Olympus E-420: Review

Posted to Digital SLR 2009-08-16

Olympus E-420 Review:

The Olympus E-420 Digital SLR is the world's smallest DSLR camera. Despite it's small size (5.1 x 3.6 x2.1 inches) and light weight (13.4 ounces), Olympus still gave it plenty of useful features. The 10MP E-420 includes autofocus with Live View, face detection, shadow adjustment technology and an active dust reduction system.

Additional features include digital image stabilization, a 2.7 inch, 230,000 pixel HyperCrystal II LCD display, Perfect Shot Preview (allows you to preview effects on the LCD before taking a shot) and wireless flash capability. The entry-level E-420 is one of the lowest priced DSLR/lens combos on the market when coupled with the excellent 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko kit lens (35mm equivalent of 28-84mm). The highly accurate viewfinder provides 95% coverage with a magnification factor of .92x.

Rating:

3.6 out of 5

Value

At the street price, the E-420 is one of the lowest-priced camera/lens DSLRs on the market. It's priced comparably to the Nikon D40, which provides only 6MP resolution and doesn't have live view or dust reduction. The E-420 does have a smaller sensor, but Olympus has handled the noise reduction problem quite well, and normal prints are possible at most ISOs. The small size of the E-420 is an added plus - it easily fits into a jacket pocket or purse.

Features

The E-420, despite is low price, still offers plenty of features. Live View, dust reduction and face detect autofocus are the three biggest - most of the competition at this price point do not offer all three. The only competitor that compares here is the Sony Alpha 200, which offers in-camera image stabilization. The E-420 offers all the manual control you'll ever need, and the digital image stabilization works quite well. About the only complaint would be the size of the viewfinder - it's a little cramped if you're used to a full-size SLR.

Summary

The Olympus E-420 makes an excellent choice for an entry level DSLR, and it's available at a price that's just a little higher than most advanced SLR-like compact point-and-shoots. When coupled with the excellent kit lens, it produces surprisingly good image quality, and the performance specs are respectable. If this camera makes it on to your short list, you'll probably want to try it out in the store - the small viewfinder could be a showstopper.

Pros

10 megapixel resolution
2.7 inch HyperCrystal II 230,000 dot LCD
Built-in dust reduction
Live View and Face Detect autofocus

Cons

small viewfinder