Choosing the Best Entry Level Olympus SLR Camera

Entry level Olympus SLR cameras are manufactured to make the transition from a compact point and shoot camera to an SLR as easy as possible. Unlike their more advanced counterparts, entry level SLRs have a lot of features and additions that can help a new SLR photographer take the best photographs possible.

While there are many SLR cameras that are suited to beginners currently on the market, it is Olympus SLR cameras that are seen as the leaders in this area. Not competing heavily for a top placement against Nikon and Canon when looking at professional SLR cameras, their entry level models are regarded as some of the best available.

Introduced to the market in May 2009, the Olympus SLR camera E450 10 mega pixel is a perfect camera for beginners. Not only does the E450 continue with Olympus’s renowned small and lightweight bodies, (weighing in at under 400g and being one of the smallest SLR cameras on the open marke) it offers the great option of LiveView, which allows a picture to be displayed on the 2.7 inch LCD screen before it is taken.

Even though Live View is common on compact point and shoot cameras, this is not automatically included on digital SLRs. This feature can make a considerable amount of difference to an amateur photographer.

In addition, this 10MP Olympus SLR camera supports two different memory options – xD and SD – and is very affordable, with the body and twin lens kit available for less than $700.

A year older than the E450, the E520 is another cost effective SLR aimed at beginners and can be purchased with a 14-42mm lens for under $450. As with the E450, the E520 offers various memory options and LiveView. And considering the $250 price difference, the E520 can prove to be a more cost effective option.

Released in the same year as the E450, the E620 is an Olympus SLR camera aimed at beginners who are looking to take their photography seriously. With the ability to take up to a 12.3 mega pixel image, the E620 is marketed as the lightest digital SLR with in-body image stabilization currently on the market, at 475g (body only).

The E620 is a particularly well designed camera and has received a substantial amount of positive reviews. It’s got many additional features that can be utilized once the photographer moves past using the E620 as an entry level SLR.

An Olympus SLR camera is often the best choice for those looking to move up from compact point and shoot photography. While it’s light, small and well-designed ergonomically, they offer fantastic value for money and can produce some high quality images.