Olympus EVOLT E-500 with Olympus 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens
Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc. Part number: 262062
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Olympus Evolt E-500 is a compact, easy-to-use digital SLR camera with a broad feature set for its class and very nice photo quality overall.
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CNET editors' review
Olympus EVOLT E-500 with Olympus 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens
price range: $677.00
- Reviewed by: Lisa Gidley
- Edited by: Aimee Baldridge
- Reviewed on: 02/02/2006
- Updated on:02/27/2007
- Released on: 10/15/2005
The good: Compact design; strong autofocus performance even in low-light situations; intuitive and easy-to-navigate menu system; wide range of automated and manual features to appeal to both serious hobbyists and curious SLR newcomers.
The bad: Unreliable automatic white balance in some conditions; slow start-up time when dust reduction is enabled; compatible Zuiko lenses don't indicate focal distance.
The bottom line: The Olympus Evolt E-500 is a compact, easy-to-use digital SLR camera with a broad feature set for its class and very nice photo quality overall.
Editor's note: This review has been updated since originally posting on February 2, 2006. Subsequent changes in the competitive landscape have led us to drop its Performance rating from 7 to 6, thereby reducing the overall rating from 7.4 to 7.1.
User reviews
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Who is writing for cnet.com????
by rsmcbride on November 27, 2005
Pros: excellent color, ease of use, anti-dust mechanism
Cons: My own knowledge and limitations with this new camera
Summary: First of all, how can this cnet writer comment on the E-500 when he/she does not know the difference between a "point and shoot" and Olympus's newest digital ...
Summary: First of all, how can this cnet writer comment on the E-500 when he/she does not know the difference between a "point and shoot" and Olympus's newest digital SLR. As for an honest, professional review of this camera, I recommend reading dpreview.com take on this great camera.
13 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Brilliant! 9 out of 10
by gohunter on March 26, 2006
Pros: Light, Superb quality, Large LCD,
Cons: Viewfinder image is like all modern SLRs, far too small!
Summary: I used to have Canon EOS 10D but when I tried the E-500 in the shop I bought one and sold the Canon! I could never take a successful sunset ...
Summary: I used to have Canon EOS 10D but when I tried the E-500 in the shop I bought one and sold the Canon! I could never take a successful sunset with the Canon without a load of messing about adjusting exposure and using trial and error. None of the proven methods that I have used in the past with film had worked. With the Olympus, I simply select the sunset scene mode and it is perfectly exposed. It is the same with all the other modes. I took some absolutely superb shots at dawn in the harbour at Torquay a few weeks ago and have taken loads of other brilliant shots since having the Oly. I have also bought the adaptor and use OM lenses on it. The combination is brilliant too, although there is no autofocus of course! The wider apertures, e.g. using a 50mm F1.8 works out as the equivalent of a 100mm f1.8 and is absolutely superb for portraits. The much wider apertures give crisp bright viewfinder images. However, if you compare the viewfinder image with that on an Olympus OM1, or similar older SLR then you realise just how much we are being short changed these days with viewfinders. The OM1 is like Panavision compared to a 14" telly on the E-500!!!!
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent Camera with Great Controls
by J.Albon Shaw on April 25, 2006
Pros: My package came with 14 -45mm lens and 40 to 150mm lens
Cons: None, excpt learning the controls --manual is over 200 pages
Summary: An excellent camera with a number of controls for flash, exposure, autofocus,film speed (iso), but it requires time to use it to maximum advantage. It was sold as a ...
Summary: An excellent camera with a number of controls for flash, exposure, autofocus,film speed (iso), but it requires time to use it to maximum advantage. It was sold as a two lens package(the 14-45 and 40-150mm lenses). a great combination which covers all of my needs. Extremely sharp, accurate color, and predictably accurate in what you get once you learn its capablities.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This is a wonderful camera and a wonderful value.
by geauxtigersLSU on November 16, 2006
Pros: Feel, size, clarity, imaging system
Cons: None really that I experience
Summary: I actually struggled with the price of this camera relative to similar cameras. Surely, something must be wrong with it (I thought.)
Not a chance. It feels better in my ...Summary: I actually struggled with the price of this camera relative to similar cameras. Surely, something must be wrong with it (I thought.)
Not a chance. It feels better in my hands, the controls are intuitive, the photo quality is superb. Everything I do with digital is published to the web and I appreciate the 4/3 design in conjunction with the Zuiko lenses.
I find CNET's "cons" of reduced start-up time and "poor automatic white balance under certain conditions" laughable.
Start up is instantaneous and I wonder if the reviewer fully appreciates the brighter quality of the dedicated digital lenses that come with the camera; they are "bright" lenses that perform exactly as promised in the Olympus literature.
Please... name one "automatic" feature on any camera that functions perfectly under all conditions.
Conclusion: This is an absolutely wonderful camera in all important respects. I fault it only for the USB transfer, which is slow. I usually remove the card to the computer so this hasn't been a "real" issue for me.
My rating is a "10" in terms of value, features, and usability relative to other cameras in the class--all of which cost substantially more.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Compact, Light and great photos - GREAT Camera!
by imajm on June 23, 2006
Pros: Dust reduction, compact design, photo quality
Cons: Not as many features as my Canon EOS 1Ds
Summary: I shoot photos all day long for work and have a serious camera kit to get my job done. I still wanted a small digital alternative for after hours events ...
Summary: I shoot photos all day long for work and have a serious camera kit to get my job done. I still wanted a small digital alternative for after hours events and weekends or vacations.
I looked at the high-end non-SLR cameras like the Sony Cybershot DSC-R1, The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30, Nikon Coolpix 8700, and the Canon PowerShot Pro 1 as a camera to take out and about on weekend trips. I liked what these had to offer but they did not come close to the flexibility and photo quality of the Evolt E-500. The Evolt is a real quality camera plus I bring a couple of lenses to choose from for different shots and it is a joy to use. Since it is so light and compact the camera feels comfortable while trying to capture my son's baseball games and then pulling double duty and shooting my daughter's volleyball games. It is worth the money, you will not be disappointed.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Tons of features and quality for the money
by Prohaska on February 23, 2006
Pros: Well worth the money, lots of available accessories
Cons: White balance feature is difficult to figure out, lenses and accessories expensive
Summary: For the money, (refurb on Ebay for ~ $700), it is in a different galaxy than the Fuji S9000 because of its interchangeable lenses. More value than than Nikon D50 and ...
Summary: For the money, (refurb on Ebay for ~ $700), it is in a different galaxy than the Fuji S9000 because of its interchangeable lenses. More value than than Nikon D50 and D70. Higher megapixels. Full range of features. The menu system is pretty good after you get used to it. The 40-150 might benefit from the teleconverter but it runs about $400. I've gotten a lot of blue pictures. Maybe I'll get that figured out after I RTFM.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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CNET's rating is way off!
by tbbaot on April 7, 2007
Pros: Features, dust filter, tons of lenes, fast, clear shots
Cons: no top lcd, replace the kit lens down the road
Summary: I've never seen CNET so far off the mark on a review! This camera blows the rebel XT and the Nikon D50 right out of the water. I should ...
Summary: I've never seen CNET so far off the mark on a review! This camera blows the rebel XT and the Nikon D50 right out of the water. I should know as I've owned both of those other digitals. This camera is getting a bum rap at 7.1. Come CNET take another look at this baby!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent picture quality
by terence2 on February 17, 2006
Pros: Easy to use, 2 lense kit works well
Cons: Difficulty finding olympus accessories
Summary: I have had the camera for 2 weeks, the pictures are extraordinary. As an upgrade from the Olympus C4000 point and shoot, This being my first DSLR it took a ...
Summary: I have had the camera for 2 weeks, the pictures are extraordinary. As an upgrade from the Olympus C4000 point and shoot, This being my first DSLR it took a little reading for basic Photographic skills. Auto Settings are OK, but the presets work really well. I would recommend this to the new user. And all of my friends that are heavy into photography have nothing but rave reviews of the photos taken.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great camera!
by seuk on April 15, 2008
Pros: Great pictures, battery life, and easy to operate.
Cons: White balance, expensive accessorys, and shadow in low lights.
Summary: Overal very good camera. Comparable to low to mid range Nikon and Canon SLR's. Great for beginner.
Summary: Overal very good camera. Comparable to low to mid range Nikon and Canon SLR's. Great for beginner.
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10 out of 10
by cpam_it on October 16, 2007
Pros: 10 out of 10
Cons: 10 out of 10
Summary: Its brilliant, I got it for more than year and i love it , it?s easy to use and most important you can relay on it never let me down .
Summary: Its brilliant, I got it for more than year and i love it , it?s easy to use and most important you can relay on it never let me down .
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc.
- Part number: 262062
- Description: Premium picture quality and superb performance come easy with this comfortable to handle digital SLR. At a time when everyone wants complex things to become simple, the EVOLT E-500 succeeds in doing so with a sleek, lightweight design for impressive portability and advanced controls and options that can be accessed with minimal effort. Bursting with speed and producing spotless pictures with exceptional color and detail, the EVOLT E-500 is tailor-made for anyone to use while capturing the imagination in the process. This product comes with the Zuiko Digital 14-45mm f3.5-5.6 lens. The Zuiko Digital 14-45mm f3.5-5.6 lens delivers superb image quality from edge-to-edge. Its 3.2x zoom covers a broad range, with close-ups coming out crisp and clear as near as 15 inches/38cm. A multi-coating minimizes ghosting and flaring that can occur while the sturdy metal lens mount ensures rugged durability.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - SLR
- Weight 15.3 oz
- Width 5.1 in
- Depth 2.6 in
- Height 3.7 in
Main Features
- Resolution 8 megapixels
- Sensor resolution 8 megapixels
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Effective Sensor Resolution 8,000,000 pixels
- Total Pixels 8,150,000 pixels
- Light Sensitivity ISO 100-1600, ISO auto (100-400)
- Shooting Programs High key, Candle, Low key, Landscape, Macro, Sports mode, Night scene with portrait, Landscape-portrait, Fireworks, Sunset, Portrait mode, Document, Children, Beach/snow, Night scene
- Special effects Vivid, Black & White, Sepia, Neutral, Contrast compensation, Saturation
- Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
- Sensor Dust Reduction Yes
- Min Shutter Speed 8 min
- Sensor Features Supersonic Wave Filter (SWF)
- X-sync Speed 1/180 sec
- Exposure Metering Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
- Exposure Modes Aperture-priority, Bulb, Automatic, Program, Shutter-priority, Manual
- Exposure Compensation ?5 EV range, in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps
- Auto Exposure Bracketing 3 steps in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
- White Balance Custom, Automatic, Presets
- White Balance Presets Shade, Tungsten light, 2000K - 10000K, Fluorescent light (warm white), Cloudy, Fluorescent light (cool white), Fluorescent light (daylight), Daylight
- Still Image Format RAW + JPEG, JPEG, TIFF, RAW
- Color support Color
- Exposure Range EV 1-20 ( ISO 100 )
- Exposure Metering Zones 49
- White Balance Bracketing Yes
- Remote Control Optional
- TV Tuner None
Memory / Storage
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage Super-fine JPEG 1600 x 1200 - 1.5 MB, Fine JPEG 1024 x 768 - 0.4 MB, Fine JPEG 1600 x 1200 - 1 MB, Basic JPEG 1600 x 1200 - 0.4 MB, Fine JPEG 1280 x 960 - 0.6 MB, Super-fine JPEG 1024 x 768 - 0.6 MB, Normal JPEG 3200 x 2400 - 2.4 MB, Basic JPEG 3264 x 2448 - 1.8 MB, Basic JPEG 1280 x 960 - 0.2 MB, RAW 3264 x 2448 - 13.6 MB, TIFF 3264 x 2448 - 24.5 MB, Normal JPEG 1024 x 768 - 0.2 MB, Normal JPEG 2560 x 1920 - 1.3 MB, Basic JPEG 1024 x 768 - 0.2 MB, Normal JPEG 1600 x 1200 - 0.5 MB, Normal JPEG 640 x 480 - 0.2 MB, Super-fine JPEG 1280 x 960 - 0.9 MB, Super-fine JPEG 640 x 480 - 0.3 MB, Super-fine JPEG 3264 x 2448 - 6.4 MB, Fine JPEG 640 x 480 - 0.2 MB, Normal JPEG 3264 x 2448 - 2.5 MB, Basic JPEG 640 x 480 - 0.1 MB, Normal JPEG 1280 x 960 - 0.3 MB, Basic JPEG 3200 x 2400 - 1.8 MB, Fine JPEG 2560 x 1920 - 2.5 MB, Super-fine JPEG 3200 x 2400 - 6.2 MB, Super-fine JPEG 2560 x 1920 - 3.7 MB, Fine JPEG 3200 x 2400 - 4.4 MB, Basic JPEG 2560 x 1920 - 0.8 MB, Fine JPEG 3264 x 2448 - 4.5 MB
- Supported Flash Memory Microdrive, CompactFlash, XD-Picture Card
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 14 mm - 45 mm - F/3.5-5.6 Four Thirds
- Focal Length 14 mm - 45 mm
- Max View Angle 75 degrees
- Lens Construction 10 group(s) / 12 element(s)
- Lens System Mounting Four Thirds
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 2 sec, 12 sec
- Flash Terminal Hot shoe
- Additional Features RGB primary color filter, Digital noise reduction, USB 2.0 compatibility, AF lock, Direct print, Display brightness control, Auto power save, PictBridge support, Histogram display, AE lock
Camera Flash
- Type Pop-up flash
- Flash Modes Flash OFF mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Auto mode, Red-eye reduction, Rear curtain sync
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Features AF illuminator, Flash +/- compensation
- Guide Number (m / ISO 100) 13
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Optical - Eye-level penta-dach mirror
- Field Coverage 95%
- Magnification 1.0x
- Dioptric Correction Range -3 to +1
- Frames Autofocus frame
- LCD Display Information Flash charge completion, Metering system, AF-in-focus, White balance, Frame counter, Aperture, Exposure mode, Exposure compensation, AE lock, Shutter speed
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5 in - Color
- Mounting Built-in
- Resolution 215,250 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Composite video output, 1 x USB
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x XD-Picture Card, 1 x CompactFlash Card - Type I/II
Lens Systems
- Auto Focus TTL phase detection
- Type Zoom lens
- Focal length 14 mm - 45 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 28 - 90 mm
- Interchangeable lens Yes
- Focus adjustment Automatic, Manual
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) 3
- Min Focus Range 15 in
- Lens Aperture F/3.5-5.6
- Optical Zoom 3.2 x
- Zoom Adjustment Manual
- Lens construction 10 : 12
- Filter Size 58 mm
- Features Aspherical lens
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Cables Included USB cable, Video cable
- Included Accessories Shoulder strap
- Min Operating Temperature 32 ?F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 ?F
Power
- Power Device Battery charger - External
Battery
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 1500 mAh ( Included )
Software
- Type Drivers & Utilities, Olympus Master
Product series
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Olympus Evolt E-500 (body only)
Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc.
Specs: SLR, 8 megapixels, 2.5 in LCD display
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Olympus EVOLT E-500 with 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 lens & 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 lens
Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc.
Specs: 8 megapixels, 3.2 x, 2.5 in LCD display
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Olympus EVOLT E-500 with Olympus 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens
Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc.
Specs: SLR, 8 megapixels, 3.2 x, 2.5 in LCD display
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Olympus Evolt E-500 w/18-180mm Lens Kit
Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc.
Specs: SLR, 8 megapixels, 10 x, 2.5 in LCD display
Accessories
- Olympus FL 50 - hot-shoe clip-on flash
- Olympus BLM-1 - camera battery - Li-Ion
- Sandisk Ultra II CompactFlash 4GB
- Olympus M1GB - flash memory card - 1 GB - xD
- Olympus flash memory card - 512 MB - xD
- Canon Pixma iP6310D
- Olympus FL 50 - hot-shoe clip-on flash
- Olympus BLM-1 - camera battery - Li-Ion
- Sandisk Ultra II CompactFlash 4GB
- Olympus M1GB - flash memory card - 1 GB - xD
- Olympus flash memory card - 512 MB - xD
- Canon Pixma iP6310D <