Olympus E-520: Improved IS, Double Live View, and More
by Wesley Fink on May 14, 2008 12:10 AM EST- Posted in
- Digital Camera
Olympus has announced an upgrade to the E-510, which has been their biggest seller in the consumer DSLR space. Called the E-520, the new model adds processing improvements, more effective in-body Image Stabilization that works with any lens, and what Olympus describes as on-LCD AutoFocus combined with Face Detection. These appear to be the same updates that recently made their way to the smaller E-420, while keeping and improving the "IS with any lens" that was a stand-out feature of the E-510.
Olympus describes the improved Live View technology as "advanced autofocus Live View enables photographers to compose their images and bring them into sharp focus on the HyperCrystal II LCD - just like a point-and-shoot camera." The Press announcement does not provide details on the new Live View, but the E-420 (and now the E-520) adds Contrast Detection AF to the Phase-Detection AF used in the last generation E-410 and E-510. This is the same technology used by Panasonic in their swing-tilt-swivel screen Lumix L10. Panasonic also combines the Contrast-detect AF with Face Detection as was announced on the E-520.
As the E-510 was an E-410 with a more robust grip and the addition of in-camera Image Stabilization, so the E-520 is an E-420 with the bigger hand grip and added IS. This keeps the E-520 body small and the weight is 475g (16.8oz) compared to the 380g (13.4oz) of the E-420. What was not so very clear when the E-420 was introduced were the significant changes in Live View and AF that came with the new addition of Contrast-Detect AF.
The Live-MOS sensor in E-420 and now the E-520 provides AF on the LCD screen with a push of the shutter-release halfway - without the LCD blackout that is necessary when a mirror-flip is required. We have also received confirmation that the sensor provides 11-point multiple AF with the contrast detection system. The Focusing specifications provide a clearer picture of the significant changes to the AF capabilities in Live View mode.
|
AF system |
TTL phase difference detection system, contrast detection system (with 25mm f2.8, 14-42mm f3.5-5.6, 40-150mm f4.0-5.6) |
|
Focus mode |
Single AF (S-AF) / Continuous AF (C-AF)* / Manual Focus (MF) / S-AF + MF / C-AF + MF |
|
Focusing point |
3-point multiple AF with the phase difference detection system (Auto, selectable in option) |
Not long ago, Olympus surprised users with firmware updates to their 14-42mm f3.5-5.6, 40-150mm f4-5.6, and new 25mm f2.8 pancake lens that supported Contrast-Detect AF on the Panasonic Lumix L10. That seemed a strange firmware update at the time, but now that the new E-420 and E-520 feature the same Contrast-Detect AF as the L10 it is now making some sense. We have a Panasonic L10 in-house and the new 11-point Contrast-Detect AF combined with Face Detect is a real joy to use. It is not as fast or seamless as the Sony A350 Live View, but the LCD screen is virtually a 100% view with fewer compromises. Significantly, the E-420/E-520/L10 Live View also supports 7X/10X magnification in Live view mode to assist in precise focusing. That is a feature not available on the competing Sony A350/A300. Live View also supports the MF/S-AF mode which allows manual focus touch up after AF on the LCD screen.
Perhaps Olympus did not want to emphasize the fact that their E-520 and E-420 featured the same Dual Live View system as the Panasonic L10, as you really have to dig a bit to figure out the systems are likely the same. However, the L10 has been well-received for its features, if not its cost, and Olympus users will be happy to know 11-point Contrast-Detect AF is available in Live View on the $599 E-520 - even if the Phase-Detect AF system remains 3-pont.
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frombauer - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - link
These 4/3's cameras do look nice but the small "tunnel" optical viewfinder on them are a deal breaker in my opinion. Not to mention the higher noise due to the small pixel size.7thSerapHim - Thursday, May 15, 2008 - link
While I agree that the optical viewfinder may not be as big as the competition, it's by no means looking through a 'tunnel' as you have been quoted saying.The E-510/410 sensor has great ISO performance up to ISO400 and usable images at 800. Most of the time you can get by with ISO400, want brighter images? You would be better off with a faster lens instead, and that goes with any camera brand.
Stop pixel peeping, people!
Mavtek - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - link
I'm not sure what you are talking about necessarily, but it would seem no camera is instant auto focus. It's important to hold the button half way down prior to your shot(not sure if that's something you are doing or not). I have the e510 the model prior to this one and with the exception of very low light the auto focus is very quick. With a shutter speed above 1/50, at low ISO in normal or day time lighting I can achieve a maximum burst around 3 shots per second. If your concerned about action shooting the Olympus SLR probably isn't the camera for you anyway, although in my opinion it won't be because of it's AF. It's smaller size viewfinder, it's limited burst rate of 3 fps, and it's reduced depth of field make it not the ideal camera for that situation. If you are looking for a camera to take absolutely stunning shots of landscapes, family and friends, and general vacation type photography the E520 or 510 are excellent cameras.marina - Sunday, May 18, 2008 - link
I have been looking at many cameras to make a step up and am very excited with what I see on the new Olympus E-520 that is coming out. I have been using a little Sony DSC-H1 and have actually taken some gorgeous photos and for what I have been using it for has been a great camera. I mainly want to advance to something where I can get in closer, take action shots, wildlife and landscapes. The action I take so far is only HS level Field Hockey and actually the little Sony does great however I'd like to be able to zoom in from one end of the field to the other. Do you feel your E-510 would do good on the type of photos I want to take? If so I assume the new E-520 will do as well.I really don't need a super perfect camera right now for this next step up and I figure if the little Sony takes such clear and nice photos with the Hockey I am bound to be incredibly surprised and happy with the E520 as my next step up?
Any comments?
Thanks so much and have a great day!
marina
teldar - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - link
What I want to know is when is Olympus going to improve the speed of their auto focus in their 'entry' level DSLR cameras? I have been an Olympus fan for years and my two cameras have been Olympus, however, I havn't even been considering an Olynpus as my first DSLR because I've been so unhappy with focus and shot speed on my c-450 ( i think that's what it is, it's at home, not at school with me).When are they going to get their stuff together and offer a camera with competetive shot speed (by this I mean lag between when the button is pressed and the camera decides it's able to take the picture)?
From what I've read, I'd buy an update the the now 520, partially because of the kit lenses, but they're really going to have to do something about speed, or lag if you would rather.
T
Haider - Thursday, May 15, 2008 - link
Mate with autofocus you need speed and accuracy. The lens bundled with all DSLRs do not have super-sonic motors therefore they are slower to focus. It's not the aufocus system's problem. It's like you blaming your trainer 'cause you cannot run the 100m sprint in under 9s. The Oly AF speed & accuracy is good enough with the kit lens. For professionals who shoot high speed sports you need the extra speed of the super-sonic motors to make sure you capture the full action such as two player playing tennis, you want capture a number of frames of each the shot and subsequent return from the other player. I shoot high speed sports football, motor racing, skate-boarders etc...Without supersonic motor equipped lens, it take a bit more concentration and skill, you anticipate the actyion rather than just react...Equipment is no substitute for photographic skill...Abdar - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - link
You realize of course that your c-450 is NOT an SLR. Therefore your camera, as well as every other non SLR will have that lag. That is one of the main reasons I upgraded to an SLR in the first place. I have compared the Nikon D40 to the Oly 510 and Oly 300 and can assure you there is no difference in this so called 'shutter lag'. You should do your homework before trying to sway people with your opinion.Here is a thought, go to a camera shop and try an E510 out, see if you notice any lag between shutter press and shot, I think you will be surprised.
teldar - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - link
In the quest to find a camera that I feel would be something I would like to have for quite a number of years, I have been looking at the Pentax (previously the K10) K20.I've looked around at a few sites as preliminary info gathering and the reviews about it's build quality, it's dust removal, the image stabilization in body rather than lense and the drastically improved auto-focus (Supersonic Drive Motor) have led me to believe it will possibly be my camera. The only problem is that the SDM lenses (super fast auto focus) are viciously expensive. However, you get what you pay for. Cutting edge is always outrageous, and good camera lenses have always been on the pricey side.
And I wasn't trying to sway people with my opinion. I simply am looking for a camera which is noted to have very fast auto focus and other features which makes it better than normal entry level.
strikeback03 - Thursday, May 15, 2008 - link
Except SDM is hardly cutting edge. Canon Ring USM, Nikon SWM, Sigma HSM (at least some versions) are the same thing, and have been around for a while.The prices have come down though. B&H now has the DA* 16-50 for $699, it was over $800 last year when I suggested it as an option (with a K10D) to a friend looking for an SLR. I'd guessed the price would be in the same ballpark as the Tamron 17-50, not double.
Maxington - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - link
Actually the K20D isn't super fast autofocus, neither are SDM lenses.They also aren't viciously expensive, they are actually a lot cheaper than the top end lenses available in other ranges, so you get a lot of value for money.
I own a K20D and a DA* SDM lens btw. :)
On topic, Olympus always have attractive features and innovation, but I can never get over their 2x crop, relatively noisy sensors. Pity.