"Combining a lightweight body, compact proportions and excellent specification, this camera immediately seemed like the ultimate portable SLR solution. When tested it proved to perform to the very high standards we had hoped for, with accurate metering, low noise and great detail reproduction. This is all backed by the unique dust-protection system Olympus employs in all its digital SLR cameras that has yet to be challenged by any other manufacturer."

Read the full Amateur Photographer review (PDF 2.84 MB)

"Olympus's E-System continues to offer something different, and the feature packed 8MP E-500 has more going for it than many pro cameras. All that and a price to suit most pockets too."

"The sheer amount of technology means the camera has something for everyone; it packs a surprising amount into a small body at a reasonable price."

"With the arrival of Olympus's third E-system camera, we see a return to traditional values, with a camera that looks like a traditional SLR. And it seems like a tasty one too. Not only does it have 8 million pixels, it offers something different in terms of digital photographic theory"

"The E-500 can record RAW and JPEG images simultaneously...and allows you to choose JPEG quality"

"The Olympus E-500 is a vast improvement on the E-300 in both design and image quality. The sheer amount of technology means that the camera has something for everyone, and it packs a surprising amount into a small body at a resonable price. At this rate I really can't wait to see the next E-system camera - the system is going from strength to strength."

Read the full review (PDF 1.88 MB)

"The E-500 is the lightest (body only) digital SLR available at the moment..."

"Pick up the E-500 and it feels immediately familiar, good ergonomics, a comfortable hand grip and a 'normal' pentaprism viewfinder... "

"Dive into the E-500s menus and you soon realize this camera offers far more from a features point of view than the competition, you just don't find features like this on a $699 camera..." *

"...you'll be hard pushed to argue with the 'value proposition' the E-500 represents. As a bonus you can always put some of the savings towards one of the excellent Olympus E system lenses (of which there are now considerably more to choose from)."

* A kit containing the E-500 body and 14-45mm lens is expected to retail at approximately £620 in the UK.
View the complete review at DP Review.