The new E-620 from Olympus could just well be the most perfect camera ever made. Matt Grayson gives his thoughts.
| Olympus E-620 in Digital SLRs
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Olympus E-620: Specification
Resolution: 12.3Mp
- Sensor size: 4/3in
- Sensor type: LiveMOS
- Max. image size: 4032x3024
- Aspect ratio: 4:3 (default), 3:2, 16:9
- Focus system: TTL phase difference detection system
- Focus points: 7
- Crop factor: 2x
- Lens mount: FourThirds
- File type: JPEG, RAW (12bit lossless compression)
- Sensitivity: ISO100-3200
- Storage: Compactflash I, II (UDMA), Microdrive, xD picture card
- Focus types: Single, continuous, manual
- Metering system: TTL open aperture system
- Metering types: Digital ESP, centre-weighted, spot
- Exposure compensation: +/- 5EV in 1/3, ½, 1 step increments
- Shutter speed: 60sec-1/4000sec, bulb to 30min
- Frames per second: 4fps max
- Flash: Built-in, hotshoe for external
- Flash metering: TTL auto, auto, manual
- Flash sync speed: 1/180sec
- Image stabilisation: Built-in SSW (Super Sonic Wave) system
- Integrated cleaning:
- Live view: Yes, High speed LiveMOS, 100% field of view, face detection, previews (exposure, WB, gradation, face detection, perfect shot), Grid line display, AF frame display, histogram
- Viewfinder: Optical, 95% field of view, 0.96x magnification
- Monitor: 2.7in Hypercrystal LCD, 230,000dot
- Interface: USB 2.0
- Power: Li-Ion battery
- Size: 130x94x60mm
- Weight: 475g (body only)
Olympus E-620: Features
While the designation of the E-620 suggests that it replaces the current mid-range E-520, in reality it's been designed as a bridge between the E-520 and the newly released E-30. The idea being that it incorporates all that is best in the other DSLRs and is aimed squarely at hobbyists.
While the designation of the E-620 suggests that it replaces the current mid-range E-520, in reality it's been designed as a bridge between the E-520 and the newly released E-30. The idea being that it incorporates all that is best in the other DSLRs and is aimed squarely at hobbyists.
Olympus view it as having the portability of the E-420, functionality of the E-520, creativity of the E-30 and reliability of the E-3. If you've read the preview of the E-30, you'll know about the creative art filters available and these are also found in the E-620. If you haven't read them then they're similar to ones found in other cameras such as the Panasonic G1 and Pentax K-m DSLR. They're designed to replicate particular scenarios and the Olympus boasts popart, soft focus, pale & light colour, light tone, grainy film and pinhole modes.
Most areas have been improved on, such as the higher 12.3Mp resolution taking the camera to a higher setting than the flagship DSLR, faster TruePic III+ processor and an improved autofocus system in the live view mode. Exposure compensation can cope with an impressive 5EV in either direction and image stabilisation will give a sharp image up to 4EV.
Of course it has to rein in the technological advances in some places and it's noticeable in the 7 point AF system which is distinctly lower than the 11 points found on the E-30 and E-3. On top of that it has a slower 4fps continuous shooting mode.
That's not bad for a camera that's supposed to slip in the middle of a current range. Normally they have a few more features held back to ensure the sales of the bigger models don't slip too much. Essentially, the camera appears to be a miniature version of the E-30 as the dimensions aren't too dissimilar to the E-420. Mainly, it's a bit deeper and actually has a grip.
Other interesting features include the live view multi exposure which allows you to superimpose a new image over a RAW file stored on the memory card. This is great for increasing creative work and puts more control over to you at the actual photo taking stage.


Because of the high specification of the camera it's difficult to remember that this is a camera designed for the hobbyist so you don't get a magnesium skeleton. In fact, the materials are the Glassfibre reinforced plastics as found on the E-30. Still pretty tough but brings the camera back to the ground as a lower specification model.
They've also built on the speedy autofocus system that was designed for the E-3. It has seven points which is four less than the E-3 and E-30 but five of them are cross point and the whole system has been redesigned for a hobbyists needs. This was done by incorporating the information they got from professional photographers while developing the AF system for the E-3.
Olympus E-620: Performance
I managed to grab hold of the E-620 at Focus 2009 but it was a pre-production model so I wasn't able to take any test shots.
What I can say is that the user interface is just as good and easy to use as previous Olympus models but what I really saw a difference in was the live view focusing. It's fast and accurate, thanks to the hybrid AF system and doesn't require the screen to raise or even a drop in light levels to lock.
Now using a final production model, I've had a really good response from the colour test chart with boosted primary colours and balanced mono tones. The earth brown and forest green are rich although the green is a little paler than usual.
Yellows are punchy and the skin tone tiles are well reproduced. Altogether it's a really good result and probably the best colour test chart I've seen from a DSLR in a long time.
Olympus E-620: Performance

What I can say is that the user interface is just as good and easy to use as previous Olympus models but what I really saw a difference in was the live view focusing. It's fast and accurate, thanks to the hybrid AF system and doesn't require the screen to raise or even a drop in light levels to lock.
Now using a final production model, I've had a really good response from the colour test chart with boosted primary colours and balanced mono tones. The earth brown and forest green are rich although the green is a little paler than usual.
Yellows are punchy and the skin tone tiles are well reproduced. Altogether it's a really good result and probably the best colour test chart I've seen from a DSLR in a long time.
In portrait mode, the skin tone looks a little orangey but it's not false. Detail is really good and the camera has handled what little contrast there was. Flicking over to program has adjusted the exposure accordingly and the camera will now expose to the settings I decide on. It's brighter in the highlights and the warm cast from before isn't there.

Using a burst of flash needs forethought as there are mutiple options available to you in the flash mode. As well as the usual options of red-eye reduction, flash on, flash off and slow sync, you also have the opportunity of two slow sync functions and adjusting power between full, 1/4, 1/16 and 1/64. I used full power on the portrait shot and it's come out ok. For more varied flash results, take a look at the Olympus E-420 review.
Attaching a macro lens, I took a close up of a vintage camera

Looking at the landscape test shot and I'm quite pleased. It's produced a decent result despite the grotty day which was full of mist and drizzle. The letters on the balance beam are clear and there's enough focus in the image which is only fuzzing out in the distance because of the bad day.
Olympus E-620: Noise test
This is the area I'm most interested in because the smaller FourThirds sensor has been problematic with noise.
ISO100 looks really nice as do all other settings up to the very top. I'm quite critical of noise on all cameras because it's a particular dislioke of mine. If I was to be overly critical then I'd point out that noise is actually starting to creep in at ISO200 when viewed at full size. Ok, so I've just mentioned it but that's not to say it's annoying. In fact it's tolerable up to the penultimate sensitivity setting. There are a total of 16 ISO settings going up in 1/3 stop increments.
I've also uploaded the RAW files of the ISO100 and ISO3200 sensitivity ratings which can be accessed by pressing the links to our download section.
Olympus E-620 ISO100 RAW file - Pending
Olympus E-620 ISO3200 RAW file - Pending
![]() The ISO100 test.
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![]() The ISO200 test.
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![]() The ISO400 test.
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![]() The ISO800 test.
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![]() The ISO1600 test.
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![]() The ISO3200 test.
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Olympus E-620: Verdict

I think with some more tweaking, they'll nail it and until then I think it's fair to say that with the other results of the camera and the fact that it's a joy to use, this could be one of the most perfect DSLRs on the market.
Gadget Granny says:
Matt gave me a far too brief play with the new Olympus E-620 but the short time I had, I knew I needed longer. So I took it to Australia for ten days as I was taking a group of teachers to look at how kids with visual impairment are taught there. Matt gave it me without a camera bag and with the heaviest lens (Zuiko 12-60mm f/2.8-4) ever!
I had to use it blind (excuse the pun) because of the short time between receiving it and taking it with me but to the camera's credit, it's really easy to use. I took pictures out of aeroplane windows, in schools, even in the dark in my garden and the camera was just amazing.
Matt gave me a far too brief play with the new Olympus E-620 but the short time I had, I knew I needed longer. So I took it to Australia for ten days as I was taking a group of teachers to look at how kids with visual impairment are taught there. Matt gave it me without a camera bag and with the heaviest lens (Zuiko 12-60mm f/2.8-4) ever!
I had to use it blind (excuse the pun) because of the short time between receiving it and taking it with me but to the camera's credit, it's really easy to use. I took pictures out of aeroplane windows, in schools, even in the dark in my garden and the camera was just amazing.

The Purple Iris and the Bronze Iris were taken in total darkness - I couldn't see a thing in the display so just played with the shutter button and the camera did the rest.
This camera helped a photography amateur take fab pictures and made her colleagues really jealous! It is at the top of my wish list and I recommend you put it at the top of yours.
![]() Bronze Iris.
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![]() Purple Iris.
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Gadget Grandma
Olympus E-620: Plus points





Olympus E-620: Minus points




HANDLING

PERFORMANCE

OVERALL

In terms of advancements in technology, new features and noise control, the Olympus E-620 has been awarded a Highly recommended award.
See the video review of the Olympus E-620 review here:
Olympus E-620 video review
Olympus E-620 costs around £600 body only and is available from Warehouse Express here:
Olympus E-620
Comments
Quote:I'll see if I can find out if that's the case...
For a long time Olympus were being knocked for having small dull viewfinders, the 520 being the exception.
Pretty much looks to me that they have now moved on and added a larger prism.
Quote:A similar outlay to the E-3 in terms of buttons on the top plate
Can`t see any resemblance at all, sorry
Thre`s not a single 4/3 dslr with a wheel on that side.
I'll chase them though.
Cheers
Why does iso start on 200, and not on 100? I know you can use 100 as well, like I can extend my iso up to 1600 on my E500. Is that to give more Dynamic range?
Sorry for so many questions
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