Olympus has announced an upgrade to the E-510, which has been their biggest seller in the consumer DSLR space. Called the E-520, the new model adds processing improvements, more effective in-body Image Stabilization that works with any lens, and what Olympus describes as on-LCD AutoFocus combined with Face Detection. These appear to be the same updates that recently made their way to the smaller E-420, while keeping and improving the "IS with any lens" that was a stand-out 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." The Press announcement does not provide details on the new Live View, but 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. Panasonic also combines the Contrast-detect AF with Face Detection as was announced on the E-520.

As the E-510 was an E-410 with a more robust grip and the addition of in-camera Image Stabilization, so the E-520 is an E-420 with the 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. What was not so very clear when the E-420 was introduced were the significant changes in Live View and AF that came with the new addition of Contrast-Detect AF.

The Live-MOS sensor in 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. We have also received confirmation that the sensor 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.

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. We have a Panasonic L10 in-house and the new 11-point Contrast-Detect AF combined with Face Detect 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 focus touch up after AF on the LCD screen.

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 are likely the same. 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 on the $599 E-520 - even if the Phase-Detect AF system remains 3-pont.

Additional Features

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 10 megapixels but it is now 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. Other features include:

• In-Body Image Stabilization with Supersonic Wave Drive™ technology provides blur-free images when using any of the more than 30 digital-specific lenses;
• Face Detection Technology targets and locks on faces to ensure they are in focus and blur-free for amazing portraits;
• Shadow Adjustment Technology opens up detail in the shadows that other cameras would render too dark or underexposed while maintaining detail in the highlights; and
• Perfect Shot Preview enables photographers to view and select White Balance and Exposure Compensation effects right on the LCD, and see how the image will look before they even capture it.

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 blurred background.

Always Find a Face in the Crowd
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.

In Sunshine or the Shadows, Never Miss a Detail
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 a Multitude of 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. With 20 preset scene-select modes for every imaginable shooting scenario from underwater photography to fireworks, and program, automatic modes and full manual controls, the E-520 offers a world of possibilities to photographers.

Experience Life under the Sea
Olympus will offer 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 will ensure that divers will not miss an image during their journeys to the abyss. Special underwater scene modes on the E-520 will assure 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 & Speed
The 10.1 megapixel E-520’s TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos using 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.

Availability
The Olympus E-520 Digital SLR will be available in July 2008. It includes: E-520 Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLM-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCM-2), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Warranty Card.

U.S. Pricing/Product Configurations
E-520 body Estimated Street Price: $599.99
E-520 with ED 14–42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens Estimated Street Price: $699.99

New Super Wide-Angle Olympus Lens

Olympus has also announced a lens addition to the four-thirds system. The Olympus ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 provides a 35mm equivalent of 18-36mm. The new lens is just 3 inches long and weighs just 9.88 ounces (280g).

The lens’ lightweight design combined with In-Body Image Stabilization – available in the E-3, E-510 and the newly announced E-520 – makes capturing blur-free super-wide images possible even without a tripod. Olympus now offers two super-wide-angle zoom lenses. This new 9-18mm is designed as an affordable consumer lens and the existing 7-14mm splash-proof lens is targeted for the pro photographer. Both feature both a focal distance equivalent to less than 20mm on a 35mm camera. E-System owners can use either lens with Image Stabilization and Live View, which makes it possible to shoot from unique perspectives that are difficult with an optical viewfinder alone, including over a crowd or at ground-level to catch a toddler’s first steps.

Availability and U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations

The Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f.4.0-f5.6 will be available in the fall of 2008. The estimated street price will be $599.99.