Customer Reviews
Great camera, great stop-action shots 
2008-07-02
It took a long time for me to make the jump from my old 35mm Mamaya/Sekor SLR film camera but I am really glad I did. The Olympus controls are intuitive, even for an old film person like me. The photo quality is excellent, and the sports mode (to freeze action) is great. You can set this camera to be as "manual" as you like, but the auto settings are very good. Even better, I can make adjustments to settings without my reading glasses on - they are large enough and intuitive enough to be able to do that. One word of advice: the camera did not come with storage media so make sure you order that when you order the camera.
overall satisfaction 
2008-06-24
This camera has much potential as a powerful photographic tool. However, It will probably not produce exceptional results in the hands of someone who does not desire to take the time to learn its capabilities, or would simply be more comfortable with a point and shoot experience.
My previous camera, a Canon G2 (point and shoot), still produces great output even today, but I never truly "enjoyed" the experience of using it, because it did not handle comfortably and "intuitively" as a "photographic tool". My wife (the non-photographer) uses the G2 now! Myself, I find the E510 is much more enjoyable for me in this regard--to the extent that it has totally rekindled my interest in photography.
Before settling on the E510, I considered the Canon 30D (with a 28-135mm lens), but returned it after a week because I was not happy with the relatively hefty price, quality issues and range of this lens (Actually, the 30D is a superb camera in its own rite... however, harnessing its potential really requires quite an investment in "L" glass.)
For me the E510 with its 2 superb kit lenses, was a perfect fit for what I was looking for, covering an excellent range of effective 28-300mm with quality optics. No regrets buying this.
Incidentally, I also picked up a used E330 camera body soon after, and it perfectly complements the E510.
I know the E520 is now the latest, greatest.... but the E510 is still the best deal going!
Olympus E-510 2008-06-18
I am enjoying this camera and I like how the photos look. I would highly recommend it.
Best Value in a DSLR Available Today 2008-06-18
This camera does all the description says and more. If you are looking for your first DSLR, and are shopping around, stop now and purchase this camera. I considered waiting for the 520, but the only new features I noticed on the mfg. page were "redesigned controls for people with certain types of color blindness" and the ability to remotely control flash units, neither of which I require.
The photos I have taken over the last few weeks with this camera have more than justified the cost, and I am glad I didn't lose those photo opportunities by continuing to shop around and compare cameras.
The 510 takes amazing photos straight out of the box when set to Auto, and Manual shooting can be done with individual features, such as only the aperture setting being controlled manually, while the focus and ISO are controlled automatically, or the exposure can be controlled manually, with the aperture controlled automatically. By working with only one variable at a time, learning to shoot with manual settings is fun and easy.
If you are uncertain about the 4/3rds format, be aware that this format is actually closer to standard print sizes, such as 8x10, than the standard format most digital cameras use. You do not have to worry about having shots with odd looking aspect ratios.
The kit lenses are more than adequate, with the 150mm being great for wildlife photography. Using the image stabilization feature, telephoto shots of the moon in which craters are clearly visible can be taken without a tripod.
Astrophotographers will like the option to leave the shutter open for 60 seconds, or up to 8 minutes with the optional remote control.
I have no negatives to report for this camera. I suggest purchasing a starter filter kit such as this Hoya 58mm Introductory Filter Kit, UV, Circular Polarizer, 81A and Filter Wallet, or at least a U/V filter for each lens if for no other purpose than to protect it. No extra battery should be required. After four weeks and hundreds of photos, I have only charged my battery once.
For some examples of E-500 series photos, check out the Flickr group at http://www.flickr.com/groups/olympus_e500/
A Great Camera...even for a beginner. 2008-06-13
I love this camera! I am a complete novice to anything beyond a disposable camera, but this camera makes me feel like a pro. Can be a little intimidating at times, but I guess that's what the instruction manual is for. The range of possibilities for each shot is my favorite thing about the camera. I love experimenting with the flash, the color and the shutter speed to see how different a shot can come out. The LCD is a great tool for live view, but I mostly use the viewfinder. More than I've ever spent on anything, but worth every penny!!
Nice Camera!!! 2008-07-16
I sold my Canon Rebel XT and bought this because I wanted a DSLR with dust shake-off, live view and image stabilization. The 510 was a perfect match and after reading many reviews decided to buy it. I am very pleased so far, it is easy to use and the pictures I have taken so far are excellent. This camera has a lot of neat features, the highlight and shadow alert feature is quite unique.
I am really a novice and have slowly been learning the settings. I found the small fine print in the manual hard to read with my 50 year old eyes. I bought the Magic Lantern manual and have found it easy to ready and follow.
A great camera, I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for the right features as I was, and the two lens kit. Other reviewers have noticed that the price fluctuates, I watched that carefully, sometimes checking the price twice a day and got it for $550!
Footnote: Be careful where you buy, some forums here on Amazon have identified some sellers as offering low-ball prices, then they call you to pressure you into paying high prices for accessories, then saying your item is back-ordered when you don't buy.
I did not experience this but want to bring it to everyone's attention!
Great Camera, Volatile Price 2008-07-15
I ordered this camera through Amazon (actual vendor was Adorama Camera)on July 10th, and by the time I received it on July 14th, the price had dropped by $50. (I still paid the higher price!) I've notice the pricing is very volatile for some reason. Regardless, I really like the camera.
Great camera, won't be disappointed! 2008-07-14
Bought this as my beginner SLR and I must say, its been great. Even my wife who before we got it said "I'll stick to my point & shoot camera", has now been using it and loves it. Takes great pictures, easy to learn control's, should last us a long time! Also got a Tamrac 5767 Velocity 7x bag and it holds all the accessories/lenses perfectly!
Back to the old SLR days 2008-07-12
I bought this camera after using a Olympus SP 500UZ which I liked very much. I did have problems getting focused zoom pictures and, since my eyes are not the youngest anymore, the preview screen is hard to see, especially in bright light. Well, here comes through the Lens viewing and I am happy as a lark. Makes me wonder why I gave up the 35mm Camera! I love the Image Stabilizer and the many shortcut functions. Two things that are minor is the function button which is right there where you grab the camera and it gets pushed by accident. The other is the manual which could be laid out differntly but this is minor since every new car comes nowadays with a 3 inch book. All in all I am very happy with this Product.
Great Camera for the price 2008-07-06
This has been a great camera so far. Pictures are sharp and kit lenses perform surprisingly well. I/S is nice as is the relatively compact size. Moved up to DSLR and am thoroughly enjoying it. Compared to all the major brands before buying and checked many customer reviews as well. Universally this camera received the highest marks across the board.
