Imaging: 10MP effective Live MOS sensor captures images at 3648 x 2736 pixels with 12 bits/color in RAW mode.Self-cleaning sensor.
Storage: Dual slot, CF Type I/II and xD. Stores JPEG, RAW,and RAW + JPEG files.
Burst rate: Up to 13 Fine-quality JPEGs at 3.6 fps, upto 7 RAW at 3 fps (tested).
AF system: 3-point wide-area TTL phase-detection AF. Single-shot and continuous AF, with manual touch-up possible. Sensitive down to EV 0 (at ISO 100, f/1.4), tested. Live-view AF uses either the 3-point AF system with momentary flip down of the mirror, contrast-detection AF on the sensor over 11 points covering most of the frame, or hybrid AF using both.
Shutter speeds: 1/4000 to 60 sec plus B (1/3- or 1/2-EV increments).
Image stabilization: Sensor-based, works with all lenses. Standard plus two panning modes for horizontal or vertical orientation.
Metering: TTL metering with 49-zone evaluative, centerweighted, and spotmetering (2%). EV 1-20 (atISO 100).
ISO range: 100-1600 (in1-EV increments).
Flash: Built-in pop-up unit with TTL autoflash with +/- 3-EV exposure compensation (1/3- or 1/2-EV increments), GN 39 (ISO 100, feet), covers 14mm lens field of view, can serve as wireless controller for dedicated Olympus flash units. Flash sync to 1/180sec. Dedicated hot-shoe.
Viewfinder: Eye-level, fixed pentamirror.
Live view: From imaging sensor with flip up of themirror.
LCD: 2.7-in. TFT with 230,000-dot(76,000-pixel) resolution.
Output: Hi-Speed USB 2.0, NTSC video. PictBridgecompatible.
Battery: BLM-1 rechargeable Li-ion; CIPA rating, 500 shots, 50% withflash.
Size/weight: 5.4 x 3.6 x 2.7 in., 1.26 lb, body only, with card and battery.
Street price: $550, body only; $630 with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital lens.
For info:www.olympusamerica.com.
VIEWFINDER TEST
Accuracy: 96% (Excellent)
Magnification: 0.91X (Excellent)
COMPETITIVE SET
Canon EOS Rebel XSi ($700, street, with kit lens):
The latest Reb has a definite edge in sharpness, but not in noise control, over the E-520. Its 9-point AF system leads this class in speed and sensitivity. You get an IS lens standard in the kit, but the Olympus gives you IS with any lens, no extra charge. Unlike the E-520, the Canon can't control wireless flash by the pop-up unit. We found the E-520's dynamicrange controls more effective.
Nikon D60 ($620, street, with kit lens):
Priced a little lower than the E-520, but lacks live view. Its noise controls lead this class, and it has ISO 3200. Resolution is a bit better than the E-520's. The kit lens has VR, but if you want image stabilization with other lenses, you have to pay for it with each optic. The D60's dynamic range controls are competitive with the E-520's. Also lacks wireless flash control via the pop-up, which the E-520 has.
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