Unlike the flat-fronted retro-styling of the E-410, the new E-510 looks much closer to its predecessor, the E-500, and features a decent-sized grip to hold onto. The control layout is also very similar, as are a number of advanced options in the menus including flash bracketing and the ability to switch the rotation of the manual focus ring – although the manual focus bracketing option of the E-500 has been removed.

In terms of features, the E-510 is easily one of the most impressive sounding DSLRs to date and it certainly ticks most boxes on the wish-lists of new buyers. The big question as always though is whether it delivers the goods in practice? Does the new anti-shake system provide the degree of compensation claimed? Is the anti-dust system still as effective as earlier Olympus models? And while technologically impressive, is Live View genuinely useful or little more than a novelty?

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Details

D-SLR with built-in image stabiliser
10 Megapixel Live MOS sensor
Live View
New image processing engine
Hi-Speed USB 2.0
2.5”/6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD
Supersonic Wave Filter for dust reduction
28 shooting modes (incl. 5 exposure, 5 creative & 18 scene modes)
Built-in pop-up flash (GN 12)
3fps with up to 8 images in RAW buffer
AF-lock functionality
Depth of field preview function
Bracketing function (Exposure, White Balance, Focus)
Detailed playback info screen with histogram
Based on Four Thirds Standard, making it compatible with
    almost the entire range of system accessories

Take confident, professional shots with ease and control - The Olympus E-510: D-SLR with Live View and built-in image stabiliser for ease and clarity

It’s about forethought, professional specifications and the seamless integration of cutting-edge technology: The Olympus E-510 delivers nothing short of impeccable performance. This successor to the E-500 gives photographers a better way to frame compositions since – unlike most D-SLRs – it boasts Live View capability on its 2.5”/6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD. Olympus proves itself once again as a technology leader with this camera’s built-in image stabiliser. As it is incorporated directly into the body, there’s no need for the costly inclusion of a stabiliser in each lens.  Experience dramatically improved shooting results with a new image processing engine that offers excellent noise performance – thus bringing picture quality to a whole new level. And as with all of its E-System cameras, Olympus eliminates the threat of dust: The patented Supersonic Wave Filter was the first of its kind in 2003 and continues to promote dust-free photography in the E-510. What’s more, the addition of a new Live MOS sensor in this Four Thirds- based camera delivers 10 Megapixels of high-quality detailed photography.

Advanced technology for superior photography
Settle for nothing less than the latest in imaging technology. Living up to its reputation as one of the world leaders in digital photography, Olympus has equipped the body of the E-510 with an image stabiliser – so there’s no need to have it in every lens, like with other D-SLRs. Enjoy protection against blur caused by camera shake when working with long exposure times or high magnifications: Don’t risk blurring a shot in high action situations, or when there’s no tripod at hand. All that you need to protect images against blur is built right into the body of this powerful addition to the E-System. And enjoy true-to-life colour reproduction along with exceptional noise performance thanks to the new image processing engine.

The incorporation of Live View takes D-SLR photography in a new and exciting direction. Ensure picture sharpness with unprecedented accuracy: The ability to view images on the 2.5”/6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD at magnifications of 7x or 10x in manual focus mode guarantees that pictures always come out sharp. Auto-focusing is as easy as a push of the AEL button: A quick flip up and then down of the mirror allows the AF measurement to be made – and shooting can begin. Furthermore, with superb image processing speeds of 3fps with an eight image RAW buffer in burst mode, there’s no need to worry about missing a great shot.

Comfort and control
Indulge in the simple convenience of smart design. With both exposure and WB compensation available for viewing directly on the LCD, it’s a cinch to adjust to the perfect light and colour settings. There’s even a histogram function to allow for exceptionally accurate exposure control. The E-510 is one-of-a-kind: Not only does it have the power to satisfy the seasoned professional with an array of manual settings – but there are also 18 easy-to-use scene programmes like Macro and xD Panorama, allowing virtually anyone to get in on the action. The incorporation of colour modes plus Black&White filters add another dimension of creative possibility to this D-SLR’s enticing list of features.

There’s a choice of data storage options in the E-510 with slots for both the xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash cards – so users upgrading from Olympus compact cameras can continue using their existing cards, which even enable the use of this camera’s xD Panorama scene programme. Ten different languages on board plus a further 15 for download ensure that the E-510 remains accessible to everyone – no matter what their native tongue – while the incorporation of Hi-Speed USB guarantees the extra-speedy transfer of pictures to a computer or photo printer. And rest assured that great shots are possible in even the most uncertain of situations: With its bracketing function, the E-510 takes a sequence of three shots in WB and Exposure mode and five shots in Focus mode. What’s left is a choice of photos, from which the best may be chosen. This increases the chance of great shots by potentially compensating for the uncertainty of the moment.

A choice of accessories
The E-510, with a long-life rechargeable battery, is a bona fide E-System D-SLR – meaning that it’s compatible with almost the entire range of E-System accessories. Based on the Four Thirds Standard, this exemplary range of parts features near-telecentric lenses – which are optimised for the specific needs of digital photography in order to provide edge-to-edge colour, sharpness and brightness. Revel in the superiority of this flexible and comprehensive system of lenses, flashes and other accessories.

The Olympus E-510 is the latest example of Olympus’ commitment to imaging excellence and precision. With Live View, a built-in image stabiliser for even sharper shots in shaky conditions and a new engine to guarantee exceptional noise performance and overall improved results, it’s clear that this D-SLR is ready to deliver nothing less than the ultimate in professional-grade photography. This awe-inspiring addition to the E-System will become available in July 2007.