Most people wouldn’t consider the jungle as being the most ideal or scenic location to indulge in photography. After all, the recent heatwave and the fear of constant attacks from mosquitoes and bugs are enough to put off any budding photographer.

However that didn’t stop Olympus from taking a few journalists to take test drive with their new Evolt E410 DSLR camera in the rainforests of Malaysia. Here’s the conclusion: “Overall, the Olympus Evolt E410 is a good entry-level DSLR for beginners – it has a good user interface and well-labelled buttons that make it really easy to use for first time users.

However, the E410 suffers from dynamic range problems. Also, the camera’s slow autofocus in Live View mode makes it impractical for point-and-shoot photography. While it may not be for everyone, the E410 may just be the camera you are looking for if you intend to get your feet wet in the DSLR world.

Pros: Lightweight; good user interface; Live View mode; dual format card support.

Cons: Problems with dynamic range; slow autofocus speed in Live View mode.”

Website : Olympus E-410 Review by StarOnline in Malaysia Jungle

Olympus has introduced new underwater housings and accessories for several of its digital cameras, as well as an underwater flash unit. All of the new gear is rated for use down to depths of 40 meters (approximately 133 feet). A tight O-ring main seal with safety lock, along with stainless steel and nickel-plated brass hardware, help to ensure protection from corrosion for years to come.

A fluorite (FL) glass window gives your digital camera’s powerful Olympus lens the protection and clear gateway it needs to deliver crisp detail and vibrant color. And an easy-to-see LCD panel lets you admire the beauty that lies beneath the surface instantly. Each housing features a large, responsive shutter button, precision zoom lever, and durable controls to lend you access to everything your Olympus digital camera has to offer. They’re even great on the slopes and in other extreme conditions.

Website :  Underwater Housing for Olympus E-410 DSLR Camera

PopPhoto hands on review on the newly announced Olympus E-510 and E-410, here’s a quick summary of the article, “The E-510 packs a significant advancement over the E-410 and all Evolt DSLRs: mechanical image stabilization. This chip-based system works like those on the Sony Alpha 100 and Pentax K10D. Unlike the lens-based IS systems from Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic (Leica), which charge a premium for each imagestabilized lens, the Olympus system works with all legacy Four Thirds Standard lenses.

…The E-410’s battery is plenty powerful: Olympus claims up to 400 shots without Live Preview, and up to 200 with Live Preview on for 50% of the shots….Internally, both camera bodies rely on a metal frame across the camera back and a stainless steel lensmount in front to improve durability…Both cameras have dual card slots for CF and xDPicture Cards, and can store RAW, JPEG, or RAW + JPEG (at several compression settings).

For just $100 more, we think the E-510’s sensor-based IS system (plus larger battery, more comfortable hand grip, and external controls) makes it the better choice for serious photographers. In turn, the E-410 will appeal to entry-level DSLR shooters looking for a smaller, lighter, and more affordable camera body.”

Website : Hands On: Olympus E-510 and E-410 by PopPhoto

The Olympus E-410 is an unusually small and light 10 Megapixel digital SLR aimed at compact or super-zoom owners who are looking to upgrade, along with enthusiasts who want a camera they can use in situations where a traditional DSLR would be too cumbersome. It’s the latest model to employ the maturing Four Thirds DSLR standard and while priced as an entry-level product, there’s currently no Four Thirds body with a higher resolution. Here’s the conclusion:

“Like its predecessor, the Olympus E-410 has a lot going for it: it’s very small and light without compromising comfort or usability, there’s quick and easy access to all the settings, the resolving power and noise levels are comparable to the best 10 Megapixel DSLRs, and the SSWF anti-dust system remains unmatched. And while some will question the usefulness or implementation of the Live View facility, we found it offered genuine benefits.

The biggest problem facing the E-410 though is undoubtedly the lack of viable anti-shake options. Olympus may officially hide behind the line third parties can make stabilised lenses for it, but the fact is only one has so far and it’s both pricey and hard to track down separately. Someone urgently needs to produce an affordable and widely available stabilised lens for the Four Thirds fit, not just for the E-410, but for all existing Olympus DSLR owners. Surely they’d clean up.

Ultimately if stabilised optics aren’t a priority, the E-410 is a great choice. The body is extremely portable without compromising handling or comfort, the control system quick and easy to use, the SSWF filter remains the best around, and the Live View facility is both fun and useful. As such we can Highly Recommend the E-410 to anyone who wants a small and light DSLR, although we’d advise close comparison with the forthcoming E-510.”

Website : Olympus E-410 Review by CameraLabs

When Olympus announced that their compact E-400 digital SLR would not be sold in the US, the collective groan could’ve been heard in space. Thankfully someone at Olympus was listening, and they brought the E-400’s replacement — the E-410 — to the America market. The camera include the following main features:

• Super compact body design (no handgrip). Modeled on the OM series of the 70’s. Retro looking
• 10 MP sensor, this time manufactured by Panasonic, called “Live MOS”
• Live view which allows you to use the LCD to view / compose / capture an image
• Supersonic Wave Filter for dust removal
• 2.5” LCD
• XD and CF card capabilities
• 3fps shooting speed. Up to 7 images for the RAW buffer. Capable of shooting RAW + JPG also
• ISO 100 to ISO 1600. Auto ISO also.
• Exposure compensation +- 5.0
• Capable of accepting any Four Thirds lens

Here’s the summary of the 5-part review by Lawrence Ripsher:

“In terms of use and what I’ll get out of it, I don’t think it’ll be of any surprise for me to say that the entry level E-410 is not about to replace my 5D as my primary camera. I do however feel that given its size and ability to perform, it’s going to be able to fill a much needed gap for a second body / system for me.

The extra depth of field that the Four Thirds sensor brings, and access to the fantastic E system lenses which are both competitively priced and typically either faster or smaller (or in some cases both) than their counterparts, are both two key benefits for me. As a result of using the E-410 for just a week, I’ve made the decision to adopt Olympus as a second system. …I’ll end with saying that this is an excellent choice for an entry level DSLR and if you anticipate becoming serious about your photography in the future, know that Olympus already has a lot of world class glass already out there for when you’ll need it. The E-410 is definitely able to compete head to head with its Nikon (D40X) and Canon (400D) counterparts and although it’s a close call between the three of them, there are definite advantages that the E-410 holds (such as Live View, a working dust cleaning system, size advantages, the excellent / great value 14-54 lens that you can upgrade to, etc).”

Website : Olympus E-410 Review by Lawrence Ripsher

E-410 is a 10-megapixel digital SLR packed into a remarkably slim body, selling for an impressively low price ($700 for body only, $800 for one lens, $900 including two lenses). The value proposition increases when you consider it includes Live View—the ability to get a video preview of your shot on the main LCD, á la point-and-shoot cameras. Here’s summary review from Gizdomo:

“My biggest complaint about the E-410 is that, using the Zuiko 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 lens that comes in the two-lens deluxe kit, I didn’t have a very good time shooting in low light without a flash. Automatic shutter-speed adjustment meant a slow, blurry exposure, even in ambient light that many point-and-shoots can negotiate. The Nikon D40, by comparison, performs admirably well in low light with its 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Nikkor lens.

I know, you want me to tell you whether you should spend your hard-earned $800 on this for your mom’s Mother’s Day gift. If relative size and the Live View feature are important to Mommy dearest, then yes. Otherwise, spend a tad more on the slightly larger, better performing Nikon D40x. – Wilson Rothman”

Website :  Olympus Evolt E-410 Unboxed and Well Fondled