Olympus E-10 user review page 3

Sample images

Click for larger images:

ISO 320
F2.8, 1/160 sec. Shadow/highlight
F2.4, 1/640 sec. With flash
F5.6, 1/50 sec.

Fireworks
F2.0, 1/30 sec. Late afternoon
F2.4, 1/125 sec. Moment
F2.4, 1/50 sec.

Vista
F4.0, 1/250 sec. Night
F2.0, 2 sec. With circular polarizer
F2.8, 1/100 sec.

These images are resized to 800x600 pixels, but are otherwise unedited. JPEG level 5 compression was used in photoshop. If you want full-size or original RAW images, you better go hammer DPReview, cuz I don't have the bandwidth nor the storage space to handle the full size files the E-10 spits out. The above are for general comparison only.

Illusions

The E-10 has built up a reputation for certain flaws. Some issues have more basis in reality than others. I'll run down some of these here, with my takes on them:

Bad pixels -- Many early E-10s shipped with outright dead pixels (pixels that show up blank or a solid color no matter what the exposure), in addition to "hot" pixels (pixels that go solid at long exposures). Mine has 2 hot pixels at exposures over 1 sec. From what I am reading, all high-megapixel, small physical size CCDs are prone to hot pixels. I can live with mine, since they are isolated and occur outside the exposure range of 99.5% of my shots. Dead pixels, however, seem unacceptable to me. From what I've been reading, later model E-10s are less prone to dead pixels. Apparently, the latest firmware can fix ("map out") dead or hot pixels on the fly. I may send mine in near the end of the warranty period (but grudgingly, I would much prefer to do it at a local show or something).

Manual focus problem -- This is one of the most often-debated issues with the E-10. There are many who swear they cannot manual focus no matter what, and many who say they have no problem. My E-10 exhibits no problems with manual focusing, although it does take a special technique to get consistent results. Check the FAQ.

Autofocus has problems -- I find the AF to be, 99% of the time, quick and sharp. The other 1% usually happens when I turn the IR assist off (to use an extension lens). I can clear this up often by focusing on a nearby object, then returning to the subject.

Random fully out-of-focus shot -- I have not experienced any out-of-focus shots that I could not explain in one way or another. Nor have I had any that I expected to be sharp, but came out totally blurry.

Limited focal length range/depth of field too deep -- These are legitimate issues, but you won't solve them unless you spend the big bucks. I personally don't like telescoping lenses at all and would be loath to spend "real money" on a camera that has one.

Noise -- I find the noise issue to be overblown. Then again, I am used to shooting with 800 speed film in my zoom camera. I find that the E-10 produces stunning prints despite any noise in the image. And even D1s will have noise in images in which E-10 noise would be most pronounced. It's noticeable on screen, but not on paper or when resized.

Battery life -- Another overblown issue, at least for me. I get an average of 130-150 shots from a set of NiMH AAs (1600mAH), so if I need more I could step up to a better brand or a higher capacity. Doing so feels more like a luxury than a necessity right now.

The weight issue -- I personally like the heft of the E-10, but at the same time, especially after a day of shooting with the 1-lb. TCON-14b stuck on the end, I am glad to put it down when I am done. I would not trade weight for solid build.

Bad Olympus service -- I have not sent in my E-10 for repairs, but I can say this: The Olympus America Web site SUCKS. And I do believe Web sites reflect upon the company that maintains them. I had to go through their mickey-mouse product registration twice because on one occasion, it would not let me register at all. The general performance of the U.S. site aside from that is duff as well. Last I checked, the dealer locator doesn't even work.

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