Olympus E-520 review

[TheJ2K3]

@cameralabs hey thank you i've sorted it now, n i got the camera second hand unfortunetly so i dont have that software everything else is okay though. Again thank you for the very quick reply and the good video :)

[TheJ2K3]

hello, when i upload my images from the camera to my laptop they're saving in an ORF format and i cant view or do anything with them, so i was wondering if i could save the images in a jpeg format so i can use them... thank you good video btw i brought the camera after watching this :)

[cameralabs]

@TheJ2K3 ORF files are in the RAW format. Just go to your E520 menu and set it to record JPEG instead of (or as well as) RAW. Meanwhile you can turn your ORF files into JPEGs using software supplied with the camera.

[lovellespice]

@TheJ2K3 install adobe lightroom so you can develop your raw files into jpeg files.. raw files are like digital negatives.. most professional photogs swear by raw format..

[danilosierrac]

I have being having this camera for two years (I bought it thanks to your review and the Image Stabilization system+it was the cheapest entry level choice in the market bacj then+I already had two OM system lenses from my dad's) I watch it again and I go like "woooooooah I did not remember those features". I am playing with it againn to check them out.

Yours are the best reviews over the internet so far.

[izzyandbronte]

i have this camera and i can't take pictures of moving things, like my horse!:L

how do i do it?:O

[maddieraz]

Hi I am trying to work out the manual focus part of the video where you explain the grid and zooming into point of interest. You say press the button again but you don't say which button. Plus on my E520 I don't seem to be able to get the grid over the complete screen.

[kentuckycopper]

I have this verrry camera I am trying to figure out how to get some realy good sports shots. Like I can with my minolta using 800 speed film. Once I master this I will be done with film camers> any suggestions

[trotteritco]

Hey Gordon, can you please tell me how can I get macro with 14-42, is there a cheap solution, like adapters or something from ebay?

[oneromantic]

What are the maximum size high quality enlargements the "four thirds system" can produce without jumping through more technical hoops than would be required to engineer a deep space exploration vehicle? I do not intend to purchase thousands of dollars worth of software and spend hour after hour educating myself, nor do I intend to spend my days "adjusting" images.

[trotteritco]

Gordon thank you for this review, you actually helped me with buying it, I love my E-520 :)

[jhonno123]

Hello, I am having a hard time choosing between nikon, canon or Olympus! Which one should I go for?

[EJWolff]

@jhonno123 Try the Pentax Kr



[TheMommaof4]

hi,i have just purchased the e-420...normally i have no problem figuring out cameras.and im not quite sure if maybe i haven't figured it all out yet.but heres a couple of questions.if im trying to take a picture of lets say my children by the time the camera decides to take the picture they have already stopped..not that they are that fast but that the camera is that slow.then sometimes the flash acts as a strobe light b4 taking a picture,is there a specific setting i need to use?thanks

[pomssi1]

Now I made my decision, I looked into Nikon and Canon but this thing is my choice.

[laphongtudo]

I don't know if I should get this camera or the PEN E-PL1... Anybody?

Does it have the Diorama mode like in the PEN?

[cameralabs]

@YaDunn0 I haven't used the 35mm macro, but I know the 50mm is very good indeed. Feel free to ask in the Olympus section of the cameralabs .l com. PS - Don't forget you can support me by shopping for anything at the partner stores page at cameralabs . com - thanks!

[robibadu]

Verry good review.

[wezzzor]

Gordon that's exactly what it is. NR was on auto. Thanks very much for the help. Keep them great reviews coming. Cheers. Wesley.

[cameralabs]

@wezzzor You#re welcome! We've got a great Olympus section on the cameralabs . com forum if you have any other Qs...

[wezzzor]

I've had an e520 for a good while now and love it! But one thing that bugs me, is doing long exps at night, it takes ages to write the picture to the card, talkin over 1 minute! Using a transcend 2gb 133x CF. Is this my problem? The card is to slow! Any help would be great! great site Gordon, very informative and realistic reviews!

[cameralabs]

@wezzzor Are you sure that's not the noise reduction doing a dark-frame subtraction? Most cameras will do this for long exposures and it'll match the length of the original exposure. So a 30 second exposure would have a 30 second NR process afterwards.

[FranklyJazzTV]

I just bought one and it's a great camera for a beginner.

[almostvirtuoso]

im getting mine tomoro..cant wait mate..

[danpazuy]

hi, i want a good camera to take mostly wide angle indoors pictures, i'm a professional painter and i need to take pictures of bedrooms, living rooms, etc. but i would like to take more than 1 wall at a time, with a budget of 400- 450, what camera, lenses combination, would you recommend?, thanks in advance

[kedharf1]

Hi the live view in the video seems really responsive .. but when I turn it on .. its really sluggish and slow.. is there a problem with my camera?

[tw8e60]

Thanks amazing review!!!

I'm almost decided for this camera.

[aespinoza9559]

How do you magnify the way he did at around 2:28? I could not figure it out.

[TTandN]

im looking for a dslr for a beginner, i have been going back and forth between Sony A230, Nikon D3000 and the E-520 or the e-510, i dont care about live view, i am although a little concerned about lens pricing between like the nikon lenses with built in image stabilization, or the sony or olympus lenses that dont need it. what camera do you think would do best for a beginner?

[cameralabs]

I recommend you check out the budget DSLR section in the best buys at cameralabs . com!

[wadders2010]

Answering your question re the age difference, I use my sons' log in details. Why create your own when someone else in the house has theirs. Seriously please consider other makes. A lot of thought has gone into the Olympus E520, but not quite enough.A friend of mine has a Canon 450D and it knocks the Olympus into a cocked hat! Have a good look at ALL the different models that are available on the market.

[wadders2010]

I purchased an Olympus E520 and it is rubbish. It's made in China, and the quality is very poor. I would seriously consider Canon, Nikon or Sony. I have been a very keen photographer for over 40 years, having used the likes of Canon,Nikon,Leica and Minolta. The Olympus E 520 is by far and away the worst camera I have ever used. Please do not purchase one. You will regret it!

[cameralabs]

If you've been a photographer for over 40 years why is your age listed as 18 on your channel? I also notice you've made similar comments on other Olympus videos on YT.

[Gogetatheultimatessj]

i want to buy one :3! by the way...what lenses you recomend for me to buy?

[IronGiant6369]

Get the dual lens kit. It comes with a 14-42 and a 40-150. Its a good deal for the price!

[UnihocForce]

Hi nice review! It helped me pick this one...

Look in video respons for some pics.

[HKG36E]

i got a Q:

i want to make some landscape photo's and i think more in-door photo's but i'm on a tight budget... i'd rather have less noise in the in-door shots.

so is the e-520 a to buy or not or do i have to go for the other rivals as sony, canon and nikon?

[CiCiCitrus]

does it record videos

[MrDanois]

Just wanna sent a thanks too cameralabs com for these very good videos og new DLSR. It helped me choosing my one. And I still watch it to see the many options. Splendid...

[cameralabs]

Thanks! Don't forget if you'd like to support me and help me produce more reviews, please shop (for anything!) in the partner stores section at cameralabs . com!

[derek533]

@Penguinthatcanfly08

Sorry, my reply probably wasn't specific enough. To turn off the flash auto focus assist, do the following.

1. Press menu and scroll down to the wrench icon1 and press ok.

2. Press right and open up the submen for the af/mf menu.

3. Highlight AF illuminat. and press right, then press off to turn it off.

Fixed!

[penguinthatcanfly08]

I appreciate your response. Thank you so much. The truth is I fell in love it but that was the only con i saw with it, so i only felt i should return it. I got bought it with in a bundle with a bag, a card, dvd, and two lenses. Question, would you recommend i go get it again since there is a fix to it now. because i bought the g11 but i dont like the price of the g11. also, do you know what that type of flash is called? is it just AF illuminate? Thank you so much. I appreciate it.

[penguinthatcanfly08]

Hey there,

Well I bought the e-520 again, followed your instructions, and it worked. Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it. Thank you. Happy new year.

[penguinthatcanfly08]

I owned this camera and i loved it, however it did this annoying rapid flash thing. I wanted to take a picture of my friend and the flash kept flickering very fast. It does that with her XSI but only for a second then it takes the picture. For the olympus - it did it so much it annoyed the subjects. It even did it in sunlight in full auto mode. Any suggestions anyone? Please.

[derek533]

@penguinthatcanfly08

You can turn that off in the AF menu. That's the biggest complaint that I see about this cam and yet it can be easily turned off without affecting AF very much.

[goksonline87]

Its already been a more than a year since the E520 was released. So is it by any means outdated? Is there any news of new versions. will it be wise to wait for a newer version?

Thanks in advance

[cameralabs]

check out the E620 review at cameralabs . com.

[nikolahull]

go to ebay they have some great bundle packages on this camera

[TurkishWarior7]

I'm a bit new to these camera's , and it might sound a bit funny asking this. But if I would buy the E-520 BODY, withouth any lenses. Can I still take photos? Or MUST I buy some sort of lens to attach?..

[d3xmeister]

With your knowledge you shouldn't buy a DSLR. Stick with the best Point&Shoot you can find.

[TurkishWarior7]

That is totally nonsense, I just am new to it. I didn't say I was dumb being not able to learn?

Look just tell me alright, I can very well go to a store, they'll tell me anyway.

[d3xmeister]

No, you cannot take pictures with just the body, body means that you only get the camera, and you have to buy lenses to take pictures. This is becase there are some poeple who want that camera but don't want the kit lens, the want better, so they buy just the body and the buy better lenses for it.

[chadsexinton]

when IS is on this camera makes a loud vibrating sound when you turn it off.

[denraweb]

Yup, it sure does.

[d3xmeister]

That's normal on all Olympus DSLR with IS

[prajwalan]

I am a bit confused. Do I have to keep on pressing and "holding" the IS button, every time I want to have IS? If it is so, then isn't it a bit inconvenient?

[cameralabs]

No, if it's enabled, it'll come on automatically when you take the photo. press and holding it was just for a preview in live view.

[lillen300]

you have made the best ever camera site ever XD

well i want to get a good dslr camera that is better than the nikon d60 what camera should i choose?

[denraweb]

In the video he says "You can preview IS by pressing and holding it"

[persiancl]

I just ordered this camera

cant wait to get it

[hhhkkkhhhjkjki]

i just bought 1 yesterday...... but i messed up my manual mode's white balance bar to -5... and i dun know how to set it back to 0.0 so pls help.....thanks

[BogdanLeitan]

Hey Gordon ( I hope I got that right ) I was wondering if you want to be kind and take a look at my videos ( they are about the E520 using a Sigma 50mm f1.4 ) I just starded using DSLR's a few months back and I guess my dilemma is...Are my pictures ANY good ? Please be kind an take a look..I'll be waiting for you're honest opinion. All the best, Bogdan Leitan.

[cameralabs]

Hi Bogdan, I'm afraid I can't offer any personal critique on photos, but feel free to ask the members on the cameralabs forums. PS - you only need to ask once, so I've deleted your Q from the main page!

[kmedia1983]

this camera will do ok with another kind lenses, tomaron's tokina's or sigma's ?

[vanessabot]

Wow! this is the best video I've found so far. Really fantastic and thank-you for such a great, in dept video.

[cameralabs]

You're welcome! Don't fiorget to check out the full reviews at cameralabs . com!

[bogan001]

sounds a lot faster then 3.5 fps to me but could be wrong. Anyone else thinks its faster?

[oli663322]

what's better the e-520 or e-420?

i want to buy one but i'm not sure which one!!!!!!!!!! aaaaaahhhhhh

i'm stuck ---- any help?

[cameralabs]

See my reviews of both cameras at cameralabs . com!

[logiotek]

E-520 has built-in image stabilization and E-420 does not but it is more compact in size and weight than E-520 and therefore is more portable choice. As a result of being smaller E-420 might have problems with built-in flash while using higher grade lenses that have higher diameter than kit lenses. Both are great cameras though.

[thunderthighs43]

I bought this and I love it!!!

[johnjoy15]

i bought this camera a while ago, thanks for the review, your a big help

[samdawg999]

Change the drive mode. It shows in the video at 5:14.

[samdawg999]

The review was awesome.  I am deciding between the e-520 and Canon rebel XSi and this cleared things up a lot. Its nice to see how the cameras features in practice. You reviews are the best. Thanks man.

[cameralabs]

You're welcome! Don't forget to visit cameralabs . com for the full reviews!

[chadsexinton]

hi, i just purchased this camera and im noticing something shaking inside (not like the IS shaking) if i hold it up close to my ears and move it around it seems like something is loose inside. the noise seems to be coming from near the dial mode. its like a tiny ball or something inside rolling around.

[chadsexinton]

so u chose the olympus? did you already get it?

[samdawg999]

not yet, still saving up the money

[Mcgyverphotoshop]

I have one and it wooks very well... (",)

[yankapoodle]

He's from the south of England

[relb1975]

Thanks man.

[cameralabs]

Actually I'm from the North of England!

[relb1975]

your work is outstanding, i got an oly 520 after a lot of doubts, with your review i saw everything clearer.

thanks.

[relb1975]

hello pals,

just a question (not regarded to the camera)

what english does he speak?

american with peculiar accent ( north? south? ) ?

because i was thinking it could be england but i have my doubts.

[relb1975]

excellent review......like always.

regards

[trubshaw1]

I think you need to view the supplied DVD with the camera so you can learn how to pronounce Zuiko properly....

[cameralabs]

I think you need to realise review samples don't always come with all the same parts as a retail package.

[trubshaw1]

What are you talking about - You purport to be a camera lab, therefore you ought to be able to pronounce the trade names of things you are reviewing.

[cameralabs]

Thanks for the encouragement.

[galeharoldfan]

how does the image stabilizer work? do you have to press the is button once or you have to hold it until you take the shot? im kinda confused

[hannan199]

thanks!

[hannan199]

Hello Gordon,

can i used Zuiko Lense ED 18-180mm F3.5-6.3 on E-520?

[cameralabs]

If it's a Zuiko Digital model, then yes it should work on nay Olympus DSLR - or any Four Thirds DSLR.

[sprichbeeke]

I am considering purchasing this camerd and find your reviews very helpful! Thanks!

One question...I have some excellent lenses with the Pentax K af2 Bayonet mount. Would they fit with this camera?

[cameralabs]

There may be adapters available, but I don't know - Feel free to discuss it further on the cameralabs forums.

[ubergeek9]

So Leica lenses will work on this?

[cameralabs]

Only Leica lenses designed for the Four Thirds lens mount.

[kwoodny]

i have a c8080 (olympus and love it ,, only thing not good about it is speed for sport type pictures , how is the 510 and 520 for action pics?

[cameralabs]

As DSLRs, they are MUCH more responsive than a compact for sports photography - see the AF and drive sections in our full reviews of both cameras at cameralabs . com for details, and feel free to ask the Olympus owners on the cameralabs forum...

[allgoo19]

I'm happy user of C8080.

But I'm always on the look of what's new in DSLR. It seems that they are always keep adding new features and keep improving the performance. I'm quite hesitant to jump on it unless I see an absolute need like my current camera breaks.

I see a new trend in mirrorless DSLR, Pana G1. If this keeps going, DSLR eventually be like lens interchangeable C8080 with larger sensor?

If so, I'll be delighted!

[cameralabs]

I'm certainly looking forward to reviewing the G1! We have an active discussion about it in the cameralabs . com forums if you fancy taking a look...

[allgoo19]

Thanks, Gordon. I just registered.

Keep up a good work.

[Milliarden]

I wondered whether I should buy this camera. But after wachting this video I really know, that this might be a good buy. Thanks a lot for this review!

[andyken]

SOrry Gordon for my previous comment, coz i posting a comment before watching ur video (intenret bit slow, so need to wait :D ). Nice Review 5 star

[cameralabs]

No problem! Don't forget to check out the full review which goes with this video at cameralabs . com!

[NathanGrammatico]

Olympus?

I Just can't imagine that. I've been using Canon and Nikon, is there anything to really switch to Olympus for?

[cameralabs]

Yeah, how about the lenses - some of them are absolutely superb - check out my review of the 12-60mm at cameralabs . com...

[andyken]

this camera are compatible with all 4/3 digital lenses right?

[ecsramalho]

The kit lens even them are some of the best kit lenses out there.

[timetravel1234]

u are living in Moon.. come back to earth then u will know how good is Olympus

[mikes1984]

I've noticed you've demonstrating the fps on all the cameras in your recent video - thank you! It's always nice to hear the differences!

[cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[ecsramalho]

Hi Gordon I have bought this camera based on your review its amazing thank you very much!! keep doing this great reviews.

[mattaphore]

Great review! Thanks very much for all the info & details. I've been comparing this camera with Nikon's D40&60 and Canon's XSi, but I think I like the feel of this one the best. Hope to get one soon.

[scrriba89]

Hi again!

i want to know if the 14-42 lenses are good.

what do you think about it gordon?

[cameralabs]

You can see a full report of it in our E-400 review at cameralabs . com. Check all the results pages.

[obskure1]

i just bought this camera. should arrive on monday. i'm excited. the next step will be to save up for the zuiko 12-60mm. i am a fan of olympus. i can hardly wait for this one to arrive!

[cameralabs]

Great camera, and that's also a great lens! Look out for our full review of it soon... Please also feel free to post in the cameralabs forums - we've got a friendly bunch in the Olympus section!

[MattOfTheLyme]

another great review :)

have you got a new mic or something? your voice seems to be echoing more..

[cameralabs]

Nope, same kit, but I changed rooms a few videos ago...

[SPINNER673]

I WANT ONE!

[no288]

I'm not sure about the autofocus, some say it's slow. I'm thinking about taking pictures of birds flying, will that be a problem with the E520 AF?

[cameralabs]

It's not slow, it's just not great at tracking moving subjects across the frame as it's only got 3 AF points. Remember the speed of AF on any DSLR is highly dependant on the lens, so if you need a quick response, always go for a better lens. Feel free to discuss this further with the Olympus owners on the cameralabs forums...

[timetravel1234]

Hi Gordon

gosh! i just lost two of my comments requesting review of ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm F4.0-5.6

[cameralabs]

Hi, I never saw them, sorry! It's unlikely that I'll review this lens though...

[anticimexxx]

Hey Gordon,

What Camera + Lenses do you use?

Greetings

Oliver

[cameralabs]

Hi Oliver, I use the camera that I'm testing at that moment to maximiuse my time with it.

[anticimexxx]

Gordon, i mean Privat ;)

Greetings

[callmejosiah]

excellent review, nice to see how quickly you were able to touch on the main features... thanks for the video!

[yabadabadingdong]

I wish someone made a DSLR with a full flip out LCD like the Canon's used to so on some of their consumer cameras. Why don't they so this?

[cameralabs]

They do! The Panasonic L10 has one, as does the Olympus E-3. See our full reviews t cameralabs . com for more details.

[naiku]

thanks for the review. great work like always.

[Niloy135790]

Great review Gordon! Now I know which DSLR to get.

[hanzakbar]

1. IS makes alot of noise

2. Why would i need the Face detection in a camera which is being built to be creative with.. I.e. DSLR

3. Is that really is an Extra wide angle lens?

[cameralabs]

You only hear the IS when doing the preview - remember it only comes on normally when you take the photo - and that's just for a fraction of a second. See the comment below about face detection on a DSLR.

[NiteAngel]

face dedection hahahaha lololol sounds like a sales gimick

[cameralabs]

Not really - it greatly reduces focusing and exposure errors when photographing people. And other DSLRs have it, but just don't show the box around the face, such as the Canon 450D / XSi.

[indiefilmmaker2011]

why would a color blind person be a photographer??? lol. but yea, good review.

[cameralabs]

Just becuase you're colour blind doesn't mean you can't take photos.

[SpeedFreakNO]

Good review, as always :)

Does the Live View also stop down the lens while Live View is active? So you can see what's in focus at e.g. f/16?

[cameralabs]

Yes it does offer a DOF preview in live view - see our full review at cameralabs . com for all the details.

[2Old4Toys]

[at 1:16] Extraordinary how this review highlights the Olympus E-520's powerful "Baby-Face" detection capacity.

Praise be to Gordon, the cherub-like keeper of New Zealand's own secret fountain of youth. (and overlord of cameralabs . com)

[PhotoRelax]

can you review the olympus underwater camera?

[cameralabs]

I already have! Well, one from last year anyway - the Stylus 790 SW. See our full review at cameralabs . com... PS - Olympus also now offers an underwater housing for the E-520...

[bl4ckprint]

Great review, as always.

I love that the shutter noise sounds like a squeezy toy or stress ball when you shoot in continuous mode :D

[applerulz]

I need help with deciding on getting either a D40x or a D80???Which one has the better image quality etc.

I need your help people!

Josh

[cameralabs]

Josh, wouldn't it be better to post that on a Nikon review? Anyway, no problem, check out the verdict page of our D40x review at cameralabs . com to compare them both - and do also look at the verdict page of our D60 review as the D60 has now replaced the D40x.

[2Old4Toys]

Hello Josh, yes, I'd highly recommend you post your Nikon D40x / D80 question on the opulent forums residing at the venerable paradise that is cameralabs . com

Praise be to Gordon, King of cameralabs . com

[xmeda]

get D80 for sure, has pentaprism and motor for all nikon lenses. Its semi-pro DSLR.

D40/40x/60 are toys for non-foto-interested amateurs.

well.. or check Pentax K200D

[applerulz]

Ok thanks for your help guys!!!I will go out and buy the D80 for sure now!But I am only buying it a the body.What kind of lens(s)would you recommend for normal shooting sports,landscape etc.

Josh

[xmeda]

sigma 17-70..

[photopunklife]

looks like a great camera, no ofense but I prefer Canon =)

[themanwhoknew]

Colour blindness? What about people totally blind?

[629180]

the one i see myself buying is the pancake that one is ubber nice,that ones cool but they get pretty expencive

[huskyowns]

first view ;), looks pretty small more used to the good bulky canon slr's =P

[BearsoNco]

i got the first comment and first view :O :P