Yamaha Home TheaterOlympus Evolt E-500 (body only)
Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc. Part number: 262065
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- 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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Where to buy
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | See Site | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/22/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Olympus Evolt E-500 (body only) price range: $599.99
- 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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E-500 smokes, 11 out of 10 rating
by mikey007 on October 18, 2005
Pros: exceptional 3D images, crisp, high resolution, sensor dust cleaner function, loads of features, RAW, great build, great at high ISO
Cons: at ISO1600 produces slight color noise but color noise is hard to catch, only 8-bit tiff in-camera not 16.
Summary: The key winner for this is image quality. Olympus is known for its 3D image look, super tonal range, and excellent color rendition. It feels like you can reach thru ...
Summary: The key winner for this is image quality. Olympus is known for its 3D image look, super tonal range, and excellent color rendition. It feels like you can reach thru your monitor and touch the subjects in the pic. The subjects 'jump out' of the screen. Speed is average which is ok by me since i a not a sports photographer. I think the dust supersonic dust cleaning function is underestimated. No other makers have this.
At ISO1600, the image displays perfect color accuracy and almost completely sharp. At this ISO, there is a little color noise which can be removed with the right NR product.
4 histrograms is very nice. After taking a pic, if shadows are underexposed those areas blink on the pic in the LCD. The same for overexposed highlights. That smokes.
Exceptional 2.5" LCD visible at wide angles and in light. You can maginify into the image 14X to see very fine details/light, color, etc.
Test picture mode is nice for previewing a pic on the LCD and see how the settings stack up before saving pic to a card.
For each WB setting, there is a red/blue & green/magenta scale option.23 out of 23 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The best entry level DSLR in the current lineup
by Nicholas440 on November 26, 2005
Pros: superb image quaility, fast auto focusing, digital specific lenses, Hypersonic 2.5" LCD, One Touch White Balance button, automatic dust cleaner built in and runs each time camera is turned on,
Cons: none , this camera is simply awesome to use.
Summary: This is one of the best DSLR's available today in the current lineup. The E-500 is well balanced, and easy to hold and fits the hand very well. The ...
Summary: This is one of the best DSLR's available today in the current lineup. The E-500 is well balanced, and easy to hold and fits the hand very well. The image quality is simply fantastic with true to life colors and crisp detail. Olympus also uses Zuiko Digital Specific lenses, designed soley for their E series cameras. The Zuiko lenses are extremely sharp, bright and they are not huge in size or weight compared to other brands such as Canon, Nikon, or Minolta. The E-500 has something for everyone whether you're a beginner, or a pro shooter. With features such as full auto, and 15 scene modes, you dont need a degree in photography to take beautiful photos. However, all the controls are available for the advanced user as well. The E-500 is fast, easy to use, and you can get one with 2 kit lenses, for about $799 if you look around a bit. I have had mine for two months now, and its simply the best digital camera I have owned so far, and I've had 5 digicams in the past 7 years.
6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great camera for the price, weight,and size
by James Prescott on September 26, 2005
Pros: Picture are of good quality
Cons: no flash cord connection
Summary: I bought this camera because it was designed from ground up to be a digital camera not modified from a 30 year old design which most other cameras are.
Pictures ...Summary: I bought this camera because it was designed from ground up to be a digital camera not modified from a 30 year old design which most other cameras are.
Pictures are great, colors are true to life.6 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Feature packed for such a reasonable price with optics optimized for its 3,4 imager.
by vincedog3 on November 4, 2005
Pros: designed from the start as a digital camera, not 35mm converted to digital, value added features, wide variety of lenses for the Evolt E 500.
Cons: no power connection to transfer to computer. no additional grip battery pack. Maybe a bit small for big hands. Definately try before you buy.
Summary: I have been an Olympus fan for a long time, and I have an E-10 digital camera. Built very well, and takes nice pictures. Easy to use and feels very ...
Summary: I have been an Olympus fan for a long time, and I have an E-10 digital camera. Built very well, and takes nice pictures. Easy to use and feels very expensive. Well, it was when I bought it. The only things are increadibly slow processing speeds and a operating system that sometimes won't do what I want until I turn off then turn on the camera again. Tiff pics take an eternity to process. Don't even think about recalling a file unless you have the time first.
Enter a new more up to date camera with quick processing of even Tiff and Raw files that make the E-10 run like a model T next to a Ferrari.
This new E-500 has tremendous processing speed. Tiff files are lightening fast, not to mention very realistic. Even the SHQ mode has great detail too. Color saturation is excellent. Best camera I have ever used in getting fine pictures with my amatuer skills.
Operation of this camera is greatly enhanced by the huge 2.5 inch LCD high resolution easy off angle viewing type. Big script to make my use easy with my poor eyesight. Thank you. Navigating menus are easy, and outline like structure almost makes the reading of the manual unnecessary. Please do read the manual though. Thick book too with over 100 pages. This camera does just so much. I am learning more as I go. I have the camera with the lens kit. 2 lenses, 40mm-150mm, and the 14mm-45mm lens. I find using the 40-150mm more useful for me because I like to shoot from a distance and this lens just seems more useful to me. I liked that I got 2 lenses with body for what most other makes sell just the body for. Yes, I paid near retail for it, but I think it still is a good value.
I really appreciate the high meg count of 8 because my printer support large document printing and I would like to try it out with this camera. The Pictbridge feature is great for those non computer needed print jobs. Interfacing is a snap on my Windows XP pro computer. No drivers were necessary to load from a CD-rom.
Everything pretty much can be custom set by the user like Auto Focus single with manual, or continuous focus with manual, or single focus, or continuous focus. Just as an example. You can literally create camera in operation that is unique to you only. Imagine having your E500 and a buddy's. You could very much have 2 different E500 cameras just on custom programming of this camera. Way too many other features for me to list here.
I considered other cameras in this range too, the Canon Rebel XT was tops, but when I tried it, my big hands had not much room, and the lens just didn't feel good the zoom ring was grainy and rough to turn for example. The E500 is a very light camera. Probably weighs a 1/4 of what my E-10 with battery grip weighs. It fits my hands great. I even had a buddy with bigger hands find this camera comfortable.
Bottom line, no I am not a shutterbug so I can't give you allot of tech info on this camera. To get that see DPreview.com. They like this camera with a some reservations, and I agree with most of them, but getting so much camera for so little that takes great pics. It was to me was a great idea.
I think Olympus has another winner here. Go to the store and get your hands on one and try it and see what you think. Maybe it will be right for you.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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More than expected
by TerryT on August 28, 2006
Pros: Full of control features.
Cons: Not an intuitive switch from film. Manual is a needed reference.
Summary: Being my first DSLR, I'm surprized how different it is from film SLRs. The features I expected (and more) are there. But I will have to use the reference ...
Summary: Being my first DSLR, I'm surprized how different it is from film SLRs. The features I expected (and more) are there. But I will have to use the reference manual for awhile to get used to how to access the features through the menus. It is not yet clear what settings return to defaults upon repowering, and what custom settings remain for future sessions.
My first photos (on auto) were green, but playing with white balance seems to have fixed that. The changes seem to have survive repowering.
The Olympus software is awful, but it is necessary to download firmware updates. I never dreamed I would have to update firmware for the lenses, but that is the new electronic world.
I suggest for photo editing and organizing that you download FastStone (Free and excellent - Googing will give many trustworthy sources). It even edits Olympus RAW files.
Overall, more than I expected.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The Evolt E-500 is a great value.
by ander580 on February 25, 2006
Pros: Easy to use, loaded with features, dust reduction system, reasonable price.
Cons: Small optical viewfinder. This can be corrected with the optional ME-1 eyepiece magnifier.
Summary: I've used the Evolt E-500 for two months and I'm very happy with this purchase.
Summary: I've used the Evolt E-500 for two months and I'm very happy with this purchase.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent Entry level D-SLR with unique features
by camilocano on December 8, 2005
Pros: Olympus' ultrasonic dust filter, Best cost-benefit of any entry DSLR, Olympus' unique color, BIG LCD, Dual (xD, CF) card slot
Cons: Lack of third-party accesories. Olympus brand accesories are too expensive
Summary: I have had Olympus' cameras for 4 years now. I love the tonality they produce (without any post-processing needed ). This has always been a trademark of the Olympus cameras. The ...
Summary: I have had Olympus' cameras for 4 years now. I love the tonality they produce (without any post-processing needed ). This has always been a trademark of the Olympus cameras. The dust filter is something that only Olympus offers, and eventhough dust cleaning is not that difficult, the fact that the camera does it by itself reduces the chances for something going wrong during cleaning. For people transitioning from point&shoots or EVF cameras into DSLR this camera is the best. The kit lenses are better than those provided in kits by any other brand (this has been documented in review sites and photographic magazines). More experienced users find it equally attractive but may prefer the added rugedness of the Olympus E-1 or its soon-to-come succesor. I like the dual slot option for xD or CF cards. I have an expensive high speed 1GB CF card as my main storage option, but always keep a 256MB xD (that I used with my previous camera) in there as a backup. I've only used it once but it saved the day, I could pack around 10 RAW images there that I would have lost otherwise.
My only gripe (which has been common for the other Olympus cameras I've owned) is the overpriced Olympus accesories. For example, until the release of the FL-36 flash no other Olympus flash was accesible; the Fl-50 is increadibly expensive (close to $500 I think), but for people with extensive flash needs only that will do. Granted, Olympus lenses and flash guns, though expensive, are top notch in quality.
In conclusion: with a retail suggested price of $899 for the two-lens kit this camera is a bargain. People have bought it for even lower taking advantage of coupons and discounts. The quality is superb. If you are thinking of getting your first DSLR this is the best choice. Once you try it you will be in love with it and will start saving every penny to buy its expensive (but excellent) accesories. I know I am...1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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As good as the Rebel XT, but has more features
by comtbkr on November 12, 2005
Pros: features, features, features, small/light weight, price
Cons: viewfinder should be a little bit bigger
Summary:
Updated
Purchased 2 lens kit at Costco for $799. That price beat all online offers as of November 5, 2005.Summary:
Updated
Purchased 2 lens kit at Costco for $799. That price beat all online offers as of November 5, 2005.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Introduction to D-SLR Cameras
by Darkseid30 on May 31, 2008
Pros: Great Ergonomics,Control Placement, Sturdiness
Cons: Slow USB transfer rate
Summary: I've had this camera for two years now. It has been a wonderful two years. My work takes me outdoors alot and my E-500 goes with me wherever I ...
Summary: I've had this camera for two years now. It has been a wonderful two years. My work takes me outdoors alot and my E-500 goes with me wherever I go. It is an absolute joy to take pictures with it. The quality of my photos are awesome. My only complaint is the slow USB transfer speed. Invest in a CF card reader if your computer doesn't already have one. Enjoy this camera. I have.
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10 out of 10
by cpam_it on November 10, 2007
Pros: perfect well done
Cons: The only bad thing is it has too many options..
Summary: The only bad thing is it has too many options
which is a A+ for it Summary: The only bad thing is it has too many options
which is a A+ for it
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc.
- Part number: 262065
- Description: Best performance D-SLR camera in a very compact and lightweight design with integrated flash for ease of use, which meets all photographic requirements. The eight million pixels Olympus E-500 digital SLR is a creative photographer's dream with a full complement of manual settings plus the user-friendly simplified and detailed display. It incorporates a CF as well as an XD card slot. The ergonomic, professionally approved layout of the controls, usability is also enhanced by the high-resolution 6.4cm/2.5" HyperCrystal LCD, which allows results to be viewed in a large format directly on the camera.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - SLR
- Width 5.1 in
- Depth 2.6 in
- Height 3.7 in
- Weight 15.3 oz
Main Features
- Resolution 8 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Total Pixels 8,150,000 pixels
- Effective Sensor Resolution 8,000,000 pixels
- Field of View Crop Factor 2
- Sensor Dust Reduction Yes
- Sensor Features Supersonic Wave Filter (SWF)
- Light Sensitivity ISO 100-1600, ISO auto (100-400)
- Analog Video Format NTSC, PAL
- Shooting Modes Auto mode
- Shooting Programs Macro, Candle, Sunset, Low key, Children, Document, High key, Fireworks, Landscape, Beach/snow, Night scene, Sports mode, Portrait mode, Landscape-portrait, Night scene with portrait
- Special Effects Sepia, Vivid, Neutral, Saturation, Black & White, Contrast compensation
- Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 8 min
- Camcorder Slow Shutter Modes 2sec
- X-sync Speed 1/180 sec
- Exposure Metering Spot, Multi-segment, Center-weighted
- Exposure Modes Bulb, Manual, Program, Automatic, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority
- Exposure Range EV 1-20 ( ISO 100 )
- 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
- Exposure Metering Zones 49
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Shade, Cloudy, Daylight, 2000K - 10000K, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light (daylight), Fluorescent light (cool white), Fluorescent light (warm white)
- White Balance Bracketing Yes
- Still Image Format RAW, JPEG, TIFF, RAW + JPEG
- Continuous Shooting Speed 2.5 frames per second
- Remote Control Optional
- TV Tuner None
Memory / Storage
- Supported Flash Memory Microdrive, CompactFlash
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage RAW 3264 x 2448 - 13.6 MB, TIFF 3264 x 2448 - 24.5 MB, Super-fine JPEG 3264 x 2448 - 6.4 MB, Fine JPEG 3264 x 2448 - 4.5 MB, Normal JPEG 3264 x 2448 - 2.5 MB, Basic JPEG 3264 x 2448 - 1.8 MB, Super-fine JPEG 3200 x 2400 - 6.2 MB, Fine JPEG 3200 x 2400 - 4.4 MB, Normal JPEG 3200 x 2400 - 2.4 MB, Basic JPEG 3200 x 2400 - 1.8 MB, Super-fine JPEG 2560 x 1920 - 3.7 MB, Fine JPEG 2560 x 1920 - 2.5 MB, Normal JPEG 2560 x 1920 - 1.3 MB, Basic JPEG 2560 x 1920 - 0.8 MB, Super-fine JPEG 1600 x 1200 - 1.5 MB, Fine JPEG 1600 x 1200 - 1 MB, Normal JPEG 1600 x 1200 - 0.5 MB, Basic JPEG 1600 x 1200 - 0.4 MB, Super-fine JPEG 1280 x 960 - 0.9 MB, Fine JPEG 1280 x 960 - 0.6 MB, Normal JPEG 1280 x 960 - 0.3 MB, Basic JPEG 1280 x 960 - 0.2 MB, Super-fine JPEG 1024 x 768 - 0.6 MB, Fine JPEG 1024 x 768 - 0.4 MB, Normal JPEG 1024 x 768 - 0.2 MB, Basic JPEG 1024 x 768 - 0.2 MB, Super-fine JPEG 640 x 480 - 0.3 MB, Fine JPEG 640 x 480 - 0.2 MB, Normal JPEG 640 x 480 - 0.2 MB, Basic JPEG 640 x 480 - 0.1 MB
Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Pop-up flash
- Guide Number (m / ISO 100) 13
- Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Flash OFF mode, Rear curtain sync, Red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Features AF illuminator, Flash +/- compensation
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - F/3.5 - 5.6, - F/3.5 - 4.5
- Focus Adjustment Automatic, Manual
- Auto Focus TTL phase detection
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) 3
- Lens Aperture F/3.5 - 5.6, F/3.5 - 4.5
- Zoom Adjustment Automatic, Manual
- Lens System Mounting Four Thirds
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 2 sec, 12 sec
- Flash Terminal Hot shoe
- Additional Features AE lock, AF lock, Direct print, Auto power save, Histogram display, PictBridge support, USB 2.0 compatibility, Digital noise reduction, RGB primary color filter, Display brightness control
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Optical - Eye-level penta-dach mirror
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
- Field Coverage 95%
- Magnification 1.0x
- Dioptric Correction Range -3 to +1
- Viewfinder Frames Autofocus frame
- LCD Display Information AE lock, Aperture, AF-in-focus, Exposure mode, Frame counter, Shutter speed, White balance, Metering system, Exposure compensation, Flash charge completion
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Built-in
- Display Format 215,250 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video output
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x CompactFlash Card - Type I/II, 1 x xD-Picture Card
Software
- Software Olympus Master, Drivers & Utilities
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows ME, MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows 98 SE, Apple Mac OS X 10.2 or later
- Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Included Accessories Body cap, Eyepiece cover, Shoulder strap
- Cables Included 1, 1 x USB cable, Video cable
Power
- Power Device Battery charger - External
Battery
- Supported Battery Olympus BLM-1
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 1500 mAh ( Included )
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
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
- P-10 Digital Photo Printer
- Olympus FL 50 - hot-shoe clip-on flash
- Olympus BLM-1 - camera battery - Li-Ion
- 4 GB CompactFlash Elite Pro Card
- 2 GB CompactFlash Elite Pro Card
- Olympus M1GB - flash memory card - 1 GB - xD
- Epson Stylus Photo R2400
- Olympus flash memory card - 512 MB - xD
- Olympus Zuiko Digital - zoom lens - 14 mm - 45 mm
- Olympus flash memory card - 256 MB - xD
- PIXMA IP6310D PHOTO PR-10PPM/12PPM
- P-10 Digital Photo Printer
- Olympus FL 50 - hot-shoe clip-on flash
- Olympus BLM-1 - camera battery - Li-Ion
- 4 GB CompactFlash Elite Pro Card
- 2 GB CompactFlash Elite Pro Card
- Olympus M1GB - flash memory card - 1 GB - xD
- Epson Stylus Photo R2400
- Olympus flash memory card - 512 MB - xD
- Olympus Zuiko Digital - zoom lens - 14 mm - 45 mm
- Olympus flash memory card - 256 MB - xD
- PIXMA IP6310D PHOTO PR-10PPM/12PPM
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