Olympus E-500

The affordable Four Thirds DSLR classic

Olympus E-500
79/100
CAMERA SCORE
Features 16
Performance 16
Durability 16
Price 14
Usability 17
Brand Olympus
Model E-500

Key Features

SENSOR 8.0 megapixel Four Thirds (17.3 x 13.0 mm) Kodak Full Frame Transfer CCD
PROCESSOR TruePic TURBO image processor
AUTOFOCUS 3-point TTL phase detection system
PHASE DETECTION Not applicable; traditional DSLR phase detection only
VIDEO No video recording capability
STABILIZATION None (sensor-based stabilization not present in this model)
BURST RATE 2.5 frames per second up to 4 frames in RAW
VIEWFINDER Optical pentaprism viewfinder with 95% coverage and 0.9x magnification
DISPLAY 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD with 215,000 dots, fixed
CONNECTIVITY USB 2.0 High Speed, Video Out
MEMORY CARD Dual slots: CompactFlash (Type I/II) and xD-Picture Card
WEATHER SEALING No official weather sealing; polycarbonate body construction
BATTERY LIFE Approx. 500 shots per charge using BLM-1 Li-ion battery

The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Olympus E-500

Control / Button / Dial Status Note
Shutter-release Button ✓ Present
Mode Dial ✓ Present
+/- EV (Exposure Compensation) Button ✓ Present
Dedicated ISO Button ✓ Present
Dedicated Aperture Dial / Ring ✗ Not Present
Dedicated Shutter Speed Dial ✗ Not Present
AF-ON Button ✗ Not Present
Main Command Dial ✓ Present
Sub-Command Dial ✗ Not Present
Function (Fn) Buttons ✗ Not Present
Joystick / Multi-selector ✗ Not Present
AF-assist / Self-timer Lamp ✓ Present
Monitor Mode Button ✓ Present
Video Record Button ✗ Not Present
Drive Mode Control ✓ Present

How-to Use Olympus E-500

Welcome to the How-to section of the camera. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a camera has a how-to section and a section for learning. Simply because the buttons and the controls of each camera is located in different places that not only varies for brands but in each model. How-to section help you operate your camera, however, if you are interested to learn photography, not only you need to know how your camera works, but also you must know what you can change and why you do that to get better photo. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Olympus E-500 Exposure Indicators

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
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The key to the photography is light, and it’s the exposure indicators, where you see how much light your camera sensor sees. These indicators both in monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under or over-exposed at the current setting. The amount of under or overexposure is shown in increments of 1/3 EV.

Learn & Master Photography with Olympus E-500

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your camera. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Sensor Four Thirds CCD
Resolution 8.0 Megapixels
ISO Range 100-1600
Autofocus 3-point TTL
Shutter Speed 60s to 1/4000s
Burst Rate 2.5 fps
Video None
Stabilization None
Viewfinder Optical Pentaprism
LCD 2.5-inch Fixed
Memory Card CF and xD
Connectivity USB 2.0
Battery Life 500 shots
Weight 435g
Dimensions 129.5 x 91 x 66 mm