Olympus E-620 First Impressions

2009 PMA Camera Reviews Featured News Olympus Uncategorized

 

Olympus E-620 – Super Compact DSLR

Olympus sent me a pre-production “First Look” E-620 a couple of weeks ago. Since it didn’t have production firmware I wasn’t able to evaluate image quality. That will come later. I was able to get a feel for the size, weight, and control layout, though. The first thing I did was put the E-620 next to the E-520 so I could compare the two. The size differences are subtle, but the E-620 is smaller. It’s most noticeable in the E-620′s minimal grip and when comparing the two cameras from the bottom (see photos, below). According to the specs, both cameras weigh the same, and the E-620 is actually a hair taller. But the overall volume of the E-620 body is about a quarter inch smaller in width and depth. That may not seem like much, but every millimeter counts when you’re traveling light. One of the reasons I like the Olympus Four Thirds digital SLRs is the relatively small kit I need to carry when I’m shooting in the backcountry. And when you consider the new articulated LCD, the new body is even more impressive. The E-620 is the smallest digital SLR with a full tilt/swivel LCD as well as the smallest DSLR with built-in sensor-shift image stabilization. Those two details really set this camera apart from everything else on the market.

For more size comparison, check out my Olympus E-620 box opening video.

Olympus E-620 (right) And E-520 Comparison Photos
Olympus E-620 compared to Olympus E-520 - front
Olympus E-620 compared to Olympus E-520 - top
Olympus E-620 compared to Olympus E-520 - bottom

next pageOlympus E-620 Camera Controls And Creative Tools >>

About the author: Photo-John

Photo-John, a.k.a. John Shafer, is the managing editor of PhotographyREVIEW.com and has been since the site launched back in 1999. He's an avid outdoor enthusiast and spends as much time as possible on his mountain bike, hiking or skiing in the mountains. He's been taking pictures for ever and ever, and never goes anywhere without a camera.


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  • My next camera! It will go perfect with my E420. Thank you Olympus.

  • Photo-John says:

    I think the E-620 looks like the best backcountry camera yet. Although, I just got the Panasonic Lumix G1 in for review. We’ll see how it goes with that camera. No image stabilization is the main limitation with the G1. It is pretty tiny, though…

  • Henry says:

    How is this E-620 differ from E-450?

  • Edoardo says:

    will the 620 utilize the SWD function fully?

  • Michael Smith says:

    I am thinking of buying an E-620 but am confused about whether it woul be possible to use my M Series Leica lenses with the 4:3 system – are adaptors available??

  • Greenfield says:

    Ebay dude, Ebay!

  • Brigante' Phardtz says:

    I just puchased the E620 and I think it is a very good camera. It will take time for me to learn the ins and outs of it’s workings, but I think it will be fine. I purchased it with the kit lens and I am delighted with that also. The whole item balances very well.

  • V says:

    i love this camera. it’s perfect for me as an upgrade from the e520. i don’t need anything heavier, i love its size.

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