Not Quite Automatic
Photograph: Marc SimonOur formal image-quality tests involve shooting pictures in the camera's default fully automatic mode. It's a good test of a camera's ability to capture details and accurate color, before you begin introducing your own exposure-correction preferences to the mix.
In most tests, the Olympus's images were much like those we got from Nikon's D70 and Canon's semiprofessional EOS 20D: a bit underexposed, with colors slightly less saturated than the hues of the original subject. (Some digital photographers prefer default settings that produce slightly underexposed images, since this allows them to make adjustments on a PC without losing details.)
In full-auto mode, the Pentax produced more-accurate exposure values than did the Olympus camera. Colors appeared bright--even slightly oversaturated, in some cases. It captured pure whites and neutral grays especially well.
In our test target photo, the 8.1-megapixel Olympus reproduced better fine-line details than the Nikon D70--in fact, its output was comparable to that of the considerably more expensive, 8.2-megapixel Canon EOS 20D. Shots from the Pentax were noticeably coarser than those from the Olympus and a bit less sharp than those from the Nikon D70, another 6.1-megapixel camera.
The Olympus also has an edge over the Pentax when it comes to burst shooting. Capturing images in its second-best JPEG setting, the EVolt fired off a steady 2.5 frames per second, ceasing only when space ran out on its CompactFlash card. Burst mode on the SD Card--based Pentax was less consistent, with a frames-per-second speed that revved up and down, but on average the *ist DS managed 1.5 fps.
The Lens Factor
If the Olympus has a liability, it's the fact that the EVolt is a completely new SLR model that requires specific lenses. Unlike competing cameras from Canon, Nikon, and Pentax, it has no massive base of existing 35mm film camera lenses from which to choose.
The Pentax does have one distinct advantage: batteries. While most cameras, including the Olympus, require that you use proprietary rechargeable batteries, the Pentax relies on two disposable CR-3Vs or four standard AAs. Consequently you can buy your own rechargeable batteries, and in a pinch you can find replacements virtually anywhere.
After two days of head-to-head shooting, I lean toward the Olympus. Much of that comes down to personal preference, though. I like the overall feel of the E-300 and its controls, plus I generally preferred the images it produced over those the Pentax shot.
This rugged, fast, 8-megapixel SLR is hard to beat--unless you're sitting on a stash of old film camera lenses.
Price when reviewed: $1000 (kit with 28mm-to-110mm zoom lens, 35mm equivalent)
Current Prices (if available)
A no-brainer if you own Pentax lenses, this smallish camera shot well in full-auto mode, but its smaller-size CCD is a drawback.
Price when reviewed: $900 (kit with 27mm-to-83mm zoom lens, 35mm equivalent)
Current Prices (if available)
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