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Olympus debuts E-520 dSLR

Olympus' new dSLR replaces the E-510 as the step-up from entry level model.

Lori Grunin headshot
Lori Grunin
2 min read
Olympus E-520 with 14-42mm lens
Olympus E-520 with 14-42mm lens.
Olympus America

Today, Olympus announced the E-520 dSLR, the replacement for the E-510 and step-up model from its E-420. The feature set is very similar to the E-420, but for the extra dough you do get some significant capabilities, such as sensor-shift stabilization (including an updated system with a mode that accommodates panning while vertically oriented), a larger continuous-shooting buffer and a deeper grip.

Like the E-420, the E-520 incorporates the same sensor as in the higher-end E-3. It also seems to use the same viewfinder and LCD as its little brother, and also includes support for face detection (still unusual for a dSLR), wireless flash and tonal-range correcting Shadow Adjustment Technology.

Olympus E-420 (body only) Olympus E-520 (body only) Pentax K200D (body only)
Sensor 10-megapixel Live MOS
17.3 x 13.0 mm		 10-megapixel Live MOS
17.3 x 13.0 mm		 10-megapixel CCD
23.5 x 15.7mm
Sensitivity range ISO 100 - ISO 1600 ISO 100 - ISO 1600 ISO 100 - ISO 1600
Focal-length multiplier 2.0x 2.0x 1.5x
Fastest continuous shooting 3.5fps
6 raw/JPEG unknown		 3.5fps
8 raw/JPEG unknown		 2.8fps
4 raw/4 JPEG
Mechanical image stabilization No Yes Yes
Viewfinder 95 percent coverage
0.92x magnification
14mm eye point		 95 percent coverage
0.92x magnification
14mm eye point		 96 percent coverage
0.85x magnification
Eye point n/a
Autofocus 3 points 11 points contrast detection
3 points phase detection		 11 points
Live View Yes Yes No
Wireless flash controller Yes Yes Yes
LCD size 2.7 inches
176-degree viewing angle		 2.7 inches
176-degree viewing angle		 2.7 inches
160-degree viewing angle
Price (body only) $449.99 $599.99 $699

The company also announced a new f4.0-5.6 9-to-18mm wide-angle lens (19-to-36mm equivalent), shipping this fall, though at $599 I think my idea of an "affordable consumer lens" and Olympus' diverges a bit. Slated to ship in July, a body-only version of the E-520 will run about $599.99, while a kit with an ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (24-to-48mm equivalent) has an estimated street price of $699.99.