I want to talk about the four-thirds standard for a bit (also see the Wikipedia entry for this). The E-500 is built on this standard, so a little background information will help you understand the differences between it and other DSLRs a little better.
As you may know if you own a DSLR, once you've bought it and invested in the various accoutrements that go along with that camera body, you're stuck with the brand, so to speak. You've spent thousands of dollars on extra lenses, and if you want to switch to another brand, you'll need to spend money not only on a new camera body, but on another set of lenses as well. That's not fun, and most people can't afford to switch brands, especially if they've invested heavily in lenses and other camera accessories like speedlights, batteries, etc. Hence, camera manufacturers are pretty happy (financially speaking) that lens lines aren't inter-compatible (unless you use special mounts that may or may not work or give you the same image quality), because they have long-term, guaranteed customers.
Olympus came up with the four-thirds standard so they could make lenses that are interchangeable, and can be used by any other camera back built on the four-thirds standard, and they wanted to design them specifically for use in digital photography. But according to Wikipedia, the four-thirds standard isn't entirely an open standard:
"Four Thirds is not an Open Standard, however, as it does not meet the "allowing anyone to use" criteria commonly accepted as the definition of an open standard. It also does not meet the criteria that the standard itself and any associated intellectual property be available on a Reasonable And Non-Discriminatory basis."
So while the standard is good, Olympus needs to be more open about its use in the industry. There also seems to be a drawback. According to Wikipedia, even though the smaller sensor size allows for smaller and lighter lenses, it's also to blame for the high noise I experienced when taking shots at higher ISO settings. Apparently the sensor just isn't big enough to function well in low light. Whether that's accurate, or whether this issue can be solved through creative engineering, I don't know. What I do know is that I'm not happy with the performance of the E-500 in low light, particularly when shooting without flash, at shutter speeds above 1/25 seconds. But again, my needs are probably more stringent than those of the entry-level DSLR user.
This next point is entirely subjective, but I find the 4:3 aspect of the photographs I took with the E-500 more pleasing to the eye than the more prevalent 3:2 aspect found in most photographs. (The 3:2 aspect carries over from film photography.) Have a look at your computer monitor or TV. Chances are (unless you have a wide screen monitor or TV) that you've been looking at images made for the 4:3 standard for quite some time, and you didn't even know it. This aspect ratio has been in use in that medium for decades.
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.