This
Olympus EVOLT E-300 Review is based on a production
model. All sample images are unretouched, except
where specified.
Crouching
Lion
150mm (300mm), Program, ESP, 1/60 sec., F10 and
ISO 400
Judging by the number of reviews of this affordable
digital SLR, there is an enormous amount of interest
about the Olympus EVOLT E-300. Featuring
8.0 megapixel resolution, a large 4/3 image sensor,
an exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter that eliminates
dust from the image sensor every time you turn
on the camera, easy-to-use scene modes, and compatibility
with the full line of Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses,
we can see why Olympus fans get very excited with
the EVOLT E-300. This is a well-designed and constructed
digital SLR that provides excellent image quality,
a fine degree of control with intuitive and fast
operation.
The Olympus 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Lens
that you can purchase with the Olympus EVOLT E-300
as a kit captures extremely sharp and detailed
images. You can also purchase a 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5
Zuiko Digital Lens (we recommend that you get
the camera and both lenses as a special kit for
less than if all three items were purchased separately)
that adds a telephoto range. With a 2x crop factor,
you then have the 35mm equivalent of a 28-300mm
wide-angle 10x optical zoom lens.
The Olympus EVOLT E-300 will appeal to two groups
of photographers: the professional photographer
looking for a backup digital SLR, and the advanced
amateur photographer ready to graduate to a digital
SLR offering full control and exposure flexibility.
The Olympus EVOLT E-300 has full exposure flexibility
and provides a degree of fine control in its settings
that professional photographers will appreciate.
Or, just set it to Programmed Auto (or one of
the 14 Scene Modes), and first-time dSLR users
can shoot away and still obtain great results.
The Olympus EVOLT E-300 has a fast and precise
autofocus system that works well even in low-light
situations. When autofocus is difficult to achieve
in extreme low-light, pop-up the flash and you
can use it as an AF Illuminator. The EVOLT E-300
has a hot shoe and accepts external flash systems.
The Olympus Electronic Flash FL-36 integrates
tightly with the camera exposure and zoom system
and has a flash head that can be zoomed, rotated
up/down and right/left to provide bounced light
to your subject. It also incorporates a more powerful
red light AF Illuminator. You can even use the
onboard pop-up flash together with the FL-36 to
set up more complex lighting situations.
The Olympus EVOLT E-300 is a dSLR with professional
features but at an affordable price. The camera
with the two digital lenses can be obtained at
a street price below US $1,000. I would recommend
also adding the Olympus Electronic Flash FL-36,
and you then get a complete system that allows
you to cover all possible situations outdoors
and indoors.
See if you fit the Olympus EVOLT E-300 User
Profile below:
Olympus
EVOLT E-300
User Profile
•
Desire a quality 8 MP
resolution digital SLR camera with excellent
professional image quality.
•
Want fast response times
with virtually no shutter lag.
•
Want fast and precise
auto focus.
•
Want a full-featured digital
camera with many pro features.
•
Want interchangeable lenses.
•
Want ability to add on
optional accessories, including powerful
external flash.
