Olympus E-620

Olympus announced the launch of its new SLR camera: The Olympus E-600. This photo camera uses the recipe you must prepare when in recession times: Build a new cheaper one from the old expensive product. Sony did the same with the launch of the Alpha 850 (an Alpha 900 simplified in order to break prices down). So, if you were looking at the Olympus E-620, it’s time to go and check the specs and reviews of the Olympus E-600.

The PMA 2009 fair in Las Vegas is opening its doors and it is time to confirm or correct the rumours.

• Nikon is concentrating on existing SLR products: Nikon D700 is king.
• Sony is not introducing any new SLR camera.
• Panasonic is advertising strongly the existing Lumix DMC-G1

So, where are the news? Here are some of the notable items:

• Samsung offers new compact point-and-shoot cameras (NX series) with an APS-C imaging sensor. Direct competitors for the SLR cameras, in the “Image Quality” category.
• Olympus E-620
• 6 new lenses for the Sony SLR cameras (one undisclosed Sony G Super Telephoto, 28-75mm f/2.8, DT 30mm f/2.8 Macro, DT 50mm f/1.8, DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6, DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6)
• A new Panasonic Lumix GH1 (improvement over the G1 in 12MP with 1080p video)
• 2 new lenses for the Lumix cameras (14-140mm & 7-14mm)

We will certainly conclude that this issue of the world photo event is going to be tagged as “consumer-oriented” or “entry-level sensitive”.

Olympus E-620

Gee! Olympus is presenting us a small camera. A light camera. A nice camera. A 4/3 camera that looks much more sturdy and rugged than what you would expect from less than 700USD.

The Olympus E-620 is a fairly good surprise for the upcoming PMA 2009 fair. Not that we were not expecting something, but it seems quite nice from the inception.

• 12.3 megapixel Live MOS sensor
• 2.7″ tilt-and-swivel LCD screen
• Live view mode
• Sensor shift image stabilization
• Autofocus system: 7-point with 5 cross-type points
• 49-zone metering
• Sensor dust removal system
• Sensitivity: ISO 100-3,200
• Continuous shooting 4 fps
• Memory slots: CompactFlash & xD Card

Olympus E-620

Olympus E-620

The only thing I’m tempted to ask is why did they include this wrongly Artsy feature that allows to modify the pictures in-camera. Instead of providing useful effects or common photo enhancements, Olympus decided to have these ugly Art Filters. I guess that it’s supposed to attract some non-technical users. But I guess that anybody trying it will soon get tired of the same gross effects…

As usual, I collected in one place the features and the reviews and tests for the Olympus E-620.