Olympus E-510

Reviewed September 2007

Image Quality

In one area, however, the E-510 could have been further enhanced over the E-410: the focusing system. The E-510 retains the three horizontal AF zones of the E-410, a system that is somewhat basic and often requires the photographer to use the centre AF point and reframe the shot when the subject of the image falls outside of the three points. Otherwise, the E-510’s focusing system is reasonably fast, although it is advisable to ensure there is a sufficient contrast in the frame to avoid any hesitation on the part of the AF.

When similar images captured with the E-410 and with the E-510 are compared, identifying which camera took a specific image is impossible as both cameras use the same sensor and image processor.

Likewise, the E-510 uses the same excellent metering system found on the E-410. Even when confronted with very strong contrasts, the default ESP metering yields images that are well-exposed and which exhibit good balance between highlights and shadows.

The Auto white balance is similarly reliable when used with natural light, but can be less so when used with other sources of light, when it can cause occasional colour shifts.

The 1600 ISO level is particularly interesting as it allows capturing fast movement. Noise appears as increased grain in the shadow areas, and extends lightly into areas of uniform colour, but without becoming distracting. Moreover, the grain of a 1600 ISO image tends to be smoothed out when the image is printed.

As with other Olympus SLR cameras, the E-510 offers a large selection of image sizes and compression.

The largest image size can be recorded using either the RAW format, or in JPEG with a low compression. While smaller image sizes can be saved using a wide range of compression levels; all of which gives the user an excellent range of options and choices that allow tailoring the image size and compression to their projected use.

Nevertheless, while the SHQ JPEG images are excellent, the RAW format is clearly more valuable to those that want a great deal of flexibility when retouching their images.

Indeed, the dynamic range of the NMOS sensor and its 10-megapixel resolution make it possible to extract a great quantity of detail and colour nuances when RAW images are processed.

As noted at the start of this section, the E-510 offers greater flexibility than the E-410 when it comes to flash photography using its built-in flash. With the E-510, the synch speed can be set from 1/60 to 1/180 sec., flash exposures can be compensated, and flash exposure bracketing can be performed.

The Olympus E-510 is an excellent amateur dSLR. It fits nicely just above the E-410 and its slightly higher price is easily justified by its additional features. The kit lens — the one used in this review — is of good quality, but the auto focus of the E-510 would likely perform even better with a slightly brighter lens such as some of the high quality lenses manufactured by Olympus.

Currently, competition in entry-level digital SLR cameras is intense. And while it may not have the most attractive price, the E-510 offers a number of features that should make it very attractive.