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Olympus E520
41
SCORE
Olympus · DSLR · 10 MP · Micro Four Thirds

Olympus E520

General 41Optics 41Features and Benefits 34Storage and Battery 65
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KEY FACTS
BrandOlympus
ModelE520
Released2008
Announcement date13/05/2008
Camera typeDSLR

General 41

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.
13/05/2008
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
136 x 92 x 68 mm
Camera weight
552 g

Optics 41

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.
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
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.
30300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
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 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.

Olympus E520 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 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.

Olympus E520 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 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.

Olympus E520 Storage and Battery 65

Memory card
Compact Flash (Type I or II), xD Picture Card
Dual memory card slots
Yes
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 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on 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.