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8.0 out of 10

Olympus E-520

10.0 megapixels

Information found in: from 131 sources in 23 countries

Best Price at Amazon

  • User Score (506)
    9.3 9.3 from 506 reviewers
  • Expert Score (30)
    8.0 8.0 from 30 reviewers
  • Design (7)
    8.3 8.3 from 7 reviewers
  • Value for money (28)
    8.2 8.2 from 28 reviewers
  • Features (17)
    8.5 8.5 from 17 reviewers
  • Ease of use (25)
    7.8 7.8 from 25 reviewers
  • Performance (33)
    8.0 8.0 from 33 reviewers
  • Picture quality (44)
    8.3 8.3 from 44 reviewers
  • Durability (5)
    8.1 8.1 from 5 reviewers
  • Overall quality (7)
    7.9 7.9 from 7 reviewers
  • Battery performance (6)
    7.7 7.7 from 6 reviewers
  • Display (30)
    7.4 7.4 from 30 reviewers
  • Construction (2)
    7.7 7.7 from 2 reviewers
  • Video quality (2)
    7.4 7.4 from 2 reviewers
  • Audio & image quality (2)
    7.7 7.7 from 2 reviewers
  • Ergonomics (30)
    8.7 8.7 from 30 reviewers
  • Equipment (6)
    8.0 8.0 from 6 reviewers
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  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(13)
7-8
(12)
5-6
(5)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(386)
7-8
(88)
5-6
(10)
3-4
(8)
1-2
(5)

  • Expert Reviews

  1. Digitaltrends

    Digitaltrends
    30 July 2011

    We haven't had a chance to fully test this product yet, but we've assembled this helpful overview of relevant information on it. Read more

  2. Camera Labs

    Camera Labs
    8.7/10
    1 June 2008

    The Olympus E-520 is the successor to one of the most popular DSLRs of the past year. With the earlier E-510, Olympus packed 10 Megapixel resolution, image stabilisation, live view, effective anti-dust and a broad array of controls and customisation into a compact, affordable body; the kit lens was pretty good too. Subsequent discounting saw the E-510 with a decent twin lens bundle fall to the price of many rivals with only one lens, and become a justified best-seller. Read more

    • Built-in stabilisation which works with any lens., Very effective anti-dust system., Live View with contrast AF and face detection., Quick handling and broad customisa...
    • Smaller viewfinder than rivals., Can't see stabilisation in optical viewfinder., Relatively basic 3-point AF system., Screen doesn't flip-out.

  3. Imaging Resource

    Imaging Resource
    17 November 2008

    The E-520 is a logical step in the Olympus's digital SLR evolution. With headlining features that include Face Detection, Contrast-Detect AF in Live View, Wireless Remote Flash control, and an increased maximum shooting speed of 3.5 frames per second, the 10-megapixel Olympus E-520 is basically a slightly larger E-420 with built-in image stabilization. Read more

    • Built-in image stabilization, Nice, comfortable grip (particularly when compared to the E-420), Compact size, yet full featured, Loads of customization potential (e.g....
    • Shutter lag in Live View can be long, depending on the subject and light level, LCD shows odd metallic-like sheen in bright daylight, can be distracting, 1/180s X-Sync...

  4. What Digital Camera

    What Digital Camera
    8.8/10
    23 September 2008

    There is a lot to like about the E-520, with its handling, effective image stabilisation and good image quality being three things that immediately spring to mind. Read more

    • Superb handling, dust reduction, effective image stabilisation, consistent AWB.
    • Power switch, highlight control, slow AF system with standard lenses.

  5. LAPTOP Magazine

    LAPTOP Magazine
    5.0/10
    5 February 2009

    For shutterbugs upgrading from a point-and-shoot, the Olympus Evolt E-520’s manual controls and continuous shooting options will feel like an improvement. But despite this camera’s large LCD and professional feel, even in this budget category it’s possible to find faster cameras that take sharper, more vibrant pictures. Read more

  6. PC World

    PC World
    6.0/10
    22 December 2008

    A good value for the Read more

    • Very impressive autofocus in daylight
    • Poor performance at high ISOs, Complicated customizable menus

  7. Steve's Digicams

    Steve's Digicams
    16 October 2008

    Physical Views The E-520 (right) seated next to its little brother, the E-420 . Olympus E-520 Specifications Product Type Product type Single-lens reflex Live View digital camera with interchangeable lens system Memory CompactFlash Type I/II, Microdrive, xD-Picture Card (Dual-Slot) Sensor Size 17.3 mm (H) x 13.0 mm (V) Lens mount Four Thirds Mount Effective Pixels Number of effective pixels 10 million pixels Image Pickup Unit Product type Live MOS Sensor Total pixels... Read more

  8. DigitalCameraInfo.com

    DigitalCameraInfo.com
    29 July 2008

    - Solid comfortable construction - Good color accuracy test results - Auto focus in Live View mode - Large number of image presets - High level of control and customizability for   advanced users Dislikes - Very poor white balance scores - Noisy images - Live View auto focus problematic and slow - Proprietary port instead of standard USB and AV Conclusion The E-520 is a camera that manages to package a significant number of excellent features and solid controls into a Read more

  9. Digital Camera Review

    Digital Camera Review
    9 June 2008

    Though we’ve seen some great cameras emerge as a result of seemingly minor upgrades, it’s mostly been a year of light makeovers, slight tweaks, and progressive developments in the consumer DSLR space. With all of the phenomenal power that’s been released in the upper half of the market since last summer, interchangeable-lens cameras for the masses have largely been laying back to ride whatever waves of technology roll in from their more advanced brethren. Read more

  10. Bright Hub

    Bright Hub
    8.0/10
    11 December 2008

    Even though it has been on the market for six months, the E-520 represents the next generation in Olympus' Four Thirds system DSLRs. This member of the family may not stand out from the pack as much as its predecessors, but it still represents a reliable... Read more

  • User Reviews

  1. Affordable DSLR Photography

    Amazon
    10/10
    Reviewer: Harold E. Lake Jr. "helakejr", Amazon
    2 January 2012

    I purchased the Olympus E-520 Kit for $400 after much online research. The reasons were as follows: photo quality, great price with "must have" features including body anti-shake, smaller size/weight 4/3's lens mount (so you will actually bring the camera with you), 3+ actual photos per second to capture your child on the soccer field or freezing a ball in mid-air, live view, Through The Lens (TTL) Auto-focus/Flash, anti-dust, many manual configurations and a true 10... Read more

  2. E520 -- a solid performer

    Abes of Maine
    10/10
    Reviewer: TheOldMan, Abes of Maine
    18 September 2009

    The kit lenses, while perhaps not of professional quality, are quite good. I'd recommend getting the kit with both lenses, rather than only the 14-42 mm that I bought; the 14-42 mm is good for wide shots -- very little distortion. Very flexible camera, with a large array of custom settings available for special situations, and the ability to save customized packages of settings. Read more

    • Bright LCD, Comfortable Controls, Great Image Quality, Image Stabilization
    • Exposed LCD, Not so easy to learn

  3. Fast camera, beautiful lens!

    J&R
    10/10
    Reviewer: New American, J&R
    5 May 2010

    Beautifully made camera with fast response and clear imaging. Sweet shutter and thorough display provide all the features a photographer could want. The E-520 is light years ahead of point and shoot cameras, and is worth every penny. J&R gave us a great deal on a package that couldn't be beat! Read more

    • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus, Fast Shutter Speed, Good Image Quality, High ISO Performance, Large Clear LCD

  4. Fantastic camera......

    Ebay
    10/10
    Reviewer: terrythibault, Ebay
    22 April 2011

    I love the camera. It functions great. Thank you for a speedy delivery. I bought for my fiancee, she wants to go to photgraphy school. It's a great beginner camera for her. It takes very crisp and clear pictures. She is very estatic with it. Read more

  5. Fantastic camera!!

    B&H Photo
    10/10
    Reviewer: Pipyr, B&H Photo
    19 March 2009

    I'm thrilled with this camera! I purchased it after my e-300 died and I have to say it is so much more than the e-300 was. Having used the e-300, the menu and functions were very easy to navigate, which I was thankful for. There are a lot more functions, but I feel that they are intuitively placed, so easy to find. I never realized how excellent the kit lenses were that I got with the e-300 until I tried them on this camera, using the LCD to focus. Read more

    • Bright LCD, Comfortable Controls, Easy To Use, Fast Shutter Speed, Great Image Quality, Image Stabilization, Strong Construction
    • Slow focus using LED

  6. Great Starter DSLR

    Newegg
    10/10
    Reviewer: gorgejeff, Newegg
    11 March 2009

    - Very little added benefit to shooting pictures in RAW, just make sure you are saving in Adobe RGB colorspace and the highest quality JPG setting should be more than adequate. Read more

    • - When you consider all the features, this is one of the cheapest DSLRs in it's class
    • - Menus can get a little bit deep - sometimes makes it hard to find certain features

  7. Camera mostly under rated

    8.0/10
    Reviewer: bethog, Ciao
    2 weeks ago

    If you are checking the reviews to buy your next camera then I would like to advice to you that you go to a photographic shop and hold the different cameras in your hand and use it. This is how I picked my camera. I was always a Canon user and liked the Canon cameras very much. I have read many reviews and got some good tips but finally decided to buy a Olympus E520 DSLR camera. I bought my camera with a 14-42 zoom lens but have since bought two other zoom lenses. Read more

    • Light weight, good design, great 2,7 inch display, internal flash, easy controls.
    • Can only use Olympic or Zuiko lenses

  8. Good camera

    OneCall
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: Don, OneCall
    2 March 2009

    It froze up once on me, the third time I used it. After 10 minutes, it resumed working. That was once. I've used it twenty times since without a problem. Read more

    • Comfortable Controls, Easy To Use, Fast Shutter Speed, Great Image Quality, Image Stabilization, Strong Construction

  9. Walmart

    Walmart
    10/10
    Reviewer: PhotographyJunkie, Walmart
    24 November 2009

    I'm now shooting candid's for friends and family for my budding photography business. Now that my dream is becoming reality I decided it was time to upgrade from the Evolt E-500. Since I bought my E-500 bundled about 3 years ago I already have a basic and telephoto lens which is why I only bought the E-520 body. I've only had the camera in my possession for an hour and a half and I'm aleady in love (again) with my newest Olympus DSLR. Read more

  10. Lots of fun on top of quality!

    Ritz Camera
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: BrightHeart, Ritz Camera
    17 December 2008

    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Read more

    • Comfortable Controls, Comfortable grip, Easy To Use, Fast Shutter Speed, Great Image Quality, Great resolution, Quiet, Strong Construction
    • Limited Lens Availability

  • WikiFreak Description

The Olympus E-520’s Image Stabilization technology is built into the camera body to produce clear, sharp and blur-free images. This camera weighs just 7.5 ounces and measures 5.35×3.6-x2.68-inches. Its Autofocus Live View brings subject into sharp focus. Olympus E-520 offers users faster continuous shooting speeds (3.5 vs 3.0 fps).

The Shadow Adjustment Technology of the Olympus E-520 is programmed to work automatically when using Face Detection Mode, Live View and in Scene-Select Modes. The Olympu…

See more
Edit

The Olympus E-520’s Image Stabilization technology is built into the camera body to produce clear, sharp and blur-free images. This camera weighs just 7.5 ounces and measures 5.35×3.6-x2.68-inches. Its Autofocus Live View brings subject into sharp focus. Olympus E-520 offers users faster continuous shooting speeds (3.5 vs 3.0 fps).

The Shadow Adjustment Technology of the Olympus E-520 is programmed to work automatically when using Face Detection Mode, Live View and in Scene-Select Modes. The Olympus dust reduction system uses a Supersonic Wave Filter which silently vibrates 30,000 times per second, thereby preventing Dust. Its HyperCrystal™ II Technology provides the users with a wider angle of view on the LCD enabling them to see it up to 176 degrees off-center.

The 10-mega pixel Live-MOS image sensor’s high dynamic range, helps to capture images with great details even at high ISO settings. The Face Detection Technology helps to track and focus on up-to eight faces. The Underwater Housing PT-E05 allows users to take the E-520 to depths of 130 feet. Olympus Zuiko Digital lenses provide edge-to-edge pixel-perfect images.

Olympus E-520 comes with 20 SCENE-SELECT MODES which every almost every imaginable shooting scenario possible. The E-520’s TruePic III Image Processor allows user to shoot crystal-clear photos and this processor also lowers image noise. The E-520 is compatible with the Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes and when used in combination with the E-520, wireless multi-flash photography is possible.

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  • Manufacturer's Description

The E-520’s in-body Mechanical Image Stabilization has three modes for increased versatility. The IS-1 mode adjusts the sensor on both the X and Y-axes to compensate for movement by the photographer, so images stay sharp even at slow shutter speeds. To capture the action of athletes or animals, in-body Mechanical Image Stabilization offers two specialized modes: IS-2 and IS-3. IS-2 is ideal for capturing a racecar flying down the track — by panning and holding the ca…

Specifications

  • Format
    SLR
  • Max resolution
    3648 x 2736
  • Low resolution
    3200 x 2400, 2560 x 1920, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480
  • Image ratio w:h
    4:3
  • Effective pixels
    10.0 million
  • Sensor photo detectors
    11.8 million
  • Sensor size
    4/3 " (18.00 x 13.50 mm, 2.43 cm²)
  • Pixel density
    4.1 MP/cm²
  • Sensor type
    NMOS
  • Sensor manufacturer
    Matsushita

Release Date

  • First seen
    12 January 2008

Ask the community

Need more advice? Ask the community a question.

Questions asked: 1 Answers: 0

Previous questions about this product

  • Shutter

    While on vacation, my camera was working great, then it started acting like the battery needed charged, so i did, then the next day it wouldnt take a pic at all. Everything seemed to work, except the shutter was making noice, and not opening, for i couldnt see the subject in the viewfinder. I thought i may have accidently hit a setting button that was causing the problem, but now i believe it is a shutter problem. Any suggestions before i send it off to get fixed. I have pulled out the cards and battery, let set for 20 min. Everything still is the same.

    (No answers yet. Write an answer!) 2010-05-05

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