Olympus Evolt E-500 SLR Digital Camera W/14mm-45mm & 40mm-150mm (8.15MP, 3264x2448, Compactflash/xD/Microdrive Slot)

Olympus EVolt E-500

Evolt E-500 SLR Digital Camera W/14mm-45mm & 40mm-150mm (8.15MP, 3264x2448, Compactflash/xD/Microdrive Slot) Review, by Eric Butterfield November 28, 2005

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• Reviewed by: keayers

  Strengths: TWO lenses. Many file options. Dual memory cards. UI is consistent, logical, and versatile. Two reset modes for quickly switching configurations. Software runs on Mac or Windows.

  Weaknesses: Some unexpected restrictions on the the reset modes. Battery status only appears when the battery is low.

  Overall: My previous digital cameras have all been of the point-and-shoot variety - capable, but limited in their creative options. The E-500 shatters all of those creative barriers! While its automatic and pre-programmed scene modes allow an inexperienced user to get great shots effortlessly, nearly every aspect of the focus and exposure can be easily overridden, allowing complete creative control. As an old time 35mm photographer, I really appreciate that flexibility, and I'm looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship with this fine camera.

• Reviewed by: discmanjeff

  Strengths: Great Pictures, Easy Menus, Great Features, Anyone can pick it up and use it, Great 2.5" LCD screen, Great Value.

  Weaknesses: No picture preview, you have to use the viewfinder which is a little small, but it is not that big a deal. I have always used the viewfinder most of the time on all my other cameras.

  Overall: This Camera takes the best pictures hands down. The Picture comes out just as you saw it with your own eyes. You don't have to fix them at all. I just take the pictures to the lab and have them printed. The color reproduction is the best I have ever seen. The speed of the downloads to the Compact Flash card is unbelievable. I only use Sandisk Extreme III. The Price of the camera is great to. I use this camera Professionally also. Once you use an Olympus Digital SLR, you are hooked for life.

• Reviewed by: drifter542

  Strengths: Looks good

  Weaknesses: Stopped working after three months

  Overall: I bought this camera (in the UK) for my daughter for a digital photography course. Bought in Octovber 2006, it worked fine for three months then stopped working. I sent it back for repair, eventually receiving it back. On testing it was still not working. After my initial complaint, Customer Support sent me a new battery and charger, as they said the fault may be in the batteries. Still not working. Sent the camera back to Customer Support, received it back, with job sheet saying it had been repaired and tested. Not working. Have requested a refund for the camera, but on Olympus' showing so far I expect I'll have to take them to court.

• Reviewed by: macmcree

  Strengths: Many features such as CF/xD slots, dust removal system, multiple lenses.

  Weaknesses: Almost too many controls

  Overall: This is the first digital SLR that I have purchased. I have, however, owned several (both SLR and rangefinder) 35mm cameras. I was pleasantly surprised at the creativity that this camera brought back to me. I've been using a Nikon 4 Mp point and shoot digital and there is no comparison in the quality of my results. I would highly reccommend this camera to anyone who is looking to take the next step in photography.

• Reviewed by: drayegon

  Strengths: The lenses are great the 4/3 system is the best one yet It is fast on Focus. all photo's I have taken so far in the last 3 weeks have been extremly clear. That is about 1500 photos. But who counts.

  Weaknesses: Two things I wish for are the underwater housing and the LCD live view that the e-330 has. Problem is the 500 is better in all other ways. Do not let anyone tell you that the e-1 is better tis a lie.

  Overall: I first did this as a living back in 1994 with a Kodak DCS462 that used a Nikon F5 body and a Micro hard drive. The 450megabyte mini hard drive cost me over $800 for just one of them I get compact flash drives now in the 1 gig range for less than $59 Sunpak has a really nice flat panel flash for this camera it covers 11 meters or 38ft. it is about 1inch thick and 6x8in miniscle red eye plus get the usb card reader that run 20 bucks to handle the xd cards keeps you from having to use the camera battery or waste time for the camera. I may shoot as many as 30 photos of one Item and later slide play them to see which I like the most and then I will sometimes paste four or more together with photoshop or paint shop pro x to get what I want look for the next two years of contests I plan to enter at least 5000 entries I might even win one if I get lucky not bad for an old guy huh. DRAY