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Strengths: inexpensive, relatively lightweight, very fast, versatile, sturdy, live-view + many more = great bang for a buck
Weaknesses: NO GRIP - old style, little choice of picture sizes at higher compression
Summary: This is my first own DSLR, although I had a chance to This is my first own DSLR, although I had a chance to shoot with few other DSLR before (Nikon D60, Nikon D80, one outdated model of Konica). I've started using digital cameras in 2000, going up from 1 Megapixel Olympus, through Canon PowerShot A40 and cheepy Nikon Coolpix, to Canon PowerShot S2 & S3. If you shoot a lot with the regular digital camera, sooner or later you will decide to opt in for DSLR and this is a great choice for self-made-pro. I've been researching DSLRs for about a year and finally decided to pick E410.
This camera is priced lower that most other DSLR (below 400USD at the time of review), thus making it an excellent choice for a beginner, who does not want to spend a fortune to be disappointed with the amount of work needed (in comparison with the point‘n’shoot DigiCams). However, its qualities, AT THE VERY LEAST, are comparable to camera of other brand of the similar price range (Canon Rebel XTi, Nikon D40x). For the less money you get the same great 10 megapixel resolution, Raw mode + JPEG compression up to 1/2.7, 2.5” display, choice of ISO from 100 to 1600 and shutter speeds from 1/4000 to 60 sec, variety of preset and custom modes, convenient controls, Live Histogram and Live View (remember you were told, that DSLR does not have a preview mode – forget about it!), SuperSonic Len cleaning system, and many more features that you will not find even in advanced prosumer cameras like Canon G-series – at a greater cost!
With DSLR – it’s not just a body anymore that matters – good half (or more) of the job is done by lenses. Here Olympus has a unique advantage – most camera manufacturers extended they work in regular DSLR into digital market, whereas Olympus made a bold move to develop a new set of Zuiko lenses in new format (4/3 or Four Thirds) ESPECIALLY for DIGITAL DSLR (also specially manufactured). Although it is hard to make final decision, it is probably safe to say that customization usually yields better results than adoption of the older standards. Choosing DSLR, one needs to put as much (if not more) efforts in research of the available lenses. I picked E410 mainly due to availability of excellent zoom 18-180mm Macro Telefoto, which cover most of the situations from Macro shooting to pretty advanced Telefoto. In plain terms, this is the lens that does it ALL. You can purchase a set of E410 body with 2 lenses (14-42mm & 40-140mm lenses) that will do a similar job and it will cost around $100 LESS that E410 with 18-180mm (which alone go for under $400). To me, the advantage of 10x magnification factor (I love Ultra Zoom cameras) in addition to universality of lens (I can shoot a flower in macro and then immediately switch to flying bird) was worth the cost. See my other review for 18-180mm on the Pricegrabber. By the way, if you think that is expensive lens, try this – a similar Nikon 18-200mm will fetch WAY OVER $600, and I was unable to find anything similar for Canon.
Camera features sturdy body, which is lighter than bodies of Canon and Nikon) with good rubber inserts which give a good feel and have a very well placed controls. The only major drawback – and this may be very important – E410 DOES NOT HAVE A PROPER GRIP. I don’t know who in Olympus came up with idea to eliminate grip, but holding camera with lens (weighting together over 2 pounds) is very uncomfortable with one hand. I know that to shoot with DSLR you will need both hands anyway, but even pulling the camera out of holster is a little cumbersome. The only advantage in this (yes there is one) is that if you are used to flat point’n’shoot cameras or used to use OLD film cameras (like Zenith) you will find it very similar. But to me it is a major disadvantage, therefore only 4 stars out of 5
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