8.9 out of 10

Olympus EVOLT E-420

10.0 megapixels

Information found in: from 108 sources in 22 countries.

Best Price: $339

  • User Score (33)
    8.6 8.6 from 33 reviewers
  • Expert Score (24)
    7.9 7.9 from 24 reviewers
  • Design (6)
    9.7 9.7 from 6 reviewers
  • Value for money (17)
    9.9 9.9 from 17 reviewers
  • Features (13)
    9.4 9.4 from 13 reviewers
  • Ease of use (8)
    9.5 9.5 from 8 reviewers
  • Picture quality (18)
    9.2 9.2 from 18 reviewers

Freak Rank

  • Buzz Index: 0/5
  • Activity: 1/5
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Pros & Cons

  • live view with autofocus, small form factor, great noise control, super sonic wave filter, excellent noise performance
  • no image stabilisation, no image stabilization system, limited raw headroom, can be distracting, dim viewfinder

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Manufacturer's Specs

  • Format
    SLR
  • Max resolution
    3648 x 2736
  • Low resolution
    3200 x 2400, 2560 x 1920, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480
  • Image ratio w:h
    4:3
  • Effective pixels
    10.0 million
  • Sensor photo detectors
    11.8 million
  • Sensor size
    4/3 " (18.00 x 13.50 mm, 2.43 cm²)
  • Pixel density
    4.1 MP/cm²
  • Sensor type
    NMOS
  • Sensor manufacturer
    Matsushita

Review Summary

I purchased this camera after much debate between the Nikon D60, Nikon D40, Leica D-Lux-3, and Rebel XSI.

I am very pleased with it, mainly for the following reasons:

  • Size - this is the smallest DSLR on the planet, smaller than the D40, (as of June 2008).
  • Image Quality (IQ): The image quality is fantastic - after researching the Noise-levels for the E-410, E-510 and reading the Cameralabs.com and dpreview.com noise analysis, the E-420 can hold itself against even the Canon Rebel XSI for no…
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I purchased this camera after much debate between the Nikon D60, Nikon D40, Leica D-Lux-3, and Rebel XSI.

I am very pleased with it, mainly for the following reasons:

  • Size - this is the smallest DSLR on the planet, smaller than the D40, (as of June 2008).
  • Image Quality (IQ): The image quality is fantastic - after researching the Noise-levels for the E-410, E-510 and reading the Cameralabs.com and dpreview.com noise analysis, the E-420 can hold itself against even the Canon Rebel XSI for noise upto ISO 800. Even ISO 1600 is usable, especially if you run it through a noise removal program. The dynamic range is even improved compared to the E-510/E-410 and approaches the flagship E-3.
  • Features - there are some nice features on the E-420 such as contrast Auto-Focus (Live View); Face Detection and SSWF (Dust Removal Filter).

All in All, given the BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK, it’s hard to get all these features in such a small package. The only downsides I can think of are the lack of image stabilization, but hey - what did we do before Image Stabilization? Learn to take photos properly! You can also use the high-ISO, A tripod and shutter speed to control this, so you basically don’t even need Image Stabilization, and if you REALLY need it, then there are all the 4/3 lenses which have OIS built in, so there’s an option, albeit there are costly.

Overall score: 8.5/10. Good Job Olympus.

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10 megapixel, 1x optical zoom, 1x digital zoom, USB, CompactFlash I/II, Microdrive, xD-Picture card, 2.7 inch LCD.

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  1. Olympus Evolt E-420

    Reviewer: Maclife
    08 August 2008
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    The Evolt E-420 includes the features and quality we expect from an entry-level DSLR. While its quirks disappoint, it’s a great value for beginners Read more

  2. Olympus E-420

    Reviewer: CNET
    14 July 2008
    Overall 7
    7.0
     

    The Olympus E-420 is a good beginner's dSLR with an extremely compact footprint that should go well with travelers. Just don't expect any fancy features for this budget model. Read more

  3. Reviewer: DP Review
    23 June 2008
    Overall 8
    8.0
    Value for money 9
    9.0
    Features 9
    9.0
    Performance 9
    9.0
    Picture quality 8
    8.0
     

    Review based on a production E-420 The Olympus E-420 is the most 'junior' member in Olympus line of digital SLRs. It was announced on the 5th March 2008 , exactly one year after the launch of its predecessor, the E-410. Like the E-410 it comes with a 10 megapixel resolution, live-view and the SSWF dust reduction system; and like its predecessor at the time it is also the currently lightest and smallest digital SLR on the market, especially if you combine it with the... Read more

  4. Reviewer: Imaging Resource
    03 June 2008

    The Olympus E-420 picks up where the E-410 left off, advancing the feature set and underlying characteristics within Olympus's line. While the addition of Face Detection and Contrast-Detect autofocus clearly target point-and-shooters, the introduction of a 25mm pancake lens and incorporation of Wireless Flash control shows potential for a new digital SLR design. Up to this point, small, compact digital SLRs have been relegated to entry-level offerings with... Read more

  5. Olympus E-420

    Reviewer: Camera Labs
    31 May 2008
    Overall 9
    9.0
     

    When Olympus launched the original E-400 to the European market in September 2006, it was a breath of fresh air. Inspired by classic 35mm film SLRs of the Eighties, the E-400 could boast the tag of World’s smallest and lightest DSLR, without compromising on comfort or handling. It may not have had much of a grip to speak of, but then neither did those older film cameras and no-one complained back then. Its successor the E-410 brought Live View and Worldwide... Read more

  1. review of Olympus EVOLT E-420

    Reviewer: warren4321, Ciao
    16 October 2008
    Overall 8
    8.0
    Design 8
    8.0
    Value for money 8
    8.0
    Ease of use 8
    8.0
     

    Even though the size of Olympus E-420 is small, but it contained a lot of features inside. The 4/3 SLR camera system can be replaced, 1000W effective pixels, with ultrasonic dust removal, real-time viewfinder, wireless flash and other advanced features! It has high-quality ZUIKO "sharp light" series lens which able to catch any beautiful scene that we observe. Read more

  2. Reviewer: Lawnin, PC World
    13 October 2008
    Overall 6
    6.0
     

    It's probably not the last DSLR I will ever buy but as a change of pace from a compact, the E420 has been a great step up and lot of fun. The back menus and camera setting are easy to learn and use. And although it may not fit in a pocket, it sure DOES fit nicely in a brief case or small day bag. It would work better with a hand-lanyard to prevent camera snatchers, instead of a shoulder strap. Read more

  3. Best thing for Entry DSLR !

    Reviewer: MoeOz, CNET
    08 August 2008
    Overall 9
    9.0
     

    If you are new to DSLR or wanna something to go with you everywhere - anywhere without a hassle of weight then you have no where else to go :) . Read more

  4. Great camera and so lightweight

    Reviewer: Mandy, Circuit City
    26 July 2008
    Overall 10
    10
    Value for money 10
    10
    Features 10
    10
    Picture quality 10
    10
     

    This camera seems to do it all. Only thing missing is the Image stabilization but I have been shooting for over 25 years and never needed it. If its to unstable then use a tripod as that what they were made for. The live view is pretty nice to have but can slow you down when you are shooting rapid fire. You also cant beat the price for a D-SLR with a wide angle zoom included. Battery life is also good but I always carry extra battery so its not really a point. Read more

  5. olympus E Volt 420 a subjective review

    Reviewer: Digitalcamera HQ
    13 June 2008
    Overall 6
    6.0
     

    The olympus E volt 420 has asmall grip, harder to hold to,especially for larger hands.. It has LIVE VIEW which causes shutterr lag when you use it. The shutter lag is comparable to a P and S digicam when using the live view feature. Long lenses ,such at 300mm, MUST be braced to get a decent snap. The E 420 is hard to hold due to the ungainly additions of long and heavy lenses to this quite small body.. The CCR processor on board is 17 comparied to 23 or 24 for its... Read more

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Video Reviews

  • Sollozza: Olympus E-420 Olympus E-420 Length: Play Video
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