With the E-510, Olympus has placed the bar very high for the entry level reflex market. It’s the first model to be equipped with mechanical stabilization and offers a technical sheet that is much more complete than its rivals. So, how does this camera fare in practice?

In hand

The first thing we noticed is that the E-510 abandons the body of the previous E-400 and E-410. If it loses a little bit in compactness, the user gains a real grip and sure and comfortable handling, despite this reflex’s modest size. In comparison, holding a Canon 400D is frustrating. The ergonomics of the E-510 are exemplary and the camera will please beginning as well as more seasoned photographers. It’s possible to set the different parameters directly on the LCD screen with two levels of precision (navigation is done with the four directional buttons). It’s too bad that there is no contextual help to guide the user in areas which are often complicated. There are scene modes found on a dial (sometimes difficult to adjust), which give away this camera’s more prosumer identity. It is possible to program your own "modes" by setting up two complete configurations rapidly accessible via the « Fn » button, which can also be personalized (Live View or white balance). 

The more professional photographer will appreciate the multitude of well place buttons allowing quick access to different parameters.   

Startup time is affected by the sensor’s anti-dust system (1.39 s), but overall the E-510 is a fast camera. Autofocus is done in less than 0.3 s in most situations, and in the end, the « mere » three collimators aren’t too handicapping. With a classic card, expect 0.55 s between photos in SHQ mode (best quality). In burst mode, our measurements were even higher than Olympus’ specifications and in SHQ mode, you can obtain 9 images in 2.68 s, or a rate of 3.35 i/s (versus the announced 3 i/s). All the same, you will want to have a fast card to take advantage of unlimited burst mode shooting. 

The Live View (aiming with the LCD) is very appreciable at times, notably when using a tripod. With this function, an exposure bar is displayed in real time and autofocus (lowering the mirror) with the AEL/AFL but requires a little more time. It’s too bad the screen isn’t movable in all directions for new and original ways of shooting.

Image quality

Traditionally, Olympus reflexes have always had more noise than competing cameras. With the E-510, this Japanese brand radically changes its reputation.

Up until 400 ISO, noise is practically invisible. 800 ISO marks the start of a light degradation of the image and at 1600 ISO you will see aberrant pixels. Noise control has four settings: deactivated, light, standard, and high. In most situations, the « low » setting will provide good results: images have a lot of detail and graininess is relatively discrete. It’s just too bad that Olympus doesn’t offer a more precise adjustment of sensitivity as well as a  3200 ISO mode as its direct rivals do. In the end, pictures are very close to those obtained with the Nikon D40x or Canon 400D. Note that in high sensitivities (1600 and 800 ISO), white balance is sometimes off. This is a problem that could disappear in retail versions of the camera (out in mid July). Classically, white balance offers good results outdoors while under tungsten lighting rendering is a bit «cold ». To limit burning out brighter parts of images, the E-510 has the tendency to under expose (-1/3 EV).

Stabilization (by movement of the sensor) is effective and with a little training, you can go down to 1/5 s to obtain good pictures. The 14-42 mm lens that comes in the kit is entirely satisfactory and offers precise images that only need slight accentuation.
Note that the new Olympus reflexes are compatible with the upcoming motorized objectives (SWD) due out at the end of the year.