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Is the Olympus E-620 camera suited for a first-time DSLR buyer?

I already own a typical PS Olympus therefore I am comfortable with their overall setup. I do a lot of hiking and my dinosaur PS just does not cut it anymore. I plan to buy a wide-angle and macro lens in the future. Because I will be taking this with me for day-hikes I need the weight and size to be light. Video is not important to me. Ignoring brand names, is this a good camera for the price and for my needs?

Olympus makes fine cameras but below is what I recommend to someone getting into a DSLR for the first time, it includes a recommendation of 3 cameras to check out, so you may want to compare them to the Olympus E-620

There are a number of good brands so don’t be sold on the idea one brand is better than another. I would keep your costs down. I would get a DSLR with a short zoom (like a 18-55mm) to start. No reason to spend more than $425 to $550. Either a 10MP or 12MP will do just fine.

Below, I listed some links, the first link listed below is to a web page that lists the 3 DSLR cameras I am recommending plus the Olympus 620 you are looking at. This list will let you compare features and specs, also it has links to reviews of the cameras, the reviews include sample images from the cameras. Also I included some links to some dealers so that you can try and get the best price. Some dealers have some nice extras, free shipping is very common, and sometimes they are offering a free memory card and/or camera bag. Sometimes you have to click in the “add to cart” button to see the actual price.

Here are 3 models I am recommending and the Olympus 620 (with estimated prices):

Nikon D3000 10MP DSLR Digital Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens – $449
EOS Rebel XS (1000D) 10MP DSLR Digital Camera Kit w/18-55mm IS Lens – $449
Pentax K-x 12MP DSLR with 18-55mm Zoom (has HD Video also) – $550
Olympus E-System E-620 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 14-42mm Lens – $568

Pick a price range, some features you know you want, and even consider which camera feels good in your hand as a factor. Plenty of great cameras, get one you like and start learning the principles of photography and you will be on your way to making some great images.

If you want to stay under $500 then go Nikon or Canon but, I think the Pentax could be of special interest, since it can do HD video and has excellent quality at higher ISO settings which can be useful in low light places and helping get the picture. These features, especially the HD video, on a Nikon or Canon will cost you $100 to $200 more. The Olympus has the 4:3 image ration, the other cameras here are the 3:2 image ratio which is based on 35mm film format, that is something that you may want to take into account.

If you have any questions and if you think I can be of help then please do contact me.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Mark

marksablow.com

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