Either manufacturers consider amateur cameras to have reached perfection by now, or old stock is not sold out. Anyway, the newest amateur DSLRs were introduced last year, and all the new ones were either in the compact class or in the “system” class without a mirrorless viewfinder.
The DSLRs in the review: Olympus K5, Pentax K-r, Olympus E-30, Olympus E-620, Olympus E-450
Pentax K-5
Technical Data
Date of announcement: September 2010
Mount: KAF3, KAF2, KAF, KA
Sensor format: CMOS, 23.6×15.8 mm
Cropped ratio: 1.5
Sensor size: 12.4 million., 4288×2848 pixels.
LCD monitor: 7.6 cm, 921,000 pixels., Live View mode
Autofocus: 11 points
Shutter speed: 30-1/6000
Continuous Shooting: up to 6 fps
Sensitivity: 200-12,800 ISO extended 100-25,600 ISO
Flash: Built-in flash GN 16 , hot shoe, sync terminal, X-sync at 1/180 sec
Video: Up to 1280×720, 25 fps 16:9 , AVI, Motion JPEG with sound
Memory cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC
Power: Pentax B-LI109 Li-Ion
Dimensions: 125x97x68 mm
Weight: 598 g
Price: $590
A mid-range amateur DSLR has quite an extensive feature set.
Very simple and logical controls and excellent ergonomics make it an extremely comfortable tool. Small size, wide sensitivity range, high quality video and Live View mode, thanks to which you can evaluate the next frame not only in the viewfinder, but also on the large LCD monitor.
These and many other features combined with a reasonable price make the Pentax K-r an attractive choice for the discerning amateur. The camera has a built-in image editor, which offers many creative possibilities for photographers.
Very fast for this class of camera, continuous shooting. The camera has a very useful HDR function for capturing contrast scenes that stitches together three frames taken with different exposures.
Olympus E-30
Technical parameters
Date of announcement: November 2008
Mount: Standard 4/3
Sensor format: 4/3, Live MOS,
Krop factor: 2
Sensor Size: 12.3 million., 4032×3024 pixels.
LCD monitor: 6.9 cm, 230,000 pixels., Live View mode
Autofocus: 11 points
Shutter speed: 60-1/8000
Continuous Shooting: Up to 5 fps
Sensitivity: 100-3200 ISO
Flash: Built-in flash GN 13 , hot shoe, syncro, X-sync at 1/250 sec
Video: no
Memory cards: CompactFlash I/II, xD Picture card 2 slots
Power: Li-Ion BLM-1
Dimensions: 141.5×107.5×75 mm
Weight: 655 g
Price: $1300
Very few models remain in the Olympus line of SLR cameras. Apparently, this famous company is shifting its focus to compact cameras with interchangeable optics. E-30 is a high quality 4/3 standard camera.
It has an economical, high-speed Live MOS sensor and when combined with the 11-point autofocus system also used in the flagship E-3, it achieved an impressive speed of 5 fps at full resolution 12 frames in RAW .
With built-in image stabilisation and an extended sensitivity range of up to 3200 ISO, it’s the perfect tool for taking pictures in a broad range of conditions.
The swivel monitor lets you comfortably shoot from the most unusual spots and with a choice of Art Filters and multiple exposures you can make the most of your creative fantasies.
Olympus E-620
Technical specifications
Date of announcement: February 2009
Mount: Standard 4/3
Sensor aspect ratio: 4/3, Live MOS,
Krop Factor: 2
Sensor size: 12.3 million., 4032×3024 pixels.
LCD monitor: 6.9 cm, 230,000 pixels., Live View mode
Autofocus: 7 points
Shutter speed: 60-1/4000
Continuous Shooting: Up to 4 fps
Sensitivity: 100-3200 ISO
Flash: Built-in flash GN 12 , hot shoe, syncro, X-sync at 1/180 sec
Video: none
Memory cards: CompactFlash I/II, xD Picture card 2 slots
Power: Li-Ion BLM-1
Dimensions: 130x94x60 mm
Weight: 475 g
Price: $850
The entry in the 600 series in the Olympus D-SLR line. The manufacturer positions it as a camera designed specifically for creativity.
In support of this concept, the camera is equipped with virtually all of Olympus’ technological know-how. High-resolution Live MOS sensor, pivoting display with wide viewing angles, Live View function with high-speed contrast autofocus and wireless flash control.
Various aspect ratios, in-built artistic filters, multiple exposures, and other features to help create compelling images.
Accessories include an additional feeding handle. Despite its considerable age, by the modern standards, there are very few cameras that offer such a vast range of shooting and image editing functions.
Olympus E-450
Specifications
Date of Announcement: March 2009
Mount: Standard 4/3
Sensor format: 4/3, Live MOS,
Cropped ratio: 2
Sensitivity: Sensitivity 100-3200 ISO Matrix Size: 10 Million., 3648×2736 pix.
LCD: 6.9 cm, 230 000 pixels., Live View mode
Autofocus: 3 zones
Shutter speed: 60-1/4000
Continuous Shooting: Up to 3.5 frames per second
Sensitivity: 100-1600 ISO
Flash: Built-in GN 12 , hot shoe, syncro, X-sync at 1/180 sec
Video: no
Memory cards: CompactFlash I/II, xD Picture card 2 slots
Power: Li-Ion BLS-1
Dimensions: 129.5x91x53 mm
Weight: 380 g
Price: $480
The camera for beginners, traditionally simple to use but packed with features. Its compact size and low price make it a serious competitor to conventional compact cameras.
All the more so because the noticeably larger sensor, compared to compact cameras, will provide much better image quality. The camera has a system of protection against dust and Live View mode with autofocus and face recognition technology.
Dynamic range enhanced with shadow correction technology. The main highlight of the camera is an exclusive set of art filters, first introduced in the older E-30.
The model has a very serious set of image presets and subsequent image editing, so the creative photographer has a lot of opportunities to create interesting shots.
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What are the key differences in features and performance between Pentax and Olympus SLR cameras? Which brand would you recommend for professional photography and why?
What are the main factors that differentiate Pentax and Olympus SLR cameras in the market, and which one would be the better choice for a beginner photographer in terms of features, quality, and affordability?