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Hello all.
This is my first post on ephotozine in response to Pete's review of the Olympus Evolt E520. I've been trawling the net for the past ten days reading everything I can find on the E520.
I bought an E500 two lens kit nearly two years ago after weeks of research and indecision. I've been generally happy with the camera but sometimes frustrated by unexpectedly blurred shots but that's probably just me not taking my time. Anyway I've decided now that it's time to upgrade. I would prefer another Evolt as I have both FL20 and FL36 flash units plus other items so I don't really want to sell my system and start again from scratch with another camera make. However after reading many other reviews I was becoming a little disenchanted and started looking at other brands. My brother has just bought a Sony Alpha A200 to boot. Pete's review is the most informative I've read to date where the shortcomings were dealt with but not over emphasised. I've read much about the E520s upgraded specifications and features and it's pros and cons but I'd like some idea of how much of an improvement I can expect with the E520 over my current E500 in actual use. Also has anyone seen a back to back comparison of the E520 and other makes of DSLR in the same price range?
More to the point is there another DSLR out there which is proven to be significantly better than the E520 for similar money. Simply because at the end of the day, like everyone else I want the best my money can buy. If selling my current kit is the only way to achieve this then so be it.
A long first post I know and probably difficult to answer fully but thanks in advance.
I`d been both an Olympus and canon user for a number of years. Earlier this year I gave all my canon kit away, apart from the larger lens range I found no real advantages in using Canon.
I had intended to upgrade my current Olympus kit to the 520, my older kit including the E1 and 330. Ended up getting the E3 that included the FL50R for free. Working out the total prices for 520 and FL50R and realised overall the added cost was really very little, I would have picked up the flash anyway at some point.
flash offer here
The 520 includes major improvements over the 500, plus built in IS and off camera flash capabilities. The 520 body sells for around £400. Starting out from scratch with a different brand of camera will be costly and offer little or no real advantages.
I have noticed recently that the E500 is selling for a very good price on Ebay. Olympus themselves are chargeng more for the reconditioned E500 than the E510. I don't think you will be out of pocket much if you sell the E500 and get an E520. That said, I would go the way Paul has, with the E3. More money, but much more camera.
Thanks StrayCat, I've just checked out Ebay and you're right about the E500 prices.
I'd love an E3, no I crave an E3 but I can't find a price below £900 for the body only.
I'm interested in the new EA-1 which is on the horizon but it looks a bit gimicky with its fold out LCD panel which reminds me a bit of my Sony Handicam.
Quote: I would go the way Paul has, with the E3. More money, but much more camera
Quote: I'd love an E3, no I crave an E3 but I can't find a price below £900 for the body only.
I'm interested in the new EA-1 which is on the horizon but it looks a bit gimicky with its fold out LCD panel which reminds me a bit of my Sony Handicam
Look at it this way, if your interested in the new Fl50R flash and its capabilities, the E3 becomes very cheap, the flash unit sells at over £300.
The folding screen is definitely no gimmick, not really played with live view yet and find it handy spun back to front protecting the screen. The new EA-1 should be a good addition and would sit more at the level of the 40D in spec and price.
The fold out LCD is a plus, think close-ups. The E3 is built like a tank, and has some of the best weatherproofing in the business. If you are more interested in photography, long term, than gadgets, then the most practical solution is the E3. I've seen it on Ebay for close to what you're talking: it doesn't have to be brand new.
An E3 body at around £1000 is a big leap and I can't really justify it. However I've just searched shopcompare.eu and found a shop in Indonesia called SUNGKRUNG who are doing the E3 body for £608 inc postage!!
Now I'm wary of the old addage "if it seems too good to be true etc etc..
Has any one heard of let alone dealt with SUNGKRUNG?
If I did take the plunge however I would have to use my existing E500 kit lenses. Would this be a major set back?
Thanks
I`ve never shopped on line for expensive item`s though I believe there are several outlets that get good recommendations.
If your not in a rush I might be worth waiting and see what the EA-1 will be like.
Quote: Listen to Paul, he knows. If you get the E3, here's a bargain, imagine yourself at the Epz meets. (It's digital also.)
Might have a spare, if you want one Denny 
Paullus, I use Ebay everyday, believe it or not. The most I've had happen is a slight delay in the release of funds when I stupidly shipped to aa Post Office Box address. Minor, I got the money after a short delay.
I use nothing but Paypal, the fees of which are payed by the seller. If you purchase the E1 from the Indonesion seller through Paypal, they hold your funds until you receive the item, and tell them you are happy with the transaction. If you don't like it, they will refund your money after you have returned the item. Shipping will be fairly cheap, just make sure to insure it. Of course, check the seller's reputation before taking the plunge.
I should hang on to your money for a week or 2. Olympus are bringing out new Cameras in the spring. I have an 510 which is great apart from blowing highlights, I think the new E30 should be better in that respect as the Panasonic G1 has the same sensor & is suppossed to be better. Talking to an Olympus Rep at a photo show recently and he said wait and see.
Quote: have an 510 which is great apart from blowing highlights
You sure its not you ?
Any camera can blow highlights if your not in control.
Currently there are E3 deals on for a body for less than £800, especially good if you can still meet the free flash offer deadline.
I went ahead and upgraded my E500 to an E520 twin lens kit for Christmas and I'm very pleased. I haven't had much opportunity to get to grips with my new camera, I'm still wading through the manual to pick up on the added features. It's still a very easy camera to get good shots with straight out of the box on Auto though.
One thing strikes me more than anything at this time is how much smaller and lighter the E520 is than the E500 though I never considered the E500 big or heavy. In particular though, I rarely used the 40-150mm lens that came with the E500 mainly due to its size. However with the E520 kit there is very little physical difference between the 14-42mm and 40-150mm lenses supplied and so far I haven't used the 14-42mm lens. At this time I think this may become my "working" lens. Overall I think this camera is a big improvement over the E500 which is saying something. It feels good to hold and looks somehow more upmarket with its blue text and chrome ring on the lenses. Not a very technical review I know but these are my first thoughts.
I would have liked to keep my E500 but firstly I needed to sell it to fund the upgrade. I'm a regular Ebay buyer and seller with no major problems experienced. The E500 twin lens kit went on Ebay and sold for well over what I hoped. Secondly I'm terrible for hanging onto things after upgrading and I usually find the old item isn't used and gathers dust.
Happy New Year.
Hope you enjoy your new E-520. As much of this thread discussed buying online, I thought I should mention that prospective buyers of an Olympus camera (probably any brand in fact) need to be aware that some of them are 'grey imports' not intended for the European market. The equipment is exactly the same as official UK & European models but what is not the same is the Olympus warranty - it's only valid in the region or country where Olympus intended it to be sold. The official country/continent it was meant to be supplied to is printed on the underside of the box. UK-based online sellers often supply you with a "Made for North & South America" model which is why the price is much lower than the official UK model.
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