Olympus E510
Olympus · DSLR · 10 MP · Micro Four Thirds
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Olympus |
| Model | E510 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2007 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | March 5, 2007 |
| Camera type |  DSLR |
| Camera size | 136 x 92 x 68 mm |
| Camera weight | 490 g |
Optics34/100 | |
About the OpticsOlympus E510 Overview and OpticsThe Olympus E510 scores 34 out of 100 in our optics evaluation. With 10 megapixels, a shooting speed of 3 frames per second, and an NMOS sensor, the camera may seem underwhelming compared to modern offerings. The TruePic III processor and a DXOMARK sensor score of 52 further emphasize its dated performance. The camera features a Micro Four Thirds sensor size and lens mount, which is smaller than the more popular APS-C and full-frame formats. However, the E510 does offer a 4:3 aspect ratio, which can be ideal for certain photography styles. Unfortunately, the camera lacks image stabilization, a crucial feature for capturing sharp, blur-free images. This absence of modern specifications makes it difficult for the Olympus E510 to compete with current camera models. The Olympus E510’s optics are not up to par with today’s market standards, making it a less desirable choice for photographers seeking advanced features and performance. | |
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 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. | 30300 |
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 |
Video | |
About the VideoThe Olympus E510 lacks video capabilities. This camera only captures still images, not video recordings. | |
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 |
Features30/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Olympus E510 scores 30 out of 100 in the features category. This camera has a 2.5-inch screen with a resolution of 230,000 dots. The Olympus E510 does not have a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth capabilities. Compared to today’s market, the Olympus E510’s features are limited. Modern cameras often have larger screens, higher resolution, and advanced connectivity options. The lack of a touchscreen, flip screen, and wireless connectivity options make the Olympus E510 less convenient for users who need these features for their photography needs. Despite its low feature score, the Olympus E510 still provides satisfactory performance for users who prioritize basic photography functions over advanced features. However, users seeking a camera with more up-to-date capabilities may want to consider other options. | |
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 | 2.5" |
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 |
Storage & Battery57/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Olympus E510 receives a storage and battery score of 57/100. This camera has two memory card slots, accepting Compact Flash (Type I or II) and xD Picture Cards. This variety of card options provides flexibility for users. However, the absence of SD card compatibility, a popular format in today’s market, may be seen as a drawback. The E510’s battery life allows for 440 shots, powered by a BLM-1 battery type. While this may have been impressive when the camera was first released, it falls short compared to modern cameras that offer longer battery life. Additionally, the lack of USB charging limits the charging options for users. Considering the storage and battery aspects, the Olympus E510 shows its age with limited memory card compatibility and battery life. Although still functional, it may not be the top choice for those seeking advanced features in these areas. | |
| Memory card | Compact Flash (Type I or II), xD Picture Card |
| Dual memory card slots |  Yes |
| Battery type | BLM-1 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 440 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |