Flexibility is the name of the gameThe E-520 relegates blurred photos to a thing of the past. Its built-in image stabiliser ensures subjects are captured in ultimate sharpness, shot after shot - no matter if shooting from the back of a motorbike on rough terrain or capturing a spontaneous “stolen moment” out of the hand in a market square. Because the stabiliser is located in the camera body and not in individual lenses, photographers can shoot with confidence regardless of which lens is attached: from wide-angle models like the soon-to-be-released ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 to high-performance zooms such as the new ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 (equiv. to 140-600mm in a 35mm format).
Sequential shooting at 3.5fps with up to eight images in RAW buffer lets every moment be captured. Matched with fast processing speeds and the exceptionally low noise performance that’s attributable to the TruePic III image processor, high-speed action becomes your friend. Broad-ranging sensitivity from ISO 100-1600 adds versatility, and the bracketing function let series of shots to be taken with varying adjustments to exposure, focus or white balance, allowing the best of the shots to be selected.
For low-light shooting situations photographers can select the built-in flash or choose an optional external unit. Wireless flash control is also possible with this model, making customised lighting set ups an easy reality.
As with all cameras in the Olympus E-System line-up, the E-520 incorporates the Supersonic Wave Filter to protect against the effects of dust, which can enter the camera during lens changes or otherwise result from normal operation. Photographers therefore enjoy blemish-free pictures at all times.
Complex features - designed for easy usage
Despite being the powerhouse it is, the Four Thirds System-based E-520 remains a pleasure to use. Its ergonomic body houses the capabilities that not only advance image quality but also enrich the complete photo-taking experience. Live View has been enhanced to boost user friendliness. In addition to allowing depth of field previews, providing the facility to control exposure compensation and white balance on-screen, and being able to see the effects of Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology in real time on the 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD, autofocus changes can now also be seen directly on the display. This has been made possible by implementing a contrast AF system* in addition to the customary phase difference detection AF system, which means that the mirror needn’t move to the down position for AF measurements to be made and previewed in Live View.
The LCD boasts viewing angles of 176° and has a field of view that covers 100% of the frame. Live View is also ideal to support the needs of macro photographers wishing to focus visually, as sections of the subject can be enlarged by a factor 7 or 10 to aid manual focus adjustments.
The E-520 includes a total of 32 consumer-friendly shooting modes to make shooting easy no matter the situation: whether at a candlelight dinner, taking a portrait or shooting under water. Operability is a cinch too: users can choose on-screen menus in up to 10 languages - and many more are also available for download. A long-life rechargeable battery ensures extended shooting. Dual CompactFlash and xD-Picture Card slots enable excellent storage flexibility, and the downloading of files is fast thanks to USB Hi-Speed 2.0.
A complete system for photographic creativity
As part of the Olympus E-System, the E-520 is compatible with virtually all system accessories. This embraces numerous flash units including the wireless FL-36R and FL-50R to take advantage of the camera’s remote flash control capabilities. More than 20 ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses - all featuring near telecentric construction - are available, covering a focal length range of 14-600mm (35mm equivalents). Among the latest ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are the ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm), ED 14-35mm 1:2.0 SWD (28-70mm), ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 (140-600mm), and 25mm 1:2.8 (50mm) Pancake lens. Beyond this, thanks to the one-of-a-kind compatibility the Four Thirds System provides, photographers can also use lenses from other manufacturers adhering to the standard.
Further enhancing shooting opportunities, a special underwater case will also become available for the E-520. Waterproof to a depth of up to 40m, it opens up an entirely new realm of creative photography.
Satisfying demands for pro results and remaining surprisingly compact, the Olympus E-520 makes sure every photo comes out razor-sharp thanks to its built-in image stabiliser. It will go on sale from June 2008.
* Full contrast AF performance is available with new Olympus lenses including the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6, and the new ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 “pancake” lens. A free firmware update can be downloaded via Olympus Master or Studio software from the Olympus homepage to enable this feature for lenses that were purchased previously.
