Olympus E-620 Review

Olympus continues to improve their advanced amateur dSLR offering, with the latest E-620 for 2009. Replacing the E-520 from last year, the E-620 includes a host of improvements and changes over its predecessor. It also shares many features with its big brother, the E-30 we reviewed earlier in the year. These include the same 12-megapixel Live MOS image sensor, Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system, built-in Image Stabilizer system, TruePic III+ image processor, dual memory card slot (CF2/xD), USB 2.0 High-speed connectivity, sensitivity range from ISO 100-3200, sRGB and Adobe RGB color space choices, Li-ion battery pack (BLM-1), 49-point Digital ESP metering system, 2.7" swiveling Hypercrystal II LCD screen, and Live View capture. The E-620 also offers improved burst rates (4fps compared to 3.5fps on the E-520), adds 6 new Art Filter exposure modes, and a new 7-point TTL contrast/phase-difference AF system (11-point on the E-520).

Like past models, the E-620 offers a great deal of versatility, whether you are an amateur to professional photographer, or simply a novice. With 18 pre-programmed scene modes, 6 Art modes as well as full Auto, the most inexperienced user can pick this camera up and start capturing pleasing shots. Those with a little more experience with also appreciate Program AE mode, which is fully automatic (the camera selects the aperture and shutter values), however now they have access to controls like ISO, White Balance, AF mode, Metering, Color Space, etc. Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sport and Night+Portrait can be accessed directly via the Mode dial, and offer advanced exposure options like those found in Program mode. These same exposure options are not available when you select the Scene or Art positions on the mode dial. The E-620 still retains all of the advanced controls that advanced photographers desire, such as Aperture priority, Shutter speed priority and full Manual exposure modes as well as a slew of custom functions.

The dimensions of the E-620 have only changed slightly from the previous model, measuring 5.1 in. x 3.7in. x 2.4 in. (130 mm x 94 mm x 61 mm) and weighing in at 16.6 oz. (472 g, body only). The overall body design is very similar to past and current E-system models. I found the E-620 was comfortable to hold, thanks in part to the nice "fat" hand-grip, and rubber accents. The camera also offers a nice well-built feel in your hands, adding to the scene of "professionalizm" that it presents. Once you attach all of your accessories (memory card, 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko lens, battery, flash unit, etc.), the weight does increase a bit. However, I still feel the camera has a good weight to it. The control layout is similar to E-520's, however because of the new swiveling LCD, all of the buttons that use to line the left hand side of the screen have been relocated. Overall, I found the control/button placement was done well, all arranged in a comfortable manner over the top and back of the camera. For those who have used or owned an E-series dSLR in the past, you will notice that the menu system hasn't changed much. All of the exposure/camera options are logically organized, allowing for easy menu navigation.

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