New Olympus E-420 DSLR - World's Smallest & Lightest

[Greg McCary]

I think the E3 has different processing technology that reduces noise and creates a better quality image than the others. Just from what I have been reading and looking at it is a big improvement over the 510. The 410 is just stripped down versions of the 510. For those wanting a smaller more compact camera without IS. The 420 is just an improved version of the 410. Check the link in PJ's post to see the new features.

[metallicblack]

It's just that dpreview.com seems to always point at the image sensor of all models as being the weak link on Olympus DSLRs. Mainly that dynamic range is less than stellar and highlights can be clipped.

[Photo-John]

It's just that dpreview.com seems to always point at the image sensor of all models as being the weak link on Olympus DSLRs. Mainly that dynamic range is less than stellar and highlights can be clipped.

Welllllll....

Sensors and image quality aren't the be-all and end-all. That's why we have real working photographers write our digital camera pro reviews. If image quality was all that mattered, we'd all be shooting with Canon EOS 1Ds Mark IIIs. But who wants to carry one of those around all the time? I love the Olympus E-System cameras because of their size - especially the lenses. So far, no one can compete with Olympus for power-to-weight ratio. (That may be the first time anyone has used that term for cameras :-) )

You guys probably all know that I've ben a Canon shooter for years. And once your seriously invested in a system, you're not likely to change. But I am very attracted by the Olympus DSLR system. The E-3 is a unique and wonderful camera. I also really like the E-510, although it entails some image quality compromises compared to other cameras I use. But the real beauty of the Olympus system is the combination of built-in image stabilization and the super compact, excellent Zuiko lenses. For someone who spends a lot of time carrying as much power in as small and light of a backpack as possible, Olympus really has a compelling system. And for people who aren't as weight-conscious as me, the E-3 is a solid alternative to what Nikon, Canon, and Pentax have to offer. I shot all of our PMA coverage with the E-3 and I thought it worked great. With built-in image stabilization and good ISO 800 performance, it did a wonderful job.