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Olympus EVOLT E-500 By: Shawn Barnett and Dave Etchells 8.0 megapixels, ZUIKO DIGITAL lens mount, digital SLR design, and loads of features! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet E-500 Sample Images E-500 Imatest Results --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Comparison with Olympus E-300 3. User Report 4. Design 5. Viewfinder 6. Optics 7. Lens Tests 8. Exposure & Flash 9. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 10. Operation & User Interface 11. Camera Modes & Menus 12. Image Storage & Interface 13. Video, Power, Software 14. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index (Next): Comparison with Olympus E-300>> Page 1:Intro and Highlights Review First Posted: 09/25/2005, Updated: 12/05/2005

	*	8.0-megapixel resolution for 3,264 x 2,448 images.
	*	Interchangeable lens mount fits full range of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses.
	*	Larger 2.5-inch LCD monitor.
	*	Full range of manual and automatic exposure control.
	*	Accommodates both CompactFlash and xD-Picture Cards.
	*	Expanded exposure options for more flexibility.

 

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Manufacturer Overview

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The Olympus EVOLT E-500 is the latest entry in a line of digital SLRs based on the "Four Thirds" standard developed jointly by Olympus and Kodak, first announced in fall of 2002. The first Four Thirds camera was the Olympus E-1 SLR, aimed at the professional market, and was followed up by the E-300, which brought the Four Thirds system down to a price range accessible to amateur and "enthusiast" shooters. The E-300 used the same lenses and sensor format as the original E-1, but offered an impressive eight-megapixel resolution, and shipped with a new ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm lens.

Now, the EVOLT E-500 improves on its predecessor, offering the same eight-megapixel CCD, but expanding its exposure options to include more advanced bracketing and metering modes, a larger 2.5-inch LCD monitor, the ability to accept xD-Picture Cards, and a longer maximum exposure time. Many functions and features are the same as on the E-1 and E-300, including the unique "Supersonic Wave" filter that literally shakes dust off of the sensor's front filter, addressing a common problem with digital SLRs and the wide range of automatic and manual exposure modes. The new E-500 also comes in a dual lens kit package, featuring the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm and 40-150mm lenses. Read on for a full description of the Olympus E-500's features, operating modes, and a detailed analysis of its performance.

 

High Points

• 8.0-megapixel (effective) CCD with Supersonic Wave Filter delivering image resolutions as high as 3,264 x 2,448 pixels.
• Digital SLR design and true optical viewfinder.
• 2.5-inch, color, Hyper crystal LCD display for image review.
• Lens mount accommodates full range of Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses.
• Manual and automatic focus modes, with adjustable AF area and Single-Shot and Continuous settings, and manual focus bracketing.
• Shutter speeds from 1/4,000 to 60 seconds, with a Bulb setting (eight-minute limit).
• Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual exposure modes, plus 15 Scene modes.
• Center-Weighted and Digital ESP metering systems, plus three Spot metering options.
• Auto Bracketing and Sequential Shooting capture modes.
• Adjustable White Balance with 10 settings, including a manual adjustment, Kelvin temperature range, and a bracketing option.
• Variable ISO setting, with ISO equivalents from 100 to 1,600 (800 and 1,600 available when enabled in menu).
• Sharpness, Color, Monochrome, and Graduation image adjustments.
• Adobe RGB and sRGB color space options.
• Built-in pop-up flash with six operating modes, intensity adjustment, and bracketing mode.
• Hot Shoe for attaching external flash units, compatible with Olympus' own line of dedicated flash units for better-integrated exposure control.
• JPEG, uncompressed TIFF, and RAW file formats.
• Images saved on CompactFlash cards, xD-Picture cards, and Microdrives (no card included).
• USB cable for fast connection to a computer. (USB auto-connect for driverless connection to Windows Me, XP and 2000, and Mac OS 8.6 or greater.)
• Video cable for connection to a television set.
• Optional remote control.
• Power from rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack (battery and charger included).
• Software CD with Olympus' Camedia Master utility software (includes QuickTime and USB drivers).
• DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)/PictBridge compatibility and print settings.

 

 

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