Olympus' new dSLR has swiveling screen and art filters

Leonard Goh | Feb 24, 2009

The new consumer-level dSLR from Olympus, the E-620. (Credit: Olympus)

We are in the midst of reviewing Olympus' midrange dSLR, the E-30, and are pretty impressed with the Art Filter function and swiveling LCD. But who would have thought that these premium features will also be making their way into the latest consumer-level shooter, the E-620?

Compared with its E-520 predecessor, the E-620 sports several feature upgrades. The most significant change is the implementation of a 2.7-inch articulated LCD which facilitates taking overhead or waist-level pictures. Previously, this type of display could be found only on higher-end dSLR models. Olympus has also imported the Art Filter function from the E-30 to the E-620. This fun mode has six preset settings which change the look of the images in-camera.

The E-620 has a 2.7-inch articulated LCD.

Theoretically, the E-620 is similar to the E-30 (which is very much like the professional-grade E-3), as they both use the same image-processing engine and have similar hardware such as a sensor-shift image stabilizer system. What probably sets them apart are the materials used for the camera bodies. The E-620 uses polycarbonate plastic, while the E-30 has a metal chassis.

With its fun features and handy swiveling LCD, the E0620 is targeting shutterbugs who are new to dSLRs. There is no doubt that this Olympus dSLR will pose a threat to the entry-level dSLRs that Canon, Nikon and Sony currently have.

The E-620 will be available worldwide from end-April to early May, but its pricing in Asia has yet to be confirmed. But Olympus did tell us the kit lens bundled will be the 14-42mm F3.6-5.6, and that the company plans to come up with other packages to suit different photographers.

Filed under: Digital Cameras
Leave a comment | Bookmark | Share