Olympus E-300

391 reviews

Apr, 2024

Positive
usability (63)
performance (62)
price (51)
image quality (47)
portability (34)

Negative
focus (7)
stabilizer (1)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 391 reviews of Olympus E-300. The average rating for this product is 4.2/5, compared to an average rating of 4.3/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras for all reviews. Opinions about the portability and image quality are generally positive. The price and usability are also appreciated, but there are some less positive reviews about the image stabilizer. Reviews about the low light performance and exposure are mixed.

performance, usability, price, image quality, portability

stabilizer

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Digital Compact Cameras the Olympus E-300 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 87/100 = Very good quality.

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Review analysis

(Based on 391 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

(47% of reviews)
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Features

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Showing 1 - 80 of 140 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (251)

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Olympus E-300

alaTest has collected and analyzed 70 user reviews of Olympus E-300 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 3.8/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.2/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras on Amazon.com. People really like the portability and price. The image quality and performance are also mentioned favorably. Many are critical about the image stabilizer and viewfinder.

usability, performance, image quality, price, portability

exposure, viewfinder, stabilizer

76% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Expert review by (stuff.tv)

Stuff magazine

The E-300 is easy to use and for the budget end of the market can turn out some decent results

Due for replacement or some hefty price cuts. The E-300 takes good shots but its rivals take better

Sep, 2006

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Expert review by (megapixel.net (en))

Olympus E-300

Very good image quality with kit lens.Very good construction.Broad shutter speed range.RAW, TIFF, and low compression JPEG format.CCD cleaning system.Powerful pop-up flash.

Overly complex white balance control.Kit lens reveals soft focus at the widest angle.Bulb mode only practical with optional accessory.

Apr, 2005

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Expert review by : best4reviews.com (best4reviews.com)

Olympus E-300

The metering issue notwithstanding, the E-300's image quality is very good, the kit lens is compact and lightweight and the camera packs in so much kit (+/-5 steps of exposure compensation is a very good example) it opens up rich tapestry of...

Handling, sRGB and Adobe RGB capture, RAW+JPEG capture, Supersonic Wave (dust removal) Filter, customisable exposure steps, good noise reduction and helpful Olympus Master software

Slow USB 1.1 connectivity, underexposure issues with localised highlights in a scene

May, 2006

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Expert review by (photoxels.com)

Olympus EVOLT E-300 Review

The Olympus 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Lens that you can purchase with the Olympus EVOLT E-300 as a kit captures extremely sharp and detailed images. You can also purchase a 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Digital Lens (we recommend that you get the...

May, 2005

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Expert review by (ephotozine.com)

Olympus E-300 DSLR Review

Following on from their first four-thirds camera, the E1, Olympus have launched the first 4/3 format contender in the budget DSLR market. Pitched against the likes of the Canon 300 / 350D and Nikon's D70, we take a look at how this camera shapes up....

Stylish looks; Good build quality/feel; Good layout of controls; Offset viewfinder (not breathing on LCD); Value for Money (in kit form); Dust removal system

Manual focus only available through menu

We enjoyed using this rather novel camera once we got used to the offset viewfinder position. The dioptre adjustment was easy to use and the whole menu system was fairly straightforward. The ‘HyperCrystal LCD’ screen was as good as the manufacturers...

May, 2005

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Expert review by : Simon Eccles (digitalartsonline.co.uk)

E-300

With the E-300, Olympus has lowered the entry price into the digital SLR market even further, creating a hi-tech, high resolution and very compact camera with a list price that undercuts many of the less well-specified compact cameras.

Digital SLR with compact body, clever viewfinder, Four Thirds lens and flashgun compatibility, for a keen price. Sophisticated auto and manual controls produce excellent images.

Slightly fiddly menu-based controls instead of dedicated dials or buttons for manual exposure and manual focusing, but you can easily get used to these. E-1 not too much more expensive.

Our test camera was one of the first in the country and didn't have the final release firmware. The only noticeable problem was that the built-in pop-up flash wasn't firing. This has a cantilever mechanism that raises it fairly high to reduce redeye...

Jan, 2005

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Expert review by (dcmag.co.uk)

Olympus E-300

Its compact size and performance make it adept at handling most picture-taking situations, so this is a camera that will please just about anyone whos serious about their photography. It is also a camera that has enough potential to gr

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Expert review by : What Digital Camera Magazine (whatdigitalcamera.com)

Review of the Olympus E 300 - Digital SLR Reviews

The second 4/3rds SLR from Olympus may not win any beauty contests, but is a swan lurking inside this ugly duckling?

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Expert review by : Bruce Buckman (goodgearguide.com.au)

Olympus E-300

In order to keep the cost of the camera low, the E-300 trims fat in areas the average photographer won't notice. Even so, it manages to look and feel ...

8 megapixel sensor, great image detail within its optimal shooting range

Unacceptable noise levels when shooting at ISO 800 or higher, continuous shot mode superceded by competitors

The E-300 offers great quality and functionality when used under optimal conditions. However, its performance for action or low-light photography is completely substandard.

May, 2005

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Tracey Capen (pcworld.com)

Olympus Evolt E-300 Camera

The Olympus EVolt E-300 digital SLR ($900 with lens, $800 otherwise) comes with a slew of creative features. Once you master them--particularly the exposure controls--you can take some truly dazzling photos. Digital photographers looking to move beyond...

Well suited for enthusiasts and novices

Lens selection limited

Unfortunately, the E-300 requires specific lenses. Unlike the digital SLRs from Canon, Nikon, and Pentax, there is no massive base of existing 35mm film camera lenses to choose from. If you're starting from scratch, buying clean used lenses for these...

Jul, 2005

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