Digital Cameras : Olympus EVOLT E-510

This is my first SLR. I was very nervous to get into SLR, but this camera made it easy for me. However, it was very difficult to buy this camera. There are not thay many stores around my neighborhood who sells Olympus (especially finding a extra batteries. )
When I visited Japan, I was able to find this camera and all the extra accesories, but not in the US. I guess Olympus is not popular in the US.
Because I am a Japanese, I tried to change language. When I find out that I have to download Japanese language to my camera, I was shocked. All my other camera has many different of choice of language in camera already, but not this one.
It is easy to complain about some small things, but over all "I LOVE IT!." It is easy to use and also not heavy. Many of SLRs are too havey to carry around, but not this one. I carried around everywhere I go. I recommend this camera to everyone! Hide Full Review

I've used this camera for about a year now, and an VERY pleased. The basic camera body/mechanism works quite well, allowing for the caveats mentioned above. The 4/3rds system just rocks though. I've been able to buy a full compliment of lenses, including a Leica 25mm f:1.4 (which is amazing for nightime street shots), and the Zuiko 7-14mm, along with a few others. I mention this because by keeping the image stabilization in the camera, I don't have to pay for it with each lens I buy. They don't weigh a ton either, because of the smaller size of the imaging sensor. Yes, I do miss the low light quality of a larger sensor, but the drawbacks are burried by the huge advantage of not trying to shoot with a camera/lens verging on 5 lbs. The E-510 is the first digital camera to offer image stabilization, quite good image quality, IN A PACKAGE APPROXIMATING THE SIZE AND WEIGHT OF A TRADITIONAL 35mm SLR.
I almost bought the new E-3 but although it had a great autofocus system and could shoot more shots in a shorter period of time, its imaging wasn't all that much improved over the E-510 and was bloated in size and weight, so much that it lost its practicality.
I'll probably stick with my 510 until Oly comes up with a similar sized model with a higher quality image sensor. Until then, I'll be happily clicking away. Hide Full Review

love the camera, the only thing that gets me sometimes is that if the light or focus isn't sufficient the camera will not take picture unless in a specific mode, there is a preview button that will show you what your focusing on in very low light.(Almost a night vision-will appear in b/w). rechargeable battery last a while over 400 pictures over 6 hours, and then 300 pics and 3 hours next day before low battery light. i have always had Olympus cameras, this is my first SLR, trying to learn on my own, but Im afraid that Im gonna have to take classes to fully enjoy this camera, i would absolutely recommend to a friend. would also suggest buying the additional lens and buying a Compact Flash media card with speed, also investing in extra battery. Hide Full Review

I love using this camera. I love how it looks and feels in my hand. I love the shots I get with it. This camera has gotten bad PR regarding the blown highlights but if you learn how to use the camera and shoot in Raw mode, that problem is negligible. Like all cameras, it takes practice to get it down, but the image quality is simply stunning and the feature set is rich for such a low-priced device. Hide Full Review