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Last review was sent on 08 July 2009

Olympus E-520 reviews

Olympus E-520

Overall rating:

- 4.5

You can find here the most interesting reviews / ratings from the well-known expert sites about the Olympus E-520 Camera. Here are the reviewers:

SLRGear	- 08 July 2009 -	- 0
Imaging Resource	- 28 January 2009 -	- 0
Megapixel.net	- 11 December 2008 -	- 4.5
Photography Review	- 20 November 2008 -	- 5
Steves Digicams	- 19 October 2008 -	- 0
DCResources	- 26 September 2008 -	- 0
DPreview	- 21 August 2008 -	- 4
PhotographyBLOG	- 30 July 2008 -	- 4.5
Camera Labs	- 29 July 2008 -	- 4.5
DCResource	- 27 May 2008 -	- 0

“ Overall, the Olympus E-520 delivered really excellent IS performance, easily on par with the best lens-based systems we've tested to date. It's very interesting that it provided more improvement with the shorter lens attached: At this point, we've only tested this one sensor-based IS system, so we can't draw any general conclusions from it. it's possible that sensor-based systems could run into limitations at very long focal lengths, but in the case of the E-520, its performance with a 150mm lens attached (equivalent to a 300mm lens on a 35mm camera, or a 200mm lens on a DSLR with a 1.5x crop factor) was about as good as that of one of the best lens-based IS systems we've tested, namely that of the Canon 70-200mm F/4L IS. And at shorter focal lengths, it did better... ”

SLRGear's rating:

- 0

Complete review here

“ The E-520 is a logical step in the Olympus's digital SLR evolution. With headlining features that include Face Detection, Contrast-Detect AF in Live View, Wireless Remote Flash control, and an increased maximum shooting speed of 3.5 frames per second, the 10-megapixel Olympus E-520 is basically a slightly larger E-420 with built-in image stabilization. The two share nearly identical features, key specs, and imaging characteristics, though the inclusion of mechanical stabilization elevates the E-520 over some of its chief competitors while the E-420 falls short. For deliberating consumers considering the Four-Thirds system, the choice really boils-down to whether or not image stabilization justifies the extra $100 and slightly greater bulk. For me, the answer is yes, without hesitation. While we weren't able to give the E-420 a ringing endorsement, we think the E-520's feature set and image quality warrant a Dave's Pick, thanks to the very good optical quality and printed results... ”

Imaging Resource's rating:

- 0

Complete review here

“ Like the recently-released E-420, the new Olympus E-520 is an update of a previous model and doesn't introduce any radically new features or functions. The tenth Olympus DSLR and the third in the 500 series, it has the same 10-megapixel imager as the E-510 with a few tweaks to the stabilisation and autofocus systems to improve handling and performance. Like its predecessor, the E-520 is targeted at photo enthusiasts.

Essentially, the main difference between the E-510 and the E-520 is the updating of the image sensor (see below) and body-integrated image stabilisation system, which now offers three modes instead of just normal and panning. The third mode is designed for horizontal panning with the camera held vertically. Olympus claims four f-stops of shutter speed advantage for both cameras' systems.... ”

Megapixel.net's rating:

- 4.5

Complete review here

“ The Olympus E-520 is a unique camera and I’ve found it a little hard to explain exactly how and why I like it so much. This may sound strange to some, but photography isn’t all about image quality. What makes a good camera is the balance between image quality, camera handling, and the photographer’s budget. My main cameras this year have been the Olympus E-520, the Olympus E-3, the Canon XTi / 400D, the Canon XSi / 450D, the Canon EOS 40D, and the Canon EOS 50D. Although it doesn’t have the best image quality of the bunch, the camera I used the most this year was the E-520. For me, the E-520 strikes the best balance between camera size, handling, and image quality. It’s my favorite camera for outdoor photography, where a smaller, lighter rig means always having the camera with you and getting more photos. For the price, the E-520 is really hard to beat. And the unique mix of compact size, great Olympus glass, and built-in image stabilization set it apart and make it a special camera - reminiscent of the discontinued and much-revered Olympus OM 35mm SLRs... ”

Photography Review's rating:

- 5

Complete review here

“ The Olympus E-520 replaces the EVOLT E-510 from last year as Olympus' mid-level dSLR offering. This camera is loaded with advanced technologies. These include an Image Stabilization system that is built right into the camera body, which compensates for movement so that images are sharp and blur-free with any lens, even at slower shutter speeds. Together, these technologies help the E-520 produce pleasing results... ”

Steves Digicams's rating:

- 0

Complete review here

“ While good overall, the E-520's photo quality could be a bit better. On the positive side, the camera produces photos with accurate, vivid colors and minimal purple fringing. Redeye wasn't a problem, either. Exposure was a mixed bag: the E-520 had a slight tendency to overexpose, and it also clips highlights more than I would've liked. Photos are on the soft side, and when the ISO rises, noise reduction just makes things worse. Turning down the noise filter helps get some detail back, but you get some pretty noisy photos in return, even as low as ISO 400. At the highest ISO settings, you may also encounter horizontal banding in your photos. Personally, I would bump up the in-camera sharpening for my low ISO shots, and shoot RAW at high ISOs in order to get the most out of the E-520. For the average shooter, I don't think these issues are a big deal. If you make large prints, view images at 100% on your computer screen, or shoot at high sensitivities frequently, you may want to consider a camera that performs better at high ISO settings.

Two last things to mention before I wrap things up. First, when you're shooting with the viewfinder, there are only three focus points, which seems a little outdated in the year 2008. Second, while the manual mentions all of the E-520's features, it does so with very little detail.

All things considered, the Olympus E-520 is a good, but not spectacular digital SLR. Whether you're a first-time D-SLR buyer or someone moving up from an older model, it offers excellent value for your money. I can certainly recommend the E-520, though I'd take a close look at the competition before you buy anything.... ”

DCResources's rating:

- 0

Complete review here

“ The E520 is a very competent DSLR with a high specification that we believe will prove to be highly competitive on price once it has been on the market a little longer and its price has dropped away from the MSRP.

We can certainly still recommend it as a good camera but one that just doesn't distinguish itself enough to receive an unqualified Highly Recommended award (and, given it doesn't offer the E420's convenient size advantage, the case for it to be awarded a Recommended has been made quite strongly). Essentially the problem is that the E-520 offers few major changes over its predecessor (and the optimized output is slightly softer), but is trying to compete in a sector of the market that has progressed dramatically since the E-510's introduction. This is not to say it's far off the pace - the differences between the strongest and weakest cameras in this class are small - but it does lag the competition and that's why we express reservations.... ”

DPreview's rating:

- 4

Complete review here

“ So, is the Olympus E-520 the perfect camera then? Well, not quite. The viewfinder – an important part of any SLR – is just as small as the one built into the E-510. I am pretty sure Olympus could have upped its magnification by sacrificing some brightness, but they have chosen not to. Similarly, they could have put a more versatile auto-focus system into the camera – the current system is fine as regards its speed and reliability, but it could use a couple more AF sensors, preferably of the cross type.

I personally enjoyed using the E-520 very much, and doubt it would disappoint anybody who decides to buy one after careful weighing of its strengths and weaknesses. The Olympus E-520 is a camera that I can recommend to beginners and enthusiasts alike, and I would not be too surprised to see it in the hands of a few pro photographers, either.... ”

PhotographyBLOG's rating:

- 4.5

Complete review here

“ Unless you regularly switch between other DSLRs, you also get used to the E-520’s small viewfinder and it’s important to note the Sony A300 and A350 are no better in this regard. As for the AF system, 3-points may not be great for tracking off-centre subjects, but it’s fine for general use and certainly not put off an army of E-510 owners or those who went for the Nikon D40, D40x or D60.

So while it’s disappointing Olympus hasn’t made any major changes, like boosting the resolution, improving the AF system, enlarging the viewfinder, or fitting a flip-out screen, it’s testament to the earlier E-510’s specs that by making a few small enhancements, the E-520 remains a serious contender. Indeed while the competition now offers some key features you should carefully weigh-up, we can still confidently award the E-520 the Highly Recommended rating of its predecessor. If you’re shopping for a new DSLR at this price-point, it should be on your shortlist.... ”

Camera Labs's rating:

- 4.5

Complete review here