Olympus Evolt E-510 (with 14-42mm and 40-150mm lenses)

Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc. Part number: 262072

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CNET Editor rating:
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Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 9 reviews

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Bottom Line:: The Olympus Evolt E-510 has quirky exposure and white-balance issues, but its Live View and Image Stabilization modes may make some photographers give this SLR a chance.

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CNET editors' review

Olympus Evolt E-510 (with 14-42mm and 40-150mm lenses)

price range: $499.00 - $749.00

The Olympus Evolt E-510 has quirky exposure and white-balance issues, but its Live View and Image Stabilization modes may make some photographers give this SLR a chance.

The good: Sensor-shift image stabilization; Live View mode (LCD preview) operation.

The bad: Sluggish autofocus; Subpar exposure and white-balance performance; some poor choices for default settings.

The bottom line: The Olympus Evolt E-510 has quirky exposure and white-balance issues, but its Live View and Image Stabilization modes may make some photographers give this SLR a chance.

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As compact cameras continue to evolve into commodity items, camera makers have shifted the way they approach their entry-level dSLRs. In Olympus' case, the Evolt E-410 and E-510 include LiveView LCD preview mode to mimic the way you frame a shot with a compact camera and scene presets in case you're not comfortable enough to set exposure using the program, aperture- and shutter-priority, and manual shooting modes that are the norm among SLR shooters. Of course, those modes are still available in the E-510, and can give you the same level of exposure control you find in other SLRs.

Olympus thinks of the E-510 as a small step above the E-410 and thinks that it should appeal to SLR newbies (or possibly former film SLR owners) that want more of a traditional SLR design than its smaller sibling. While the 410 has an extremely compact body design with almost no grip so it can fit into a pocket if you take the lens off, the 510 has a more prominent grip, making for a slightly larger body. Not only that, the 510 also includes mechanical, sensor-shift image stabilization, which the 410 lacks.

Like most newer entry-level SLRs, the E-510 doesn't include a separate status LCD. Instead, you can access info, such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, on the camera's main LCD screen. While I normally prefer a status LCD to this method, I do like the way Olympus built its status screen, since you can quickly navigate through the screen to change any of the settings included in that view. Of course, there are also hard buttons for commonly changed settings, such as ISO, white balance, and AF mode, in case you want to bypass the status screen, which you access by pressing the OK button in the middle of the five-way touchpad. The layout of buttons on the 510 is very nice, making it a comfortable camera to use, though like most entry-level SLRs, its body is a tad short, and my pinky finger dangles from the bottom of the grip when I hold it.

As Live View modes in SLRs go, the 510's version is pretty nice, but it's still clunkier than shooting with a real compact camera or using the 510's optical viewfinder. Since the 510 has to get its mirror out of the way before you can use Live View, then needs to lower it to autofocus and raise it again before you can shoot, this mode is slow and noisy. Also, if you do want the camera to autofocus while in Live View mode, you have to hold the AEL/AFL button to activate it, which also slows down the shooting experience. However, if you want to focus manually, you can zoom in on your subject to help you focus. You can also select the area that you want to zoom in on or use for autofocus; a small green box appears if you cycle through display modes (with the INFO button) and you can move it around the frame with the direction buttons in the 5-way touchpad.

Since the E-510's 10-megapixel LiveMOS sensor adheres to the Four Thirds format, the camera has a 2x focal length multiplier. That means that you have to multiply the focal lengths of the two available kit lenses by two to come up with the effective field of view that you'll get with the lenses. For example, the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 lens that comes with the single and double lens kits becomes more akin to a 28-84mm lens. Meanwhile the 40-150mm f/4-5.6 lens that comes with the double lens kit ends up more like an 80-300mm lens. That's a nice range of focal lengths, especially in an entry-level SLR kit, but if you want to go wide with a Four Thirds camera, you should be prepared to shell out some serious cash. Olympus does offer a rectilinear (aka nonfisheye) 7-14mm f/4, which I was able to use to shoot Arthur Ashe stadium when Olympus invited me to the U.S. Open this year (see my slide show for the shot), but it'll cost you almost as much as three E-510 bodies to buy that lens. The company's 11-22mm f/2.8-3.5 costs less than half the 7-14mm's price, but if you want to get wider than a 20mm-equivalent without resorting to a fisheye lens, you'll likely have to pawn your arm and leg.

Photo gallery:
Shooting the U.S. Open

Despite its being targeted toward entry-level users, the E-510 does have some nice customization features. For example, you can program the Fn (function) button to control a number of different functions. Its default setting is for depth of field, but it can also be turned off completely or set to set the custom white balance, let you shoot a test picture (without saving it to your memory card), or set the camera to My Mode, which can save all the current camera settings as your own custom shooting mode. If the function button is set to My Mode, and you have saved settings for that mode, you can set the camera to all those settings by pressing that one Fn button. The AEL/AFL button can also be configured to control autoexposure and autofocus locks in various different combinations. In addition to custom white balance and the camera's white balance presets, you can also choose a Kelvin temperature from 2,000K to 14,000K.

Outside of Live View mode, the Evolt E-510 performed well in our lab tests. The camera took 1.3 seconds to start and capture its first JPEG. Subsequent JPEGs took about 0.6 second between shots with the flash turned off and 0.9 second with the flash turned on. It took about 0.8 second between RAW images with the flash turned off. Shutter lag measured 0.4 second in our high-contrast test and 1.3 seconds in our low-contrast test, which mimic bright and dim shooting conditions, respectively. In our continuous shooting test, the E-510 lived up to Olympus' claim of 3 frames per second. We were able to capture 3.1fps at the camera's smallest JPEG setting, and 2.9fps at full resolution.

While you can achieve very nice image quality with the Evolt E-510, out of the box I saw the same issues with the E-510 that Lori Grunin saw with the Evolt E-410. In its default settings, and with Firmware version 1.0, the E-510 underexposes and overblurs photos. Switching the Noise Filter to Low or Off will fix the blurring problem, and using a shooting mode other than Program can help overcome the exposure issues. Also, when faced with incandescent lighting, the E-510's automatic white balance tends to produce overly warm images, you're better off with the camera's tungsten preset in this situation, or better yet a custom white balance. This is somewhat strange, given that Olympus' significantly less expensive FE series cameras usually do an excellent job of automatically setting white balance.

To its credit, the E-510 does a good job of keeping noise under control across its sensitivity range. While noise becomes noticeable at ISO 800 and is clearly apparent at the top setting of ISO 1,600, you should still be able to get acceptable prints throughout the camera's sensitivity range. I just wish that the camera went beyond ISO 1,600. Even an entry-level SLR should reach at least ISO 3,200 at this point.

While the exposure quirks mentioned above might sound bad, you really can create very good photos with the Evolt E-510, though it can be a bit frustrating when compared to competitors, such as Canon's EOS Rebel XTi or Nikon's D40x. However, if you like the idea of this Evolt's Live View mode or built-in Image Stabilization (something neither of the aforementioned competitors have), then you should give the E-510 a look.

Shooting time (in seconds)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)

Time to first shot

Raw shot-to-shot time

Shutter lag (dim light)

Shutter lag (typical)

Olympus Evolt E-510

1.3

0.8

0.9

0.4

Nikon D40x

0.2

0.8

0.9

0.4

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi

0.3

0.6

1.1

0.4

Sony Alpha DSLR-A100K

0.5

1.6

0.4

Olympus Evolt E-330

1.7

0.8

0.7

0.5

Pentax K10D

0.5

1.6

0.5

Typical continuous-shooting speed (frames per second)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)

Pentax K10D

3.2

Nikon D40x

Olympus Evolt E-510

2.9

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi

2.9

Sony Alpha DSLR-A100K

2.5

Olympus Evolt E-330

2.1

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 9 reviews

Showing opinion 1 to 9 out of 9

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9 stars

Why the low review number?

by wing12 on September 29, 2007

Pros: Excellant lenses and top rate interface!!!

Cons: none exist yet to my knowledge although a sealed case would be nice:-)

Summary: Why, cnet, why would you rate this so low for such an outstanding camera. I have used both Canon and Nikon and tested out the Sony before taking this baby ...

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Summary: Why, cnet, why would you rate this so low for such an outstanding camera. I have used both Canon and Nikon and tested out the Sony before taking this baby home. It is lightweight and the interface is so easy to use it's amazing. Please start thinking about this camera if you are leaning toward the big manufacturers. It will not let you down. check out this review. It is much better thought out. http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/OlympusE510/index.shtml

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7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

An amazing little DSLR for Olympus

by csoscia on February 2, 2008

Pros: great feel, IS works well, quality kit lenses, excellent image quality

Cons: none as yet but time may reveal some I'm sure

Summary: It always amuses me that ratings are done from a 'technical only' viewpoint for items that should be measured primarily by what they produce, in this case that would be ...

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Summary: It always amuses me that ratings are done from a 'technical only' viewpoint for items that should be measured primarily by what they produce, in this case that would be photographic images. The Olympus 510 is one of those cameras that produces unbelievable images but has less than stellar 'tech' specs. Compared to the Nikon D40 or D80 it seems to fall short. If you measure it against some of Canon's cameras...the same. Ratings always seem higher for the big two when, with everyday use and with a little knowledge of how to use the camera, the Olympus is cheaper and better. I base this observation on having used the Nikon D40 and D80 as well as the Canon Digital Rebel and 20D. All are priced higher than the 510 but don't do any better job reproducing images accurately. Same for the Pentax K10D and K100....nice cameras for sure but not in the same league. If you read most reviews on the 510 you see the similar complaints: confusing layout, prone to under exposure, 'only' three points of focus as opposed to nine or eleven from canon and nikon, weird presets....etc. Well.....if you want to take the camera out of the box, turn it on and take pictures without some tweaking then don't buy a DSLR. The main advantage of any DSLR is the level of adjustment that can be made on camera to get varied results. And more focus points don't mean a sharper image. Remember the good old days when everything was pretty much 'center weighted'?....Every camera has tendencies and must be played with for individual preference or specific uses. Try the Olympus, read the manual, check the review and tech specs at: http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/oly-e/e510-rev.html
then go out and take some pictures. Don't be afraid to play around with settings....have fun and after you're used to the camera and know how to use all it's functions I guarantee you will not be dissatified. It's a GREAT camera!

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6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 stars

Great compact camera at outstandingly low price

by harold67 on December 2, 2007

Pros: Part of the 4/3 system, IS system, very compact for a DSLR, very good image quality, Antiddust system

Cons: viewfinder a little bit small, not enough prime wide-angles in the olympus zuiko lens system

Summary: This camera is a little gem. It si very compact and offers a lot of amazing options for its small size and miniprice ( the E510 has a lower price since ...

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Summary: This camera is a little gem. It si very compact and offers a lot of amazing options for its small size and miniprice ( the E510 has a lower price since November 2007).
The only smaller DSLR is the olympus e 410 which does not have a grip but also lacks the very useful IS system built-in
This a great camera that allows a enthusisast to get great results with a compact outfit
this will also be a great second compact body for traveling Photographers
The quality of the two so-small so light zooms in the kit is purely amazing

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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

The E-510's special features push it over the top and is clearly a great solution

by juancrugeles on September 17, 2007

Pros: Impressive image quality , Small and light compared to competing designs, Excellent lens

Cons: Live View mode is slow

Summary: It offers almost the same functionality of the nikon d200 for less price, In addition it is a wonderful product. Definitively I love olympus

Summary: It offers almost the same functionality of the nikon d200 for less price, In addition it is a wonderful product. Definitively I love olympus

1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

Fantastic value and image quality in a entry-level DSLR

by robsedor on August 25, 2008

Pros: * Very good quality kit lenses-- IS works very well
* Loads of features (RAW, LiveView)
* Excellent auto white balance (I disagree with the CNET review)
* Light weight (significantly lighter than comparable Canon or Nikon with a similar lens)

Cons: * Olympus menus can be klunky to navigate.
* Default noise reduction softens photos-- but changing from Auto to "Low" is a quick and permanent fix.

Summary: CNET reviewers always seem to nit-pick about Olympus cameras. The complaints about white balance are simply off base.

I have a friend that has a higher-end Canon 30D. She always ...

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Summary: CNET reviewers always seem to nit-pick about Olympus cameras. The complaints about white balance are simply off base.

I have a friend that has a higher-end Canon 30D. She always needs to do lots of Photoshop tweaking with her RAW images, and she can't believe that my E510 images usually look great as is.

If you are looking for an excellent value in a solid entry level DSLR, definitely put the E510 on your short list.

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8 stars

Great value and quality Smart shoppers look here

by styleline52 on July 24, 2008

Pros: Quality lens in kit Quality picture IS

Cons: Not the best sraight out of box. Need to adjust

Summary: For the price you pay this has to be one of the best deals out today. Yes some cameras come with a few more megapixels but for the adverage user ...

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Summary: For the price you pay this has to be one of the best deals out today. Yes some cameras come with a few more megapixels but for the adverage user this camera does everything I believe you would need. The kit lens are the best among all the brands for image quality. And all the new olympus lens are designed specifically for digital and this makes for top image quality. Yes canon and nikon has a lot bigger assortment of accessories but the Oly has everything most users will need. And the 50mm f2 macro is the best macro out there for the money. the camera does need a few tweaks in settings out of the box but you will be happy with the results and the money you save.

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8 stars

Excellent camera for travelling and more

by jpsalvesen on July 18, 2008

Pros: Excellent handling&ergonomics, best-in-class optics, IS works well, advanced flash settings, super control panel

Cons: Viewfinder could be larger, not weather sealed

Summary: The E-510 is an excellent little camera. Olympus has carefully created a very practical camera, pretty much all relevant settings are available from buttons and all are from the super ...

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Summary: The E-510 is an excellent little camera. Olympus has carefully created a very practical camera, pretty much all relevant settings are available from buttons and all are from the super control panel. The size of budget Oly optics is also very practical, my photo bag is made for 2 lenses+camera, but I keep 5 lenses+camera in there. And you'll have to print ISO 1600 at A3 or larger before you'll notice the difference in image quality between Oly 510 and the competition and then only if you get really close.

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9 stars

Pretty good camera

by mariofl on April 1, 2008

Pros: Lightweight but excellent grip, Image Stabilization (IS) works perfect, two kit lens are really good, cheap

Cons: Autofocus in low light

Summary: When Olympus designers decided to make a 3-point autofocus system, what were they thinking about? it´s absolutely slow when trying to autofocus in low loght conditions, even it refuses ...

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Summary: When Olympus designers decided to make a 3-point autofocus system, what were they thinking about? it´s absolutely slow when trying to autofocus in low loght conditions, even it refuses to shoot... incredible... everything else works pretty good...

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2 stars

The focal lenght is not 2x; Read 4/3 as 4:3

by JanWx on April 4, 2008

Pros: Nice light weight

Cons: Dreadful camera compared to film, returned it

Summary: On paper the 4/3 system looks nice. However the emperor has no clothes. Olympus claims the focal length is 2x what it would be on a film based SLR, ...

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Summary: On paper the 4/3 system looks nice. However the emperor has no clothes. Olympus claims the focal length is 2x what it would be on a film based SLR, but this is untrue! 50mm is standard eye, I purchased a 14-55mm in the assumption I?d have a film equiv of 28 to 110. NOP, 55 mm is 55 mm just over 1x the magnification of the eye. A bit more study reveals that what they probably mean is that the ?Field of view? is that of the 110 mm. So you get a normal 50 mm lens picture that is half the width of your 50mm lens on a normal SLR. In addition the ?four/thirds? has nothing to do with some magic but just with the aspect ratio of the chip. In other words the picture is 3 units by 4 units ? i.e. that of an old television or computer screen. So if you want to print a picture of 6?x 4? you either have to crop the top or have black on the sides (like showing 16:9 on a 4:3 television)

How stupid that all these reviewers are all bleating that this is a fantastic lens system as it supposedly provides 2x the focal length. It doesn?t. As a result of the focal and 4:3 issues the E510 image is strangely squat. Why Olympus didn?t choose 16:9 for the chip is beyond me, as that at least would have made sense for the digital age. Don?t be fooled by ?it is digital/it?s good?, it?s very different from film.

I've returned it to the shop

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1 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.

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Olympus Evolt E-510 (with 14-42mm and 40-150mm lenses)

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