The Olympus e-420: World’s smallest and lightest DSLR
Olympus e-420 with Zuiko 14-42mm ED Kit Lens
Update December 18, 2008: Olympus E-420 with 25mm Pancake Lens Field Review here
Olympus Philippines was kind enough to lend me one of the latest model from Olympus DSLR line for testing and review, the Olympus e-420. The Olympus e-420 is currently the world’s smallest and lightest DSLR in the market. I was really attracted to this little wonder and wanted to really test out the unit before actually jumping into buying one. Olympus was famous for creating the OM-system cameras in the 70’s and 80’s which was also known for being small and light yet still manages to bring out the excellent quality images. A lot were excited with the release of the e-420 as it brought back the retro style cameras and also introduced the highly anticipated Zuiko 25mm 2.8 pancake lens. I have been using a production unit for more than a week now and here are my initial impressions.
Olympus e-420 2 Lens Kit
I will be doing a few series of entries for this review as it comes along. I won’t be too technical and will leave the pixel peeping to the lab experts to test. What I will give is an impression on what is really important - the actual real world use and application. I have been using the Olympus e-500, which was a 2005 model, for some time now. It’s Kodak sensor have been outputting excellent images so I haven’t jumped to last year’s Olympus e-x10 upgrades. I thought the 1st generation Panasonic (Matsuhita) Sensor was not that big an upgrade on Image Quality for me. Though it has improved on Noise Control, it’s dynamic range and control of highlights was not in par with the old Kodak Sensor on my e-500, so I decided to wait for a while. When this year’s E-x20 line was introduced with an improved sensor, I checked out the sample images first and was excited to see some improvements on the highlights and also shadow details.
Zuiko Kit Lens new 14-42mm (left) and old 14-45mm (right)Comparison
So here are the improvements coming from my E-500:
- 10 effective megapixel sensor (11.8 total pixels) by Panasonic Matsuhita
- Larger 2.7″ LCD screen with improved contrast and color gamut to make it more viewable in varying angles
- Live View with contrast detect autofocus (with supported lenses) and face detection (all lenses)
- 3.5 fps continues shooting
- Shadow Adjustment Technology
- Live View’s Perfect Shot Preview
- Wireless Flash Control (controls up to 3 flashes)
- More Compact Kit Lenses with ED glasses
Zuiko Kit Lens 40-150mm new (left) and old (right) Comparison
Handling and Build: Taking the unit out of the box, I was amazed on how small the body was. It was getting close to compact camera territory already. There were the usual buttons I am familiar with but also a couple of buttons moved places. The build is quite good, it doesn’t feel cheap and as plasticky with the its textured finishing. There’s a rubber portion on the back and where you would likely place your thumb for a finer grip. Speaking of grip, it only has a slight protruding curve at the front which I had to get used to for some time. It may be a problem with bigger hands but the trick here is holding the barrel of the lens as well.
Compact Kit Lenses: Another surprise for me are the new 14-42mm 3.5-5.6 (28-84mm) and 40-150mm 4-5.6 (80-300mm) Kit Lenses. I know they started these the e-x10 line last year but I only got to use and compare them now. My older kit lenses have quite a size compared to these small ones. Also the new kit lenses have ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glasses which helps reduce chromatic abberations, color fringing and ghosting. I particularly had some problems with ghosting on my old 40-150 when shooting at full zoom and am glad to know they have them now here. Olympus Zuiko Kit Lenses are also high quality glasses unlike other brand’s kit lenses which you just throw out to replace with a better lens. Even the 14-42mm kit lens was a surprise since it was sharper than the old one. Many reviews can attest to the quality of Zuiko glasses which are sharp from corner to corner.
Olympus e-420 new Live view
Live View: Olympus pioneered the idea of Live View on a digital SLR. Some people wasn’t really ecstatic at the idea at first but eventually followed implementing their own versions. I was able to sample 1st generation live view on E-3/e-x10 line and thought it was a bit quirky on operation since you have to push some buttons another button aside from the shutter to focus. But with the new generation live view, you only have to half-press the shutter to focus just like any other compact cameras. The caveat here is that it isn’t as fast. It takes like a couple of seconds to lock on focus. I found the use of live view more beneficial on still subjects like Macro work and food shots since you can magnify focus 7x and 10x, studio shots as well as landscapes. I actually found the live view very useful when shooting fireworks at the recent World Pyro Olympics here and here. I no longer have to look at the view finder to compose my shots and shoot. What’s better, I can enjoy the display in full view as well instead of the viewfinder.
There is a lot more on the live view feature to delve on like the Perfect Shot Preview where you can preview White Balance and EV settings on screen before actually taking the shot, Live Histogram and Grid, the 11-point Auto focus on Live view and face detection. I will post a separate entry in the future highlighting each feature.
Image Quality and Noise Control: This is just an initial impression and have yet to fully test the camera on harsh conditions. But so far I like the images coming out from the camera. One noticeable improvement is the White Balance. The e-500 had trouble in multiple lighting conditions but the e-420 seem to get it right this time even on Auto mode. The traditional film-like colors of Olympus is still there. Noise has improved as well from my e-500. ISO is usable up to 800 on e420 and the noise patterns are fine grains unlike blotches of chroma noise in my older model. I also like the option of being able to set the noise filter to Off, low, standard and high depending on the conditions.
There’s still a lot to test on the camera. I found the Olympus e-420 as an ideal Travel camera due to its compactness and portability. I can even bring it everyday in my small bag. It’s a true “go anywhere, take anywhere” camera and I can’t wait to take it on my next travel destinations this weekend and next week.
The Olympus e-420 is already available at camera shops like Camerahause. SRP is Php 32,999 for a single lens kit with the 14-42mm kit lens. Add an additional Php 5000 for the 40-150mm telephoto kit lens which will give you a range of 14-150mm (28-300mm). If you are interested you can drop me a line here as well.
Update December 18, 2008: Olympus E-420 with 25mm Pancake Lens Field Review here
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Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm 
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June 3rd, 2008 at 4:57 pm
hmm. i guess big things really come in a small package.
June 3rd, 2008 at 5:02 pm
wow! nice review ferdz! i am actually leaning towards olympus next to nikon. their lens line up is very usable. i like the 7-14mm UWA and 12-60mm,.
June 3rd, 2008 at 5:28 pm
oh it’s seems nice although we’re using another brand
I think weight can be big factor in choosing a DSLR. My hubby’s new DSLR is quite heavy especially if you are using a telephoto lens.
June 3rd, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Partly right Lawstude. It just shows that quality pictures is not indication of the size of the camera. I guess it’s just each preference whether they lug around a big or small DSLR.
Hey Erick! Their lenses nga have very strategic line up. Even if you bring only 2, you get very wide coverage already. The 7-14mm UWA is a bit expensive, dala ni Red yung sa kanya last Saturday at the Pyro Olympics. They’ll be releasing a 9-18mm this September, a standard priced UWA. Can’t wait for that release.
Ei Nina, weight is a big factor for me, especially for someone who travels light and likes to move quickly so Compact DSRLs are are a way to go for me. I’m quite suprised with the new telephoto kit lens of this one. Very compact talaga.
June 3rd, 2008 at 6:42 pm
How I wish I could have this kind of camera……I love taking pictures and hopefully to be the next or at least second Ferdz……this gadget looks handy and easy to carry everywhere.
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:46 pm
ferdz, question somewhat related, but what software do you use for processing your photos?
June 4th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Hi Eric! Haha! I know you have your own style too eventually.
Photocache, I’m still using Adobe Photoshop CS2, but most of the time, I do minimal processing and it’s mostly global levels, contrast, cropping and sometimes sharpness. I’m a bit lazy in Post-processing and would rather spend more time shooting pictures than on the computer editing pictures. When working on RAW I use Adobe Raw Converter for photoshop and also Olympus Studio Pro.
June 4th, 2008 at 1:21 am
you know this naman bai, i love oly next to nikon. if i weren’t reared on a nikon, i’m most likely to be an oly user.
something i can’t do with my tank of a nikon 
i like the colors much more than brand c, hahaha. if i had a cam as light as this one you reviewed, i’ll most likely bring it almost everyday
p.s. we share the same philosophy in shooting more and processing less. to echo eric’s comment, does that mean i have a chance to be a third ferdz? hehehe
June 4th, 2008 at 1:40 am
I’ve seen the camera habang gamit ni ferdz sa pyrolympics last may 24, magaang talga sya. oggie showed me the difference kasi pinacarry nya yun camera nya sa akin na super bigat just to compare it with olympus. Good thing they came up with the lighter version of olympus, its very handy also ganda rin ng mga kuha nya. I hope ferdz got the unit na
pahiram naman minsan teach me how to shoot heheh.
June 4th, 2008 at 10:06 am
ayos pala ang kit ng olympus, laging dalawa? astig pa ng range… meron na bang pang fourth? ako na yun…. hehehehe
June 4th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
It’s small and compact and is the size smaller than a Canon 350/400D?
Well, the pancake lens is cool; just like the one produced by Pentax. I’ve tested my friend’s and was really amazed by it.
[:
This is a good review for the e-420.
June 4th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
magkano naman sya kuya?
June 4th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
me too i envy that kind of camera…. great pix here…….
June 5th, 2008 at 12:59 am
Ei Oggie! Anong 3rd, teka Oggie the Master ka na di ba?
Let’s see if’ll get this unit, Millie, just have to torture test it more. Sure, I can teach you the basics there.
Lino, for the kit lens, you have an option to buy a single lens or dual lens kit. The fourth? hehe sa Naruto hokage lang ata yun.
Yes Kyels, it’s smaller than Canon’s 350/400D line. I wanted to test the Pancake lens as well but it hasn’t arrived here yet. I hear it will be here next week, I’ll check if I can test it out.
Hi Jomax, kindly look at the bottom paragraph for the price.
Hi Eden, you can try it out and it’s cheap.
June 5th, 2008 at 1:45 am
bai, di ba ferdinand the great ka naman
to echo red, drop the oggie, master na lang, hahahaha just kidding. you know i’m just a padawan
June 5th, 2008 at 8:38 am
[...] in the Philippines; his blog ironwulf.net is proof of his photography skills. We recommend you click here to read Ferdz’s Olympus e-420 dSLR Review. But for the lazy ones, continuing reading for a [...]
June 5th, 2008 at 11:23 am
ayos a! Oly cameras are starting to get almost as good as Nikon cameras hahaha joke lang bai. Kahit anong camera naman yata hawakan nyo ni Most Masterful Master Oggie e maganda ang kalalabasan
June 5th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
hahaha i sense a disturbance in the force, i seem to sense a mutual admiration club within the site of ferdinand the great LOL and the culprits include a jedi named allan barredo and ferdz decena, hahaha
June 5th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I love a camera taht’s small and light .. and powerful. This Olympus model kinda fits the bill for me
Nice review 
June 6th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
sana sana.. magkaron din ako nito.. balang araw.. ^_^
June 9th, 2008 at 12:45 am
I am saving for the Olympus E-420. By the time I get enough savings, I hope I still to the plan of getting one. I dunno, so many entry levels DSLRs for almost the same price or cheaper
June 10th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
[...] photos were taken with the Olympus e-420 with kit lens 14-42mm [...]
June 10th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
hi po.
i don’t know if you still remember me but i emailed you a few years ago asking about photography techniques. your review of Olympus C-750 made me bought one, hanggang ngayon yun pa rin ang gamit ko
i’m thinking of buying a DLSR and mukhang nagugustuhan ko tong e-420 over Nikon D80
question lang po, yung mga kit lense ba pwede magamit kahit anong brand ng DLSR camera?
thanks!
June 11th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Hi Baboyita! Yep, I remember you
The kit lens for Olympus only works for 4/3 mount slrs. So sa Olympus, Panasonic and Leica SLRs lang pwede gamitin yung kit lenses na to. Hope that helps.
June 12th, 2008 at 12:22 am
thanks po!
pag-iipunan ko to, sana makabili ako balang araw
June 13th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
What about the lack of “Image Stabilization” compared to other entry level DSLR’s?
June 15th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Hi Angelo, as I see it, other entry levels like Nikon D60 and Canon 1000D only have lens based stabilization. But those IS lens is still not in par with with the Zuiko kit lenses and the e420 still cost less than those other entry levels. If you want IS there is the upcoming e520 with three modes of IS.
June 22nd, 2008 at 9:17 am
420!! hehehehe
June 23rd, 2008 at 9:10 pm
[...] as well as the financial resources to achieve what you have accomplished. I like your review for The Olympus e-420: World’s smallest and lightest DSLR. I hope I could get one soon but for now, I just have to be contented with my Casio Exilim Ex-750 [...]
July 9th, 2008 at 8:56 am
wow di ka na mareach, official oly tester ka pa ngayon, congrats!
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:35 am
[...] [...]
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Hi Ferdz, available na ba sa local market ang Olympus E-420? Kasi it’s my perfect upgrade from my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8. I used to work as a photographer using film cameras (Minolta SRTs, Nikon F, and Canon AE-1) in my college days. After selling all my antigong equipment, I shied away from dSLRs kasi ang laki and bigat. This is the size that I have been scouting for, perfect for my travels.
October 4th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
ok i got both cameras the e-500 and the e-420. i loved my 500 but the 420 puts it to shame. the sensor is way better, i love the lenses i have swap between the two cameras, love the weight of the 420, and the model number is great too. bad parts are the battery doesnt last as long as the 500, and im afraid to put a long heavy lens on the 420 maby its just me but it doesnt feel right like if the lens is goin to just rip outta the tiny light body of the 420, price is great tho and id never go to any other brand other than olympus as their cameras take a beating and keep on shooting like they just left the store.