Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 26-30 of 42
 Excellent for Square Format Studio Photography Using Life View And Manual OM Lenses June 9, 2010
Rolf Bertram (Anna Maria Island, FL USA)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Application: Studio still life photography.
Setup: E-620 body, Olympus OM adapter, Zuiko OM 50mm/3.5 macro lens + Olympus polarizer.
Settings: 200 ISO for maximum dynamic range. Square aspect ratio for artistic reasons.
How to focus: Manual focus with live view and zoom with f3.5.
How to photograph: f11 to f22, 3 second anti-shock delay, Eye-piece cover, polarized studio flashes via hot-shoe adapter.
Overall impression: The live view image allows precise composition for my favorite square aspect ratio, and exact focus, using live-view zoom. For live-view in low light, like using the modeling lights in studio, the aperture has to be wide open at 3.5, and this also makes focus easier, since at 3.5 DOF is very narrow. For the actual picture the aperture can be set to the optimum sharpness around f11, or maximum DOF at f22, or to whatever DOF is required for artistic reasons. This refers to using the camera body with an OM adapter and an old OM lens.
MOS sensor quality: I looked for the typical MOS sensor banding noise, but could not see any at ISO 200, 1/160th second exposure time and studio flashes. The resulting image is sharp even at 100% 1:1 pixel magnification and shows, in Lightroom, a fine film like noise in medium light areas, and blocky noise in lowest light areas, which can be eliminated by shifting up the black-cut-off point in Lightroom or Photoshop.
Main points for me: Square aspect ratio in live view, and zoomed live view for manual focus, and compatibility with old OM lenses using the Olympus OM adapter.
A camera that has it all (almost) July 27, 2010
Ravenhurst
I bought the E-620 as a Christmas present to... myself in December 2009. I went the Olympus way basically because of sentimental reasons: an old guy I used to know was a World War II photographer who shot Olympus until the day he died; he was the one who introduced me to the brand back in 1982.
Quickly after I set my hands on the E-620 I knew that this was a compact powerhouse. I am an amateur enthusiast with unfortunately too little time to pursue my passion for photography, but even without too much familiarization with the E-620 I was able to shoot some incredible photos right out of the gate and with the kit 14-42mm, which is a little gem if you get to know how to use it.
What I truly like about this camera:
1. Body built like an armored car; I've used much more expensive cameras that feel "flimsy" in comparison to the Oly.
2. A Super Control Panel with tons of information.
3. Excellent Live View.
4. Swing and tilt LCD monitor -- one BIG plus in my book!
5. In-body image stabilization that the competitors should really study and adopt, too!
6. Dust-removing system that WORKS...
7. Power Grip HLD-5 that offers endless battery life and balances the camera wonderfully in both larger and smaller hands ( I have smaller hands).
8. Without the power grip, I can comfortably and steadily hold the camera like my much smaller Canon point-and-shoot.
What I slightly dislike:
1. Viewfinder is a bit smaller than in other comparable cameras; I wear glasses and using the viewfinder requires some getting used to.
2. If you do not use the battery grip, the single battery will drain rather fast, especially if you decide to tweak with the Art Filters and Scenes.
3. LCD not as crisp and bright as the competition.
4. Menu system that is often a bit confusing and takes a lot more effort to learn than the competition.
That this Oly does not offer video recording leaves me unconcerned. I never really understood why I should be buying a still photo camera in order to shoot video, but this is another story. Don't let the absence of this rather useless function deter you from VERY seriously considering the E-620.
Image quality: I have shot some 10,000 pictures with this camera, mostly during experiment runs. Without too much digging into the menus and various fine tuning choices, output from the E-620 ranges from excellent to truly stunning. In fact, one of my routine complaints (to myself) is that I just don't know how I got to shoot the stunning ones! My next step is to get a notebook, set the camera in a particular way, make an exact notation of the settings, shoot, say, 50 photos, and mark the end of the run so that I get to know exactly how a series of photos was produced. I am convinced that once I get to know the Oly beyond the rudimentary, results will be consistently pretty amazing.
By way of comparison, I recently purchased a Nikon D5000 which, right out of the box, has pleasantly surprised me with incredibly sharp, beautifully colored images. Adding a Sigma 18-50mm to the package has produced even greater output. I know the Oly is quite capable of similar performance, but it needs nudging and tender loving care.
Another thing is that Olympus offers a limited choice of lenses that won't break the bank plus finding non-Oly lenses for the Four Thirds system is a bit of a challenge. In contrast, with the Nikon you are almost spoilt for choice; I have already bought two lenses beyond the two included in the kit, whereas with the Oly I have practically run out of choices after the kit lens, the 35mm macro, and the 70-300mm, both by Olympus.
I never shoot RAW; the Oly's JPEG engine seems entirely prepared to meet the crunch with aplomb. I rarely need to post process.
Bottom line: the Oly E-620 is an extremely attractive package, tightly manufactured, well calibrated, more than reasonably priced, and expertly equipped. It feels "snug" and "natural" in one's hand and this is the kind of feeling that, to me at least, adds significantly to the pleasure and comfort a photographer gets from a camera. Give the E-620 the utmost serious consideration. If you decide to buy it, you won't be disappointed (but you NEED to devote significantly more time to getting to know it well).
Speed, Color, IS, amazing focus choices May 26, 2009
Joseph K. Leclair (Boston, Ma)
7 out of 11 found this review helpful
I moved from the Evolt E-500 to the E-620. It is amazing, fast, color representation is awesome. I used it with the 8mm, 12-60 2.8, 50-200 2.8, and the IS is awesome with the 200. I can pick off birds while they are flying by at 100'. I have also shot the E3 and this camera is everything it is, just no where near as durable. If you drop this camera it is probably going to break. You can drop the E3 from your roof and it will most likely be ok.
Great Camera June 25, 2009
P. Daniel (Silverhill, AL USA)
1 out of 5 found this review helpful
I love this camera! It's easy to use and the swivel LCD is a wonderful bonus since you can close it so it won't be scratched while carrying it. The lenses go on easily and the pop-up flash is enough for my needs. You can also set it for no flash which is great for taking pictures in museums.
 Full featured compact DSLR camera with two flaws October 10, 2009
Enche Tjin (Philadelphia, PA)
28 out of 28 found this review helpful
Olympus E-620 is positioned between Olympus beginner and advanced DSLR camera. Currently, Olympus has E-420/450 and E-520 in the lower level class, and E-30 and E-3 in the higher end class. Compared to other popular DSLR cameras, Olympus employs smaller image sensor called 4/3 live MOS sensor. 4/3 means that the native image has 4 : 3 ratio instead of 3 : 2 ratio. This could be plus and minus. The plus is 4 : 3 ratio is widely used in TV screen size and monitors. It is also squarer. In my opinion, it is better for portrait. However, you can adjust the ratio to 3:2, 16:9 or other as you like at the expense of maximum image resolution.
The negative side of this type of sensor is the noise in high ISO. There is appearance of noise in lower ISO level such as ISO 640 or 400 as well. Fortunately, I found the noise is rendered very fine and more pleasing to look at than noise generated from other DSLR or compact cameras. It has the film like feel to it.
WHAT IS NEW COMPARED TO E-420 and E-520?
Compared to Olympus E-420, the E620 is just a tad bigger, but it is now has Image Stabilization that works with Olympus or third party lenses. Compared to both cameras, E-620 has 7 AF points instead of 3. A slightly bigger viewfinder, improved 2.7 swivel LCD screen, wireless flash commander and six art scenes mode.
BODY & HANDLING
Olympus is not the lightest camera around. It weights 521g, which is almost the same as best seller Canon XSi / 450D, but measured 130 x 94 x 60 mm, 2mm shorter and thinner than Canon XSi. The E-620 noticeably smaller than Olympus E-520.
Despite the size, Olympus E-620 is very solid to hold. Thanks to the weight and ergonomic design. The built quality is also a step up from entry level DSLR cameras. It has a nice rubberized texture in the hand and thumb rest on the back.
It has one thumb dial and four-way buttons which you will use to change various settings and navigate the menu. Each of the four-way buttons for navigation and also for access popular settings such as ISO, WB, metering, and AF mode. This is buttons are similar buttons that you often find in compact camera layout.
In addition, there is Super Control Panel. By the touch of INFO button, it will let you navigate and change various important settings in one screen. This is very smart design. Canon and Nikon interface does not come close.
Buttons are considered small compare to other DSLRs, so if you have a big fingers, you might find a bit uncomfortable to find or access the button. Unique to Olympus E-620, it has backlit buttons, which is automatically light on when you are in dark condition. This small feature is significant if you often shoot in low light condition indoor or outdoor. There is also a dedicated live view button, which will activate live view mode instaneously.
Viewfinder (96% coverage, .95 magnification) is slightly bigger than E-520 but still smaller and narrower than other entry level camera. Looking at the viewfinder is like looking at the tunnel, which is uncomfortable. You will notice significant different if you regularly shoot with higher end cameras such as Olympus E-30 or Nikon D90.
Overall, the body design and ergonomic is very good, better than some beginner DSLR cameras on the market. Despite that, you might have balance issue when you mount Olympus pro grade lenses which is heavier than regular kit lens. Olympus has thought about it and provide battery/vertical grip to counter this problem. The only significant downside is the small viewfinder.
LCD SCREEN & AF PERFORMANCE
Olympus E-620 has swivel LCD screen which is helpful for composition and also for people who are used to compose photos using back LCD screen (compact camera users). The resolution of the screen is standard (230k) but it is clearer and more detailed than other DSLR with 230k resolution.
Auto focus in live mode is slower than most compact camera, but works very well in bright or low light condition. Depending on the light condition, it takes a round one to two seconds for the camera to focus.
Aufo focus performance in viewfinder are much faster. Now it has 7 AF points, 5 of them are cross type sensor. AF continuous works very well, it is very quiet and fast. There is nothing to worry about.
To change AF points, there is dedicated button in the top left of the camera, and then you change it using thumb dial. This approach is similar to Canon DSLR cameras, but different from Nikon approach. Nikon uses four way buttons which I prefer more because it is faster and spot on.
IMAGE QUALITY
Image rendered by this camera is generally very good dan very detailed. Thanks to the above Olympus Zuiko lenses. ISO. Unfortunately, noise in in issue. There is noticeable noise especially in shadow area across ISO (low of high). Of course in high ISO, the noise are more prominent. ISO 800 is the limit between acceptable and unacceptable image.
However, to be fair, the noise generated by this camera is not annoying like many other DSLR. It is more film like than electronic noise which is usually generated by camera with CMOS sensor. It is also worth to mention that Olympus prefers to keep details rather than losing it by smearing the noise, which could be good or bad depending on your taste.
ART SCENE MODE
Art scene mode is fairly new in Olympus DSLR cameras. Basically, the camera will process the image directly after you take the picture. The process is very fast and negligible. If you use live view mode, you can see the effect on the screen. This might be fun for people who has no editing or photoshop skills but for advanced / photo enthusiasts, they might want to take original image instead and edit the photo later. In the other words, donft based your decision on buying this camera because of this feature.
OTHER
1. The shutter noise gka-chingh is not very appealing. It is quite loud and sounds cheap.
2. The size of the camera and kit lenses are equally small. It is half the volume of pro grade system, and much more enjoyable to carry on traveling or walking.
3. Evaluative metering is slightly underexposure to protect highlight, but there is also exposure compensation button that you can use to adjust it. I usually set it at +0.7 in various lighting condition.
COMPETITORS
Olympus E520
Olympus E-520 is an older DSLR cameras which is a bit bigger in body size, but have fewer and less sophisticated features. Like E-620, it has built-in image-stabilization, but thatfs about it. E-520 has a smaller viewfinder, non-swivel LCD screen, no backlit buttons, no art scene mode, and only has 3 AF points and 10 megapixel image resolution. But E-520 wins in price. It is approx. $250 cheaper than E-620.
Canon T1i
Canon T1i is $100 more expensive than E-620 but it has movie mode, bigger and hi-res (910k) LCD screen, 11 AF points and compatible with EOS lenses collection.
Pentax k-x
Newcomer Pentax k-x has better image quality in high ISO, very compact size, has a live view mode but in a cheaper package. Pentax kx might be the toughest competitor Olympus must face beside Canon and Nikon cameras.
Nikon D5000
D5000 also has swivel LCD screen, but lack of AF motor that prevent this camera to use older Nikon lenses. Image quality is superb in low or high ISO setting.
CONCLUSION
Olympus E-620 is an interesting camera, it focuses on compact size which is the right thing to do to get advantage of four third sensor. Built quality is better than most beginner DSLRs. There are many dedicated buttons and very friendly menu / control panel so you can find and change setting you want very fast. The ergonomic is also very good especially for average hand man/woman. Featurewise, this camera is very up to date although it lacks movie mode. In addition, it has backlit buttons which is non-existence even in my Nikon D700, a $2500 camera. It also has crystal clear swivel LCD screen. I find myself using it for many occasions. There two weaknesses of this camera, small viewfinder and noticeable noise in ISO 1600 or higher. If Olympus fix this problem in upcoming dSLR while retaining the compact size, this camera will make a great travel or street companion.
Subjective rating relative to beginner DSLR cameras in 2009
Image Quality : 4/5
Features : 5/5
Performance : 5/5
Body and Handling : 4/5
Value for Money : 3/5
Please visit my website for sample images, high iso comparison and size comparison.
Showing reviews 26-30 of 42
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