Olympus E-620 Review

Positioned between the E-520 and the E-30, the new Olympus E-620 is another 'in-betweener' model offering features from both cameras. Claimed as the smallest and lightest DSLR with built-in image stabilisation it is smaller by roughly 12 mm in all dimensions and almost 250 grams lighter than the E-30. Despite having the same 12.3-megapixel High-Speed Live MOS Sensor and TruePic III+ image processing engine as the E-30 the E-620 lacks much of the finesse of the higher-priced model.

On the positive side, it has a similar build quality to the E-30, with a glass-fibre reinforced body shell over a metal and plastic chassis. It also boasts the acclaimed Olympus SSWF Dust Reduction System. The body has a solid feel but the grip is rather shallow and won't suit users with large hands. The covers to the memory card and battery compartments aren't quite as firmly attached as we'd like.

The viewfinder on the E-620 is similar to the one on the E-520 and provides a 95% field of view with slightly greater magnification (0.96x vs 0.92x on the E-520). Its coverage is neither as good nor as bright as the E-30's finder and it can't accept interchangeable focusing screens. However, the soft rubber eyecup is user replaceable.

Margaret Brown

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