Olympus E-420 and E-520 SLRs The Generation of 2008 |
My other articles related to the |
This article focuses mostly on similarities and differences between these cameras and the cameras they replace in the Olympus line-up: the E-410 and E-510 from a year earlier. Actually, both generations are so similar, that you may consider my reports on those a recommended reading before going any further.
April, 2009: The E-420 just got a minor facelift, called E-450. Except for the addition of three Art Filters and three really very minor changes, it is identical to the E-420. The changes are described in my brief E-450 article; otherwise whatever I'm writing here is fully applicable to the "new, improved" model. |
It is this time of the year again: the time to release new camera models. The cameras introduced last year are water under the bridge: they are, of course, incapable of delivering any decent results (were you one of the suckers who believed they could be any good?); if you want to take good pictures, you must get the latest, greatest. Or, at least, that's how most of the market feels. Last year Olympus released two budget SLRs, the non-identical twins: the E-410 and E-510; outside of the form factor and slight differences in controls, the cameras differed only in one important piece of specs: the E-510 has body-based image stabilization. They have been described in my Class of 2007 article. Both turned out to be very capable cameras, quite able to satisfy even a demanding amateur photographer. That, combined with very attractive prices and an extremely nice choice of Four Thirds lenses, resulted in strong sales and many satisfied converts to the Olympus camp. While these two models were followed by the pro-format E-3, the camera industry is driven by the mass market. Olympus, like everybody else, had to shop a new model this year — so they shipped two, and here they are: |
(Images by Olympus) |
Now, I am not going to delve into listing all features and settings for these two cameras: in addition to being almost exactly like their predecessors, they are also very much like each other. If you are new to Olympus SLRs, start from reading my E-510 Review and Reference, which is almost fully applicable to both models of 2008. The few differences are summarized in the table below.
|
Feature | E-410 | E-510 | E-420 | E-520 | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Body weight |
433 g (375+46+12g) |
547 g
(460+75+12g) |
438 g (380+46+12g) |
562 g (475+75+12g) | The top value includes battery and memory cards (itemized below). |
Body size (W×H×D) | 130×91×53 mm | 136×92×68 mm | 130×91×53 mm | 136×92×68 mm | The last dimension (D) really describes the grip depth. |
Autofocus in Live View | Uses "regular" AF sensors (mirror flap) | Uses the imager (contrast detection) | Combination of both modes possible in x20 cameras. | ||
Sequential shooting rate | 3 frames per second | 3.5 frames per second | A small but noticeable increase. | ||
Image stabilization | No | Body-based | No | Body-based | This is the main difference between the 4x0 and 5x0 lines; see also remarks below. |
Face Detection | No | Yes, in Live View only | Rather useless, especially in Live View. | ||
Flash GN (ISO 100) | 10 m | 12 m | 10 m | 12 m | GN 12 provides about 40% more light than GN 10. |
Battery (Li-Ion) |
BLS-1 (8.3Wh, 46g) |
BLM-1 (10.8Wh, 75g) |
BLS-1 (8.3Wh, 46g) |
BLM-1 (10.8Wh, 75g) | The Wh rating describes the total energy stored. |
Monitor size |
2.5" diagonal 38×51 mm |
2.7" diagonal 41×55 mm | The resolution remains the same: 77,000 pixels or 230,000 RGB dots. | ||
Direct controls | Simplified | Full | Simplified | Full | "Simplified" does not mean "worse". |
So, what's really new? The changes (all of them improvements) from the 2007 models are few and identical for both the E-420 and E-520, as measured from their respective predecessors. Risking some repetitiveness, here is a list, with my comments.
|
The back sides of the E-510 (left) and E-520 (right). (Images by Olympus) |
Note also some cosmetic differences: different shape of the rubber USB/Video port cover (bottom right), new (nicer!) styling of both dials on the top, and a change from green to blue in some button markings. For some users, the changes in dial shape are not just cosmetic: underwater enclosures designed for one year's model will not work with the other's one.
|
Nothing however, comes free. Look at an example of the same technique used in postprocessing (almost any program will allow you to do that). Here the first 10% (to the left of the leftmost dot, approximately) uses about 20% on output. Yes, we are opening up the shadows, but also doubling the shadow noise, in terms of luminance amplitude. Then, the region up to the second dot (lower mid-tones) gets only 30% of the total range instead of the original 40% — reduced contrast. Depending on the scene, this may or may not bring the desired effect; that's why with the E-3 I preferred to leave this feature alone, and apply tonal correction (oops! "Shadow Enhancement Technology"!) in postprocessing, if needed, with more control over it — even when starting from a JPEG file (as opposed to raw). |
The Auto gradation setting in these cameras does not affect just the shadows; the luminosity histogram indicates that the highlights are also affected (the curve part beyond the rightmost dot brought a bit down). While this does not change the available dynamic range, it makes "almost overblown" highlights "less almost overblown".
The remaining new features affect only the Live View mode, where the camera uses the image sensor and monitor for scene preview:
Common features To save you going through my E-510 write-up, here is a brief summary of the basic features shared by both the "old" and "new" twins.
The E-510 and E-520 share one feature omitted on their E-4x0 siblings: body-based image stabilization. In my book, this is preferred to the lens-based one, as it works with any lenses, including legacy ones (i.e., those designed for other cameras and used manually through a lens adapter). According to my measurements, image stabilization in the E-510 provides, indeed, some gain in handholdability: from about 1 EV at the focal length of 14 mm to somewhat more than 2 EV at 150 mm (probably more at longer focal lengths). Unfortunately, these are the only results I can trust, and comparisons with any other camera models are meaningless; so are numbers seen in various publications (including, but not limited to those provided by manufacturers). For more on my results and the method used to derive them, see my E-510 Image Stabilization article. The new E-520 introduces one change compared to its predecessor: it allows to perform IS in two dimensions, or in either of them. The E-510, in addition to the former option, allowed only for IS along the shorter image side. The newly-introduced second dimension option may be helpful in vertical panning (or horizontal panning with vertically-oriented camera). Lenses Both cameras are sold as a body only, or in kits, including one or two of the following lenses:
The first, most common, two on this list are priced very aggressively when bundled with the camera. My advice is to get them even if you plan to use other, more expensive lenses on a regular basis. I can well imagine traveling with the 12-60 mm ZD, carrying also the 40-150 mm ZD as a lightweight alternative for the rare case a longer focal length is needed. Just for your entertainment, here are two more product photos of the new Olympus body with economy-line Olympus lenses. |
E-520 with the 70-300 mm F/4.0-5.6 ZD (Image by Olympus) |
E-520 with the 9-18 mm F/4.0-5.6 ZD (available September) (Image by Olympus) |
Note that adding these two lenses to the "basic" kit (14-42 and 40-150 mm ZD) covers an impressive focal length range of 9-300 mm (equivalent to 18-600 mm on a full-frame 35-mm camera) at the total expense (including body) of just about $1500 and the total weight (ditto) of less than 1.9 kg (4 lb) — quite a feat! If you are new to Olympus SLRs, here is some general lens info. If you are familiar with the subject, just skip this passage. These cameras follow the Four Thirds standard, defining the sensor size and lens-to-camera connection (mechanical and electronic). At present, 32 such lenses are available (with a few more expected in the coming year), mostly made by Olympus, but also by Sigma and Leica/Panasonic. Some of the Olympus lenses are among the best in industry, and not all of these are exotically priced. In particular, the 12-60 mm ZD and 7-14 mm ZD are hard to match on any platform, while still priced for us mere mortals ($900 and $1500, respectively, in the U.S.). The 50 mm Macro ZD is one of my personal favorites for close-ups and portraits, at the most attractive price of less than $400. To compare focal lengths between different frame formats, you must use a focal length multiplier.
The comparison is additionally complicated by the fact that the Four thirds format has a 4:3 aspect ratio, while all others listed here — 3:2. To compare the vertical image angle, a values slightly smaller than those shown should be used; for the horizontal angle — slightly larger. The differences between these two models are identical to those between the E-410 and E-510. Here they are, in brief:
Yes, this is all! Putting aside image stabilization, both are virtually the same camera. The first three items in the list do not need more comment; the last two are discussed in the next section. E-420 — dumbed down, or streamlined? This depends on how you look at this, but I'm leaning to the latter interpretation of the E-420 user interface simplification. First of all, the external controls. Obviously, without the image stabilization functionality, the E-420 does not have the IS button. It has, however two other buttons removed: the ones dedicated to a user-assigned function, and to the choice of the AF point (both placed at the top right in the E-520). I'm not missing these two: most of the time I'm using the central AF point only, and the user-defined function can be assigned to the left-arrow button on the E-420. |
The E-420 (left, port cover open) and E-520 (right) back controls.
(Images by Olympus) |
Another change: the arrow buttons, used in the E-520 also to access directly ISO, AF mode, WB, and metering pattern), in the E-420 serve just as arrow buttons, for screen navigation and nothing else. Outside of the preview mode, they serve no function, which makes the interface more consistent (or less modal). The functionality of removed buttons (or of secondary button modes) must be accessed in this camera through the Control Panel, which is not really slower or more complicated than doing it directly — with one exception: getting to the operations assignable to the Function button (like, for example, reference WB metering or DoF preview). This is why the left arrow button can act as the Function one, even if it is unmarked. A reasonable decision. The second group of omissions in the E-420 includes some of the items in the Settings menus. True, the camera does not provide access to some user preferences available in the E-520, but in all cases the designers chose reasonable defaults. Most of these choices do not exist at all in competing cameras in this class, and I'm not missing them; in exchange, the settings navigation has been considerably simplified. In general, I do not consider the E-420 to be "dumbed down" in this aspect. Simplified or streamlined, yes; largely a matter of taste. Asking for my advice? If you do have an E-410 or E-510, the new models are not a compelling reason for upgrade. The improvements are few and of rather secondary nature: not enough, in my book, to justify a new expense. Better add another two or three C-notes and treat yourself to the 12-60 mm ZD lens for your camera, or extend your focal range with the 70-300 ZD (only if you really need it!), or, even better, wait to try out the upcoming 9-18 mm ZD. Each of these options is more worthy of your hard-earned money. Users of the older E-500 may (but do not have to) consider the upgrade. That camera still delivers nicely in today's terms, and you should be happy with it for at least another year or two (unless you have to have image stabilization). All depends on how much spare change you have. Those using the E-300 face a tougher choice. The image quality in that camera is the same as in the E-500 (read: no need to spend your money for the new models), but the user interface has been vastly improved in the transition to the E-500. If you are willing to live with the E-300 controls, stick to that camera for another while, otherwise get yourself one for the new models. (Did I mention the great E-300 build quality?) If you are using the E-1, then probably you will be better served by the very capable, pro-grade E-3, unless the camera is too big and heavy for your today's needs and taste. In such a case, you should not be disappointed with the E-520 performance, and only now, with the 10 MP matrix, you will see how much detail does your premium E-1 glass really resolve. For a new buyer (a newcomer to digital SLRs or switching from another system), both the E-420 and E-520 are worth consideration. Both offer very good image-taking capabilities and build quality in a compact package at an even more compact price (compared to what you get), with a very wide range of customizability and picture-taking options. The body-based image stabilization (E-520) really works, and so does ultrasonic dust cleaning. The included kit lenses are surprisingly good for the price, and buying into the system gives you an access to a very attractive and complete lens line, ranging from modestly priced (yet respectably performing) offerings to some cost-no-object ones. |
My other articles related to the |
Evolt® and Olympus® are registered trademarks of Olympus Corporation.
This page is not sponsored or endorsed by Olympus (or anyone else) and presents solely the views of the author. |
Home: wrotniak.net | Search this site | Change font size |
Posted 2008/06/30; last updated 2009/04/13 | Copyright © 2008-2009 by J. Andrzej Wrotniak |