Olympus E-620From real comments

Verdict distilled from 51 mentions across 16 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment67%
PROS 67%
CONS 33%

Rank based on 51 mentions across 16 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a cheap, well-built compact DSLR with great JPEG colours
  • You mainly shoot in good light and don't need video
  • You already own or want to use Four Thirds Zuiko lenses

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need strong high-ISO/low-light performance
  • You require weather sealing or video recording
  • You're worried about the common IBIS failure on used units

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Mid
Olympus E-1
Exceptional ergonomicsKodak CCD color renderingIconic shutter soundNoisy high-ISO performanceDated autofocusRising secondhand prices
Olympus E-1
Exceptional ergonomics
Kodak CCD color rendering
Iconic shutter sound
Noisy high-ISO performance
Dated autofocus
Rising secondhand prices
Best value
2Mid
Nikon D500
Fast, reliable autofocusBalanced resolution and file sizeExtra reach from crop sensor for wildlife/telephoto workBattery drain from WiFiWeaker than full-frame in studio and low-light landscape workBlown highlights and cropping limits on distant subjects
Nikon D500
Fast, reliable autofocus
Balanced resolution and file size
Extra reach from crop sensor for wildlife/telephoto work
Battery drain from WiFi
Weaker than full-frame in studio and low-light landscape work
Blown highlights and cropping limits on distant subjects
3Budget
Nikon D3
Exceptional color and tonal qualityOutstanding build quality and reliabilityExcellent ergonomics and designHeavy and bulkyWeak or absent video featuresLoud shutter and low discretion
Nikon D3
Exceptional color and tonal quality
Outstanding build quality and reliability
Excellent ergonomics and design
Heavy and bulky
Weak or absent video features
Loud shutter and low discretion
4Budget
Canon EOS Rebel SL2
Affordable valueLightweight and portableBeginner-friendly and intuitiveAutofocus noise with non-STM lensesLimited timelapse presetsNo in-body image stabilization
Canon EOS Rebel SL2
Affordable value
Lightweight and portable
Beginner-friendly and intuitive
Autofocus noise with non-STM lenses
Limited timelapse presets
No in-body image stabilization
5Mid
Nikon D4
Exceptional durability and build qualityOutstanding image quality and color renditionGreat value on the used marketHeavy and bulkyLimited resolution for some usesCostly shutter and body repairs
Nikon D4
Exceptional durability and build quality
Outstanding image quality and color rendition
Great value on the used market
Heavy and bulky
Limited resolution for some uses
Costly shutter and body repairs
6Mid
Nikon D750
Comfortable ergonomics and gripExcellent image quality and dynamic rangeGreat value and price pointDated autofocus systemErgonomic quirks and control layout complaintsConfusing or overwhelming menu system
Nikon D750
Comfortable ergonomics and grip
Excellent image quality and dynamic range
Great value and price point
Dated autofocus system
Ergonomic quirks and control layout complaints
Confusing or overwhelming menu system
7Premium
Nikon D850
Image Quality & Dynamic RangeF-mount Lens CompatibilityReliability & Build QualityHeavy WeightAF Fine-Tuning Quirks with Older LensesExpensive Accessories
Nikon D850
Image Quality & Dynamic Range
F-mount Lens Compatibility
Reliability & Build Quality
Heavy Weight
AF Fine-Tuning Quirks with Older Lenses
Expensive Accessories
8Premium
Canon EOS-1D X
Great value on the used marketRugged, tank-like buildExcellent image quality and color scienceHigh original priceOutdated autofocus vs modern mirrorlessHeavy and bulky
Canon EOS-1D X
Great value on the used market
Rugged, tank-like build
Excellent image quality and color science
High original price
Outdated autofocus vs modern mirrorless
Heavy and bulky
9Budget
Nikon D3000
Natural CCD color rendering
Nikon D3000
Natural CCD color rendering
10Mid
Nikon D5500
Good for BeginnersSharp Image QualityLightweight and PortableWeak Kit LensAutofocus InconsistenciesLimited Video Features
Nikon D5500
Good for Beginners
Sharp Image Quality
Lightweight and Portable
Weak Kit Lens
Autofocus Inconsistencies
Limited Video Features
You are here
31Budget
Olympus E-620
Great value for moneyPleasant Olympus coloursSolid build qualityIBIS failure common on used unitsNo video recordingWeak low-light and high-ISO performance
Olympus E-620
Great value for money
Pleasant Olympus colours
Solid build quality
IBIS failure common on used units
No video recording
Weak low-light and high-ISO performance

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Owners consistently praise the E-620's build quality and ergonomics. Multiple commenters compare it favorably to contemporaries like the Canon 500D and Nikon D5000, describing it as rock solid rather than plasticky, with better ergonomics and a grip that fits well even for smaller users. The articulating LCD, illuminated buttons, and compact size with built-in stabilization are called out as standout conveniences, especially for shooting at odd angles or in the dark.

Image quality and colours earn frequent compliments, within limits. Many users highlight the pleasant, natural 'Olympus colour' straight out of camera JPEGs and sharp results from native Zuiko lenses, even printing successfully at larger sizes. However, several note the camera struggles in low light, with slow autofocus, grainy high ISO, and shallow depth of field that hurts autofocus reliability, making it best suited to well-lit conditions rather than concerts or dim interiors.

A recurring hardware fault around image stabilization worries used buyers. Several owners report their in-body image stabilization (IBIS) has died, with a flashing IS indicator on the info screen signaling the fault, described as a common issue across many E-620 and related Olympus units. Despite this, most affected owners still enjoy shooting with the camera and value its low secondhand prices, often paid between $40 and $250, as a worthwhile trade-off.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?