Olympus EVOLT E-500By: Shawn Barnett and Dave Etchells8.0 megapixels, ZUIKO DIGITAL lens mount, digital SLR design, and loads of features! <<Intro and Highlights :(Previous) | (Next): User Report>> Page 2:Comparison with Olympus E-300Review First Posted: 09/25/2005, Updated: 12/05/2005 |
Comparison to the E-300
To help readers compare the EVOLT E-500 to its sibling the E-300, as well as the current entry-level competitors from other manufacturers, we've combined an in-depth comparison table:
| SLR Camera Comparison | ||||||||
Manufacturer |
Canon |
Canon |
Konica Minolta | Nikon |
Olympus |
Olympus | Pentax |
|
| Model |
EOS 300D Digital Rebel |
EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT |
Maxxum 5D | D50 |
EVOLT E-300 |
EVOLT E-500 | *ist DL |
|
| Imaging System |
Sensor Manufacturer | Canon | Canon | Sony | Sony | Kodak | Kodak | Sony |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS | CCD | CCD | CCD | CCD | CCD | |
| Color Filter Array | RGB | RGB | RGB | RGB | RGB | RGB | RGB | |
| Total Megapixels |
6.5 |
8.2 |
6.3 | 6.24 |
8.9 |
8.9 | 6.31 |
|
| Effective Megapixels | 6.3 | 8.0 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 8.15 | 8.15 | 6.1 | |
| Effective Sensor Size (mm) |
22.7 x 15.1 |
22.2 x 14.8 |
23.7 x 15.6 | 23.7 x 15.6 |
17.3 x 13.0 |
17.3 x 13.0 | 23.5 x 15.7 |
|
| Focal Length Multiplier (approx.) |
1.6x |
1.6x |
1.5x | 1.5x |
2.0x |
2.0x | 1.5x |
|
| Image Processor |
SLR-DIGIC |
DIGIC II |
CxProcess III | Not stated |
TruePic TURBO |
TruePic TURBO | Not stated |
|
| Viewfinder | Type |
Eye-level pentamirror |
Eye-level pentamirror |
Eye-level pentaprism | Eye-level pentamirror |
Eye-level Porro Mirror system |
Eye level Dach Penta Mirror | Eye-level pentaprism |
| Coverage |
95% |
95% |
95% | 95% |
94% |
95% | 96% |
|
| Magnification (-1 diopter with 50mm lens at infinity) |
0.8x |
0.8x |
0.83x | 0.75x |
1.0x |
0.9x | 0.85x |
|
| Eyepoint (mm) |
21 |
21 |
20 | 18 |
20 |
10 | Unknown |
|
| Dioptric Adjustment Range (diopters) |
-3.0 to +1.0 |
-3.0 to +1.0 |
-2.5 to +1.0 | -1.6 to +0.5 |
-3.0 to +1.0 |
-3.0 to +1.0 | -2.5 to +1.5 |
|
| Focusing Screen |
Fixed, all-matte screen |
Fixed, precision matte screen |
Spherical Acute Matte | B-type BriteView clear matte Mark V, with superimposed focus brackets |
Fixed (Matte with AF/Metering marks) |
Fixed | Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen |
|
| Viewfinder Info Display |
AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture value, manual exposure, AE lock, exposure level), flash information (flash ready, red-eye reduction lamp on, high-speed sync, FE lock), shots remaining, CF card information |
AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture value, manual exposure, AE lock, exposure level, AEB in progress, exposure warning), flash information (flash ready, red-eye reduction lamp on, high-speed sync, FE lock, flash exposure compensation), maximum burst, CF card information |
Wide focus frame, spot AF area, local focus areas, spot metering area, active focus point, flash compensation indicator, flash signal, high-speed sync indicator, wireless / remote flash indicator, AE lock indicator, focus signal, shutter-speed display, aperture display, EV scale, frames-remaining counter, camera-shake warning, anti-shake scale | AF information (AF points, focus confirmation, AF area mode, AE/AF lock indicator), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture value, manual exposure, AE/AF lock indicator, exposure level, flash exposure, exposure compensation indicator, pre-set white balance recording indicator), flash-ready indicator, shots remaining, battery level, PC mode indicator |
AF information (AF frame, focus confirmation), aperture value, shutter speed, exposure compensation amount, flash indicator, AE lock, white balance, metering mode, battery check, exposure mode, number of "storable sequential pictures" (not seen on prototype) |
AF frame, Shutter speed, Aperture value, AF confirmation mark, Flash, White balance, AE lock, Number of storable still pictures, Exposure compensation value indication, Metering mode, Battery check, Exposure mode, Record mode | (1) Flash information; (2) Picture mode (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night scene portrait); (3) In-focus; (4) Shutter speed; (5) Aperture value; (6) Exposure compensation factor; (7) Manual white balance; (8) Manual focus; (9) Sensitivity warning;(10) Auto exposure lock signal; (11) AF.C (AF-continuous |
|
| Depth of Field Preview |
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button |
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button |
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button | Not available |
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button |
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button | Enabled with depth-of-field preview position on power switch |
|
| Recording System |
Recording Media / Quantity / Slot Type |
Type I or II CF card / Microdrive |
Type I or II CF card / Microdrive |
Type I or II CF card / Microdrive | Secure Digital card |
Type I or II CF card / Microdrive |
Type I or II CF card / Microdrive, xd-Picture Card | Secure Digital card |
| Compatible File System |
FAT 16 / FAT 32 |
FAT 16 / FAT 32 |
FAT 16 / FAT 32 | FAT 16 / FAT 32 |
FAT 16 / FAT 32 |
FAT 16 / FAT 32 | Unknown |
|
| Recording Formats |
RAW (CRW), JPEG |
RAW (CR2), JPEG |
RAW (MRW), JPEG | RAW (NEF), JPEG |
RAW (ORF), JPEG, TIFF |
RAW (ORF), JPEG, TIFF | RAW, JPEG, TIFF |
|
| Maximum Resolution |
3072 x 2048 |
3456 x 2304 |
3008 x 2000 | 3008 x 2000 |
3,264 x 2,448 |
3,264 x 2,448 | 3008 x 2008 |
|
| Reduced Resolutions (JPEG only) |
2048 x 1360; 1356 x 1024 |
2496 x 1664; 1728 x 1152 |
2256 x 1496; 1504 x 1000 | 2256 x 1496; 1504 x 1000 |
3,200 x 2,400; 2,560 x 1,920; 1,600 x 1,200; 1,280 x 960; 1,024 x 768; 640 x 480 |
3,200 x 2,400; 2,560 x 1,920; 1,600 x 1,200; 1,280 x 960; 1,024 x 768; 640 x 480 | 2400 x 1600; 1536 x 1024 |
|
| RAW + JPEG Recording |
Yes, Middle Fine JPEG only, embedded in RAW |
Yes, any resolution |
Yes, selectable JPEG resolution (fine compression only) | Yes, basic JPEG only |
Yes, Selectable JPEG resolution / compression |
RAW + JPEG | No |
|
| Color Space & White Balance |
User-Selectable Color Space |
Yes sRGB + Adobe RGB |
Yes sRGB + Adobe RGB |
Yes sRGB (eight variants) + Adobe RGB (two variants) |
Yes sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB |
Yes sRGB + Adobe RGB |
Yes sRGB + Adobe RGB |
Unknown |
| Processing Parameters (Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, Color Tone) / # of Increments |
5 (Same as 10D, but new is default sets: one mimics 10D settings and one boosts contrast, saturation, and sharpening for snappier prints. This is the factory default setting) |
5 (Same as original Digital Rebel, but with the addition of a Black and White mode that includes tone and contrast adjustments.) |
8 | 6 options each for sharpness and contrast, 3 options for saturation. 7-step hue adjustment. Digital vari-programs preset various processing parameters as well, and color space III boosts saturation somewhat, particularly in greens. |
5 options each for sharpness, saturation, and contrast. Normal/Low/High-key Gradation adjustment |
5 options each for sharpness, saturation, and contrast. Normal/Low/High-key Gradation adjustment | Unknown |
|
| Preset WB settings |
6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) |
6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) |
6 (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash) | 6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) |
14 (Auto, Custom, plus 12 Kelvin Temperature settings correlated with common light sources, such as incandescent, various types of fluorescent, etc.) |
9 (Auto, Custom, plus 7 Kelvin Temperature settings correlated with common light sources, such as incandescent, various types of fluorescent, etc.) | 10 (Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy,Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light [White, Daylight, Neutral], Flash, Manual) |
|
| Manual Color Temperature Setting Range |
None |
None |
2500 ~ 9900K in 100K increments | (No Kelvin option, but very broad Preset WB range) |
2,000 ~ 10,000K (16 settings, varying increments) |
3,000 - 7,000K | None |
|
| WB Adjustment Range |
±3 steps in 1-step increments 5 mireds per step |
±9 steps in 1-step increments 5 mireds per step |
±3 steps in 1-step increments Arbitrary step size (approx. 10 mireds per step in most modes) |
Not available |
±7 steps in 1-step increments, unknown step size |
±7 steps in 1-step increments, 2 mireds per step | Not available |
|
| Autofocus System |
Type |
TTL-CT-SIR with a CMOS sensor (TTL secondary image registration, phase detection) |
TTL-CT-SIR with a CMOS sensor (TTL secondary image registration, phase detection) |
TTL phase detection with CCD line sensors | TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module |
TTL phase detection |
TTL phase detection | TTL phase-matching by SAFOX VIII |
| # of Focusing Points (Focusing Point Type) |
7 points (1 cross-type, 2 horizontal-type, 4 vertical-type) |
7 points (1 cross-type, 2 horizontal-type, 4 vertical-type) |
9 points, 8 lines with center cross-hair sensor | 5 points |
3 points |
3 points | 11 points |
|
| Superimposed Focus Point Display | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| AF Working Range |
EV 0.5 ~ 18 (ISO 100) |
EV 0.5 ~ 18 |
EV-1 ~ EV18 (ISO 100) | EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100) |
EV 0 ~ 19 |
EV 0 ~ 19 (ISO 100) | EV1 to EV19 (ISO 200) |
|
| AF-assist Beam |
Yes, stroboscopic flash (Range: Approx. 4.0m / 13.1ft. at center, approx. 3.5m/11.5ft. off-center) Note: Only available when flash is enabled. |
Yes, stroboscopic flash (Range: Approx. 4.0m / 13.1ft. at center, approx. 3.5m/11.5ft. off-center) |
Yes, stroboscopic flash | Bright incandescent lamp, (Range approx. 3.0 m, 9.8 ft, depending on lens.) Not dependent on flash setting. |
With built-in flash unit, and on dedicated Olympus external flash units. Note: Only available when flash is enabled. |
With built-in flash unit, and on dedicated Olympus external flash units. Note: Only available when flash is enabled. | Unknown |
|
| Exposure Control |
Shooting Modes |
12 - Program AE (Full Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash Off, Program), shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, depth-of-field AE, manual exposure, ETTL autoflash |
12 - Program AE (Full Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash Off, Program), shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, depth-of-field AE, manual exposure, ETTL autoflash |
8 - Full Auto, Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, manual, Portrait, Sports Action, Landscape, Sunset, Night Portrait | 11 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, Manual, Auto, Portrait, Landcape, Close up, Sports, Child, Night Portrait. |
9 - Program, aperture-priority AE, shutter-priority AE, Manual, Portrait, Landcape, Close up, Sports, Night Landscape, plus:
14 Scene modes (Landscape, Landscape+Portrait, Night Scene, Night+Portrait, Fireworks, Sunset, Portrait, High Key, Macro, Documents, Museum, Sport, Beach & Snow, and Candle) |
7 - Auto, Program, aperture-priority AE, shutter-priority AE, Manual, Scene Program, Scene Select.
15 Scene modes (Portrait, Landscape, Landscape + Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene + Portrait, Fireworks, Sunset, Macro, Sports, High-Key, Low-Key, Documents, Beach & Snow, Candle, and Children) |
6 - Auto, Programmed AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Metered Manual, Bulb |
| Metering Zones |
35 |
35 |
14 | 420 |
Not stated |
49 | 16 |
|
| Metering Modes |
Evaluative (linked to any AF point), center weighted average (set automatically in manual mode), 9% partial |
Evaluative (linked to any AF point), center weighted average, 9% partial |
14-segment honeycomb-pattern metering, Center-weighted, Spot | 1) 3D color matrix metering with 420-segment RGB sensor. (2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8mm dia. circle in center of frame. (3) Spot: Meters 2.3 mm dia. circle (about one percent of frame) centered on active focus area. |
Digital ESP (evaluative), center-weighted, spot |
Digital ESP (evaluative), center-weighted, 2% spot, highlight spot, shadow spot | Multi, Center-Weighted, and Spot |
|
| Metering System Working Range |
EV 1 ~ 20 |
EV 1 ~ 20 |
1) EV 1 ~ 20 (14-segment honeycomb-pattern or center-weighted metering) 2) EV 4 ~ 20 (spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens) |
1) EV 0 ~ 20 (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering) 2) EV 2 ~ 20 (spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F) |
1) Digital ESP / Center Weighted Average; EV 1 ~ 20 2) Spot; EV 3 ~ 17 (50mm F2, ISO 100) |
1) Digital ESP / Center Weighted Average; EV 1 ~ 20 2) Spot; EV 3 ~ 17 (50mm F2, ISO 100) |
EV 1 ~ 21.5 |
|
| ISO Range / Extended |
100 ~ 1600 / -- |
100 ~ 1600 / -- |
100 ~ 3200 | 200 ~ 1600 / -- |
100 ~ 400 / 1600 |
100 ~ 400 / 1600 | 200 ~ 1600 / 3200 |
|
| Exposure Compensation |
+/- 2EV in 1/3EV increments |
+/- 2EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments |
+/- 2EV in 1/3EV increments | +/- 5EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments |
+/- 5EV in 1, 1/2 or 1/3EV increments |
+/- 5EV in 1, 1/2 or 1/3EV increments | ±2 EV in 1/2EV or 1/3EV increments |
|
| Automatic Exposure Bracketing |
+/- 2EV in 1/3EV increments |
+/- 2EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments |
3 shots, 1/3, or 2/3EV increments | 3 shots, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps |
3 shots in +/- 1, 1/2, or 1/3 EV steps |
3 or 5 shots in +/- 1, 2/3, 1/2, or 1/3 EV steps | 3 shots in +/- 1/2, or 1/3 EV steps |
|
| Shutter Speeds, Frame Rate, Shutter Lag |
Shutter Type |
Mechanical, all speeds electronically controlled |
Mechanical, all speeds electronically controlled |
Mechanical | Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter |
Mechanical Focal Plane, electronically controlled |
Mechanical Focal Plane, electronically controlled | Mechanical Focal Plane, electronically controlled |
| Shutter Speed Range |
1/4000 ~ 30 sec. (1/3EV increments) and bulb |
1/4000 ~ 30 sec. (1/2 or 1/3EV increments) and bulb |
1/4000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3EV, bulb | 1/4000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb |
1/4000 ~ 30 sec., 1/3, 1/2, 1EV step selectable, bulb |
1/4000 ~ 60 sec., bulb | 1/4000 ~ 30 sec. and bulb |
|
| Maximum Frames Per Second / Buffer depth |
2.5 fps / 4 frames |
3 fps / 14 frames |
3fps / 5 RAW frames | 2.47 fps / 16 frames |
2.58 fps / 4 frames |
2.58 fps / 4 frames | 2.8 fps (manufacturer spec) |
|
| Flash | Built-in Flash / Guide Number at ISO 100. |
Yes (13 meters / 43 feet) |
Yes (13 meters / 43 feet) |
Yes (12 meters / 39 feet) | Yes (11 meters / 36 feet) |
Yes (13 meters / 43 feet) |
Yes (13 meters / 43 feet) |
Yes (15.6 meters / 51 feet) @ ISO 200 |
| Max flash x-sync speed. (sec.) |
1/200 |
1/200 |
1/160 (anti-shake off) / 1/125 (anti-shake on) | 1/500 (!) |
1/180 |
1/180 |
1/180 |
|
| Flash Exposure Compensation |
No |
+/- 2EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments |
+/- 2EV in 1/3EV increments | -3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps |
+/- 2 EV in each 1, 1/2, or 1/3 EV steps |
+/- 2 EV in each 1, 1/2, or 1/3 EV steps | -2 to +1 EV (1/2 EV steps) |
|
| Slow-sync flash |
1st curtain only |
1st or 2nd curtain |
1st or 2nd curtain | 1st or 2nd curtain |
1st or 2nd curtain |
1st or 2nd curtain | Unknown |
|
| PC Sync Terminal |
Hot shoe only |
Hot shoe only |
Hot shoe only | Hot shoe only |
Hot shoe only |
Hot shoe only | Hot shoe only |
|
| Playback System |
LCD Size / Pixel Count |
1.8 in. LCD / 118,000 pixels |
1.8 in. LCD / 115,000 pixels |
2.5 in LCD / 115,000 pixels | 2.0 in LCD / 130,000 pixels |
1.8 in LCD / 134,000 pixels |
2.5 in LCD / 215,250 pixels | 2.5 in. LCD / 210,000 pixels |
| Enlarged Playback / Scroll |
1.5~10x in 15 steps / Yes |
1.5~10x in 15 steps / Yes |
4.7x max / Yes | 1.1 - 4.7x in 10 steps / Yes |
2, 3, 4, 10x / Yes |
2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14x / Yes | Unknown |
|
| LCD Monitor Brightness Adjustment Range |
5 steps |
5 steps |
11 steps | 5 steps |
7 steps |
+ / - 7 steps | Unknown |
|
| Automatic Rotation for Vertical Shots |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes | Yes |
No |
Yes | Unknown |
|
| Other Features | Computer Connection |
Yes, PTP-compliant, USB v 1.1 |
Yes, USB 2.0, PTP-compliant |
Yes, USB 1.1 (PTP compliant) | Yes, PTP-compliant (v2.0 standard, v2.0 speed) |
Yes, PTP-compliant (v2.0 standard, v1.1 max speed) |
Yes, PTP-compliant (v2.0 standard, v1.1 max speed) | USB 2.0 High Speed (PTP compliance unknown) |
| Direct Printing (PictBridge compliant printers) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes | Yes |
Yes |
Yes | Unknown |
|
| Menu Languages |
12 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese.) |
15 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Russian, Traditional Chinese, Korean,and Japanese.) |
11 (Japanese, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean) | 13 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Italian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Dutch, Swedish) |
4 (English, German, Spanish, French). Add additional languages through Web |
7 (English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean) | Unknown |
|
| Camera Default Reset |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes | Yes |
Yes |
Yes | Unknown |
|
| Custom Functions (Quantity / Settings) |
No |
Yes (9 / 24) |
Yes (12 / 26) | Yes (6 / 20) |
No |
No | Unknown |
|
| Remote Control |
Optional, Compatible with Remote Switch RS-60E3, Remote Controller RC-5 / RC-1 |
Compatible with Remote Switch RS-60E3, Remote Controller RC-5 / RC-1 |
Optional, compatible with RC-1000S or RC-1000L | Optional IR |
Optional IR |
Optional RM-1 | Yes, details unknown |
|
| Info LCD Panel / Illumination |
Yes / Yes (dedicated button) |
Yes / Yes (dedicated button) |
No / n/a | Yes / No |
No / n/a |
No / n/a | Unknown |
|
| Ultrasonic CCD dust-removal function |
No |
No |
No | No |
Yes |
Yes | No |
|
| Body Structure | Body Cover / Chassis |
Largely Plastic, aluminum frame |
Largely plastic, aluminum frame |
Glass Fiber Plastic | Largely Plastic |
Metal Alloy |
Plastic | Largely plastic / Stainless Steel frame |
| Power System | Battery Compatibility |
Main: BP-511 / BP-512 Backup: CR2016 |
Main: NB-2LH Backup: CR2016 |
NP-400 | EN-EL3 CR2 pack is an added-cost accessory |
BLM-1 |
BLM-1 | 2 x CR-V3 or 4 x AA |
| Rated Shooting Capacity at 20C/68F |
100% AE: 600 50% Flash: 400 |
100% AE: 600 50% Flash: 400 |
CIPA standard: 550; Konica Minolta standard: 700 | 100% AE: 2000 50% Flash: 400 |
CIPA standard: 400 |
CIPA standard: 400 |
Unknown |
|
| Dimensions & Weight | Dimensions (WxHxD, mm) |
142 x 99 x 72.9 |
126.5 x 94 x 64 |
130.5 x 92.5 x 66.5 | 133 x 102 x 76 |
146 x 85 x 64 |
129 x 94.5 x 66 | 125 x 92.5 x 66 |
| Weight (body only) |
560 g |
485 g |
590 g | 540 g |
580g |
437g | 470 g |
|
| Operational Environment |
Operating Temperature Range |
0 ~ 40°C |
0 ~ 40°C |
0 ~ 40°C | 0 ~ 40°C |
0 ~ 40°C |
0 ~ 40°C | 0 ~ 40°C |
| Operating Humidity Range |
85% max. |
85% max. |
Not Stated | 85% max. |
30 - 90% |
30 - 90% | Not stated |
|
| Kit Lens | Focal length / aperture |
- |
- |
18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 AF |
18-55mm f/3.5-4.5G |
14 – 45mm f3.5 – f5.6 |
14 – 45mm f3.5 – f5.6 |
18-55mm f3.5 - f5.6 |
| Lens Compatibility | Lens Mount / Compatibility |
EF / All EOS lenses, plus EF-S lenses |
EF / All EOS lenses, plus EF-S lenses |
A-type / All A-type lenses except MD and MC series manual focus lenses. AF Macro 3x - 1x f/1.7-2.8 lens cannot be used with Anti-Shake, nor does Anti-Shake work with any lens with a macro release. |
|
Zuiko Digital, Four Thirds System Lens |
Zuiko Digital, Four Thirds System Lens | KAF / compatible with PENTAX KAF2-, KAF- and KA-mount lenses. Power zoom function not available. K-mount lenses usable with restrictions. S-mount lenses usable with adapter and restrictions. 67/645 lenses usable adapter and restrictions. |
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