Olympus E-420 Test (Digital SLR Camera)


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Olympus E-420
Test score: A Excellent
The score of A is reached using 8 different tests on the Olympus E-420 (s).
Average score of all digital cameras: B.
Product specs: Camera Type: Digital SLR; Resolution: 10 MP; Optical Zoom: 3x; Weight: 380g; Memory Card Type: MicroDrive (MD), CompactFlash Card (CF), xD - Picture Card; LCD Screen Size: 2.7"; Features: ... more info
 
More product reviews
PC Pro
Issue 11/2008
11 products on test 		"very good" (5 out of 6 stars) Value for money: 5 out of 6 stars
The E-420 uses Olympus's own Four Thirds technology allowing it to be both the smallest and lightest DSLR on test. This comes with a few downsides however, with PC Pro finding the smaller sensor to be more prone to noise at higher ISOs. The menu system is very easy to use but with no in-camera image stabilisation and a non-stabilised lens in the bundle, it loses out to rivals such as the Sony A200.
 
Digital Photo
Issue 8/2008
6 products on test 		"Good performance" (4 out of 5 stars) Value for money: 4 out of 5 stars
The Olympus camera was the smallest on test, but Digital Photo thought this had led to a few drawbacks of design such as a somewhat uncomfortable hand grip and odd viewfinder. Still, the camera takes bold, vibrant images and its Shadow Adjustment Technology lends JPEGs a wider dynamic range.
 
What Digital Camera
Issue 8/2008
2 products on test 		86% Value for money: 18 out of 20 points "Recommended"
There is little effort needed to master the E-420, even if the controls are placed in annoying places. What Digital Camera thought the E-420 was great value for money. It is an impressive camera in its own right with a consistent AWB.
 
MacUser
Issue 14/2008
Single test 		4 out of 5 points
MacUser reports that the E-420 builds on the popular design of its predecessor while adding a lot more functionality. Improvements include better image quality, optimised exposure, face detection, wireless flash and a high-grade lens to boot. Though minor problems exist, such as shadow noise at high ISOs, considering the price, this is overall still a very good entry-level DSLR.
 
Practical Photography
Issue 7/2008
Single test 		"excellent" (4 out of 5 stars) Value for money: 5 out of 5 stars
Practical Photography liked the small size and practicality of the E-420, but found that its smaller sensor size lent itself more readily to luminance noise at higher ISOs. Its 4:3 aspect ratio may cause problems with composition but as the magazine suggests, the E-420 excels as a camera that is small enough to take anywhere, yet retains all the manual settings and superior image quality of a DSLR.
 
PC Pro
Issue 8/2008
Single test 		"very good" (5 out of 6 stars) Value for money: 6 out of 6 stars "Recommended"
PC Pro's review of the Olympus E-420 is overwhelmingly positive, but the magazine suggests that the camera's best role would be as a back up to a more powerful DSLR or as a starter camera for those upgrading from a compact. Image quality was good, but the smaller sensor of the Olympus compared to more full-sized DSLRs meant that images taken at above ISO 400 lost detail due to rather aggressive in-camera noise reduction.
 
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Summary of Olympus E-420



The digital SLR camera was put through its paces in the test labs of 8 magazines and gave reviewers little cause to complain, achieving fair results accross the board.
The best review that the Olympus E-420 could rack up was "very good" (5 out of 6 stars), which was given by PC Pro magazine in 8/2008. Practical Photography magazine (7/2008), gave the product its lowest score; a rating of "excellent" (4 out of 5 stars), which says a lot about its quality.
Another feather in the cap of the Olympus E-420 is the award; "Recommended" (PC Pro 8/2008) .