CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
  • LENSES
  • TOOLS
    • Smart Find
    • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Size Comparison
  • BRANDS
    • Sony Cameras
    • Canon Cameras
    • Nikon Cameras
    • Pentax Cameras
    • Fujifilm Cameras
    • Olympus Cameras
    • Panasonic Cameras
    • Leica Cameras
    • Samsung Cameras
  • BODY TYPE
    • Mirrorless Cameras
    • DSLR Cameras
    • Compact Cameras
    • Bridge Cameras
    • Waterproof Cameras

Olympus E-600 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Olympus E-600

    Select a Camera to Compare

    x
    Add a Camera for comparison

    Main Features

    • 12MP - Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 3200
    • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
    • 2.7" Fully Articulated Screen
    • Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder
    • 4 fps continuous shooting
    • No Video Mode
    • 515g. 130 x 94 x 60 mm
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Olympus E-600 Overview

    First introduced in August 2009 , Olympus E-600 is a 12.0MP Entry-Level DSLR camera with a Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization, Fully articulated screen and Four Thirds lens mount.

    Olympus E-600 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Other Features
    9. Photography Type Scores
    10. Alternatives
    11. Popular Comparisons
    12. Frequently Asked Questions
    13. Detailed Specifications

    Olympus E-600 has an Overall Score of 57/100 and ranked #119 out of 206 in DSLR cameras (Top 10 DSLR), and ranked #365 out of 1223 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Olympus E-600 Physical Specs
    Olympus E-600 weighs 515 g (1.14 lb / 18.17 oz) and has external dimensions of 130 x 94 x 60 mm (5.12 x 3.7 x 2.36″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 774g, Olympus E-600 is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 60mm, it is also quite small, 16mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Olympus E-600
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Olympus E-600
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Olympus E-600 with the dimensions:

    Olympus E-600 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Olympus E-600 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Olympus E-600, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Olympus E-600 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Olympus E-600 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery


    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Olympus E-600 with its main competitors:

    Olympus E-600 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs E-600 Thickness vs E-600
    Olympus E-600 Camera Olympus E-620
    Compare
    500g 15g lighter 60mm equal thickness
    Olympus E-600 Camera Olympus E-520
    Compare
    552g 37g heavier 68mm 8mm thicker
    Olympus E-600 Camera Olympus E-510
    Compare
    490g 25g lighter 68mm 8mm thicker
    Olympus E-600 Camera Olympus E-410
    Compare
    435g 80g lighter 53mm 7mm thinner
    Olympus E-600 Camera Olympus E-420
    Compare
    426g 89g lighter 53mm 7mm thinner
    Olympus E-600 Camera Canon RP
    Compare
    485g 30g lighter 70mm 10mm thicker
    Olympus E-600 Camera Olympus E-M10 II
    Compare
    390g 125g lighter 47mm 13mm thinner
    Olympus E-600 Camera Nikon D5300
    Compare
    480g 35g lighter 76mm 16mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Olympus E-600 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Olympus E-600 Sensor and Photography Features

    Olympus E-600 has a 12.0MP Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features TruePic III+ processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4032 x 3024 pixels with aspect ratios of and 4:3. E-600 has a native ISO range of 100 - 3200 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Olympus E-600 is not the highest resolution Four Thirds camera. Panasonic G95 with its 20.3MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Olympus E-600 vs Panasonic G95 or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

    Olympus E-600 DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Olympus E-600 sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 55 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Olympus E-600 here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Olympus E-600's Four Thirds sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Olympus E-600 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Olympus E-600 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Olympus E-600 Lens Mount and Lenses

    Olympus E-600 has a Four Thirds lens mount and currently there are 45 native lenses available for this mount. Unfortunately Four Thirds mount is not supported by any manufacturer anymore so no new lenses will be introduced.

    E-600 also has a Sensor based Image Stabilization system which means that all of these lenses will be stabilized when used on E-600. Sensor based image stabilization is one of the most useful features that you can have in an ILC. There are also 13 lenses with weather sealing for E-600 but bear in mind that E-600 body doesn't have weather sealings.

    Here are some of the most popular Olympus E-600 Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Four Thirds Mount Lenses for Olympus E-600
    Model Focal Length on E-600 Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 Lens Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6
    140-600mm FourThirds 620gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm f2.8 Pancake Lens Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm f2.8 Pancake
    50mm FourThirds 95gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Olympus Zuiko Digital 17.5-45mm f3.5-5.6 Lens Olympus Zuiko Digital 17.5-45mm f3.5-5.6
    36-90mm FourThirds 210gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Panasonic Leica D Summilux Asph 25mm F1.4 Lens Panasonic Leica D Summilux Asph 25mm F1.4
    50mm FourThirds 510gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 18-180mm f3.5-6.3 Lens Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 18-180mm f3.5-6.3
    36-360mm FourThirds 435gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 90-250mm f2.8 Lens Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 90-250mm f2.8
    180-500mm FourThirds 3270gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 35-100mm f2.0 Lens Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 35-100mm f2.0
    70-200mm FourThirds 1650gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Panasonic Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-150mm F3.5-5.6 Asph Mega OIS Lens Panasonic Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-150mm F3.5-5.6 Asph Mega OIS
    28-300mm FourThirds 520gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Olympus E-600 Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    Olympus E-600 LCD and Viewfinder

    Olympus E-600 has a Fully Articulated 2.7" LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. At only 2.7", the screen is on the smaller side and 230kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.



    Olympus E-600 back view and LCD

    For those of you who loves shooting selfies, self or group photos, Olympus E-600 will make your life easier with its Selfie friendly screen. Another group of users who will take advantage of E-600's LCD screen are Vloggers and any video creators who are working in a single-person setup.


    E-600 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of 95% and a magnification ratio of 0.48x. 95% coverage means that what you see in your viewfinder while shooting will slightly be different from the actual image.

    Olympus E-600 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Olympus E-600 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Battery

    Olympus E-600 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 500 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR type cameras is 943 shots, Olympus E-600 has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend E-600 owners to buy some extra batteries.

    Battery Life Comparison in Entry-Level DSLR Cameras

    Olympus E-600
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Pentax K-x with its 1900shots is the model with longest battery life among Entry-Level DSLR cameras. Check the comparison of Olympus E-600 vs Pentax K-x or take a look at Longest Battery Life DSLR cameras list.

    Olympus E-600 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Olympus E-600 Camera Olympus E-620
    Compare
    None 500shots No No No
    Olympus E-600 Camera Olympus E-520
    Compare
    None 650shots No No No
    Olympus E-600 Camera Olympus E-510
    Compare
    None shots No No No
    Olympus E-600 Camera Olympus E-410
    Compare
    None shots No No No
    Olympus E-600 Camera Olympus E-420
    Compare
    None 500shots No No No
    Olympus E-600 Camera Canon RP
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 250shots Yes Yes No
    Olympus E-600 Camera Olympus E-M10 II
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 320shots Yes No No
    Olympus E-600 Camera Nikon D5300
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 600shots Yes No No

    Olympus E-600 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Olympus E-600 can shoot continuously at max speed of 4 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    E-600 has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing

    Olympus E-600 features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 7 points to choose from.

    Olympus E-600 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Olympus E-600 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Olympus E-600 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Articulating Screen
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    515g Light Body
    Flash Sync Port
    Selfie & Vlogger Friendly LCD Screen
    Report a correction

    Buy Olympus E-600 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    0.48x magnification - Small Viewfinder
    Low Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 3.200
    Only 7 Focus Points
    Small LCD Screen ( 2.7")
    Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )
    No Environmental Sealing
    Poor Low Light Performance
    No AF Micro Adjustment
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Olympus E-600 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Olympus E-600 in 5 different photography areas.

    Olympus E-600 for Portrait Photography

    Olympus E-600 has a score of 63 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
    Image Stabilization
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP

    Read the details of how we scored Olympus E-600 for Portrait Photography

    Olympus E-600 for Street Photography

    Olympus E-600 has a score of 86 for Street Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Fully Articulated LCD Screen
    Image Stabilization
    Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
    Large Body

    Read the details of how we scored Olympus E-600 for Street Photography

    Olympus E-600 for Sports Photography

    Olympus E-600 has a score of 74 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Image Stabilization
    Average Continuous Shooting: 4.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    7 Focus Points

    Read the details of how we scored Olympus E-600 for Sports Photography

    Olympus E-600 for Daily Photography

    Olympus E-600 has a score of 63 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
    Large Body
    515g
    Body Thickness 60mm

    Read the details of how we scored Olympus E-600 for Daily Photography

    Olympus E-600 for Landscape Photography

    Olympus E-600 has a score of 36 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theE-600.
    Live-view
    Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Olympus E-600 for Landscape Photography
    Olympus E-600 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Olympus E-600 compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Olympus E-600 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Olympus E-600

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Olympus E-600 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Olympus E-620
    Olympus E-620
    Compare
    Olympus E-520
    Olympus E-520
    Compare
    Olympus E-510
    Olympus E-510
    Compare
    Olympus E-410
    Olympus E-410
    Compare
    Olympus E-420
    Olympus E-420
    Compare
    Canon RP
    Canon RP
    Compare
    Olympus E-M10 II
    Olympus E-M10 II
    Compare
    Nikon D5300
    Nikon D5300
    Compare

    Olympus E-600 Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Olympus E-600 with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Olympus E-600's price range.

    Sony A7 III
    Sony A7 III
    Compare
    Nikon Z6 II
    Nikon Z6 II
    Compare
    Nikon Z6
    Nikon Z6
    Compare
    Panasonic S5
    Panasonic S5
    Compare
    Sony A7R II
    Sony A7R II
    Compare
    Nikon Z5
    Nikon Z5
    Compare
    Sony A7c
    Sony A7c
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-T4
    Fujifilm X-T4
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Olympus E-600
    Does the Olympus E-600 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Olympus E-600 have RAW support?
    Does the Olympus E-600 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Olympus E-600 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Olympus E-600?
    What is the Sensor Size of Olympus E-600?
    is the Olympus E-600 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Olympus E-600 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Olympus E-600 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Olympus E-600?
    What is the Weight of Olympus E-600?
    What are the Dimensions of Olympus E-600?
    Olympus E-600 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Olympus
    Model Olympus E-600
    Announced 2009-08-30
    Body Type Compact SLR
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Four Thirds
    Number of Lenses 45
    Focal Length Multiplier 2×
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fully Articulated
    Screen Technology HyperCrystal LCD
    Screen Size 2.7"
    Screen Resolution 230k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (pentamirror)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.48x
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 60s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 4.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 12.00 m
    Max Flash Sync 1/180s
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Front curtain, Rear curtain, Fill-in, Manual
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 55
    DxO Color Depth 21.5
    DxO Dynamic Range 10.3
    DxO Low Light ISO 541
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size Four Thirds
    Sensor Dimensions 17.3 x 13 mm
    Sensor Area 224.90mm2
    Sensor Resolution 12 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4032 x 3024
    Max Native ISO 3,200
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 7
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Max Video Resolution None
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 515g
    Physical Dimensions 130 x 94 x 60mm
    Battery Life 500 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model BLS-1
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 12 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type Compact Flash (Type I or II), xD Picture Card
    Storage Slots 1


    FOLLOW US


    Most Popular Entry-Level DSLR Cameras
    Nikon D5600
    24 MP | APS-C Sensor| Nikon F Mount
    Nikon D3500
    24 MP | APS-C Sensor| Nikon F Mount
    Canon SL3
    24 MP | APS-C Sensor| Canon EF/EF-S Mount
    Nikon D5500
    24 MP | APS-C Sensor| Nikon F Mount
    Canon 700D
    18 MP | APS-C Sensor| Canon EF/EF-S Mount
    Canon 600D
    18 MP | APS-C Sensor| Canon EF/EF-S Mount
    Nikon D5300
    24 MP | APS-C Sensor| Nikon F Mount
    Pentax K-S2
    20 MP | APS-C Sensor| Pentax KAF2 Mount
    Latest DSLR Cameras
    Canon T8i
    24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Canon EF/EF-S Mount
    Nikon D6
    21 MP | Full frame Sensor | Nikon F Mount
    Canon 1D X III
    20 MP | Full frame Sensor | Canon EF Mount
    Nikon D780
    25 MP | Full frame Sensor | Nikon F Mount
    Canon 90D
    33 MP | APS-C Sensor | Canon EF/EF-S Mount
    Canon SL3
    24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Canon EF/EF-S Mount
    Nikon D3500
    24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Nikon F Mount
    Canon 4000D
    18 MP | APS-C Sensor | Canon EF/EF-S Mount
    Copyright © 2021 by CameraDecision
    About Feedback Privacy Cameras

    Report a Correction