Olympus E-620 Digital SLR Camera (14-42mm & 40-150mm Lens Kit) packed with features that will give a different look to the shot that’s being captured, all without the need for a computer or special software. Familiar from the E-30, the Art Filters enable a selection from one of six exciting themes. With this function, photoscan for example be given striking colours in order to create a more intense, joyful feel by applying the Pop Art filter. This confers images a completely new artistic flair. Other fantastic effects include Pin Hole, Soft Focus, Pale &Light Colour, Light Tone and Grainy Film. On top of that, there’s the option to utilise the Live View display to overlay up to three stored RAW images in order to create amazing new Multi Exposure masterpieces, all in real time. Plus, users can always frame their shot in a way that suits their fancy. All they have to do is choose between four different aspect ratios – from 4:3 (standard) to 6:6 (medium-format) to 16:9 (cinematic) – and the picture is theirs
The E-620’s elegant body promotes creativity as much as the state-of-the-art technology packed inside. Guaranteeing pictures are a success no matter what the conditions or how far the subject is, a Built-in Image Stabilisation corrects camera shake up to four steps, assuring steadiness and making tripods unnecessary. Then there’s the free-angle 2.7”/6.9cm HyperCrystal III LCD with 176° viewing angle, which means shots can be taken from almost any perspective. This way, you can even capture a field of daisies from a bee’s point of view! Working in terrific harmony with the camera’s contrast AF* capabilities, the Live View functionality allows you to comfortably judge results even before they are shot: what you see is what you get. Perfect light is a guarantee with the ability to use up to three separate, camera controlled, Wireless Flash groups – an option first introduced with the E-3. And with the attachable HLD-5 Power Battery Holder, taking vertical photos becomes a breeze while the extra battery performance enables shooting for longer hours. With such an impressive array of functions, the potential of the E-620 can be stretched as far as the photographer’s imagination
A camera with the works:A camera that inspires creativity needs to be extraordinarily functional as well, and the E-620 doesn’t disappoint. One of the D-SLR’s most exciting facets is the new 7-point Twin AF which features seven distance-measuring points, five of which are cross-points. This Olympus autofocus technology was developed for the professional E-3 after the comprehensive analysis of thousands of photographs and interviews with professional photographers. It has now been tailored to hobbyist needs: the five cross-points work by using horizontal and vertical sensor lines to supply data that determines the ideal focal points of each shot. This ensures every snap of the shutter produces blur-free results. In addition, the AF was specifically designed to work easily and rapidly with SWD lenses. With the E-620, being out of focus becomes a thing of the past
Helpful consumer’s review
Olympus have unraveled a new gem in the fleet of ‘four thirds’ DSLRs. Many of the features on the older E400 models have been brought up and revamped for the E620. It features a 12.3 mega pixel live MOS system which is essentially a step up in technology from the standard charge-coupled device, which is gradually being phased out from most digital SLRs.
I would like to get straight to the auto focus system. The E620 offers seven AF areas, which is justifiably less than the E30’s 11 areas. What was very pleasing bout the AF system however was that it responded very well whilst in live view mode and there is a range of bracketing and metering options.
The E620 prioritises on mid tones, meaning that there is no particular leniency towards shadows unlike my Sony a350 which seems to accentuate shadows more than anything else. As with all higher-end cameras these days, the E620 has a vari-angle screen which means you can tilt it out and rotate it to get a more comfortable shot in harder-to-reach areas. All the buttons are easy to reach and back-lit which I have found to be very useful during night shots. What I found quite interesting about this camera was that it has stuck with the 95% coverage viewfinder, albeit the magnification is now at 0.96x as opposed to the previous 0.92x on earlier models.
The Olympus E620 is definitely good value. Being that it is £300 less than the next model up (E30), the E620 seemed a better buy for me. As far as I am aware though, there are no major differences in image quality, which is what really counts.
Over all, I would definitely recommend the E620; it’s packed with a bundle of excellent features and epitomises a DSLR with all the characteristics of a compact, versatile, quality camera.
