Product Reviews

At first glance, the new Olympus E-420 seems like a marginal upgrade to the previous model, the E-410, and in many respects it is. The new model shares pretty much the same tiny plastic body shell and has a similar 10-megapixel resolution LMos sensor, but there are several enticing advantages with the new camera.

By far the most significant, in our opinion, is the new image-processing pipeline. As well as an improved white balance algorithm that really seems to make colours look vibrant but not-unrealistic, like some rival cameras have a tendency to do, the E-420 boasts Olympus' Shadow Adjustment Technology (SAT). Like Sony's DRO and Nikon's Active DLighting options, somewhat confusingly selected from the menu as Auto gradation, SAT in the E-420 processes the image by zones, and adjusts both brightness and colour on a per-pixel basis.

It works surprisingly well, especially with flash, either using the tiny built-in unit or one of Olympus' pro-level optional strobes. And the effects of this optimised brightness and contrast are clearly visible when compared side-by-side with the earlier E410. While we would like to see the same number of user-selectable options that Sony's DRO offers with A700, for most picture-taking situations

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the E420's output is far superior to the E-410. It's not a complete bed of roses though, from our tests we found SAT increases shadow noise at ISO 800 and above.It appears as horizontal banding and can be quite noticeable at times.

Other new features include contrast detection AF along with a face-detection option - similar to a digital compact camera - in Live View mode, a larger 2.7in LCD and wireless flash capability. While somewhat tardy in use, the contrast detection AF mode has its uses, such as still life, macro and the occasional handheld overhead shot. The face detection mode works in the same way as Olympus' digital compacts and is fine for some shots, but when hand holding a DSLR, using Live View has it drawbacks.

Everyone will appreciate a slightly faster 3.5 frames per second (fps) burst rate and a wider Auto ISO function, reflecting the camera's user selectable range of ISO100-1600. This makes the E-420 particularly suitable for rapidly changing light levels, and you can set a range if you don't want to use High ISOs for fear of introducing unwelcome noise.

Although the E-420 will be offered with the handy, and affordable, ZD 14-42mm zoom, a new, tiny 25mm f/2.8 fixed focal length lens makes an appealing alternative. While not as versatile, it's a perfect match for the diminutive dimensions of the E-420 and as small a combination as you're ever likely to find. The lens' optical quality is first class too, though the standard kit zoom is no slouch either.

While not a show-stopper, the only feature missing from the Olympus E-420 at this level is the lack of any image stabilisation. All the same, with a price of about £120 less than that of its predecessor when it was introduced, this has to rate as one of the most tempting entry-level DSLRs we've seen in a long time.