Update: Now with preview video after the jump.
Filling another hole in its dSLR product line, Olympus takes on the
Let's take a look at the basic specs:
| Canon EOS Rebel XSi (with 18-55mm IS lens) |
Olympus E-620 (with 14-42mm lens) |
Olympus E-30 (body only) |
|
| Sensor | 12.2-megapixel CMOS | 12.3-megapixel Live MOS | 12.3-megapixel Live MOS |
| Color depth | 14 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits |
| Sensitivity range | ISO 100 - ISO 800/ 1,600 (expanded) | ISO 200/100 (expanded) - ISO 3,200 | ISO 100 - ISO 3,200 |
| Focal-length multiplier | 1.6x | 2x | 2x |
| Continuous shooting | 3.5 fps 53 JPEG/6 raw |
4 fps n/a JPEG/5 raw |
5 fps n/a JPEG/12 raw |
| Viewfinder | 95 percent coverage 0.87x magnification |
95 percent coverage 0.96x magnification |
98 percent coverage 1.02x magnification |
| Autofocus | 9-pt AF center cross-type |
7-pt AF all twin; 5 cross-type |
11-pt AF all cross-type |
| Live view | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LCD size | 3 inches fixed | 2.7 inches articulated | 2.7 inches articulated |
| Mfr. price | $799.99 | $799.99 | $1,299 |
Olympus packs quite a bit in for the money, including a fully articulated LCD (as compared to the tiltable LCD on the Sony A350); sensor-shift image stabilization; a built-in wireless flash controller, which everyone but Canon includes; and Art Filters, the preset special effects that the company introduced in the E-30.
The Art Filters, especially given their limited implementation, make a lot more sense in the E-620 than in the E-30, and could possibly provide a compelling reason for a newbie to buy the E-620 over a comparably priced competitor.
Though it's a bit lower resolution than the A350's 14 megapixels, in this class, the difference between 12 and 14 doesn't amount to a lot, and in fact can be an advantage. (It uses the same sensor and TruePic III+ image processor as the E-30, so theoretically, image quality should be similar.) You need a really good lens to resolve well at higher resolutions, and chances are, the budget-conscious buyer of these cameras won't want to spend a fortune on lenses.
On the downside, the E-620 has fewer AF points than Canon and Sony's (9 points) offerings; only testing will tell how much of an impact this has on focus accuracy and performance.
When it ships in May, it will be available in two configurations: a body-only version for $699.99 and a kit including the 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 lens for $799.99. Olympus will also offer a new battery grip and underwater housing to accessorize the camera.
Discuss: Olympus creatively extends its consumer dSLR line
Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion.