Product Reviews

After its success with the introduction of the tiny E-410 and its handy Live View features, Olympus has expanded its range further with yet another minuscule digital SLR camera aimed at novices and enthusiasts alike.

Carrying the same 10-megapixel sensor as the E-410, the new E-510 is the first digital SLR from Olympus to include a built-in anti-shake system to offset the wobbles.

Other tempting features on offer include the Panasonic-sourced Live MOS sensor with Live View option that appeared in the E-410, a host of exposure modes including 18 scene-based settings and sensitivity ranging from ISO100-1600. OIympus' new image processor can handle bursts at over 3fps with unlimited Jpeg capture or up to 11 Raw files at a time.

Viewed from the top, back and sides, it's obvious that the E-510 shares the same basic body design and layout as the diminutive E-410, although the addition of a decent-sized grip makes the former more comfortable to hold over long periods.

Like most recent models, the E-510 certainly makes full use of its rear 2.5in (215,000-pixel) LCD. Used for all camera status, menu, and playback duties, not to mention the Live View features, the rear monitor simplifies the overall operation. Most of the camera's basic settings, such as white balance, ISO, quality and so on, can be selected from the camera status window using the D-pad. It really couldn't be simpler, although trawling through the main menu is still a chore.

One of the highlights, though, is the addition of the Live View features that Olympus originally showcased in the E-330 and, more recently, the E-410. However, it's switched off by default and needs to be selected in the menu to switch it on, which is a pity. Auto-focus is still available, albeit with a 1.5-second interruption from the camera's reflex mirror, which is inconvenient.

The camera does provide a manual focus mode, however, complete with a user-selectable focus area that lets

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you choose between either 7x or 10x magnification, which is handy for close-ups and the like. You can also check the depth of field but, like the manual focusing option, it is not activated default.

Thankfully, the E-510 discards the dim viewfinder of earlier models in favour of one that's bright and possibly clearer than its peers. With the cropped 4:3 image format, though, it's still small by comparison.

With a physically smaller sensor than the APS-C-size chips of its competitors, the bundled Olympus-made 14-42mm zoom becomes the 35mm equivalent of a handy 28-84mm. That's a similar range to the 18-55mm kit lenses that come with some cheaper cameras, but not as handy as the 18-70mm (27-105mm equivalent) bundled with the Sony Alpha 100 or Nikon D80.

Although the tele-centric design of the 14-42mm means images are remarkably free from fringing, corner shading and internal reflection, build quality isn't particularly great.

The E-510 easily impresses with its built-in CCD-shifting system but it's not quite as effective as the best lens-shifting alternatives from Canon and Nikon. While being able to use shutter speeds that are one or two settings slower than usual is handy, there's no visual confirmation of it in action in the viewfinder.

We also like Olympus automated sensor-cleaning system. It's not infallible, but it is still one of the most efficient systems we've seen. However, the E-510 lacks the proprietary dust-mapping and automatic retouching facilities found elsewhere.

Focus operation is blazingly fast but we were disappointed to see the same three-point AF system of earlier offerings. This isn't the E-510's only shortcoming, either.

The 10-megapixel sensor may be capable of resolving similar levels of detail as rivals, but the E-510 adopts the same heavy-handed approach to noise reduction as the E-410. Images look relatively clean at ISO1600, but detail suffers even at low ISO settings. Thankfully, the noise reduction filter can be turned off and sharpness adjusted from the menu.

We've no real concerns with metering or colour accuracy other than a not-unexpected warm (orange) look under indoor lighting. Ultimately, though, when comparing enlargements side by side with those from cheaper rivals, users may be disappointed by the lack of detail.

While the E-510 can't tempt us away from the Nikon D80 with its great kit lens, it can hold its own against the Sony Alpha 100 and Canon Eos 400D, although it's a good deal pricier. If it were only cheaper, we'd like it a lot more.