Designed to be used by all photographers of any skill level, the Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera has a compact and durable body that is packed with Olympus innovations like the exclusive Dust Reduction System for spot-free photos, 8 million pixels of detail for bright and colorful images, a TruePic TURBO Image Processor for fast response time, and an oversized, easy-to-view 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD. Compatible with a wide range of Olympus Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses, the E-500 delivers the versatility and power that are the hallmarks of a performance SLR, but at an affordable price.
| Camera Type | Interchangeable Lens SLR Digital Camera |
| Image Quality | |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 4/3" (17.3 x 13.0mm) 8.15 Megapixel full-frame transfer primary color CCD with Supersonic Wave Filter (dust reduction system) |
| Effective Resolution | 8.0 million pixels |
| Color Depth |
36-Bit RGB (RAW) 24-Bit RGB (TIFF & JPEG) |
| Color Modes | sRGB, Adobe RGB, Vivid, Natural, Muted, Monotone, Sepia, Filter effect (Yellow, Orange, Red or Green filter available for Monotone or Sepia), Picture tone (Sepia, Blue, Purple or Green tone available for Monotone) |
| Image File Formats |
RAW TIFF JPEG (SHQ - 1/2.7, HQ - 1/4, SQ - 1/8 or 1/12) RAW +JPEG Exif, DCF, DPOF & PRINT Image Matching II compliant |
| Recorded Resolution |
3264 x 2448 3200 x 2400 2560 x 1920 1600 x 1200 1280 x 960 1024 x 768 640 x 480 |
| Video Recording | No |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Four Thirds Mount |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 2x |
| Optical Image Stabilization | No |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | TTL phase-difference detection system with 3-point multiple AF (Auto, Selectable)) and AF illuminator |
| Focus Modes | Single AF (S-AF), Continuous AF (C-AF), Manual Focus (MF), S-AF + MF, C-AF + MF, AF lock, Focus tracking, Manual focus bracketing |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity |
AUTO ISO (100-400) Selectable ISO 100 - 400 (1/3 or 1 EV steps) expandable to ISO 1600 (noise filter available when expanded) |
| Shutter Type | Computerized focal-plane shutter |
| Shutter Speed |
P/Ps/A mode: 60 - 1/4000 second S/M mode: 30 - 1/4000 second Bulb: up to 8 minutes (with limiter) Scene programme and Scene select modes: 2 - 1/4000 seconds depending on selected mode |
| Mirror Lock-Up | No |
| Exposure Metering | TTL open-aperture metering system (Digital ESP metering (49-point multi pattern), Centre weighted average, Spot, Spot with highlight control, Spot with shadow control) |
| Exposure Modes | Full auto (AUTO), Program AE (P), Aperture priority AE (A), Shutter priority AE (S), Manual (M), Scene program AE, Scene select AE, Exposure compensation (+/-5EV in 1/3, 1/2, or 1EV steps), Exposure bracketing (3 frames in 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, or 1EV steps), AE Lock |
| White Balance Modes | Preset white balance (7 settings ranging from 3000K - 7000K), White balance compensation (+/-7 steps in each R-B/G-M axis), Custom white balance, One-touch White balance, White balance bracketing (3 frames. 2/4/6 steps selectable in each R-B/G-M axis) |
| Scene Modes | Portrait, Landscape, Landscape & Portrait, Night scene, Night Portrait, Children, Sport, High key, Low key, Macro, Candle, Sunset, Fireworks, Documents, Beach & snow |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Retractable flash with auto pop-up function (Auto, Red-eye reduction, Fill-in, Slow synchro, Manual) |
| Effective Flash Range | Up to 13' (ISO 100) |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| External Flash Control | TTL Auto, Auto, Manual |
| Maximum Flash Synchronization Speed | 1/180 second |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Start-Up Time | Not Specified |
| Shutter Lag | Not Specified |
| Time Between Shots | Not Specified |
| Burst Capability | 2.5 fps up to 4 frames in RAW/TIFF; up to memory capacity in HQ (1/8 JPEG) when using high speed memory card |
| Self Timer | 12 seconds, 2 seconds |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Date & Time Stamp | No (simultaneous recording on image data) |
| Memory & Power | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No |
| Compatible Memory Cards |
CompactFlash (type I & II) xD-Picture Card |
| File Size | Not Specified |
| Battery Type |
BLM-1 Li-ion battery (included) 3x CR123A lithium battery (optional) |
| Power Adapter | AC-1 AC Adapter (100-240v AC) |
| Input/Output | |
|---|---|
| Computer Interface | USB 2.0 (Full Speed) |
| Direct Print Capable | Yes (PictBridge) |
| Remote Control | RM-1 remote control (optional) |
| Video Output | Yes (NTSC & PAL) |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, XP Mac OS 9.1, 9.2, OS X (10.1.3-10.2.1) |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder | Eye-level single-lens reflex viewfinder, using penta dach mirror with Neo Lumi-Micron Mat screen and Diopter adjustment (-3.0 - +1.0m-1) |
| Viewfinder Info | AF frame (Super Impose), AE lock, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure mode, White balance, Flash, AF confirmation mark, Metering mode, Number of storable sequential pictures, Exposure compensation value indication, Record Mode, Battery Level Indicator |
| Depth-of-Field Preview | Yes |
| LCD Display | 2.5" HyperCrystal semi-transmissive TFT color LCD (215.000 pixels) with brightness adjust (15 levels) |
| Information Display | Histogram (independent luminance/RGB available), Highlight/Shadow point warning, AF frame, Flash mode, Flash compensation value indication, Metering mode, Focus mode, Record mode, Aperture value, Shutter speed, Battery check, Number of storable still pictures, Image quality adjustment, ISO, Color space, Mono tone, Hi/Lo Key, White balance, Remote control, Self-timer, Exposure level indicator, Exposure compensation indicator, AF frame, Number of storable sequential pictures, Exposure compensation value indication, Auto bracket, Noise reduction, Single-frame shooting/Sequential shooting, Color saturation compensation value indication, Sharpness compensation indication value, AE bracket, WB bracket |
| Language Options | English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese |
| Playback Options | Single-frame, Index (4/9/16/25 frames), Calendar, Close-up (2-14x), Slideshow, Picture rotation (auto mode available), Light box, Erase function (Single frame, All frames, Selected frames, Potect function), Copy (Single frame, All frames, Selected frames), RAW development, Image editing (Monotone, Sepia, Red-eye reduction, Saturation, Resize) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 3.7" x 5.1" x 2.6" (95 x 130 x 66mm) excluding protrusions |
| Weight | 15.3 oz. (435g) body only |
Displaying reviews 1-17
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
I have had this camera for over 6 months now, I purchased it as my first DLSR camera. Olympus has a winner. I was able to step right into using it. After a couple months of getting used it I stepped up to full manual mode and never looked back. Both kit lens will serve you well at first but you will want more down the road.
Problems Encountered: I have encountered no major issues with this camera other than the noise at higher than 400ISO
Items I Recommend: 14-54mm, 50-200mm Lens, and the Fl-36 flash
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
I have had the Olympus E500 with the 14-45mm and 140-150mm Zoom Lens for a couple of weeks. While I am not new to digital photography, I am new to the SLR Experience. For those wanting to get more serious about photography but not wanting to break the bank, this is the choice. Be sure to purchase the kit with the two lenses. The battery life on the rechargeable battery is amazingThe camera will take a little getting used to, but that is simple.. You read the manual and then go to the Olympus section under learning and they offer all kinds documents on making the most of your camera. For those just getting into the SLR game. A few things you should be aware of.1. Digital SLR cameras don't show the subject you are photographing on the LCD Display until after the photo is taken2. If you want the ability to take video with your camera, you can't do that with digital SLROverall this is a great camera and you won't be disappointed, it is worth the money.
Problems Encountered: The flash on the camera is a little special. Even in auto mode, if there isn't enough lighting and th camera is not able to focus, the flash will just keep flashing and no picture is taken. Switching to Auto Focus mode doesnt fix the problem. I strongly recommend purchasing the FL-36 External flash. For $178 you can't beat it and you will see the difference when the lighting is adequate.
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Items I Recommend: Olympus FL-36 Flash & 2GB memory card
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
The camera has a sturdy body and a strong feel. Menus are easy to understand. It takes a little time to familiarize yourself with all the functions but not hard. If you do not like shooting in manual mode their are tons of easy to use presets. The flash is very good for a pop up flash though the auto focus flash can get annoying. The auto focus is very fast for the 14-45mm lens, though a little slower on the 40-150 telephoto. The large screen is really nice. The features in play back mode are superb. The custom white balance works wonderfully. Excellent color representation and low noise levels till you hit over 1000. Wonderfull battery life.
Problems Encountered: Auto white balance is poor. Few focus points.
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Minolta 35mm slr
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
Not much need to say more. Great value, great photos andease of use...
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
We bought this camera for our daughter, and borrowed it when we went to Alaska and Africa. Our pictures are crystal clear and the camera is very easy to use. A friend and fellow traveller to Africa, had a Canon digital camera, and our pictures turned out clearer and better. We are so happy with our daughter's Evolt E-500, we are getting one for ourselves!We still have and are still using our Olympus OM-1 that we bought in 1979, it has never needed maintenance, and never let us down in 28 years! Olympus cameras are tried and true, and we will continue to use Olympus products.
Problems Encountered: Really, we haven't had any problems, just operator error and inexperience in knowing the proper settings.
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
Having shot 20,000 photos with this camera and having beenextremely delighted with the results, I can recommend itwith one, small reservation; namely, the noise it producesat higher ISOs. I have, however, in the majority ofshooting situations, been happy with the quality.Perhaps the greatest advantage of this kit - aside fromprice - is that the telephoto lens does, in my opinion,exceed the quality that one would expect from such a kit. Conversely, at 28mm (or 14mm in Olympus terms), thewide-angle lens shows noticeable distortion and, although inline with the industry standard, is much slower thananticipated, given the relatively small size of the sensor.Furthermore, the user-definable custom-settings are highlylogical, and I have found myself capable of operating thecamera in an unexpected combination of ways. The manualfocus, in particular, can be tailored through the menusystem to perform a single AF when the AEL button is press-- Brilliant!!!Another thing to consider when purchasing a camera is thedynamic range of the sensor; this camera consistentlycaptures both the shadows and the highlights within thehistogram. Later editing in photoshop reveals very littleinformation-loss from over- and under- exposure. That said,I find that the meter is a little biased towards over-exposure.Lastly, it would be wrong not to mention the gloriousmenu-navigation system and OSD. Thanks Olympus - thiscamera actually operates the way I do!
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Switching to DSLR from Medium Format (cost consideration)
Items I Recommend: more batteries
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
I've used a lot of different digital cameras, and this is by far the best one. The large grip lets you hold it comfortabley, and the controls are at easy to use locations. The dual lens kit covers every focal length that both the other photographers i know, and I use.
Problems Encountered: none
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Canon FTb, Nikon FM-10, Canon Digital Rebel, Canon EOS Rebel
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
I have used many Digital cameras in the past from the 1.5 meg then to a nikon 3.0 meg. I used a Fuji S7000 and that camera had great image quality but I wanted removable lens. I purchased a Evolt E300 and used that for about a year and it also had great quality and fun to use. Now I own an Evolt E500 with the two lens option and it is outstanding. I have taken photos from the smokie mountains to the Badlands of North and South Dakotas and the image quality is simply outstanding. I have had no problems at all with the camera. I take lots of outdoor photos from flowers to landscape and all turn out great. I would recommend this camera to anybody that enjoys taking photos for fun.
Problems Encountered: None
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Fuji S7000 and Evolt E300
Items I Recommend: Remote control
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
Great camera for the price. I am able to produce imagesoh-so-close to the quality I dream of, but not quite. CCDseems to be too high of contrast out of the box though itcan be adjusted down to something more workable. Auto colorbalance is poor, and when working in and out of the shade,it is essential to set this manually. LCD is nearly uselessin daylight and it should not be used to judge exposure inthe field. Lenses that come with the kit are not thehighest quality, though decent considering the price. Thereis notable distortion on the 14-45 at wide angles. If youare an advanced amateur trying to take pro-quality shots,this camera will leave you feeling a little frustrated attimes, but you will still be able to bring home great photoson a regular basis. Excellent choice for starvingphotographers.
Problems Encountered: Color balance problems. High noise levels above iso-400(has a great noise-reduction feature, but this takes a LONGtime for each picture). LOUD SHUTTER: KEEERSSCREEAACH. Can easily blow your cover if you're trying to beclandestine. Small viewfinder (less than half of the areaof an Olympus OM).
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Olympus OM-4ti
Items I Recommend: remote control
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
After 9 months of use and almost 4k pics shooted, I can sayI'm in a position to write a review of the E500.Great image quality, poor white balance under artificiallight, very easy to use and great control on RAW format,simplistic software for RAW conversion, very pleasing to usewith great ergonomics and very reliable metering system.Excellent flash control with optional FL50, superb lenses(specially the 14-54 2.8-3.5). Superb battery life, evenwith LCD on to show current setup.Dust never entered the sensor, although recently entered theviewfinder. Some fast air blows and it went away.I find only 3 AF points to be a drawback. ISO 1600acceptable under a good software filter.Wishes: better AWB, more resolution, faster AF (mainly inlow light), much larger buffer and buffer intelligence (atleast 12 RAW, only supports 4, needs to release shutter inorder to take more), mono LCD with current setup (perhaps ontop).But hey, this is not a pro camera, hence the rating. As aolympus user I am waiting for the E1 replacement
Problems Encountered: Viewfinder dust (can be annoying), small viewfinder (partiallysolved with ME1), never found a functional problem (camerafreeze, malfunction or whatever), always trustable.
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: First DSLR, came from sony H1
Items I Recommend: 14-54 lens, RM1 remote, another battery
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
This camera is by far the best deal available. The two lenskit is a no-brainer. Both lenses are sharp and fast, and getgreat reviews. This camera is light, easy to hold,attractive to look at, and most of all a very functionalphotographic tool.I own a wedding/portrait photography studio and have a BFAin photography so I have used a lot of DSLR's out there andthis one is still my favorite. It has more features than Iknow what to do with. It is fast, and well built (learnedthat the hard way when a kid tripped on my sync cord duringa portrait shoot). The images are sharp, and the noiselevels are controlled well, especially when shooting RAW.All in all, unless you really just want to spend twice themoney for fun, there is not a camera priced less than $1200that will equal this, and no 8mp camera anywhere on themarket that will give you a much better final image. If Ihad the money for the expensive competition, Iwould just buy one of Olympus' fabulous lenses. Go withOlympus, you won't regret it.
Problems Encountered: None.
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: FujiFilm S7000
Items I Recommend: ME-1 eyecup magnifier
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
I bought it two months ago in Jan 2006. Takes breathtaking pics. Robust and sturdy feeling. The F1 pics I took from the GP of Bahrain are formidable! I can post 'em on a pro site and nobody could tell the difference. Excellent controls and menu. Outstanding overall quality and specs.Highly recommend !
Problems Encountered: Doesn't show the battery life on a permanent basis.
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: N/A
Items I Recommend: Tripod and remote control
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
I have had the E500 for about 4 months. Photo quality is excellent. Have been taking a photography class and the instructor and other students are amazed at what it produces.One other student has the E500 also and says she wouldn't trade it for anything.I have severe arthritus in my thumb joints but that has been no problem with the comfortable grip on the Camera !
Problems Encountered: None
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: This is my first SLR Camera !
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
Overall a great camera. The feel is very beefy and gives a sence this camera is a pro camera, But its no pro but pretty close!! the 4/3 system gives a mag factor of 2 which is good for telephoto lenses but gives a slight distortion. But With the 14mm lens I haven't noticed any at all. The Pics are very bright a the color is breathtaking. Pro: Fast! Built to last, very user friendly controls, Fast transfer to CF card, the Zuiko lens are of top quality!! Has a ultrasonic wave cleaning system built around the CCD to get rid of dust! Great addition.Cons: distortion using wide angle lens but has not seen any. But that's what the Sales person told me, again I have not seen any distortion. Its a real Prosumer camera with great potential to grow on you. Treat it
Problems Encountered: None
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Nikon Coolpix 5700
Items I Recommend: 4 GB 80x CF card. or 4 to 6 GB Microdrive
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
For someone never using a DSLR before very simple to operate.Nice design.Nice pictures.Nice build.
Problems Encountered: none
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Pentax auto slr&pentax manual slr
Items I Recommend: 1 or 2 gigs of lexar 80x memory cards
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
i bought this camera two weeks ago, an the images i got are really better than the images from my canon rebel xt and the fujifilm s9000, i saw a demo of this camera in the expo2005 in caracas, venezuela,
Problems Encountered: the small viewfinder
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: canon rebel xt
Comments about Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lens:
I just got my E-500 Dual Lens Kit in the mail last week. The image quality is just as good if not better than theRebel XTs I've played with. This camera keeps up with thebest in it's class and is relatively cheap as well. TheBody and the Zuiko lenses that come with the kit are notcheap feeling and are built to last. This camera accepts afairly wide variety of digital specific lenses and aconverter is available for all of your OM lenses usingmanual mode. This camera can be as easy as point-and-shootand still offer a huge amount of customization to keep themore advanced shutterbugs drooling.
Items I Recommend: A couple of UV filters to protect the lenses, a nice bag (rezo 160 works great) , and a spare battery
Displaying reviews 1-17