Olympus E-520 is considered as ticket to D-SLR world and its price speaks for itself. When you take this model into your hands you really got the feeling that you are holding a quality pro model that can accomplish a lot. For testing purposes we’ve got two additional lenses: Zuiko Digital ED 50 mm Macro and telephoto lens Zuiko Digital 50-200mm (equivalent of standard 100-400mm). Olympus E-520 is available in two variants: kit with zoom lens Olympus Digital 14-42mm (we got this one also on test) and variant without this lens (just body).

Olympus E-520 is successor of popular EVOLT E-510 D-SLR camera that had 10Mp CCD sensor, sensor-shift Image Stabilization, lens dust removing system, absolute manual control of all options and Live View with 2.5 inch LCD. Comparing to E-510, E-520 brings bigger LCD (2.7inch), Contrast Detect autofocus and face detection, sequential shooting at 3.5fps, new vertical and horizontal panning modes, technology for adapting dark spots in display frame and Perfect Shot Preview, that enables pre-check of white balance and exposure compensation. Olympus E-520 has also a wireless flash control capability.

E-520 can be considered rather as evolution of E-510 model than brand new product. But, E-520 still leaves impression as easy and creative photo shooter in all lighting conditions.

Beside lens (14-42mm) that goes in kit with photo camera, you will get in package camera body, BLM-1 lithium-ion rechargeable battery, charger, shoulder strap, USB cable, video cable, software and manual. 14-42mm lens is very useful and it is equivalent to analog standard for lenses from 28 up to 84mm. Photographs made with this lens were high-quality pictures without distortion. E-520 in combination with this lens can be used in wide spectrum of situations, from indoor shooting to portraits and landscapes.

Telephoto lens Zuiko Digital 50-200mm (equivalent 100-400mm) is suitable for shooting sport events, animals and nature. Zoom ring seems a little bit “harder” but reason for that can be brand new and still not “worked out” lens. Lens is completely compatible with camera and can be used in all modes.
Digital cameras of D-SLR type never come with memory card so the owner has to purchase appropriate one. E-520 has two separated memory card slots: one for xD and the other for CompactFlash cards. CF type I and II cards including Microdrive are also supported. Good choice would be 2GB CompactFlash High Speed card.