
ISO:
100
File Size:
RAW: 13.47 MB
TIFF: 22.88 MB
Focal Length:
28 mm (35mm Eq.)
ZOOM PHOTO
Now we zoom in on a specific area. The intent
is to test the sharpness of the image at the zoom's maximum
setting. The camera remains at the same distance as with the
preceding photo.
For the telephoto shot, the 40-150 mm kit lens is used, a
focal length equivalent to an 80 to 300 mm lens on a 35 mm
camera.
At its maximum magnification the lens is able to capture
only a section of the old photographic paper envelope, but
reveals an excellent level of detail. As can be seen in the
image below, clipped from the full 8-megapixel frame, the
resolution is sufficiently high to show the paper fibres on
the edge of the envelope.
As is always the case with a digital SLR camera, a good
macro shot requires the use of a macro lens. However neither
of the lenses included in the kit is macro capable, and for
this close-up, the 40 to 150 mm zoom at its maximum telephoto
setting is used.
The minimum focus distance of the 40-150 mm is 1.5 m (5 ft),
capturing a field of view measuring 16 cm horizontally. The
14-45 mm is able to come closer at its telephoto setting,
approximately 30 cm (1 ft), capturing a field of view of 11
cm (4.3 in.) when measured horizontally.
BUILDING PHOTO
This image is our outdoor test. The architecture
of the building, in particular the angled girders, immediately
show the presence of jaggies. The shadowed entrance can also
often reveal the quality of the exposure.
The Zuiko 14-45 mm lens provides a good wide angle view that
is ideal for architecture and indoor shots. At its 14 mm setting,
the lens yields an image that is a touch softer than at any
of its other focal lengths. However, sharpness can be increased
if desired by fine-tuning the Picture Mode, which offers sub-settings
for sharpness, contrast, and saturation.
Worth noting, this lens yields an image with no noticeable
distortion, and no aberration throughout its focal range.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f8
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Speed:
1/160 sec.
Resolution:
3264 x 2448
Flash:
No
Quality:
SHQ
ISO:
100
File Size:
5.42 MB
Focal Length:
28mm (35mm Eq.)
ZOOM PHOTO
Zooming in on the entrance of the building,
the shadowed entrance takes on a greater importance for the
metering and can cause an overexposure of sections that are
directly lit.
To capture the zoom shot of the building, the 40 to 150 mm
zoom is used. At its maximum telephoto setting, the lens is
comparable to a 300 mm telephoto on a 35 mm camera, allowing
it to capture a portion of the building's entrance door from
the same vantage point as the wide angle shot.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f4.5
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Speed:
1/160 sec.
Resolution:
3264 x 2448
Flash:
No
Quality:
SHQ
ISO:
100
File Size:
4.56 MB
Focal Length:
300 mm (35mm Eq.)
As can be seen below, at 100 ISO
the image is noise-free and very detailed. However, the metering
is slightly influenced by the shadow area of the entrance, and
some of the more reflective elements in direct sunlight are
almost overexposed.
NIGHT PHOTO
As this camera is capable of a long exposure,
a photo taken at night is included.
Set to the Manual mode, the
E-500 has a maximum timed exposure of 60 seconds, and a Bulb
mode that can extend as long as 8 minutes. The Bulb mode,
however, requires the use of the optional RM-1 remote control,
as the shutter release must be maintained pressed during the
course of the exposure.
The E-500 is also equipped with a noise reduction system
that must be activated in the menu, and a mirror lock-up that
effectively prevents any vibration from the mirror from interfering
with the exposure.
When set to 100 ISO and with the noise reduction system
turned off, as is the case for the photo presented here, the
E-500's photos are effectively noise-free when the exposure
is around the 15-second mark, more than sufficient to capture
a life-like image.
When the noise reduction system is used — a dark frame
system — the image loses a little bit of its sharpness,
making the system more worthwhile when the sensitivity is
set above 100 ISO, or when the exposure time is longer than
it was for this image.
Merchants/Buying Choices
Where to buy Olympus EVOLT E-500 with 18-180mm Lens - Silver
Test Photos
