Olympus has even managed to extend the dynamic range of JPEGs produced by the camera. Where the E-420 would clip highlights, should you take your eye off the histogram (real-time in live view), the E-450, with the 'auto gradation' option enabled, can largely be left alone to make complex auto-exposure decisions. That's great news for newbies or anyone looking to grab shots without constantly adjusting the camera's settings. Shadow Adjustment Technology helps lift detail in the shadows, but it doesn't have the same latitude as Nikon's Active D-Lighting options, found on the pricier D5000.
One of our gripes with the E-420 still persists with the E-450 -- namely, the tardy contrast-detection autofocus in live view. It's not much slower than rivals, if at all, but it's still frustrating. Still, there are times when live view is the best option, and the E-450's operation is slick and much quieter than that of rivals.
Olympus has also missed an marketing opportunity in calling the E-450's 69mm (2.7-inch ) screen a HyperCrystal II LCD panel, like that of the earlier E-420. In fact, the E-450's LCD is both brighter and clearer.
Conclusion
As a step up from a compact camera, the Olympus E-450 is a strong contender for your cash. Pentax offers the equally appealing K200D, which features the same sensor resolution but adds a very attractive body-integrated anti-shake system. That model uses four AA batteries, though, and is pretty heavy as a result. It also lacks live view and has an even less sophisticated phase-detection (viewfinder-based) AF system than the three-point AF module found on the E-450. Alternatively, you could consider the new Nikon D3000 or perhaps the Sony Alpha DSLR-A230, but both these models are new and, as yet, untested.
Edited by Charles Kloet
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Becky Inch 5 April 2011
Good: compact and light
Bad: doesnt take SD cards
Comment: I bought this camera as my first step into the world of DSLR shooting.
I love the small compact size and carried t around Paris for three days around my neck with no aching. Being female and only have little hands, the smaller buttons and layout doesn't really affect me however i can see how someone with bigger hands would struggle.
The viewfinder is small and requires some practice for manual focus however the auto focus work great. Even with only three spots it has, for me atleast, got it right every time.
I purchased the twin lens kit with the camera, as zuiko have some of the best kit glass (so i've read) and they do not dissapoint, the lenses are sharp and clear with a good range. I highly recommend a 4/3-OM adapter and the manual OM lenses are ripe for the picking on ebay which is very useful for picking up some cheap prime lenses.
Just please note the 4/3 sensor that this (and many Panasonic cameras) have means that you have to double the focal length to get the 'full frame' or 35mm equivalent. (ie kit lens 14-42 turns into 28-84)
The software is good, although the filters seem pointless if you have any sort of PP software. The on screen display shows correct/incorrect exposure and explains it simply. It has all the standard modes, aperture/speed priority and full manual mode. This also includes a bulb mode which always shutter speeds of up to a minute (twice as long as a Canon 450D)
Overall I think this is a great entry level SLR, although with companies pushing Micro Four-thirds systems its not certain how long new lenses for this camera will be around. It s a good job Olympus lenses are long lasting and well made.
I recommend this camera, it is cheaper than many other equivalents and performs just as well.
Becky Inch 5 April 2011
Good: compact and light
Bad: doesnt take SD cards
Comment: I bought this camera as my first step into the world of DSLR shooting.
I love the small compact size and carried t around Paris for three days around my neck with no aching. Being female and only have little hands, the smaller buttons and layout doesn't really affect me however i can see how someone with bigger hands would struggle.
The viewfinder is small and requires some practice for manual focus however the auto focus work great. Even with only three spots it has, for me atleast, got it right every time.
I purchased the twin lens kit with the camera, as zuiko have some of the best kit glass (so i've read) and they do not dissapoint, the lenses are sharp and clear with a good range. I highly recommend a 4/3-OM adapter and the manual OM lenses are ripe for the picking on ebay which is very useful for picking up some cheap prime lenses.
Just please note the 4/3 sensor that this (and many Panasonic cameras) have means that you have to double the focal length to get the 'full frame' or 35mm equivalent. (ie kit lens 14-42 turns into 28-84)
The software is good, although the filters seem pointless if you have any sort of PP software. The on screen display shows correct/incorrect exposure and explains it simply. It has all the standard modes, aperture/speed priority and full manual mode. This also includes a bulb mode which always shutter speeds of up to a minute (twice as long as a Canon 450D)
Overall I think this is a great entry level SLR, although with companies pushing Micro Four-thirds systems its not certain how long new lenses for this camera will be around. It s a good job Olympus lenses are long lasting and well made.
I recommend this camera, it is cheaper than many other equivalents and performs just as well.
Becky Inch 5 April 2011
Good: compact and light
Bad: doesnt take SD cards
Comment: I bought this camera as my first step into the world of DSLR shooting.
I love the small compact size and carried t around Paris for three days around my neck with no aching. Being female and only have little hands, the smaller buttons and layout doesn't really affect me however i can see how someone with bigger hands would struggle.
The viewfinder is small and requires some practice for manual focus however the auto focus work great. Even with only three spots it has, for me atleast, got it right every time.
I purchased the twin lens kit with the camera, as zuiko have some of the best kit glass (so i've read) and they do not dissapoint, the lenses are sharp and clear with a good range. I highly recommend a 4/3-OM adapter and the manual OM lenses are ripe for the picking on ebay which is very useful for picking up some cheap prime lenses.
Just please note the 4/3 sensor that this (and many Panasonic cameras) have means that you have to double the focal length to get the 'full frame' or 35mm equivalent. (ie kit lens 14-42 turns into 28-84)
The software is good, although the filters seem pointless if you have any sort of PP software. The on screen display shows correct/incorrect exposure and explains it simply. It has all the standard modes, aperture/speed priority and full manual mode. This also includes a bulb mode which always shutter speeds of up to a minute (twice as long as a Canon 450D)
Overall I think this is a great entry level SLR, although with companies pushing Micro Four-thirds systems its not certain how long new lenses for this camera will be around. It s a good job Olympus lenses are long lasting and well made.
I recommend this camera, it is cheaper than many other equivalents and performs just as well.
See all 4 user reviews