Olympus E-620

	Olympus E-30 Comparison Summary
While these two recent Olympus introductions share many features, there are clearly differences both physically and under the hood, based on our testing data. Most obviously, the E-620 costs $600 less than the E-30 and is much more portable, with a body that weighs nearly 1/3 less. When it comes to several key specs, the two are identical, with the same 12-megapixel resolution, processor, ISO range and 2.7-inch articulated screen. The E-30 does raise the bar in some areas, including a faster burst rate, higher-capacity battery, superior autofocus system and more rugged construction. For many users, though, a lighter weight and significantly lower price will tip the balance toward the E-620.
	Design & Handling	Page 12 of 17	Canon Rebel XS Comparison

	Comparison Specifications
	Olympus E-620	Olympus E-30
Price	$799.99 w/14-42mm lens	$1299.99 (body only)
Dimensions	5.11 in/129.8mm (W) x 3.7 in/94.0mm x 2.36 in/59.9mm (D), 16.64 oz./472g	5.6 in/141.5 mm (W) x 4.23 in/107.5mm (H) x 2.95 in/75 mm (D), 23.1 oz/655g
Resolution	12.3 megapixels	12.3-megapixels
Processor	TruePic III+ Image Processor	TruePic III+ Image Processor
Sensor size/type	17.3mm x 13.0mm Live MOS	Four Thirds, 17.3 mm (H) x 13.0 mm (V)
Kit Lens	14-42mm f/3.5-5.6	No
Viewfinder	95% field of view, 0.96x magnification	98% field of view, 1.02x magnification
LCD	230,000 pixel, 2.7 inch articulated LCD	230,000 pixel, 2.7 inch articulated LCD
Live View	Manual focus Autofocus: High speed imager AF, Phase-difference detection AF, Face Detection	Manual focus Autofocus: High speed imager AF, Phase-difference detection AF
Shutter Speed	60 - 1/4000 sec, bulb up to 30 minutes	60 - 1/8000 sec, bulb up to 30 minutes
Burst Speed	1-4 frames per second	1-5 frames per second
Autofocus	TTL phase-difference detection system, 7 points (11 points in Live View)	TTL phase-difference detection system, 11 points
Exposure Compensation	±5 EV in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps	±5 EV in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps
Noise Reduction	High ISO (three levels), Long Exposure	High ISO (three levels), Long Exposure
ISO range	ISO 100-3200 in 1/3 or 1 EV	ISO 100-3200 in 1/3 or 1 EV
Flash	Retractable flash, GN=17 @ISO200, (GN=12 @ISO 100.m)	Retractable flash, GN=18 @ISO200, (GN=13 @ISO 100.m)
Media Format	JPEG, RAW	JPEG, RAW
Movie Mode	No	No
Media Type	CF (UDMA compatible), xD	CF (UDMA compatible), xD
Connections	Proprietary USB	Proprietary USB, DC in
Other Hardware	No	No

Performance
The E-30 tested very well for color accuracy, but the E-620 did even better. In the Olympus problem areas of image noise and dynamic range, the E-620 did improve on its predecessor's dynamic range, but still proved sub-par next to the competition. In image noise, the two were for all practical purposes identical. The E-30 surpassed the long exposure performance of the E-620, but again not by enough to see a difference.

Components
The two cameras offer the same articulated HyperCrystal III LCD. We think the ability to pivot and rotate the screen is a particularly strong feature, and a rarity among SLRs. The button layout is very different, with the four-way controller used only for navigation on the E-30 rather than serving double-duty as direct settings control keys as they do on the E-620 -- not a huge advantage for larger camera, though it does avoid accidental trips to a settings adjustment screen when when all you wanted to do is get from here to there. The E-620 offers dual control dials, front and back, a significant advantage if you shoot in manual exposure mode frequently, along with a secondary monochrome LCD on top which is handy when shooting on a tripod.

Handling
When it comes to portability, the compact E-620 has a clear advantage. For actually handling the camera, though, your preference is likely to be based on the size of your hands. We find the E-30 much easier to maneuver, with its full-sized, nicely textured grip and solid heft in the palm of your hand. If you have smaller hands, though, the E-620 will be more to your liking. Both offer a nicely juxtaposed positioning of front grip and rear thumb rest to maintain camera balance even when shooting one-handed.

Controls
There's not a huge difference here. The E-30 has a faster claimed burst rate, at 5 frames per second versus 4 for the E-620, but in the lab we found the actual difference was much closer. The autofocus system on the E-30 is both statistically and practically superior, with faster performance both in bright and low light situations. The E-30 does offer a faster top shutter speed of 1/8000 second, but in actual shooting situations the E-620's 1/4000 speed really doesn't pose a practical limitation. And if you're a fan of Art Filters and Scene Modes, the two cameras offer identical capabilities.

	ISO Examples
	Olympus E-620	Olympus E-30
ISO 100
	Olympus E-620	Olympus E-30
ISO 200
	Olympus E-620	Olympus E-30
ISO 400
	Olympus E-620	Olympus E-30
ISO 800
	Olympus E-620	Olympus E-30
ISO 1600
	Olympus E-620	Olympus E-30
ISO 3200

NOTE: The images above are not used in our testing or scoring, but are included here to show real-world examples of the differences between cameras at the various ISO settings.

This section of the review was updated with revised results and scores on July 13, 2009. These changes did not affect the relative ratings of the reviewed cameras.