Olympus E520 Specs and Scores
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General
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Olympus E520
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Price | |
Brand | Olympus |
Model | E520 |
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. | May 13, 2008 |
Camera Type |  DSLR |
Camera Size | |
Camera Weight |
The Olympus E520 earns a score of 41/100 for its general specifications. Launched in 2008 at a price of $450, the camera’s dimensions measure 136 x 92 x 68mm, and it weighs 552g or 1.22lbs. As a DSLR camera from over a decade ago, its specifications may not impress in today’s market. However, the Olympus E520 remains a reliable option for those seeking an affordable, user-friendly camera.
Olympus E520 Overview and Optics
The Olympus E520’s optics score is 41 out of 100. This camera features a 10-megapixel Live MOS sensor, a TruePic III processor, and a Micro Four Thirds lens mount. With a 3.5 shooting speed and an image stabilization system, the E520 is equipped to handle various shooting scenarios. Additionally, the camera’s aspect ratio is 4:3, and it has a DXOMARK sensor score of 55.
In today’s market, the Olympus E520 struggles to compete with newer cameras offering higher megapixel counts, faster shooting speeds, and better sensor technology. While it may have been a solid choice when it was first released, advancements in camera technology have left the E520 trailing behind.
Considering the Olympus E520’s specifications and its optics score, it is clear that this camera is not on par with modern options. Although it has some useful features, the E520 is overshadowed by more advanced competitors.
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Optics
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Olympus E520
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 10 MP |
Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 3648 x 2736 px |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | Live MOS |
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. | 13 x 17 mm |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Micro Four Thirds |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 3.5 fps |
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 |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 1,600 |
Minimum 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. | 100 |
Maximum 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. | 1600 |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 60 s |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 4000 s |
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. | 3 |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   |
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) |
Olympus E520 Video Performance
The Olympus E520 lacks video capabilities. This camera focuses solely on photography without offering any video functions. Users seeking video features must consider other camera models.
Video
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Olympus E520
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   |
Time-Lapse 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. |  |
Olympus E520 Features and Benefits
The Olympus E520 scores 34/100 in the features category. This score reflects the camera’s limited capabilities when compared to modern cameras. The E520 has a 2.7-inch screen with a resolution of 230,000 dots, but it lacks a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
In today’s market, these specifications are inadequate, as most cameras now offer larger screens, higher resolutions, and advanced connectivity options. The absence of a touchscreen and flip screen can hinder the user experience, while the lack of GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth makes sharing and geotagging photos more time-consuming.
Considering these limitations, the Olympus E520 falls short in the features department compared to current camera offerings. Although it may have been a satisfactory option in the past, it now struggles to compete with the advanced features found in contemporary cameras.
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Features
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Olympus E520
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  |
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. |  |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  |
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. |  |
Screen Size |  2.7" |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 230,000 dots |
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. |  |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  |
Wi-Fi |  |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  |
Olympus E520 Storage and Battery
The Olympus E520 earns a storage and battery score of 65/100. This camera offers two memory card slots, compatible with Compact Flash (Type I or II) and xD Picture Card formats. Although these memory card types are less common in today’s market, they provide adequate storage options for photographers.
The E520’s battery life is impressive, lasting for 650 shots on a single charge. The camera uses a BLM-2 battery type, which is a reliable power source. However, it lacks USB charging capabilities, which could be a drawback for users who prefer more convenient charging options.
Taking these factors into account, the Olympus E520’s storage and battery capabilities are satisfactory for most photography needs but may not be ideal for those seeking more advanced options or convenience in charging.
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Storage and Battery
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Olympus E520
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Memory Card | Compact Flash (Type I or II), xD Picture Card |
Dual Memory Card Slots |  |
Battery Type | BLM-2 |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 650 shots |
USB Charging |  |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Olympus E520
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |
Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 21.4 bits |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 10.4 EVs |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 548 |
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Scores
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Olympus E520
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User Scores
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Olympus E520
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B&H photo video |