Soon after presentation of E-30 model, that introduced a lot of new features like 11 focus points and HyperCrystal II display, we had a chance to test successor of E520 model: E-620. Although this model also belong to entry level DSLR cameras it shares many features with much advanced E-30 model. Body, for example, is made out of rigid plastic and very much looks like body of E-30 model. Camera seams robust, although not suited for users with large hands since hand grip is shallow at the front. Buttons layout is intuitive and very good. All buttons are moved to the left of display since right side is reserved for mechanism that allows the display to be rotated and moved. Buttons also have backlight that can be helpful in pitch dark conditions. Unfortunately there isn’t a button for direct access to RAW settings, and menus have to be used. Multifunctional connector is placed below navigational buttons in lower segment of the body, while battery can be found at it usual place: at the bottom right part (handgrip). Memory card slot is placed lateral and xD and CompactFlash cards are supported.
One of the new features on E-620 is HyperCrystal III TFT display. We expected that this display will feature higher resolution, but to our disappointment its resolution is 230,000 pixels. On the other hand display can be rotated, as on Olympus E-30. This option will be most useful for macro and landscape photographers.
Viewfinder covers 95% of actual shot and it supports diopter adjustment. All parameters of the actual shot are now displayed at the bottom, instead along its right side. Viewfinder shows all necessary information, although we found that displayed values are too densely stacked together, so it can be confusing to find what you are looking for.
Functions and Characteristics
Built-in 4/3inch Live MOS sensor has resolution of 12.3 megapixels and it is supported by TruePic III+ processor. Shutter speeds can be set in range from 1/4000 to 60 seconds which is nice, since most other cameras in same class have maximum of 30sec. Advanced autofocus system allows single and continuous shooting , while manual option is also present. Seven focusing points (from which central five are cross-typed) are significant improvement compared to E-520. These focus points are too close, in out humble opinion, and it would be better if those were stretched toward the edges. Sequential shooting speed is declared at 4fps while our test showed slightly lower value: 3.6fps. ISO sensitivity can be set in range between 100 and 3200.
Sensor cleaning mechanism is based on ultrasound system (Supersonic Wave Filter), while image stabilization system (Imager shift image stabilizer) is built-in. Integrated flash has Guide Number of 12 but its position is, unfortunately, too close to lenses.
Because of this lens shadowing can occur when taking pictures with integrated flash. External flash sync speed is 1/180sec with support for wireless control of flashes that support it, like new FL-50R model.
Since Olympus was first to introduce Live preview on DSLR cameras, it is logical that E-620 supports Live preview. Live preview covers 100% of shot, while zoom can go up to 10x. Autofocus operates on contrast detection or phase difference system, and supports face detection. We should also mention presence of large number of Picture modes like sepia, B&W and filters like pop-art, grainy film etc.
