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Easy to use100% agree
Good image quality88% agree
Good value88% agree
48 reviews
My First Digital SLR Camera
I bought my camera about a month ago, and I love it. It was the Olympus E-520 Digital SLR Camera with the 14-44 zoom lense. I was immediately impressed with all the features and settings that you can choose from. Starting with the 20 different scene modes, 4 advanced shooting modes and 7 automatic shooting modes. It has a larger LCD monitor which can be used for live view shooting and recording and also serves as a Super Control Panel that allows the display of shooting settings. It's lightweight despite being larger than it's predecessor the E-510. I was also very pleased with the great price and with all the accessories that were included. The software that is included allows you to manage, edit and store your photo library, it's a great addition. My only complaint is that this camera uses an xD picture card, as opposed to the standard "SD" that we see in just about all of the cameras out there. The xD 2G holds about 600 photos, which is great, but if you need a replacement card, you can't just buy them at your local electronics store, you can only get them through a certified Olympus Retailer, and that't kind of a hassle. Not to mention that it may become obsolete in a couple of years. So if you have one now, or are thinking about getting one, make sure you stock up on a few xD picture cards. Despite that, I would highly recommend this camera if you want to get a high quality camera with a budget price. I am not a professional photographer, but I do enjoy photographing nature shots, landscapes or just take photos of a birthday party or Christmas dinner at home. And if you're like me, you're gonna love this one. It allows you to take professional-type photos without having to invest 2 to 3 thousand dollars on a camera. It's great for people who want to get into photography but are not ready to make a large investment in the equipment. Again, I am very happy with my purchase and I would highly recommend it to someone.Read full review...
The best camera your friends won't own
I've owned the E-520 for about 9 months and I'm impressed. As a photographer, both professionally and personally for the past 20 years, I've had my share of cameras from old film Minoltas, Nikons and Ricohs, to newer pro-level Nikon digitals and even medium-format film. The E-520 has been a welcome investment.
The size, weight and feel are close to my old Nikon FE with a similar lens. However the ergonomics ofthe E-520 are much better. It's sturdy and there's not a cheap bone on the outside. The viewfinder is clear and adjustable; the dislay is large (2.5 inches across and 2 inches tall) and the controls are easy to use, even in the cold with thin gloves on. It has a hot shoe plus on-board flash plus it doesn't burn through batteries like my old Nikon D-3 did.
The professional feel to the camera carries over to the images it takes. Very crisp images thanks to the Zuiko lenses (I have the 14-42 mm and 40-150 mm zooms). The lenses are lightweight and not bulky (again like the old Nikons).
However, there are drawbacks. In low light, it seems the autofocus has a hard time picking a subject and manual focus is best. Also, you need to be aware of the white balance - at times, I've notice the auto white balance becomes confused rendering off-color pics. However, these are easily correctible once you get used to the camera. Everything is adjustable manually, so taking the perfect shot is simply a matter of getting to know your camera.
Overall, the Olympus E-520 ranks as one of my favorite cameras ever. Prior to my purchase, I scouted the usual offerings from Canon and Nikon and even looked at Fujifilm. However, the combination of features and price led me to this camera - and I'm glad I bought it.
Nikons and Canons are like Mustangs and Chevelles - everone has one. Do yourself a favor and check out the Olympus E-520. You'll be happy, and you're sure to have something none of your friends have - and that's always a good thing!Read full review...
SUPERB DSLR, Beautiful, sturdy, versatile, easy to use.
This is my first DSLR camera. I spent many days and nights, stressing over whether I wanted an Olympus E-520, or a Nikon D3000, or the Canon's 450D.
I strongly suggest you go to a camera shop, and handle any camera you are interested in BEFORE purchasing, it truly boils down to which suits you the best.
First of all, Canon and Nikon are the big dogs in advertising. Their names are well known, and recognizable. Olympus on the other hand does not advertise like its competitors. They are more "word of mouth". Just because they are not as popular, has NOTHING to do with their quality! They are more affordable, and giving their competitors a run for their money.
Once I finally committed to the Olympus E-520, I couldn't be happier. I love how sturdy this camera feels in my hands. Canon was way too plastic feeling, and nikon's shape felt off balance. I also enjoy where all the buttons are, as everything you need to adjust is right there. Canons aperture/shutter wheel was in an awkward position. Nikon was very much alike Olympus. It takes no time at all to get familiar with all these buttons. Olympus might have a layered menu but everything you need to adjust while taking a picture is easily accessible with their on own button right there on the camera, including white balance, iso, autofocus, metering, flash ETC) Some might think the menu being so jammed packed is confusing, but I am the queen of loving options - and realize this menu just gives me more to play with. They seriously put A LOT of features in this dreamy light-weight camera!
Extremely - versatile! BEAUTIFUL photos, whether you are using it in manual or an automode. You can always use one of the 20 pre-set scene modes, to effortlessly take a beautiful picture. Don't have time to mess with the manual settings? Just put into "Macro" to take a beautiful photo of a flower up close -OR- taking a picture of the mountain at a vista point? Just put it onto landscape! So many different modes, it makes things easy.
I also enjoy putting it into autofocus / manual mode. It will automatically find what i want to bring into focus, but I have the choice to spin the focus ring to adjust if needed.
The zuiko lenses are made from the best quality glass out there. Much better quality than you will find with other brands. A little more expensive, and not as many lenses available as it competitors, but who's gonna buy all the lenses that are made for each camera? It's not likely - so that doesn't bother me at all.
Image stabilization works like a dream! It's built into the Olympus camera, where-as other brands its only built into the lens.
This camera does not take SD cards which are more popular, it takes Compact Flash - which I think is great mostly because compact flash are faster and better quality than an SD card. This means you pictures are recorded quicker.
I have only had this camera for a short while, and have already learned so much. It's such a cool camera, even my friends who are intimidated by DSLR's can pick it up, and snap a few shots with no problem with all the different scene modes. As easy as a point and shoot, but all the capability of an SLR.
One last thing - IT SOUNDS LIKE A CAMERA! I love the sounds it makes while snapping shots! It truly enhances the moment! LOL, Nikon has a good sound too - Canons sound totally electronic.
I would definitely recommend this camera to anyone who hasn't tried Olympus, or a beginner looking for a decent DSLR.Read full review...
Great camera. Easy to handle, easy to use and super photos. Love it.
I love taking pictures but with the price of doing film, I decided to go digital. About a year ago I purchased an evolt-510. Good Olympus camera but the evolt-520 has just a couple features that made me want to upgrade. Shadow adjustments, live view, face detectioin mode, and of course the in camera stabilation makes the evolt-520 a very worthy camera. I've already taken some excellent photos with it. The standard 14/42 kit lens is very good but I do recommend at least the 14/52 Olympus zoom lens for the focal length and quality.Read full review...
Olympus E-520 is for everyone!
I received the camera one day and was shooting pictures like a pro the next day. The camera makes it easy!
Olympus quality is obvious in this camera, so many features it will take me years to use them all. And while I have been playing around with it, I have slowly started getting used to how they all work.
I am by no means a professional photographer, so learning is taking priority. The instructions are very clear and well written to help even a novice like me. I would recommend this camera to anyone who is interested in getting into photography, or would just like a camera that takes great photos. Moving beyond the "point and click" is a fun and rewarding experience.
My friends and family have been very impressed with the quality of the photos and are inviting me out to many events to take the photos. Lots of fun!Read full review...
Olympus E-520 Camera
After owning a Canon Power Shot camera for four years, I was ready to move to the next level. I researched which DSLR camera I should purchase and the best reviews led me to the Olympus E520 camera. The ease of using this camera and the instructions on how to use it to get optimal results have turned me into an amateur photographer. I used this camera to photograph my first formal wedding. I took over 800 shots and only had to make some minor edits. This 10 megapixels camera is medium weight yet durable. I was able to take over 500 photographs without having to change the battery. The camera almost does all the work for you so you don’t have to make several adjustments. I use an 18-180mm lens and I’m able to take great macro and long distance pictures. I have an external flasher but unless the lighting is dim to dark, I haven’t had to use the flash much. This is the best camera out there for the money.Read full review...
Very good value.
All the equipment that was part of the original package was included plus a spare battery and a 4GB compact Flash card. The manual and CD also. All in excellent condition.
Very good value for the price.
It is easy to use if one sticks to the auto mode but one can go much further if one wants, that is more difficult of course.Read full review...
Olympus E-520
I had an E-510 Prior to this one and fell in love with the quality of pictures and ease of operation, length of battery service and ergonomics, not to mention the looks. This E-520 has all of those features plus the larger size screen and it is much easier to see images in daylight. There are also some additional features that make this camera a must buy for the advanced novice to the professional that does not want to lug around a large, bulky, heavy camera. This is a winner!!!Read full review...
Olympus E-520
Still learning to use the E-520. It is my first DSLR so I can't compare to any other. I have always preferred more options to less. The E-520 certainly possesses options. The self-cleaning sensor is one of the features that are not available on many competitor cameras. However, that is sort of a behind-the-scenes thing that goes unnoticed. The live view is also a feature that many other models does not possess. While the features and options are vast, the adjustment and setting of these are quite intuitive. The photos are excellent using raw. The only con I have reservations with is the slightly smaller sensor. I have not noticed any instances where that has created problems and many experts feel that it is a benefit since greater zoom can be achieved. Overall the E-520 is a joy to use.Read full review...
Great buy, Super shipping Loving it.
Go the camera on a Thrusday,removed it from the box,charged up the battery. Got up early to take some pics of a R/C Boat Race. Some boats where going from 50 to 80mph. And there only 45-54" long. The 14-42mm lens was awesome going in and out the race pits. And the 40-150mm could have alittle more reach. But the pictures it takes are just great. LOVE IT. Maybe a new longer lens for Christmas. Not affraid to buy add-ons,lenes,gadets,this camera will hahdle anything I need. Remember out the box to the race and smiles everywhere. This DSLR IS EAST TO USE.IGHT AND FAST TAKING MOVING PHOTOS.
Evolt E-520 with 14-42mm f3.5-5.6
including 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 Lens
Thank you for the speedy service A+ E-BAY Seller
NathanRead full review...