Olympus EVOLT E-520 Preview

by Bob Atkins

Olympus Launches New Digital SLR Camera - E-520

The Olympus E-520 is a logical evolution of the E-510. Like the E-510, the E-520 features a 10MP "four-thirds" format sensor and stabilization built into the camera body via sensor-shift. The LCD is slightly larger (2.7" vs. 2.5") and the continuous shooting speed is slightly faster (3.5fps vs. 3fps). New features include: contrast detection AF for LiveView, face detection, wireless flash control, shadow adjustment technology and new vertical and horizontal panning IS modes. Olympus states that the dynamic range of the E-520 is wider than that of the E-510, though I haven't seen any actual numbers on that.

The street price on the E-520 body should be around $600, and the kit with a 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko lens should sell for around $700. The camera is expected to be available from retailers in August 2008.

The Olympus E-520 is available for pre-order from amazon.com in the following options:

• Olympus Evolt E-520, $550 (review)
• Olympus Evolt E-520, 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 kit, $700 (review)

Here's some material from the Olympus Press Release on the new E-520 DSLR:

Olympus E-520 DSLR Main Features

• Thanks to a powerful built-in image stabilizer with a compensation effect of up to 4 EV steps, image stabilization shooting is available at magnifications up to 33x over a wide range of focal lengths from super-wide-angle to super telephone when combined with Zuiko digital lenses
• Enhanced "Live View" shooting with new "High-Speed Imager AF" that provides users to the same ease of use available with a compact digital camera
• "Face & Back Control" for clearer reproduction of both faces and backgrounds
• Advanced new 10MP Live MOS Sensor and TruePic III image processing engine

Other Features:

• Reliable Dust Reduction System
• Fast 3.5 fps sequential shooting
• Built-in flash with wireless flash control
• New large 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD monitor with improved visibility in Live View shooting and picture playback
• "Perfect Shot Preview" function to compare the results of various effects before actual shooting
• Continuous AF mode with improved focus tracking
• Super Control Panel with excellent visibility and operability
• Large, ergonomic grip that fits the hand and direct-access buttons for quick setup

An advanced, updated version of the E-510 digital SLR camera (released in June 2007), the E-520 features a built-in image stabilization mechanism that actually shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera shake, as well as an impressive array of versatile functions that make it easier than ever for users to take exactly the photographs they intended. The image stabilization system incorporated in the E-520 uses SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) actuators to shift the image sensor and compensate for camera shake by up 4 EV steps[1]. As the E-520 is fully compatible with any lens compliant with the Four Thirds System standard, this means that image stabilization shooting is possible at up to 33x magnification across a wide range of focusing distances from 18mm (35mm camera equivalent) super-wide-angle to 600mm (35mm camera equivalent) super telephoto. To achieve this performance, the user can simply combine the E-520 with a Four-Thirds standard lens such as the newly released Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6, the ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 or ED 40-500mm f/4.0-5.6, and ED 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 super telephoto zoom lens.

The E-520 also incorporates the same High-Speed Imager AF initially unveiled on the E-420 (released in April 2008). This sophisticated autofocus system uses contrast detection to assure fast, accurate focusing and improve the ease and comfort of Live View shooting. In addition, the E-520 boasts Olympus's sophisticated new Face & Back Control that uses a face detection function able to detect up to 8 separate faces and optimize exposure of both faces and background. This function assures beautiful portrait or group shots, in which both the faces of the subjects and the background are clear and sharp.

All of this performance and versatility is incorporated in a compact, lightweight body. Thanks to the new 10MP Live MOS Sensor and the TruePic III image processing engine, the E-520 offers the same outstanding quality as the E-3, our widely praised flagship model. With its simplicity, convenience, and excellent portability, the E-520 is a great choice even for beginners, while its powerful function set and superb quality will satisfy advanced users as well.

[1]When used in combination with one of Olympus's four Standard Series lenses – the Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6, the ED f/3.5-5.6, the ED 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 or the ED 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 super telephoto zoom lens, the E-520's image stabilization is effective across a wide range of focal lengths from super-wide-angle of 18mm (35mm camera equivalent) to super telephoto of 600mm (35mm camera equivalent), with magnifications up to 33x.

Enhanced "Live View" shooting with new "High-Speed Imager AF" that provides users to the same ease of use available with a compact digital camera

The E-520 incorporates the AF Live View function made popular by the E-420, which features the ability to autofocus without moving the mirror. The autofocusing system uses Olympus's High-Speed Imager AF [2], which detects the contrast value on the image sensor when the shutter button is half pressed, drives the lens to the position with the peak contrast value and then adjusts focusing. Because the focusing system used by previous Live View function was based on phase difference, the mirror had to be moved down. With the new system, this requirement has been eliminated, making Live View shooting as easy and convenient as shooting with a compact digital camera.

[2] When a lens other than the Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, ED 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 and 25mm f/2.8 is used, the number of distance measuring points for autofocusing is 3 so autofocusing is executed again at the moment the shutter release button is fully pressed. When the Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 or ED 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 is used, the firmware should be upgraded to Ver. 1.1 or higher.

"Face & Back Control" renders both human faces and the background more clearly

The E-520 incorporates the same face detection function incorporated in the E-420, which detects up to 8 faces at a time and automatically adjusts focus to ensure that everyone's faces are accurately focused, even in group photos. This works in conjunction with "Face & Back Control", which optimizes exposure for the faces in the foreground and the scenery in the background, assuring sharp, clear, more natural-looking pictures. Even when shooting against the light, faces can be optimally exposed without over-exposing the background.

Advanced new 10-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic III image processing engine

The E-520 uses a powerful new 10-megapixel Live MOS Sensor for image capturing that enables accurate reproduction of details with natural, vivid colors. The new sensor features an improved dynamic range to ensure richer, subtler gradations, giving images a natural, true-to-life appearance.
The TruePic III image processing engine features an advanced processing algorithm to improve imaging performance, gradation expression and color reproduction.

Reliable Dust Reduction System

Dust and dirt — whether it gets inside when the lens is changed or is produced by friction inside the camera when the shutter is opened and closed repeatedly — is the photographer's biggest enemy. Once it gets on the low-pass filter or the image sensor, even tiny specks of dust will show up in your photographs, spoiling what would otherwise be a great shot. Olympus has always viewed dust as a critical issue in digital SLR cameras and solved it by incorporating a SSWF (Super-Sonic Wave Filter) unit that literally shakes the dust loose so it can be collected with a dust absorber. Activated whenever the camera is powered on ore when Live View is in use, the SSWF unit vibrates at supersonic speeds, removing dirt and dust that cannot be removed simply by moving the image sensor up and down. This system can even remove fine dust attached by intermolecular force that cannot be removed by static electric discharge.

Fast 3.5 frames-per-sec. sequential shooting

Sequential shooting performance has been improved to 3.5 frames per second. Now it is easier to capture the best moment from fast moving subjects or facial expressions that constantly change from one instant to the next.

Built-in flash with wireless flash control

The powerful built-in flash incorporates a commander function for combined operation with wireless flashes, a feature already proven on Olympus's flagship digital SLR, the E-3. When the FL-50R and/or FL-36R external flashes are used, multiple flashes can be controlled without either connection cables or an external commander. Settings (including flash mode and intensity) for up to 3 groups of remote flashes can be adjusted on the LCD panel on the back of the camera.

New large 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD monitor for improved visibility in Live View shooting and picture playback

The E-520 uses a new 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD monitor with even higher visibility than our previous LCD monitors. Contrast has been increased and the color reproduction gamut has been expanded to enable finer image checking in Live View shooting and picture playback. With a viewing angle of 176‹ in all directions, the monitor image can be easily checked from any angle. Image reproduction in Live View shooting and picture playback is further improved by an anti-reflection multi-coating and an easy-to-use color temperature adjustment function as well as a traditional brightness adjustment control

"Perfect Shot Preview" function to compare the results of various effects before actual shooting

Before actually taking a picture, the user can use "Perfect Shot Preview" to display four images with different compensation/adjustment settings on the LCD monitor and select the preferred image from among them. The Two settings that can be checked are exposure compensation, white balance. Being able to check and compare the effects of various settings in advance makes it much easier for users to obtain exactly the image they want.

Continuous AF mode with improved focus tracking

The overwhelming popularity of the Continuous AF system incorporated in the E-3 was accompanied by valuable feedback that has been applied to the E-520. The result is greatly improved focus tracking ability that makes it much easier for users to shoot moving subjects.

Super Control Panel with excellent visibility and operability

The Super Control Panel displays shooting and setting data on the LCD and features a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for quick, intuitive operation using cross-cursor and OK buttons. Settings are easy to make and easy to check, minimizing mistakes and confusion.

Large, ergonomic grip that fits the hand and direct-access buttons for quick setup

The E-520 features the same large, ergonomic grip as the E-510. Designed to fit comfortably in the user's hand and provide a stable grip, this assures secure, comfortable shooting in many different positions. The cross-cursor buttons can be customized to provide direct control over various functions including image stabilization, Live View, white balance adjustment, exposure metering, focusing and ISO control functions. Users can easily change function settings as required.

Where to buy

The Olympus E-520 is available for pre-order from amazon.com in the following options:

• Olympus Evolt E-520, $550 (review)
• Olympus Evolt E-520, 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 kit, $700 (review)

Readers' Comments

Add a comment

Jan van Gorselen , June 08, 2008; 12:24 P.M.

For the Dutch reading members: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Olympus-E520/

Bill Liljeroos , June 09, 2008; 02:09 P.M.

Amazing.......... I paid $826.00 for the e510 kit last year. I love it and have no plans on upgrading right.

John Gadd , June 19, 2008; 11:27 A.M.

As for myself I would be careful about the olympus model. I purchased a E-500 and when ever I try to zoom in on a subject my pictures blurr. I am aware that the E-500 does not have Image Stablization, I use a tripod for shots requiering zoom. I have sent my lens & camera back to olympus TWICE ! I sent a photo with it to show the distortion, and so far they have NOT fixed the problem. I called them back to discuss this defect and I was told to wait for a phone call, sometime in the next 7 to 8 days. This is really agravating and unexceptable !! I had to buy another camera just for my vacation, which I really can't afford, but that's what I had to do. If they continue to put me off the way they have the last two times I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER OLYMPUS PRODUCT AGAIN !

John Gilmore , June 20, 2008; 11:15 A.M.

I have been very happy with my olympus cameras. I have both the E-510 and the E-1. Both cameras have been very good to me with my picture taking. Although I did have a problem taking some timed exposer's the other night with the E-1. I think that they were my fault though. I am not sure. I am going to try more shot's later this week to find out. ( I did get the shot's I wanted with the 510)

Steve Bellayr , June 26, 2008; 02:51 P.M.

Does anyone know if the flash on E-520 can be de-activated?

Rodolph Farah , June 27, 2008; 03:34 A.M.

Water Close up without Macro

I tried the E510 and the E410, and finally the E3. To my knowledge as a professor in photography, I was totally amazed by the new technology included in the new Olympus system, specially the E3. According to their price, no camera now in the market matches this evolution pack. To gain more focus on the E410, and E510, get the new Zuiko high teck lenses and be amazed of the results, believe me.

Steve Bellayr , June 29, 2008; 04:30 P.M.

Another question: At Adorama under Operation it states 32F - 104F. Does this mean that below 32F or 0 degrees Centrigrade that problems may be expected?

Rodolph Farah , July 02, 2008; 09:51 A.M.

Dear Steve, the flash can only be deactivated when you use M for example as for manual setting, not when you use the automatic camera program.

Amit Barak , July 14, 2008; 01:55 P.M.

I was mostly impressed by the E-420, being the "smallest, lightest, DSLR body on earth" when launched. Although I generally had good experience with Olympus point and shoots, the only things that, for me, would make sense buying non Canon/Nikon DSLR body would be features that Canon or Nikon do not offer, the E-420 offers outstanding portability, some of the Sony DSLR bodies have tilting LCDs. What does the E-520 have that makes it unique and worth buying?