Board index Equipment Digital Cameras Olympus Evolt E510 with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0

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Olympus Evolt E510 with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0

djwixx
 
Posts: 1360

Olympus Evolt E510 with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0

Post Fri Nov 21, 2008 4:12 am


I'm looking for a simple package as a small(ish) carry around option when traveling. I was contemplating the Canon G10, Nikon P6000 and Panasonic LX3, but I'm not convinced I'm going to be happy with any of them, for numerous reasons. Someone suggested the Panasonic Lumix G1 and it seems like a great option, but is a little too new and a little too pricey currently, with little reviews to qualify whether it's worth the $800 (with a single lens) at the moment.

I saw the option below at less than $600 (Amazon) and the size and scope of the lens combination seems like a good compromise especially with image stabilization and dust reduction. Both lenses have a 58mm filter size, so that also reduces the kit requirements for circular polarizers and close up filters etc., which is an added bonus.
Reviews seem pretty good, but some real world thoughts would be appreciated.

Olympus Evolt E510 with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 Zuiko Lenses - the lens range will effectively be 28mm - 300mm.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

niekirk
 
Posts: 129

Re: Olympus Evolt E510 with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0

Post Fri Jan 02, 2009 8:45 pm


Hi Dave

I use the e510 as my main camera; it will be a long time before I change it. You may find an e410 kit at lower price. Much the same, but smaller (although you lose the image stabilisation). The e510, when new, was a lot of camera for the price. You get a very effective dust removal system, live view (great on a tripod), and an effective image stabiliser.

What I'd like to change about it are:

1 - the 14-42 kit lens is a bit slow. I'd like to replace it with the 14-35 f/2, but the price... If you're looking at small and light, as first priority, it's a fine lens.

2 - it's a bit slow focussing in poor light. I don't know how it compares to other SLR's.

3 - It's a bit noisy when you crank it up to 1600 asa.

4 - I'd find the live view more useful if it were faster, and if the screen was articulated.

Really, I'd like better low-light performance in a camera, otherwise it's all I need.

I don't have the 40-150mm lens, but have heard only good things about it.

As an alternative suggestion, if you're looking for something small, light, and fairly serious, why not have a look at the micro four-thirds cameras? It's the same sensor size as the Olympus SLR's. So far there's only the Panasonic G1, and that costs more than the e510, and is not much smaller than the e410, but Olympus may produce something rather smaller later this year, and you can always rely on their optics.

Cheers

ed_sawyer
 
Posts: 397

Re: Olympus Evolt E510 with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0

Post Sat Jan 03, 2009 8:39 pm


Dave,

I have a 510, which replaced an Olympus 500and am extremely pleased with it. The latest version of this is the 520 but I am in no hurry to replace the 510. Being a 4/3 system it is small and light so easy to carry around. The Olympus Zukio lens are, in my opinion far sharper and clearer than the larger lens on the canon and nikon bodies. I currently use the Olympus 18-180 (film equivalent 36-360 mm), the 14-45 mm (28-90 equivalent), and the Olympus 70-300 mm (140-600mm equivalent). I originally had the kit lenses (14-45 and 40-150) but I sold the 40-150 when I purchased the 70-300mm. At my age (72) the image stabilization system is very handy and as a plus, it is built into the body so it works with whatever lens is attached and cuts the overall weight a bit.

Ed

djwixx
 
Posts: 1360

Re: Olympus Evolt E510 with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0

Post Wed Jan 07, 2009 2:00 pm


Thanks for the feedback gents. I'm still looking into the option, and yesterday I read an article about the Oly as a great option for traveling light, albeit an E3 with two very expensive lenses!! I found a local shop that only had the e500 in stock and I was a little concerned with the AF in low light (inside the shop!!) and the flash range seemed quite poor, but again that was the E500. My concern is that I might end up trying to make it ideal for my requirement and it ending up a cash cow with me wanting to improve the lens quality.

I'm still thinking though and have several months to decide, but again THANKS. I'll check out your galleries.

paulsilkphotography
 
Posts: 70

Re: Olympus Evolt E510 with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0

Post Fri Jan 16, 2009 7:54 pm


I use the E-sytem cameras(E-1, E-510 & E-420) and the kit lenses are very good for the price and there the ones that always accompany me when I'm traveling light with the E-420. :)
Keep on snapping and catch the moment if you can.
Paul

http://www.pbase.com/paulsilkphotography

mnoble
 
Posts: 135

Re: Olympus Evolt E510 with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0

Post Fri Feb 06, 2009 1:26 pm


I started with an E500 then went to the E510 and now the E3. I still use the E510 as a backup. The reason I went with Olympus in the first place was "bang for the buck." I am really pleased with the E510. However, if I were in your shoes right now, and could afford it, I would recommend going with the E520. I believe that the same kit lenses are available. The E520 has several upgraded features.

While the kit lenses are a bit slow, shooting using ISO 200 in most situations should not be a problem. The nice thing about the Zuiko lenses provided with the camera is that although they are not expensive, they are really quality lenses and you won't be disappointed in their performance. If you are interested in seeing results with the E510, check out my galleries at http://www.pbase.com/mnoble. Check the EXIF information for the camera type.

I don't think that you can go wrong with the E series cameras from Olympus. Good luck!

cornelisvalk
 
Posts: 1

Re: Olympus Evolt E510 with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0

Post Tue Jun 15, 2010 10:17 am


The E510 certainly is a good camera. I bought one a year ago in combination with the Zuiko 70-300mm and still am very happy with it.
Just check out my galleries, I didn't upload a lot, but it's all shot with the E510.
http://pbase.com/cornelisvalk


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