I "upgraded" to this camera after my last digital one was stolen. I like the options available on the E-500, lots of manual settings which I use regularly for low light situations, and I like the interchangeable lenses. What I don't like is that the photos always seem just slightly off from the crisp look I've been able to get from every other camera - as if the autofocus (which I do tend to use) is slightly off. I haven't figured out a way to adjust for that, and to be honest taking photo after disappointing photo killed my love of photography. The camera was cheaper than other similar competitors, but still expensive enough that I couldn't admit my mistake and just buy another. If you are considering this camera, do some online searching about this model and auto-focus troubles, you will see there are a lot of people having problems with this camera focusing properly.

Jakejake2

Sterling Heights, MI

My husband bought me this for Christmas last year and I love it. Last year I had absolutely no clue what I was doing, but after sitting and reading through the manual that came with it I slowly learned what each thing did and how to go about taking good pictures. The lenses that come with it are okay, but I'm itching for a 50mm lens for portrait work. It's a strong, sturdy camera. I've had no issues at all with dust on the lens. I love it! Would definitely recommend to an amateur digital photographer looking to get into the world of the DSLR's

petstafford

Deltona, FL

If you are just getting into digital photography and learning how to use an SLR, the E-500 camera is a great investment. You have your choice of information that can be shown on the LCD screen (full info, just the basic info, or info off) so that you aren't inundated with information you may not need. The lenses use the four-thirds mount, so there are a lot of lens options out there from third parties. You can use either compact flash or sd memory cards with the camera. The dust reduction feature has proved useful, and it's able to be turned off if you prefer a speedier start-up over clarity. The battery seems to last a long enough time for me, though if you are using it all day, you may need a spare. The white balance can be set simply with a button, which saves time. I prefer using the camera in manual mode (rather than Auto or Scene mode), and I'm not disappointed with the results. Camera also "feels" the closest to a film SLR than any other DSLR I have used. My only negatives for the E-500 are the lack of detail in macro mode (especially compared to my Canon Rebel DSLR and point and shoot digital cameras). It might be worth investing in a macro lens if you plan on doing any detailed close-up photography. Also the software that comes with the camera leaves something to be desired. Skip it.

LaFey27

Bensalem, PA

After doing months of research and going between the Nikon, the Canon and the Olympus, I found this camera to be the best and give you the most bang for your buck. The kit lenses are great. The only down side I have found is that all the manuals and books are really geared towards the other two cameras. It is difficult to figure everything out from your manual only. I ended up taking a photography class to learn all the manual settings.

raindancer

Vail, AZ

This is a great entry-level digital camera that produces high-quality images. The camera comes with a wide array of features that establish it as a legitimate challenge to Nikon's and Canon's high-quality digital camera, which everyone seems to have these days. Although, some usability issues with this camera prevent me from wholeheartedly recommending this camera over some of Canon's and Nikon's digital cameras. I very much enjoy using this camera, although i find some of the camera's aspects of its design and performance a bit frusterating. the camera's response to the control wheel is very sluggish, and I struggled when trying to adjust the lens manually. Also, images shot at high ISO settings at 800 or 1600 were less than stellar, despite using the noise reduction function. The price and quality of the E-500's kits are hard to beat.. although, old-school photographers whole may like to shoot manually may find this camera too slow to respond. All in all, a great price for a great camera.

Rysiu

New York, NY

Easy to use.  Has all the options you could want at more resonable price than the competition. I like the fact that it uses a compact flash instead of an sd card, its less expensive and takes a lot more pictures.  The popart setting also makes for great fun photos.

bunny415

Lake Mary, FL

I like the feel and weight of this camera, a little slow in when attempting to take action and fast changing subjects. I've taken some very good pictures with camera, for low light you will need a better lens than what comes with this camera. The camera is user friendly, and comes with loads of functions.

rwoods5

Worcester, MA

Taking pictures of different things is one of my favorite things to do. It is very nice because I am able to relax while I capture moments that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I bought this camera because I knew it was a high quality brand that would take very good pictures. I was not disappointed and the camera takes very nice pictures. The other nice part about this camera is that the batteries last a long time. When I put in new batteries, I can be sure that they will last me a very long time. The camera takes clear pictures, even if what I am taking a picture of is in fast motion. Learning to use this camera was very easy and it was a hard thing for me to do. The lens is strong and it can zoom to a very close range. The camera itself is very strong and when I use it, I can be assured that it will last me for many years. The camera is light weight and easy to carry inside a camera case I bought for it.

princepersia1

Portage, MI

I cannot say enough good things about this camera. I have had mine for about four years now and I love it! Compared to the other cameras in this range of SLR out there, the Olympus e- 500 is a much. much  better value. I love both lens that it came with and I use them both often in my shooting. This camera has held up under almost full time use as a newspaper photographer and then as a wedding photographer. It is easy to handle and use and if you have a question, I have found some great online forums about anything I could think of. The Olympus E-500 is great for the beginning SLR shooter but has the function that makes Pros love it too. I love this camera so much that I call it my baby! This camera has made me an olympus supporter through and through. This is a camera that will always being in my studio. I cannot even bear the thought of every selling it. It is just so easy and fun to use!

debrajoyhawkins

Harlingen, TX

I have had my olympus for about a year now and I just really cant come up with anything bad to say about it.  This camera was my first D-SLR and it replaced my olympus OM-10 This is the first digital camera that I have used that actually can compare with the quality of the 35mm om-10   The first photo is from my E-500. the second, (black & white)  from my 35mm you be the judge.   There will be more updates to come

fdiddy69

Muskegon, MI