Olympus E-500 EVOLT DSLR Camera
The Olympus E-500 is a 8MP Type 4/3 DSLR camera — known for its 8MP Four Thirds Sensor and Compact DSLR Body. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Olympus E-500 EVOLT DSLR Camera
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Overview — Olympus E-500
Key Features — Olympus E-500
8MP Four Thirds Sensor: Type 4/3 sensor delivers 3264x2448 pixel images with a 2x crop factor, making it compatible with the full Four Thirds lens ecosystem.
Compact DSLR Body: At 430g and 130 x 95 x 66 mm, this is one of the smaller and lighter DSLRs available, making it easy to carry for extended shoots.
Four Thirds Lens Mount: Compatible with the full range of Olympus and third-party Four Thirds system lenses, offering a broad selection of optics.
ISO 100–1600 Range: Covers standard daylight through typical indoor shooting conditions without needing flash.
3-Point Phase Detection AF: Phase detection autofocus system provides reliable and fast focus acquisition for everyday and casual shooting scenarios.
Built-In Flash with Hot Shoe: TTL-controlled built-in flash handles on-camera lighting needs, while the Olympus TTL hot shoe supports external flash units.
Specifications — Olympus E-500
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel |
| Type | DSLR |
| Sensor | Type 4/3 (Four Thirds) |
| Resolution | 8MP |
| ISO Range | 100 – 1600 |
| AF System | Phase Detection |
| AF Points | 3 points |
| Max Photo Resolution | 3264x2448 |
| Burst Rate | 2.5 fps |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Display | 2.5 inches TFT LCD |
| Display Resolution | 215,000 dots |
Description — Olympus E-500
The Olympus E-500 EVOLT is a Four Thirds mount DSLR with an 8MP Type 4/3 sensor capable of capturing images at up to 3264x2448 pixels. The camera offers an ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 1600, suitable for a range of everyday shooting conditions. Burst mode is supported at up to 2.5 frames per second, and color output can be set to either sRGB or Adobe RGB depending on your workflow needs.
Autofocus uses a 3-point phase detection system for consistent subject acquisition. The 2.5-inch TFT LCD with 215,000 dots provides clear image review, while an optical TTL pentamirror viewfinder offers a traditional shooting experience. The body is impressively compact at 130 x 95 x 66 mm and weighs only 430g.
A built-in TTL flash and standard ISO hot shoe give flexible lighting options, and storage is via CompactFlash media. USB connectivity is included for image transfer.
Pros — Olympus E-500
- ✓Lightweight 430g body at 130 x 95 x 66 mm makes it compact for a DSLR
- ✓Dual color profile support — sRGB and Adobe RGB — for flexible output workflows
- ✓Built-in TTL flash combined with a standard ISO hot shoe for versatile flash options
Cons — Olympus E-500
- ✗No image stabilization of any kind — neither in-body nor digital
- ✗Limited 3-point autofocus system with no subject tracking or eye tracking
- ✗No video recording capability based on available specifications
Videos — Olympus E-500
Olympus E-500 | Cheap CCD Magic! — Brandon Murray
Frequently Asked Questions — Olympus E-500
What lenses are compatible with the Olympus E-500?+
The E-500 uses the Four Thirds lens mount, so it is compatible with Four Thirds System lenses. It is not compatible with Micro Four Thirds lenses without an adapter, as the two mounts are physically distinct.
What memory cards does the Olympus E-500 accept?+
The E-500 accepts CompactFlash cards as its primary storage medium, along with at least one additional media type listed in the specifications. CompactFlash cards are widely available in a range of capacities.
Does the Olympus E-500 have image stabilization?+
No — according to the specifications, the E-500 has no in-body image stabilization and no digital image stabilization. Any stabilization would need to come from a stabilized lens mounted to the camera.
What is the maximum burst rate of the E-500?+
The E-500 can shoot continuously at up to 2.5 frames per second. This is suitable for casual action and event photography but is modest compared to higher-end DSLRs.
Does the E-500 have a built-in flash?+
Yes, the E-500 features a built-in TTL flash as well as a standard ISO hot shoe, allowing use of external flash units for more powerful or off-camera lighting setups.
What is the resolution and screen size of the rear display?+
The E-500 has a 2.5-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 215,000 dots. It is used primarily for image review and menu navigation.