Olympus E420 vs. E520?

[Pugrpooh]

I want to throw the E420 into my search for my first DSLR. The more I read on these cameras, the more I like the features that you get for the price paid. Thanks, Pea-n-Me for all your links to articles and forums. I've been reading up on them.

That being said, I just read an article comparing the 420 and the 520. The biggest difference for me would be lack of IS in the 420. But is it really necessary? Would most of my pictures come out blurry? I've read some people who say they never use it because they know how to take pictures without it? In the article I read, it doesn't seem to be much of a factor.

In another article he wrote, he said the IS really works (when he was reviewing the e510).

So would I really miss it if I opt for the smaller size of the E420?

The more I read it seems the more questions I have.

Thanks!

Lynn

 

[InsertWittyNameHere]

You will most likely miss it at longer focal lengths if you decide to get a telephoto lens. From what I've read, hand holding the camera with the 70 - 300 lens at the longer focal lengths without the IS can be challanging. Also it will come in handy if you do macro photography where even the tiniest shake can be magnified.

 

[Code]

I consider IS a must-have feature (and yup, it really works)... particularly nice for telephoto, but I've found value in it at every focal length with every lens I own. Also the problem with the 420 is that if you decide you want IS later, there are only two 4/3 lenses that have IS built in, and they are Leica so neither are even remotely cheap.

As Olympus is fully committed to in-body IS, I would definitely go for the 520 over the 420 unless your overwhelming concern is size.

 

[oogieboogieman]

If I were to buy another camera it would have IS. I have a E410 and I wish I would have bought the 510. Just my opinion!

 

[Pugrpooh]

Well, no thinking about it anymore! I bought the E520 this afternoon along with the 40-150mm lens. I think I got a pretty good deal at Circuit City just for the camera and lens, but I also got a bunch of freebies that might actually be worth something. The battery's still charging, so I probably won't be able to sit down and really look at it until tomorrow night.

I glanced at the manual and it's a little overwhelming right now, but I think if I just take it step by step I might be able to even take a few pictures tomorrow!

Thanks for the advice everyone!

Lynn

 

[InsertWittyNameHere]

http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/43/e510-sett.html


Check out this site. It is geared to setting up the 510 but it should be similar for the 520 as well

 

[Pugrpooh]

http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/43/e510-sett.html


Check out this site. It is geared to setting up the 510 but it should be similar for the 520 as well

Thanks! I read some of his other articles earlier and I could tell they'd be helpful in understanding this camera.