When the Olympus E-3 was featured last December, the 11-point dual cross (44 point) sensor stood out from the crowd - in speed and accuracy. As pointed out in that article, Olympus needed to move as much of the E-3 technology as possible to their regular DSLR line as fast as possible. When Olympus announced the E-520 just a couple of months ago it appeared Olympus might have done just that.

It does appear the new E-520 brings over a substantial amount of E-3 technology, but it does borrow form other top four-thirds cameras as well. It even brings over contrast detect focusing with 11 points from Panasonic/Leica. However, the 3-point autofocus that appears so dated is continued in the E-520. Where other DSLR manufacturers are now featuring fast 9-point AF modules, Olympus and Nikon still relegate 3-point AF to their entry models. This is somewhat surprising since nothing else about the E-520 is entry-level except the price.

At $699 street price for the E-520 with the 14-42mm (28-84mm) kit lens, the E-520 competes with the Nikon D60 kit with VR lens ($699), Canon XS kit with IS lens ($705), Sony A300 kit ($599), and Pentax K200D kit ($699). The Sony A350 kit ($799) and Canon XSi ($799) are a small step up. There are even two lower priced models that compete in the Sony A200 and Olympus E-420 - both of which are available with the kit lens at around the $499 price point. This is an extremely crowded field, with many competing DSLR cameras in the price range from $499 to $799. The question then becomes whether the E-520 represents good value in this huge group filled with many excellent DSLR cameras.

Olympus also markets a two-lens kit that adds the excellent and tiny 40-150mm (80-300mm) telephoto zoom. The two-lens E-520 kit adds just $100 to the total. Sony also markets two-lens kit versions of the A200, A350, and A350, but the telephoto premium is $200 in the Sony kits for the added 75-300mm (112-450mm) zoom.

The Olympus E-520 is an upgrade to the E-510, which has been the biggest seller for Olympus in the consumer DSLR space. The new model adds processing improvements, more effective in-body IS (Image Stabilization) that works with any lens, and what Olympus describes as on-LCD Autofocus combined with Face Detection. These are the same updates that recently made their way to the tiny E-420, while keeping and improving the "IS with any lens" that was a standout feature of the E-510.

Olympus describes the improved Live View technology as "advanced autofocus Live View enables photographers to compose their images and bring them into sharp focus on the HyperCrystal II LCD - just like a point-and-shoot camera." While Olympus did not provide much detail, it is now clear the new Live View on the E-420 and now the E-520 adds Contrast Detection AF to the Phase-Detection AF used in the last generation E-410 and E-510. This is the same technology used by Panasonic in their swing-tilt-swivel screen Lumix L10.

Since Olympus pioneered Live View, which is now appearing on almost every new DSLR, it should come as no surprise that Olympus has enhanced Live View on the latest models to better compete in this fiercely competitive market. However, for now the new Contrast Detect Live View and face detect only works with a few Olympus and Panasonic/Leica lenses. Considering the fact Olympus added the Contrast Detect AF with just a Firmware flash to the lenses, it certainly appears Contrast Detect AF and Face Detection capabilities could be added to other lenses in the future with a firmware upgrade.

New Features and Improvements

As the E-510 was an E-410 with a more robust grip and the addition of in-camera IS, so the E-520 is an E-420 with a bigger hand grip and added IS. This keeps the E-520 body small and the weight is 475g (16.8oz) compared to the 380g (13.4oz) of the E-420. The E-520, like the E-420, also introduces significant changes in Live View and AF that include the addition of Contrast-Detect AF.

The Live-MOS sensor in the E-420 and now the E-520 provides AF on the LCD screen with a push of the shutter-release halfway - without the LCD blackout that is necessary when a mirror-flip is required. The new sensor also provides 11-point multiple AF with the contrast detection system. The Focusing specifications provide a clearer picture of the significant changes to the AF capabilities in Live View mode.

Olympus E-520 Autofocus
AF system	TTL phase difference detection system, contrast detection system (with 25mm f2.8, 14-42mm f3.5-5.6, 40-150mm f4.0-5.6)
Focus mode	Single AF (S-AF) / Continuous AF (C-AF)* / Manual Focus (MF) / S-AF + MF / C-AF + MF. C-AF mode is not available with the contrast detection system
Focusing point	3-point multiple AF with the phase difference detection system (Auto, selectable in option) 11-point multiple AF with the contrast detection system (Auto, selectable in option)

Not long ago, Olympus surprised users with firmware updates to their 14-42mm f3.5-5.6, 40-150mm f4-5.6, and new 25mm f2.8 pancake lens that supported Contrast-Detect AF on the Panasonic Lumix L10. That seemed a strange firmware update at the time, but now that the new E-420 and E-520 feature the same Contrast-Detect AF as the L10 it is now making some sense. The new 11-point Contrast-Detect AF combined with Face Detect On the E-520, E-420, and Panasonic L10 is a real joy to use. It is not as fast or seamless as the Sony A350 Live View, but the LCD screen is virtually a 100% view with fewer compromises. Significantly, the E-420/E-520/L10 Live View also supports 7X/10X magnification in Live view mode to assist in precise focusing. That is a feature not available on the competing Sony A350/A300. Live View also supports the MF/S-AF mode, which allows manual touch up in AF on the LCD after AF.

Perhaps Olympus did not want to emphasize the fact that their E-520 and E-420 featured the same Dual Live View system as the Panasonic L10, as you really have to dig a bit to figure out the systems appear to be the same, which should come as no surprise since Panasonic currently manufactures sensors for both Olympus and Panasonic cameras. However, the L10 has been well received for its features, if not its cost, and Olympus users will be happy to know 11-point Contrast-Detect AF is available in Live View even if the Phase-Detect system remains 3-pont.

The HyperCrystal II LCD display grows to 2.7 inches in the E-520, matching the new E-420. The Olympus trademark Supersonic Wave Filter auto-sensor cleaning system has appeared on every Olympus DSLR since the E-1 and it is continued on the new E-520. Sensor Resolution remains 10MP (megapixels) derived from 11.8 million effective pixels. While the resolution is the same as the E-510 it appears the sensor for the E-520 and E-420 are upgraded from the earlier models.

Olympus E-520 Competition

The Olympus E-520 competes in the entry-level DSLR class with a price of $699 with the 14-42mm kit lens. This has become a very crowded market in recent months with more and more features added to competing models to make them stand out from the crowd. That is great news for shoppers, who can now find a very competent 10MP interchangeable lens DSLR that is capable of capturing quality images for as little as $500. Olympus and Canon both use CMOS sensors, while the Nikon D60, Sony A300, and Pentax K200D all use CCD sensors. In the case of these three, they all use the same Sony CCD sensor that appeared in the last generation Nikon D80, Sony A100, and Pentax K10D.

DSLR Camera Feature Comparison
	Olympus E-520	Rebel XS EOS 1000D	Nikon D60	Sony A300	Pentax K200D
LCD Screen	2.7" Fixed	2.5" Fixed	2.5" Fixed	2.7" Tilt	2.7" Fixed
Sensor	10.1 MP Live MOS	10.1 MP CMOS	10.2 MP CCD	10.2 MP CCD	10.2 MP CCD
AF Points	3 (11 in Live View)	7	3	9	11
Sensor Size	17.3x13.0mm	22.2x14.8mm	23.6x15.8mm	23.6x15.8mm	23.5x15.7mm
Sensor Multiplier	2X (Four-thirds)	1.6x	1.5x	1.5x	1.5x
Image Processor	TRUEPIC III	DIGIC III	EXSPEED	BIONZ	PRIME
Image Stabilization	Body Integral (ALL Lenses)	IS Lens Only	VR Lens Only	Body Integral (ALL Lenses)	Body Integral (ALL Lenses)
Auto Sensor Clean	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Live View	Contrast with Face Detection & Phase Detect	Contrast & Phase Detect	no	Full-Time by Mirror Selection	no
Metering Modes	ESP Multi, CWt, Spot, Highlight Spot, Shadow Spot	Evaluative, CWt, Partial	3D Matrix, CWt, Spot	Multi-Segment, CWt, Spot	Multi-Segment, CWt, Spot
ISO Range	100-1600	100-1600	100-3200	100-3200	100-1600
Auto ISO Adjust	Yes	Yes (Auto Fixed ISO 100-800)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Continuous Speed	3.5 fps	3 fps	3 fps	3 fps	3 fps
Wireless Flash Control with Built-in Flash	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes
Remote Release	Wireless Remote, Cable	Cable	Wireless Remote, Cable	Wireless Remote, Cable	Wireless Remote, Cable
Storage	CF	SD/SDHC	SD/SDHC	CF	SD/SDHC
Viewfinder	.92x, 95%	.81x, 95%	.80x, 95%	.74x, 95%	.85x, 96%
Battery	BLM-1, 1500mAh	LP-E5, 1080mAh	EN-EL9, 1000mAh	NP-FM500H 1180mAh	Four AA Batteries
Battery Life (50% Flash)	650	500	730	730	500
Battery Grip	No	BG-E5, Optional	No	VG-B30AM, Optional	BG3, Optional
Size	136x91.5x68mm	126x98x62mm	126x94x64mm	131x99x75mm	134x95x74mm
Weight (with Battery and Card)	1.05 lb. (476g)	1.16 lb. (502g)	1.22 lb. (553g)	1.49 lb. (676g)	1.52 lb. (689g)
Kit Lens	14-42mm f3.5-5.6 (28-84mm)	18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS (29-88mm)	18-55mm f3.5-5.6 VR (27-83mm)	18-70mm f3.5-5.6 (28-105mm)	18-55mm f3.5-5.6 (27-83mm)
Price with Kit Lens	$699	$699	$699	$599	$699

Compared to even a year ago this table represents a truly capable selection of DSLR cameras that sell for a new low price of $699 or less with a lens. The Olympus E-420 and Sony A200 are even cheaper at $499 for the camera and kit lens. The E-420 does not include body-integral IS and the Sony A200 is the same sensor as the A300 with a bigger, brighter viewfinder but no Live View. The Sony Tilt LCD models with direct Live View straddle the $699 price point, at $599 for the A300 with the lens and $799 for the 14.2MP A350 with Lens Kit.

The E-520 stands out in several areas in its price class. It is the fastest rated in Continuous Shooting at this price point, with a specified 3.5fps. It also is the only camera in the group to offer three types of spot metering - normal spot plus highlight spot and shadow spot for very precise metering in difficult lighting conditions. You can also see that while the E-520 is a bit wider than the diminutive Canon XS and Nikon D60, it is not quite as tall and it is the lightest camera in its class. This is very much in line with the fact that the E-520 is the same design as the world's smallest DSLR, the E-420, only with a more substantial grip and built-in IS.

On the negative side, the E-520, like the Nikon D60, does not offer an accessory battery grip, which is important to some users. The viewfinder specification is also somewhat deceptive, since the smaller sensor actually makes the E-520 one of the most "tunnel-like" of the group. In testing these cameras, the E-520 and Sony A300/A350 were clearly the worst viewfinders of the lot. The E-520 partly compensates for this with a 2.7" LCD with 100% Live View and useful magnification for critical focusing.

Olympus states that many of the innovative features and electronics of the E-3 have been incorporated in the E-520, but that certainly does not include the new, super-fast 11-point double cross-point AF module used in the E-3. Instead the aging 3-point AF is continued, which like the Nikon D60 is no longer really competitive in its class. The new Contrast-Detect Live View does bring 11-point AF and Face Detection to the E-520, but normal AF is the familiar Olympus 3-pont AF; it's been sped-up a bit but is otherwise the same as past models.

E-520 Full Specifications

Olympus E-520 Specifications
Product type	Single-lens reflex Live View digital camera with interchangeable lens system
Memory	CompactFlash Type I/II, Microdrive, xD-Picture Card (Dual-Slot)
Sensor Size	17.3 mm (H) x 13.0 mm (V)
Lens mount	Four Thirds Mount
Sensor
Number of effective pixels	10 million pixels
Image Pickup type	Live MOS Sensor
Total pixels	Approx. 11.8 million pixels
Aspect ratio	1.33 (4:3)
Filter array	Primary color filter (RGB)
LPF	Fixed type
IR cut filter	Hybrid type
Dust reduction	Supersonic Wave Filter (dust-reduction system for image sensor)
File Format
Recording format	DCF, DPOF compatible/Exif, PRINT Image Matching III
File format	RAW (12-bit), JPEG, RAW+JPEG
Recording image size	[RAW] 3648 x 2736 pixels [JPEG] 3648 x 2736 pixels - 640 x 480 pixels
File size	RAW: 3648 x 2736 compressed Approx. 11MB Large: 3648 x 2736 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 6.8MB 3648 x 2736 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 4.7MB 3648 x 2736 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 2.2MB 3648 x 2736 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 1.5MB Middle 3200 x 2400 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 5.3MB 3200 x 2400 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 3.7MB 3200 x 2400 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 1.7MB 3200 x 2400 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 1.1MB 2560 x 1920 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 3.6MB 2560 x 1920 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 2.2MB 2560 x 1920 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 1.1MB 2560 x 1920 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 0.7MB Small 1600 x 1200 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 1.3MB 1600 x 1200 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 0.8MB 1600 x 1200 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 0.5MB 1600 x 1200 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 0.3MB 1280 x 960 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 0.8MB 1280 x 960 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 0.5MB 1280 x 960 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 0.3MB 1280 x 960 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 0.2MB 1024 x 768 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 0.5MB 1024 x 768 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 0.4MB 1024 x 768 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 0.2MB 1024 x 768 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 0.1MB 640 x 480 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 0.2MB 640 x 480 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 0.2MB 640 x 480 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 0.1MB 640 x 480 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 0.1MB
Viewfinder
Viewfinder type	Eye-level single-lens reflex viewfinder
Field of view	Approx. 95%
Viewfinder magnification	Approx.0.92x (-1m-1, 50mm lens, infinity)
Eye point	Approx. 14 mm (-1m-1)
Diopter adjustment range	-3.0 - +1m-1
Focusing screen	Fixed (Neo Lumi-Micro Mat screen)
Eyepiece shutter	Eyepiece cap EP-4 supplied
Eye cup	Interchangeable type. EP-5 supplied. Optional EP-6, EP-7, Magnifier eyecup ME-1 available.
Preview	Can be checked (when FN button is set in preview mode), selectable from the optical viewfinder or rear-mounted LCD monitor
Viewfinder information	Aperture value, Shutter speed, Record mode, AF confirmation mark, Flash, WB, AE lock, Number of storable still images, Exposure compensation value, Metering mode, Battery warning, Exposure mode, AF frame (super impose). IS activating mode.
Live View	Live MOS Sensor for still picture shooting is used, 100% field of view, Exposure adjustment preview, White balance adjustment preview, Gradation setting preview, Face detection preview, Perfect Shot preview, Grid line displayable, 7x/10x magnification possible, MF/S-AF, AF frame display, AF point display, Shooting information, Histogram, IS Activating mode.
Image Stabilizations
Image Stabilize System	Built-in (Imager shift image stabilizer)
Mode	3 modes (2-dimensional activation (Horizontal + Vertical), 1-dimensional activation (Vertical), 1-dimensional activation (Horizontal)
Effective compensation range	Up to 4 EV steps maximum
LCD
LCD type	HyperCrystal II LCD (semi-transmissive TFT color LCD)
Size	2.7 inches
Total no. of pixels	Approx. 230, 000 pixels
Playback field of view	100%
Brightness control	15 levels
Color balance	15 levels
Autofocus
AF	High-speed imager AF, Phase difference detection AF
AF system	TTL phase difference detection system, contrast detection system (with 25mm f2.8, 14-42mm f3.5-5.6, 40-150mm f4.0-5.6)
Focus mode	Single AF (S-AF) / Continuous AF (C-AF)* / Manual Focus (MF) / S-AF + MF / C-AF + MF *C-AF mode is not available with the contrast detection system
Focusing point	3-point multiple AF with the phase difference detection system (Auto, selectable in option) 11-point multiple AF with the contrast detection system (Auto, selectable in option)
Focusing point selection	Auto/Option selectable
AF luminance range (phase difference detection system)	EV 0 to 19 (at 20C, ISO 100)
AF illuminator (phase difference detection system)	Built-in flash (on/off selectable), external flash available.
AF lock	Locked at first position of Shutter button in Single AF mode / AEL button (customizable)
Focus tracking (phase difference detection system)	Interlocked with Continuous AF mode
Focus aid	Available
Metering and Exposure
Metering system	TTL open-aperture metering system (1) Digital ESP metering (49-point multipattern metering); (2) Center-weighted average metering; (3) Spot metering (approx. 2% of the viewfinder screen); (4) Spot with Highlight control; (5) Spot with Shadow control
Metering range	EV 1 - 20 (Digital ESP metering, Center-weighted average metering, Spot metering) (At normal temperature, 50mm f2, ISO 100)
Exposure mode	(1) Auto; (2) P: Program AE (Program shift can be performed); (3) A: Aperture priority AE; (4) S: Shutter priority AE; (5) M: Manual; (6) Scene program AE; (7) Scene select AE
Scene program AE	Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sport, Night + Portrait
Scene select AE	Portrait, Landscape, Landscape + Portrait, Night Scene, Night + Portrait, Children, Sport, High Key, Low Key, Digital Image Stabilization, Macro, Nature Macro, Candle, Sunset, Fireworks, Documents, Panorama (requires Olympus xD-Picture Card media), Beach & Snow, Underwater Wide, Underwater Macro
ISO sensitivity	AUTO (ISO 100 - 1600) / Manual (ISO 100 - 1600), 1 EV steps
Exposure compensation	+/-5 EV in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps selectable
AE lock	Locked by first position of Shutter button / AEL button (customizable)
Exposure bracketing	3 frames in 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 EV steps selectable
White Balance
Auto WB system	Advanced detection system with Live MOS sensor
Preset white balance	8 settings (3000K - 7500K): Lamp (3000K), Fluorescent 1 (4000K), Fluorescent 2 (4500K), Fluorescent 3 (6600K), Daylight (5300K), Cloudy (6000K), Shade (7500K)
White balance compensation	+/-7 steps in each A-B/G-M axis (in Auto WB/Preset WB mode)
Custom white balance	1 temperature setting can be registered in degrees Kelvin (2000K - 14000K)
One-touch white balance	1 custom setting can be registered
Color
Color matrix	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Picture Modes	Vivid, Natural (default setting), Muted, Portrait, Monotone, Custom
Adjustment parameter	Contrast, Sharpness and Saturation level available in 5 steps for Vivid, Natural, Muted and Portrait; Contrast and Sharpness level available in 5 steps for Monotone
Filter effect	Yellow, Orange, Red or Green filter available for Monotone
Picture tone	Sepia, Blue, Purple or Green tone available for Monotone
Gradation	4 levels (Auto, high key, normal, low key)
Shutter
Shutter type	Computerized focal-plane shutter
Shutter speed	Auto mode: 2 - 1/4000 sec. (depends on settings), P(Ps), S, A, M mode: 60 - 1/4000 sec. (Bulb: up to 30 min. with limiter), Scene program/Scene select mode: 4 - 1/4000 sec. (depends on settings) 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps selectable
Self-timer	Operation time: 12 sec., 2 sec. (cancel available)
Remote cable release	Available (with optional RM-UC1 Remote Cable)
Optical remote control	Operation time: 2 sec., 0 sec., bulb control available (with optional RM-1 Remote Control)
Anti-shock mode	Available (1 to 30 sec. selectable)
Shooting Speed
Drive mode	Single-frame shooting, Sequential shooting, Self-timer, Remote control
Sequential shooting speed	Approx. 3.5 frames/sec.
Max. recordable pictures	RAW mode: Max. 8 frames on sequential shooting JPEG mode: Depends on compression ratio and no. of pixels (LN mode: approx. up to card capacity with SanDisk Extreme III 1GB)
Flash
Built-in flash	Retractable flash (Auto pop-up type), GN=12 (ISO 100.m)
Compatible external flash	FL-50R, FL-36R, FL-50, FL-36, FL-20
Flash control mode	TTL Auto (TTL pre-flash mode), Auto, Manual
Flash mode	Auto, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction slow sync., Slow synchronization, Fill-in, Manual (1/4, 1/16, 1/64), Off.
Synchronization speed	1/180 sec. or less, Super FP up to 1/4000 sec.
Flash intensity control	Up to +/-2 EV in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
Synchronization timing	1st curtain synchronization/2nd curtain slow synchronization (selectable)
Flash bracketing	3 frames in 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1 EV steps selectable
Wireless flash control compatible external flash	FL-50R, FL-36R
Control method	Triggered and controlled by built-in flash light
Flash control modes	TTL Auto (TTL pre-flash mode), Auto, Manual, FP TTL Auto, FP Manual
Number of channels	4 channels
Group setting	3 groups
Menu
Super Control Panel Information (Shooting)	Battery information, Exposure mode, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure compensation value, ISO sensitivity, Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure indicator, Flash intensity compensation indicator, Date, BKT setting, NR setting, WB, WB compensation value, Picture mode, Flash mode, Record mode, Image size, Card information, Drive mode, Flash intensity compensation value, Metering mode, Recordable still image number, Focusing mode, FP warning, AF frame, AF illuminator deactivated notification, Color space, Sharpness, Contrast, Saturation, Gradation, IS activating mode, Face detection, RC mode setting
Information (Wireless flash commander)	Exposure mode, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure compensation value, Flash compensation indicator, Flash compensation value, ALE notification, Flash compensation notification, NR notification, BKT notification, AF illuminator deactivated notification, Color space, IS activating mode, Wireless channel setting, Built-in flash intensity, Group setting
Back light timer	Back light lighting time is selectable (Keep, 8 sec., 30 sec., 1 min.)
Playback modes	Single-frame, Index (4/9/16/25/49/100 frames), Calendar, Close-up ( 2 - 14X), Slideshow, Picture rotation (auto mode available), Light box
Information display	Histogram (independent luminance/RGB available), Highlight/Shadow point warning, AF frame, Shooting information
Menu Languages	Americas: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese
Custom functions	Fn button is available to set 10 functions: Face detection, Preview, Live preview, One-touch WB, AF home position, MF, Record mode, Test picture, My mode, Off Drive button is available to set six functions: Drive, AF target selection, AF mode, WB mode, Metering mode, ISO setting)
Custom reset	2 settings are recordable
My mode	2 settings are recordable
Image Editing
Erasing function	Single frame, All frames, Selected frames (with protect function)
Protect function	Single frame, Selected frames, Release protect (Single/All selected)
Copy between media	Single frame, All frames, Selected frames
RAW picture editing	RAW development
JPEG editing	Shadow Adjustment, Red-eye fix, Triming, Monotone, Sepia, Saturation (color depth), Resize (producing another file)
Print function	Print reservation (DPOF), Direct print (PictBridge compatible)
Input/Output
PC interface	High Speed USB for storage and camera control (MTP mode is available)
USB/Video connector	Dedicated multi-connector (Video: NTSC/PAL selectable, Optional remote cable RM-UC1 is available)
Flash attachment	Hot shoe
Battery and Power
Battery	BLM-1 Li-ion battery (included)
Sleep mode	Available (1, 3, 5, 10 min., Off selectable)
No. of recordable pictures	Approx. 650 shots (optical viewfinder) (with BLM-1 under CIPA testing standard)
Other
Dimensions	5.4 in. (W) x 3.6 in.(H) x 2.7 in. D / 136 mm (W) x 91.5 mm (H) x 68 mm (D) (excluding protrusions)
Weight	16.8 oz. / 475 g (body only)
Temperature	32-104F / 0 - 40C (operation) -4 - 140F/ -20 - 60C (storage)
Humidity	30 - 90% (operation) / 10 - 90% (storage)
Package Contents	E-520 (outfit contents), ED 14-42mm Zoom lens, Li-ion Battery BLM-1, Li-ion battery charger BCM-2, USB 2.0 cable, Video cable, Shoulder strap, OLYMPUS Master 2 CD-ROM, Instruction Manual, Registration card, Eyepiece cap EP-4, Lens and Body Caps, Lens Hood

Other Features

Enhanced In-Body Image Stabilization
For the first time, in-body Mechanical Image Stabilization has three modes for increased versatility. IS-1 mode for general shooting adjusts the sensor on both the X and Y axes to compensate for movement by the photographer so images stay sharp even at slow shutter speeds. To capture the motion of athletes and animals, and other moving subjects, the E-520 offers two specialized modes. IS-2 mode is ideal for capturing a racecar flying down the track, preserving the sense of motion while panning with the moving subject and holding the camera horizontally to dramatically portray the car's high speed. For sharp images of moving subjects like a basketball player charging up the court, the IS-3 mode allows a photographer to hold the camera vertically while panning. The artistic effects of panning enhance the shot and render the player in sharp detail with a blurred background.

Find and Follow Faces
The E-520's Face Detection reduces the chance of blurred subjects in photography by distinguishing between people's faces and the background. It tracks up to eight faces within the image area even if people are moving and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.

Special Modes for Bright Sunshine and Deep Shadows
Shooting scenes with shadows can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The E-520 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment Technology that compensates for extreme contrast and maintains visible detail in both the shadow and highlight areas of the scene. Now users can preview and capture images showing the shadow detail they saw. This feature is also available in the Edit menu after the shot has been taken.

Preview Possibilities
Perfect Shot Preview enables users to preview and select from a variety of thumbnail previews of the photographic effects of white balance and exposure compensation adjustments live on the LCD before taking the photograph. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, visually, without having to scroll through menu options. This is combined with 20 preset scene-select modes for shooting scenarios from underwater photography to fireworks - and program, automatic modes, and full manual controls for additional control of the E-520 as the photographer grows in skill.

Underwater Options
Olympus offers the PT-E05 optional underwater housing for the E-520 to allow photographers to document the richness of life in the depths. Capable of reaching depths of 130 feet underwater, the housing ensures that divers will not miss an image during their underwater journeys. Special underwater scene modes on the E-520 can ensure that the camera is set up correctly for underwater use.

Wireless Flash Capability
Sometimes wireless flashes can help photographers cast the best light on their subjects and capture great images. For this reason, the E-520 is compatible with the Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes that are designed exclusively for digital photography. When these flashes are used in combination with the E-520, wireless multi-flash photography is possible. The E-520 can control up to three wireless flash groups independently, with multiple flash units in each group.

TruePic III for Image Clarity and Speed
The 10.1MP E-520's TruePic III Image Processor uses all of the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible for every photo with accurate color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies, and precise tonal representation in between. TruePic III also lowers image noise by one step to reduce graininess in images shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.

Field Notes

The biggest disappointment from our perspective was Olympus' decision to continue the 3-point AF module of previous Olympus models. The E-520 does seem to be a bit faster in AF, but it is not really competitive in the number of sensors, AF speed, or tracking abilities with the Canon XS or Sony A300. The E-520 is so competent in other areas that we are left to wonder why Olympus did not bring some version of the E-3 AF technology to the updated E-520. Similarly the viewfinder remains far too tunnel-like, which is saying quite a lot in a class of entry-level DSLR APS-C cameras - none of which is particularly outstanding in the viewfinder department. The more expensive Canon XSi and cheaper Sony A200 both have better viewfinders than any of these entry models do.

Olympus has also continued the viewfinder info display on the right side of the viewfinder. Since the 4/3 cameras feature a narrower frame than the 3:2 cameras that mimic the 35mm format (every other camera in this class), there is certainly extra room on the side. However, the tunnel view makes it difficult to see info on the side without adjusting your eye side to side. A larger image magnification closer to the 1.10 on the E-3 and info below the viewfinder would better suit us.

Image Quality: Olympus seems to have borrowed most from the image processing capabilities of the E-3, which is a very good thing. The E-520 is much improved in controlling noise over the E-510 it replaces. Images to ISO 800 are very good and ISO 1600 is now more like the excellent E-3. The E-3 is subjectively one of the most accurate cameras in reproducing color that we have tested, and the E-520 is now much closer in image quality to the E-3. Take a close look at the image noise comparison with the E-3 on page 7.

Customization: The menus are complex, but that is mostly because you can customize almost anything on the E-520. It is without doubt the most flexible entry-level DSLR among the group detailed on page 3. The Canon XS does not even have a real spot metering capability, where the E-520 has three spot modes - normal, highlight, and shadow. Almost every button can be reassigned if you choose. There is no easily accessible auto focus to manual focus switch, but you won't really miss it. Just choose the AF+MF modes and after pushing the right "AF" button in the joy-pad and you gain the ability to manually focus any lens to touch up the AF selected focus - without any special buttons or procedures. This is like making every lens a ring USM motor on a Canon, which the kit lens for the XS/XSi certainly is not.

Ease of Use: Some have criticized the complexity of the Olympus E-520 menus, but it is our opinion that the real issue is that Olympus takes a different approach to menu logic than Canon and Nikon. The E-520 menus will be instantly comfortable to any former Olympus user. If you are not used to Canon or Nikon already the menu logic will quickly make sense to you.

New users, expert users and even those who don't like the menus can work completely from the Info screen. Click the Info button at the lower left of the screen. Hit OK and use the joy pad to move around the Info screen until you find what you want to adjust. Press OK again to move into adjusting the selected parameter, move to your choice with the arrow keys, and press OK to select.

You can also instantly select ISO, metering mode, White Balance, or AF Mode by pressing any of those labeled keys at the four direction points on the joy pad. There are also IS and Live View buttons for those options.

Olympus provides more adjustments and more customization that any comparable entry camera. Many users will appreciate that feature. If the menus are intimidating, stick to the buttons and Info menu. They are easy for anyone to use.

Handling: Perhaps this should be called ergonomics, but considering how small the E-520 actually is, it is much easier to handle than the similarly small Canon XS/XSi or Nikon D60. The wider, less tall form factor made holding the E-520 easier for us. However, the Canon XSi/XS with a battery grip takes those cameras into a new category as handling improves dramatically. The E-520 and Nikon D60 lack a battery grip option. As a camera alone, the E-520 handles best. The Sony A200/A300/A350 and Pentax K200D are larger and heavier cameras. Those who find the Canon, Nikon, or Olympus entry cameras too small may prefer the Sony or Pentax.

Size and Weight: This is a picture of the E-520 next to the popular Nikon D300 APS-C prosumer model with a 24-120mm VR lens. This is to illustrate how incredibly small the E-520 really is.

The E-520 is also available as a two-lens kit with the very small 40-150mm (80-300MM) lens. These two lenses cover the 35mm equivalent of 28-300mm in two tiny lenses that are highly regarded for their optical quality. Those who complain that 4/3 isn't really smaller need to examine an E-520 two-lens kit beside similar offerings from any other camera maker. If you want to pocket the E-520 or E-420, you can choose the tiny 25mm (50mm equivalent) f2.8 pancake lens.

Olympus E-520 vs. Olympus E-3

The Olympus E-3 is the latest Olympus camera to be aimed at professionals and advanced amateurs. Sensor resolution is the same as the Olympus E-500/510 and the latest E-520. The E-520 incorporates many of the advances of the E-3, however, and it should deliver better image quality and lower noise than the earlier members of the E-5XX series. Images below were taken using the same 35mm f3.5 macro lens on both Olympus cameras. Cameras were mounted on a tripod at the same location and images were captured at f/4. Normally lenses perform best when closed down 2 or 3 stops, but lens tests have shown the Olympus 35mm f3.5 macro to be just as sharp at f/3.5 as it is at f5.6 or f8.0.

The E-3 features the ultimate screen for Live View in the tilt and swivel screen that can be moved to any position for viewing - even pointing toward the front for self-portrait composition or straight down for shooting in crowds with the camera overhead. In contrast, the E-520 has a fixed, no-tilt, non-swivel LCD screen, but it still adds new modes to the Live View offerings. Contrast Detest AF with 11 focus points allows continuous image view with the E-520 while the camera is focusing. No mirror flip is required when shooting in contrast-detect AF. The E-3 is almost three times the cost of the E-520. However, bringing electronics and processing algorithms from the E-3 to the E-520 makes image quality surprisingly close between the two cameras.

All comparisons on the next few pages were shot at f4 from the same tripod location. With a 2X multiplier the Olympus cameras with a 35mm lens are a 35mm equivalent of 70mm.

ISO Comparison – Olympus E-520 vs. Olympus E-3
ISO	Olympus E-520	Olympus E-3
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200
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800
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3200
Click on any of the above image crops for the full image. Note: Full size images are between 4.3MB and 5.2MB!

Where the E-3 still excels is in speed - it is one of the fastest auto-focusing cameras on the market. Also, where the E-520 makes do with a center cross and two additional AF points, the E-3 sports 11 double-cross AF points based on 44 discrete AF points. It is much like comparing a very rudimentary AF system (E-520) to the state-of-the-art (E-3).

The E-520 is also not even near the same league in terms of sealing and weather-resistance of the camera. Olympus has earned a deserved reputation for their top-line cameras that can handle mud, rain, snow, and just about any weather situation you can imagine. If you can afford the E-3, it is definitely a better choice. However, not everyone is prepared to invest $1699 into just the camera body, and at less than 1/3 the price the E-520 delivers remarkably close image quality in a body that requires normal care. The E-520 will not be happy in a downpour or in the mud and snow, but it will deliver similar image quality to the E-3 in most of the shooting situations you normally encounter.

Olympus E-520 vs. Canon XS and XSi

All crops are 150x250 pixels, and images were captured at f4, manually focused, on a tripod at the same position. Color balance in all cases was manually set to tungsten as all images were illuminated with a single tungsten 100W bulb high to the right side of the image. The XSi at 12.2MP represents a smaller area at the same pixel resolution as the 10.1MP E-520 and XS. The full-size images, which you can see by clicking on any crop, represent the same field of view regardless of the resolution.

ISO Comparison – Canon XSi vs. Olympus E-520 vs. Canon XS
ISO	Canon XSi	Olympus E-520	Canon XS
100
200
400
800
1600
Click on any of the above image crops for the full image. Note: Full size images are between 3.3MB and 5.6MB!

It should be apparent that despite the XSi's 20% increase in resolution image noise is all but the same at ISO speeds to 800. At ISO 1600 the XSi does exhibit slightly more noise than the Canon XS but results remain very similar. In total, this performance is certainly good news for those considering the purchase of the XSi or XS or E-520. Performance of the XS and XSi are remarkably similar, and the improvement in the performance of the E-520 compared to the earlier model makes it much more competitive with the XS than we saw in results from the earlier Olympus entry DSLRs.

One of the more interesting aspects of this comparison is the different color philosophies between Canon and Olympus. All three cameras were set for tungsten white balance, but to our eyes the Olympus E-520 results are much more accurate. Canon continues to spec their tungsten preset at a higher Kelvin temperature more commonly seen in tungsten studio lights, which are a higher temperature than tungsten home lighting. You will need to keep this in mind when shooting indoors without flash with a Canon DSLR. The results are even "warmer" under tungsten when the Canon is set to Auto White Balance.

Olympus E-520 vs. Nikon D60

It is widely known that the Nikon D60 utilizes the same Sony 10.2MP CCD sensor found in the Sony A200/A300 and the Pentax k200D. Any differences you might find between image quality of the D60 and competing cameras using the same sensor will therefore reflect the differences in processing electronics employed by each camera maker and perhaps the differences in the lenses used on each camera when the image was captured.

A Sony A200 is currently in the lab for evaluation, and we will be comparing images from the A200 with Olympus E-520 images in an upcoming review.

ISO Comparison Olympus E-520 vs. Nikon D60
ISO	Olympus E-520	Nikon D60
100
200
400
800
1600
3200
Click on any of the above image crops for the full image. Note: Full size images are between 3.8MB and 5.2MB!

In past comparisons of Olympus images to either Canon or Nikon, the Olympus proved to be noisier at higher ISO settings than either Canon or Nikon. In the E-520, we now find the Olympus sensor very competitive with the Nikon sensor through ISO1600. The Nikon reaches higher to ISO 3200, with much more visible noise, but the slightly smaller E-520 4/3 sensor really compromises very little in noise compared to the Nikon D60. This is most likely due to the improved image processing electronics brought from the prosumer E-3 to the new E-520.

The Nikon D60 tungsten white balance preset is very slightly warm compared to the Olympus E-520, but it is more a matter of preference than the strong orange-reddish shift seen in the Canon XS/XSi. This is not a comparison of Auto White Balance, but of cameras manually set to tungsten. Clearly if you plan to shoot "household" tungsten with a Canon camera you need to use custom white balance as the current tungsten setting is way off the mark on all three Canon cameras. Another option is to shoot Canon indoors without flash in RAW and compensate in Photoshop or another RAW processing program. The Nikon tungsten results are very usable as captured, and they can be easily tweaked in post-processing to match your preferences.

Our Take

The Olympus E-520 is not a revolutionary new camera, nor was that ever the intention of Olympus. It is more another step in the evolution of the Olympus 5xx series, the most popular DSLR sold by Olympus and one of the most popular DSLR model series in the marketplace. In this update, Olympus has borrowed heavily from the E-3 in processing algorithms and noise control. Finally, we have an entry Olympus DSLR that is equally useful at ISO 100-800 and still excellent at ISO 1600. Were this a generation or two ago many would be singing the praises of this level of noise control and performance from a 4/3 sensor, but reality sinks in when you consider that Nikon and others have now made ISO 1600 a low-noise stop with ISO 3200 and even higher a new lower-noise possibility on some cameras. Still, in this class the quality of images from the E-520 is definitely competitive.

Another goal of the E-520 update was to bring Live View leadership back to Olympus. Olympus invented Live View, and yet the last generation was mostly just a flip-mirror AF Live View with screen blackout. The E-520, like the E-420 introduced just a short time ago, brings a very useful Contrast Detect AF option along with continuing Phase Detect with a brief image freeze instead of a full blackout. The new Contrast Detect AF also uses an 11-point AF system combined with Face Detection that can lock onto up to eight faces for a user experience that is sure to be familiar to point-and-shoot camera users. The Contrast Detect AF is slower than the regular Phase Detect but it is still very useful as implemented by Olympus. The new Contrast Detect AF, however, is limited at present to the three lenses new users will likely buy and use first - namely the 14-42mm (28-84mm), 40-150mm (80-300mm), and 25mm f2.8 pancake (50mm). It remains to be seen whether Olympus will add the Contrast Detect capabilities to other lenses. The update in this case required a firmware update to these lenses in Olympus Master II and voila, the new feature was then available.

It is now clear the new Panasonic Live View sensor, which drew heavily on the design of the E-3 sensor, is responsible for the improved quality, reduced noise, and new Contrast Detect AF features. It is likely the same sensor is now used in the Lumix L10, Olympus E-420, and Olympus E-520 since these are the three cameras that support the new Contrast Detect features with these three lenses and the Leica 14-50mm zoom sold as a kit lens with the Lumix L10.

The improved image quality, reduced noise, and 11-point Contrast Detect AF are all good news for Olympus users, along with a multitude of small tweaks and improvements. The E-520 has evolved into an incredibly customizable camera - particularly when you consider the very entry-level selling price. You can reassign almost anything to the function you want and make the E-520 your camera to work the way you want it to, but that flexibility brings greater complexity to the menus structure. Frankly, if you already use an Olympus camera you won't have any major problems with the E-520 menus. However, if you are used to Canon or Nikon and move to an Olympus you will likely be very confused by the menu arrangement. For users who find the menu structure a bit daunting, Olympus has provided a very easy to use Info key. Press Info, hit OK and maneuver around the Info screen to select whatever parameter you want to adjust. Most of the important adjustments are right there in Info, and there are quick buttons on the joy pad for ISO, Metering Pattern, White Balance, and Auto-Focus mode.

Some have criticized the E-520 for not providing a button to switch between Auto Focus and Manual Focus, but that is really unjustified when a press of the AF button allows you to choose AF+MF, a selection that allows you to touch up with manual after autofocus whenever you wish. Keep it on all the time and you will never wish for an AF/MF switch.

There are also some items that did not evolve in the E-520, the most glaring of which is the archaic 3-point AF system carried over from the E-510. With the flagship E-3 now featuring a super fast 11 double cross-point AF module (44 AF points), surely Olympus can find a way to bring a bit of this technology down the food chain. All of the other cameras in its class provide more phase-detect points and better image tracking except Nikon, which also puts just three AF points in their D60. Fortunately, contrast-detect AF provides 11 points but it is slower than the 3-point AF module. It is really a puzzle why Olympus continues to resist updating their mainstream AF module when the technology clearly now exists at Olympus to do just that.

Overall the Olympus E-520 was certainly fun to use. It handles well, the camera and kit lenses are small and easy to carry along, and the image quality is a notch above the last generation. The Olympus kit lenses have been widely praised as among the best kit lenses on the market and our time with these lenses certainly reinforced that impression. Other entry cameras - the Canon and Sony come to mind - focus faster and track moving subjects better. The Canon and Sony also offer the option of a battery grip, which is not available with the Olympus. However, if image quality is your first concern and sophisticated control capabilities you can grow with are what you are looking for, the Olympus is an excellent choice. No other camera in this class is quite so customizable, and options like spot metering with the added option of highlight spot and shadow spot provide tremendous creative control when you're ready for it.

The real penalties for the smaller 4/3 sensor are becoming less significant as the Olympus Live MOS sensor has evolved. In our opinion, the advantages of much smaller Olympus lenses and a very small body with three flavors of body integral Image Stabilization that works with all lenses make up for the small loss in image quality at the highest ISO settings. If Olympus could just update their AF module used in cameras in this class, it would be even easier to recommend the E-520. We like the E-520 and it delivers a lot for the money. Many users will be very happy with this camera. However, we would not personally buy the Olympus (or the Nikon D60 for the same reason) until Olympus finally updates that 3-point AF.

Sample Images

The Olympus E-520 is an entry-level DSLR available as a kit with the 14-42mm lens or a two-lens kit with the added 40-150mm lens. Since the E-520 is targeted at the entry-level DSLR market, all sample images were shot with either the 14-42mm or 40-150mm lenses. Noise test images were captured with the 35mm f3.5 macro lens, which was used for the excellence of its images at the f4 aperture setting used in those tests. Small images are in some cases cropped with minor processing in Photoshop. Clicking on any small image will open the full untouched, uncropped image with complete EXIF data. This will allow you to examine the performance of the E-520 at the pixel level. Sample images represent a full range of difficult lighting conditions so you can assess performance and flare shooting into the sun, bright sunlight, shadow, and mixed lighting.

4/3 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma are interchangeable among 4/3 mount cameras. The 4/3 mount is an all-electronic mount like the Canon EOS mount. There is no real crop factor or multiplier in 4/3 lenses as all are designed for the 4/3 system and they will not fit any film cameras. Compared to 35mm focal lengths the focal length of a 4/3 mount lens can be multiplied by two to determine the equivalent 35mm focal length of a lens.