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Olympus E420
37
SCORE
Olympus · DSLR · 10 MP · Micro Four Thirds

Olympus E420

General 37Optics 37Features and Benefits 34Storage and Battery 60
From $309.95 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandOlympus
ModelE420
Released2008
Announcement date05/03/2008
Camera typeDSLR

General 37

Brand
Olympus
Model
E420
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2008
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
05/03/2008
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
130 x 91 x 53 mm
Camera weight
426 g

Optics 37

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
10 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
3648 x 2736
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
NMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
14 x 18
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Micro Four Thirds
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
3.5 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Micro 4/3
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
TruePic III
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
4:3
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
10030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
16003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
10030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
16003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
6044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
110300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
No
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Olympus E420 receives a score of 37/100 in our evaluation. Launched in 2008 at a price of $520, this DSLR camera features dimensions of 130 x 91 x 53mm and weighs 426g (0.94lbs). Although it was a decent option in its release year, the E420 now faces tough competition in today’s market. Its specifications are no longer cutting-edge, making it less attractive to modern photographers. However, the camera still has some merit for those seeking a basic, budget-friendly DSLR.

Olympus E420 Overview and Optics

The Olympus E420 receives a score of 37/100 for its optics. This camera features 10 megapixels, a shooting speed of 3.5, and an NMOS sensor. Equipped with a TruePic III processor and a DXOMARK score of 56 for its sensor, the E420 falls behind in today’s competitive market. The camera has a Micro Four Thirds sensor size and uses a Micro 4/3 lens mount. It lacks image stabilization and has an aspect ratio of 4:3.

Comparing the Olympus E420 to modern cameras, it becomes evident that its optics are outdated. Current models offer higher megapixel counts, faster shooting speeds, and better sensor technology. Additionally, the absence of image stabilization in the E420 is a notable disadvantage. Thus, the Olympus E420’s optics do not hold up well in today’s market.

Olympus E420 Video Performance

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
No
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
N/A
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
N/A
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
N/A
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
N/A
Read our notes on olympus e420 video performance

The Olympus E420 lacks video capabilities. This camera does not offer video recording or playback functions. It is solely designed for photography.

Olympus E420 Features and Benefits 34

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
2.7"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
2300001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
No
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on olympus e420 features and benefits

The Olympus E420 features score is 34/100, which is not particularly high when compared to other cameras in today’s market. The camera has a 2.7-inch screen with a resolution of 230,000 dots. However, it lacks a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity.

When considering the competition, the E420’s specifications are not outstanding. Many modern cameras have larger screens with higher resolutions, touch capabilities, and various connectivity options. The absence of these features in the Olympus E420 makes it less versatile and appealing to potential buyers.

The Olympus E420 may not be the best choice for those seeking advanced features and connectivity options. However, it might still be suitable for those who prefer a simple, straightforward camera without the need for additional bells and whistles.

Olympus E420 Storage and Battery 60

Memory card
Compact Flash (Type I or II), xD Picture Card
Dual memory card slots
Yes
Battery type
BLS-1
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
500 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on olympus e420 storage and battery

The Olympus E420 receives a storage and battery score of 60/100. It has two memory card slots, accepting Compact Flash (Type I or II) and xD Picture Cards. In today’s market, however, many cameras use more common SD cards, which could be a disadvantage for some users.

The camera’s battery life allows for 500 shots, utilizing a BLS-1 battery type. USB charging is not available, which may be inconvenient for some users who prefer to charge their devices on the go. Comparing to other cameras in the market, the Olympus E420’s battery life and storage options may not be the most competitive.

Taking these factors into account, the Olympus E420’s storage and battery performance are satisfactory, but not outstanding. Potential buyers should consider their specific needs and preferences when evaluating this camera.