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Olympus E-450 Comparison Review

The Olympus E-450 is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that was announced in March 2009 and is equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. It offers a resolution of 10 megapixel.

camera

Is the Olympus E-450 a good camera? The E-450 has a Camera Elo of 1151. This rating puts the E-450 below average of all digital single lens reflex cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (Four Thirds cameras), the E-450 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Olympus E-450 is more than 14 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2009.

Headline Specifications
Olympus E-450
Digital single lens reflex
Four Thirds lenses
10 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
no Video
ISO 100 - 1 600
Optical viewfinder
2.7 LCD, 215k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3.5 shutter flaps per second
500 shots per battery charge
130 x 91 x 53 mm, 440 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Olympus E-450 vis-à-vis a credit card. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Olympus E-450 vs credit card front
E-450 versus credit card top view
E-450 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Olympus E-450 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-450 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 440 g 500 n Mar 2009 499ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G12 112 mm 76 mm 48 mm 401 g 370 n Sep 2010 499ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D3000 126 mm 97 mm 64 mm 536 g 500 n Jul 2009 599ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-PL2 114 mm 72 mm 42 mm 362 g 280 n Jan 2011 599ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-600 130 mm 94 mm 60 mm 535 g 500 n Aug 2009 449ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-620 130 mm 94 mm 60 mm 521 g 500 n Feb 2009 699ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-420 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 440 g 500 n Mar 2008 599ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-520 136 mm 92 mm 68 mm 535 g 750 n May 2008 699ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-410 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 435 g 500 n Mar 2007 699ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 499ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Olympus E-450 was launched in the US market at a price of $499. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Olympus E-450 features a Four Thirds sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Olympus E-450 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Olympus E-450 sensor measures

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Olympus E-450 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.510.551256
2.
 
Canon G12 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/24p20.411.216147
3.
 
Nikon D3000 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.156362
4.
 
Olympus E-PL2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.257355
5.
 
Olympus E-600 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024none21.510.354155
6.
 
Olympus E-620 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024none21.310.353655
7.
 
Olympus E-420 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.510.452756
8.
 
Olympus E-520 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.410.454855
9.
 
Olympus E-410 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.110.049451
10.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
11.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
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It should be noted that unlike many modern cameras, the E-450 does not provide the possibility to capture videos.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the E-450 has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 95% and a magnification of 0.46x. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Olympus E-450 and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Olympus E-450optical n2.7 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
2.
 
Canon G12optical n2.8 / 461 swivel n 1/4000s 1.1/s Y Y
3.
 
Nikon D3000optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
4.
 
Olympus E-PL2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Olympus E-600optical n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Olympus E-620optical n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Olympus E-420optical n2.7 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
8.
 
Olympus E-520optical n2.7 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y Y
9.
 
Olympus E-410optical n2.5 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One convenient feature of the E-450 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Olympus E-450 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Olympus E-450Y- / ----2.0---
2.
 
Canon G12Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Nikon D3000Y- / ----2.0---
4.
 
Olympus E-PL2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
5.
 
Olympus E-600Y- / ----2.0---
6.
 
Olympus E-620Y- / ----2.0---
7.
 
Olympus E-420Y- / ----2.0---
8.
 
Olympus E-520Y- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Olympus E-410Y- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
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Further information on the features and operation of the E-450 can be found in the free online Olympus E-450 Manual or on the Olympus support site.

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Expert reviews

While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the E-450. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-450........4/54/5 Mar 2009 499ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G124/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 499ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D3000..+..72/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 599ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-PL23/583/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2011 599ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-600..........4.5/5 Aug 2009 449ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-6203/588/100..72/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2009 699ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-420..85/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Mar 2008 599ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-520..87/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 May 2008 699ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-410..86/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Mar 2007 699ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 499ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Olympus E-450 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the E-450.

What type of imaging sensor is used in the Olympus E-450?

The camera is build around a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Olympus E-450 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Olympus equipped the E-450 with the TruePic III+ image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Olympus E-450?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Olympus E-450?

Olympus does not publish a shutter rating for the E-450. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

How do I find the shutter count on my Olympus E-450?

Olympus embeds the number of shutter actuations in hidden menus. You can check the number of shots that your E-450 has taken up to now by carefully following the steps described on the Olympus E-450 shutter count page.

Does the Olympus E-450 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Olympus E-450 for flash photography?

The E-450's flash sync speed is 1/180 sec.

Which battery does the Olympus E-450 use?

The camera gets its power from the BLS-1 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make your choice using the following search menu. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Olympus E-450
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date March 2009
    Launch Price USD 499
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 225 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 10 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3 648 x 2 736 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.74 μm
    Pixel Density 4.44 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1 600 ISO
    Image Processor TruePic III+
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 56
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 512
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.46x
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 2.7 inch
    LCD Resolution 215k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 3.5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF or XD cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type BLS-1 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)500 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 130 x 91 x 53 mm
    (5.1 x 3.6 x 2.1 in)
    Camera Weight 440 g (15.5 oz)

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