Olympus E620 Review Part 1

The complete Olympus e620 review will span several individual posts. Rather than save all my notes for three or four weeks before writing a single comprehensive review, I’ll publish it in pieces after each step of the process. Later I’ll post an index summary pointing to each individual article in the review series.

First though, I think it’s important to make clear that these are not bench tests. They’re actual user tests based on my personal experience with the e620. There might be some technical posts later, but I’m gonna start with what’s most important when actually using the camera.

You’ll find that I often compare the e620 with the Olympus e420 and e520. That’s because they’re the only other Oly cameras I have experience with. I’d love to compare it to the Olympus E3 or E30, but unless someone drops one of those in my lap for that purpose, you’re stuck with what I know from first hand use.

Most of my photography experience is based on long-term use (over 40 years) of 35mm film SLRs such as the Minolta SRT-101 and Nikon F3, and the medium-format Pentax 6×7 workhorse I used for a while in the 1970s. If you’re coming to digital photography from an advanced film background, that might mean something to you. If not, don’t worry about it. It just means I resisted spending a lot of cash on digital stuff until I felt the quality of work I could affordably produce with it would approach the quality I could get from film.

The Olympus e620 seems able to do that. I think.

But enough preamble: Here’s my promised review of the Olympus e620…

First Impressions

After just a few days of use, I like this camera. It ain’t perfect, but there’s a lot to like about it. And not much to dislike. Handling seems first rate. In spite of the camera’s small size, controls are easy to use and laid out well. Some other reviewers complain the buttons are too small, but even my huge clumsy fingers have no problem with them. Dynamic range seems to be improved from the e420/e520. And the 12mp resolution is a definite (and visible) improvement.

Yeah, I do have a few gripes and there are several things Olympus could have done better with this model. But I’ll get to those during the course of the coming review articles.

Overall I’d say it’s a keeper — especially for the improved resolution and DR. You’ll see it in the photos when I post them in a few days.

Handling

Handling the e620 is pretty smooth even though the camera is small. It’s slightly larger than the e420 (World’s Smallest DSLR) and that’s good. I have big hands and holding the e420 confidently took some getting used to: it never felt completely comfortable.

The e620 is a definite improvement. It has a beefier grip than the e420, and that makes it easier for me to hold. My wife (who has small hands) commented that it’s just about right for her. The e420 never felt secure to her, but the e620 does.

Comparing the e620 to the e520 you’ll notice a handling difference. But even though the e520 is bigger (and I generally prefer bigger cameras), I found the e620 is at least as comfortable.

Size and Weight

Compared to DSLRs from other manufacturers, the Olympus e620 is a true lightweight in the “can you lug it around all day” department. Yes, you can. Easily.

With the 25mm f2.8 pancake lens mounted it’s almost pocket-size, but not quite. With the 14-42 kit lens attached, it’s still more convenient than most other DSLRs, very light, small and practically unnoticeable hanging around your neck all day.

Official Stats…

body only	e620	e420
size:	5.11” wide, 3.7” high, 2.36” deep	5.1” wide, 3.1” high, 2.1” deep
weight:	16.06 ounces	15.1 ounces

The e620 will never be mistaken for a “point-n-shoot,” but with the 25mm pancake attached it will fit easily into a large purse or a big jacket pocket.

Balance

If you’re stepping up from a point-n-shoot and plan to use Live View instead of the optical viewfinder, your mileage may vary. I find the e620 easier to hold than most point-n-shoots when using Live View. But I don’t use Live View very often. There are several reasons for that, and we’ll get to them later this series.

When using the optical viewfinder the e620 feels well-balanced, even with a heavy 50-200mm lens attached. But it’s a bit unwieldy when using big lenses with Live View — unless the camera’s on a tripod and then it’s pretty nice.

With the 14-42 kit lens, the camera feels very comfortable in both Live View and OVF. Mount the 25mm pancake on it and you barely notice that you’re shooting an SLR instead of a point-n-shoot. Of course, image quality is miles ahead of any point-n-shoot on the planet, no matter what lens you choose.

Buttons and Controls

One of the nicest features of Olympus DSLRs is the LCD display of camera settings. No stumbling through menus to check how your camera is set. You can see it all instantly on the display. And you can change any camera setting using the LCD and a couple of button pushes.

But that’s with other Olympus DSLRs. The e620 makes changing settings even easier.

Most of the buttons are dedicated to specific functions and clearly labeled — several are backlit so you can see ‘em in the dark. Want to quickly change Auto Focus modes? Push the AF button. Need to change ISO quickly? Push the ISO button. Gotta switch from matrix to spot metering immediately? Push the metering button. Want to instantly select a specific auto focus point? Push a dedicated button to choose the point you prefer. And if you find yourself switching often between auto focus and manual focus, you can pre-program a button to make that change instantly with just one click.

The e620’s articulating LCD forced Olympus to re-design the camera’s button layout. And I find the new layout to be a definite improvement over that on the e420 and e520.

All the buttons are well placed and well marked. Using them is highly intuitive. And the backlighting is a very nice touch that makes working in dim light so much easier.

Some reviewers have complained that the e620’s buttons are too small. But I don’t find that to be so. Even with my big, clumsy fingers they’re easy to find and provide good tactile feedback. Pressing them is sure and satisfying: you won’t find yourself wondering “did it work?” You’ll know it did just by feel. And you’ll see any changes instantly on the LCD display, too.

Next — Are the e620 viewfinder improvements really worth the upgrade? I’ll discuss that in Part 2 which should be online in another day or two. Use the “Subscribe” link in the right column to be certain you don’t miss it.

Meanwhile, if you have a specific question about the e620 I’ll be happy to address it. Just post your question in a comment and I’ll work the answer into the review or an FAQ so it’ll be easy to find.

29 June, 2009 — Filed in: Reviews,