By Swintonphoto from Manhattan, KS on 4/26/2008

I upgraded to this from my trusty E-500's. I was more impressed by the improvements than I expected. The shutter lag is less, focusing is faster, frames per second is faster (even faster than they rate it from my experience), high ISO is much better, and the in-camera IS really works well. The features and quality of this camera are unparalleled by anything in its class. I use this as my main camera for my photography studio and love the feature packed, compact size. Simply amazing.

Wedding Sample

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Black & White sample

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I just upgraded from an E-300 and boy am I glad I did. The image quality is much improved. The highlights aren't as eager to blow, the quality at higher ISOs is much improved, and edge rendition of dark subjects against bright backgrounds is great.

I use this body with the Olympus 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 ED Zoom lens and the image quality is superb. I've taken some nice photos with the E-300 but I can't wait to take "real" photographs with this baby. I'm glad I didn't switch systems to Canon or Nikon. Olympus has a fine product here.

TIP: If you use the GIMP to process your images (it runs on Windows too) there is a plugin called UFRaw that reads Olympus RAW format files. I run Linux so I can't speak to the quality of the included software.

By catalan from deerfield beach, fl on 1/23/2008

i have been a fan of Olympus cameras for years. I have owned OM-1. OM-2 and Om-10 bodies. They have served me faithfully over the last 30 years. The Evolt-510 continues that fine tradition of excellence (as does my Evolt-500). The digitals produce spectacular photos. At least for me all the controls are in just the right position

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

By Shutter Wolf from Sacramento, CA on 1/22/2008

This is my 3rd year with Olympus and my 2nd camera, I moved to this model for the much improved High ISO and Body Image stabilization.

I'm a Hobbyist/Freelance Photographer, I have shot wedding, nature, landscape, portraits, macro, and just general home use.

What attracted me to this brand and model is the great features, like, image stabilization, live view, improved low noise at High ISO, the supersonic wave filter to remove dust from the sensor, and the continued Four-Thirds technology.

With image stabilization in the camera it saves the cost of special lenses and the weight and size of a specialty IS lens, the 510 keeps compact and light, and the ability of IS with any fourthirds lens.

Since the E1 and models that followed High ISO was an issue, now with the new sensor in the 510 the ISO levels above 400 have been greatly improved. I've used 800 without need of after touch up, and 1600 is usable with the right settings and some light touch up. These higher ISO come handy when a tripod is not available and scenes are not providing good light.

Live view is a feature thats really loved with macro shoots. Not only can you gain a live view of the image, but you can zoom the screen up to 10x to make sure you really have that focus! In regular use the Live view shouldn't replace your view finder, but it comes in handy for checking your white balance, histogram, and current settings for pre judgment.

Changing settings on this camera is all done through the back screen, a press of the "ok" and then using the arrows to highlight your chosen setting and using the dial to adjust. After some time it becomes simple and snappy. Quicker access is using the arrows themselves, giving you direct access to WB, AF, Metering, ISO.

With Fourthirds being half that of a 35mm you are having a smaller sensor, this is what allows compact design with smaller lenses without loss of performance in light. This also brings the camera with an effect that doubles the strength of attached lenses, so example, a 50-200mm = 100-400mm. What is effected is the Dynamic Range, while the camera brings out amazing photos, it can blow out your whites if you don't pay attention.

If you are a beginner, amateur, or curious to DSLR, the 510 and it's great features will not disappoint. More advanced photographers can and have and do enjoy these cameras as well, as their primary or as a back up. Pro end photographers might want to look over to the Olympus E-3.

This being my current Primary Camera, I hope for it to last as long as possible, I've not been disappointed and it helps me take the shots I want. If I had to replace it with the same I wouldn't hesitate.

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

By KenMST from Carver, MA on 9/27/2007

I upgraded from an E-500 and was so happy I bought another. The colors grab you, it's easy to use and learn. It is fast enough for most uses, has easy menus, is user friendly. Olympus optics are fantastic. The image stabilization is great. I am a hobbyist that does a little wedding/ event work and sells some scenics at times. I had two different Nikon DSLRs, they were OK but this has them beat by miles. [...]

[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

By Godzilla from Redondo Beach, California on 9/26/2007

This is my "waiting" camera until the E-3 finally appears. It has been great so far.