- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 7 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"Sloppy CNET review of a wonderful camera."
Pros: Superb IQ. Excellent build quality. Top lenses. Unique size and weight.
Cons: Small viewfinder. No Image Stabilisation.
Summary: From CNET's review it seems obvious that they have barely even scratched the surface of what this camera is capable of. Some of the negative points placed against the camera are down to the reviewer simply not reading the manual, as some features claimed as missing from the camera do actually exist!
From a user's perspective, the only real downsides to this camera are the lack of IS (available in the camera's big sister, the E510), and the smaller viewfinder. However, I am speaking as a user coming from a professional SLR with a very large viewfinder, and to be honest after a while the small size ceases to be a problem. The claims of slightly strange image tonality are valid, but the problem is instantly solved by either a) Adjusting some of the camera's plentiful image settings, or b) Shooting in RAW and using a good developer such as Photoshop CS3, Bibble, et al.
The live view may not seem useful at first, but for anyone using a tripod, it becomes an absolute dream to have, especially with the added features such as the 10x magnification (for manual focus), and the gridlines to aid composition.
Then there's the image quality. The resolution from the 10mp sensor is right where it should be. It's probably the nicest 4/3 sensor to date, and has low noise on par with its larger APS-c competition, which is a feat in itself.
Then there's the lenses. The supplied 14-42 beats the Canon and Nikon equivalent kit lenses into the ground. It is actually nearly as sharp as Olympus's high grade 14-54 lens, which itself is easily on par with Canon's top range L glass. Be warned, you may not ever want to upgrade! But if you do, Olympus's top 11-22 and 50-200 lenses are unique, solid, and pin sharp.
I haven't even touched on this camera's unique selling point; it's size and weight. It really is something else altogether and redifines the meaning of portable. The E410 and the 14-42 are actually pocketable, which is something you simply cannot say about most DSLRs.
Just try it. The size alone will have you hooked.
Where to buy
Evolt E-410 (with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 and ED 40-150mm f4.0/5.6 lenses):
$759.99
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$759.99 | See Site |
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