Reviews Written by Al

Great for what I do

Pros: ergonomics, size/weight, flexibility, in-camera image stabilization

Cons: low light noise, could use faster autofocus

I've used this camera for about a year now, and an VERY pleased. The basic camera body/mechanism works quite well, allowing for the caveats mentioned above. The 4/3rds system just rocks though. I've been able to buy a full compliment of lenses, including a Leica 25mm f:1.4 (which is amazing for nightime street shots), and the Zuiko 7-14mm, along with a few others. I mention this because by keeping the image stabilization in the camera, I don't have to pay for it with each lens I buy. They don't weigh a ton either, because of the smaller size of the imaging sensor. Yes, I do miss the low light quality of a larger sensor, but the drawbacks are burried by the huge advantage of not trying to shoot with a camera/lens verging on 5 lbs. The E-510 is the first digital camera to offer image stabilization, quite good image quality, IN A PACKAGE APPROXIMATING THE SIZE AND WEIGHT OF A TRADITIONAL 35mm SLR.
I almost bought the new E-3 but although it had a great autofocus system and could shoot more shots in a shorter period of time, its imaging wasn't all that much improved over the E-510 and was bloated in size and weight, so much that it lost its practicality.
I'll probably stick with my 510 until Oly comes up with a similar sized model with a higher quality image sensor. Until then, I'll be happily clicking away. ...