The E-500 has some surprising features for an entry-level DSLR. I was impressed most of all with the supersonic wave filter (SSWF) sensor cleaning. Olympus was the first company to introduce this feature on its DSLRs a couple of years ago, and other companies such as Sony, Pentax and Canon have only more recently followed suit. The SSWF uses ultrasonic vibrations to shake dust off the sensor every time the camera is turned on. This reduces (and may even eliminate) the need to clean the sensor, though your mileage may vary. It all depends on how much you'll switch lenses, and how careful you are when you do it. In case you're worried, the camera has a sensor-cleaning mode that lets you gain access to the sensor for manual cleanings.
I was pleased to see the camera had four bracketing modes: AE (exposure), WB (white balance), MF (manual focus) and flash. These modes let you vary (or bracket, hence their names) those characteristics when used. For example, AE bracketing will let you take three shots with varying exposures (dark, medium, light). You then choose the best one and delete or keep the others, as you wish. The other modes work the same, and they vary the other characteristics. This is useful for those situations when you're not quite sure what will give you the best shot possible. Realize though that flash bracketing can get to be pretty annoying for your subjects if they're people. No one likes being flashed repeatedly. So, find the flash intensity that works, do it quickly, then stick with it.
The 2.5-inch LCD screen was a great addition to the E-500. It's clear, big and displays photos very well, and for its time (2005), fairly unique. Olympus also spent time organizing the menu functions well, and after a short learning period, things are easy to find. The viewfinder is a different story, at least as far as I'm concerned. I found the display of the aperture and shutter information to be hard to read, because it was off to the side instead of at the bottom of the shot. Apparently, I'm not the only one to notice that shortcoming. I also noticed the eyecup (the little rubber piece around the viewfinder) was a little shallow for my eyes, and ambient light distracted me from my shots, particularly in daylight. Thankfully, I see that Olympus offers a bigger eyecup for folks like me.
The battery life was surprisingly good. I don't know if my experience was a fluke, but I managed to get over 1,600 shots on a single charge, and over 400 of those shots were with flash. That's impressive! I should clarify that on the first charge, I got only 350 shots. But then first charges on all rechargeable batteries don't last that long. So after I drained the battery that first time and recharged it, the second charge lasted for over 1,600 photographs. And when the camera refused to take more shots because of the depleted battery, I turned it off, then back on, and squeezed more shots. I did this four times, and got an additional 30 shots with a battery that was supposed to be dead. Again, I don't know if my experience was the norm, but if so, this would be a fantastic selling point. Yet I don't see battery life mentioned anywhere in the Olympus literature or on their website.
Article comments
1 - jim
I've been shooting the E-500 since last June both professionally and personally, and I have to say I adore this camera. And then when I started buying Olympus's ED lenses to bolt on, I fell in love all over again, the image quality went from superb to stellar, in my opinion comprable to the Canons and Nikons that cost many hundreds more. I'm with you on the low light performance, though I just consider it not awesome, not bad. It becomes less of an issue when you start ditching the kit lenses for Oly's faster ones, there's a world of difference in low light between f2.0 and the f3.5 of the kit lenses.
Another small note, Sigma is also making lenses for the four-thirds system.
2 - Raoul
Thanks Jim! Took a look at your shots, very nice!
3 - Andy Smith
I concur with your review. Having used it since late summer, I've found very few problems, and none that have kept me from getting the shot I want.
The price is a particular strong point; with the camera out for some time now, one can get the camera and several lenses for the price of the newer models alone.
BTW, I like and recommend the eyeup maginifier.
Most of the photos (since August) at tis url are from the EVOLT:
Andy
4 - Raoul
Thanks Andy! Cool prints you've got there!
5 - Misfit
I have an E-500 and I must be the only one who doesn't have a problem with the eyepiece. I find it very direct, clear and easy to use myself. I agree with two points. One, the cameras low light issue and two, when in that low light, the strobe effect the built in flash gives off. BUT...I purchased the FL-36 flash for the camera and ... let me clear my throat. WOW, BABY! instead of stroking off flashes of light for an assist, the FL-36 throws an infa-red light out and is not annoying, quick, and quite efficient. In fact, i hardly ever use the built in flash now. i use rechargeable batteries and get about 200 shots per charge. There is not tether to a power pack for the FL-36, you have to get its big brother, the FL-50, for that. (and pay twice as much). The camera itself is fun to use. The kit lenses are solid and I chose it over the Canon XTi, the Nikon D80 (too expensive for me), and the Sony Alpha A100. Although if I had the loot, I would have gone with the Pentax K10D. If you have low light issues, buy the flash, you can stop down the light by -7 or up to +7. Makes a world of difference. The 40-150mm lense is awesome too. I was surprised at first by the telescoping zoom, but it is a budget camera and it really does take nice shots.
6 - Gadgetmiser
I love my E500! Apart from the strictly technical specs, I maintain that its ability to use cheap manual lenses opens the door to a world of benefit. Fancy a 400mm (35mm equiv) for $30?:) I reviewed my collection of lenses here Gadget Miser; please pop by if of interest!
7 - Jarl Østergaard
Having used the olympus e-500 for about a year now I must conclude that I am very satisfied. I own the 14-54 zuiko lens and it makes the camera a completely different experience compared to the 14-45. Shots at higher ISOs need some noiseremoval but there are several software tools to do this. I also uses the Canon E400 at work - but prefer my e-500.