In-camera image stabilization

The E510 was the first Olympus SLR to have build in image stabilization. The sensor is basically mounted on a similar system as what one would find in a lens that is stabilized.

It works beautifully and it helps one to get that difficult shot with ease. All the pictures on this page was taken in Bern, the capital of Switzerland and these little figures are well known and unique for Bern. I had my 50 - 200 mm pro grade Olympus lens fitted to the E510. The lens was fixed to my tripod and I could use the camera “free” in the hand while softly supported by the tripod. It worked well together with the build in IS

Olympus Colors

The E510 is the closest to the typical Olympus colors as was seen in the E1 and the E500. Both these cameras used the famous Kodak CCD type sensor.

All the pictures on this page was taken in RAW and they were edited in CS3. In the picture on the right one can see that the right shoulder of the figure was over exposed and that was basically the result of direct sunlight on the shoulder. In this case the total dynamic range could have been well into the 16 stops region and no digital camera would have been able to cope with that. I could recover at least one more stop in the RAW process but not all was recovered. Is it really that bad? I think this is a great example of times that dynamic range is not the only variable, as long as the final picture is good.

Dynamic Range

The E510 was blamed by the photographic review industry for having a smaller than usual dynamic range. This resulted in endless discussions on large forums. Just how much less dynamic range does the E510 have? I decided to research this in more detail and after reading many reviews I could not help to stop searching for the right answer because almost every other report that cared to measure the dynamic range of the E510 came up with different results.

I then started to test and try the E510 in different conditions and found that, yes it does have a tendency to quickly show burned highlights. This could also be how Olympus tailor the final tone curve on the internally processed JPEG pictures. Its also known that the E510 applies higher than normal sharpening in its processed files. Aggressive sharpening can also contribute to pictures quickly showing “burn outs”. Keep in mind that RAW files are different to the equivalent but processed JPEG files.

At the start of this article I mentioned that I believe the E510 is a specialist camera and in terms of dynamic range I think its 100% true. The E510 is very direct and it will show every mistake the photographer makes. If you not 100% trained and experienced with exposure techniques, then you will most definitely have difficulty in demanding conditions. On the other hand if you understand the art of using light in a smart way then I have no doubt that you will also enjoy the E510.

The menu structure of the E510 and the E410 does look and feel similar to that of the E3, the E520 and the E420 but when compared in more detail then they different. The EP-1 has further evolved and is different to its predecessors the E3, 520 and E420. One can understand that there is a need for for development but at the same time I feel it is a weakness of the Olympus system. I would prefer if Olympus stayed with the E3 menu layout and if they kept on building on that.

The functionality of the E510 is great and it basically has the same functions as the E3. The only reason one would decide to upgrade to the E3 is if one need the weather sealing and the high “pro” quality build of the E3. In terms of functionality, the E510 can basically do it all.

Olympus has a great selection of lenses. On every level the user can have a full range at a price point that is acceptable to that level. At the same time the image quality of the lenses when used in the sweet spot area does not differ that much. Again the key differences are in terms of lens speed and weather sealing. The pro grade lenses also has a significantly larger sweet spot area. What I mean by that is that if the 14 - 42 kit lens is good at f5,6 to f13 at a specific focal length then the 14 - 54 will be great right from f3,5 up to f18 at that same focal length.

Having said this, the E510 really shines when a lens like the 50 mm Macro or the 50 - 200 mm zoom is fitted. It performs like a dream and the level of sharpness and detail is just amazing.

Special Settings for the E510

I like to remind you of the statement I made right at the start of this short feedback article on the E510. The E510 is a specialists camera and typical to a high performance product it will not be forgiving if used incorrectly. I like to give credit to writers like Wrotniak and others who invested a lot of time to find the best setting for the different cameras. On the E510 my own advice will be to completely ignore all that has been said and written about this fine camera.

I did exactly that when I received my E510 in January this year. I cleaned it, did a full camera reset, fitted the 14 - 54 mm lens and went for a walk. I had a good look at the RAW as well as the JPEG pictures and from there on I started adapting it to my own unique style.

Two to three months later the only special setting I use on the camera is the sharpness is set to minus one (-1). I personally also like to use the VIVID setting. Everything else is set to factory settings. I only use exposure compensation when I find a need it for a particular shot. Thereafter it goes back to neutral or zero (0). My preferred shooting modes are Aperture priority (A) or manual (M).

I always used HQ JPEG plus RAW but later found it takes up all my disk space in a matter of months. I therefore only shoot in RAW today and to be honest, I prefer that hands down to anything else.

I also decided to leave the noise setting as is because I am happy with the results. I do not like the ISO setting of any of my camera’s in “Auto” because I feel that is one of the most important settings that can influence the picture’s quality. On the E510 I set the ISO to 100 and will only change that if a picture specifically requires a different setting. After taking the picture the camera will go back to ISO, 100.

My E510 will be used as a general camera which means it will be used for everything I do, that could be pictures for the web, weddings, photo shoots, studio work (only light duty) or taking pictures at a concert.