Olympus E600
Olympus · DSLR · 12.3 MP · Micro Four Thirds

Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Olympus |
| Model | E600 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2009 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 30, 2009 |
| Camera type | |
| Camera size | 130 x 94 x 60 mm |
| Camera weight | 515 g |
Optics43/100 | |
About the OpticsIn today’s market, the Olympus E600’s specifications are modest compared to newer models. Its age and lower score reflect its position among more advanced cameras. Nonetheless, the E600 still offers a solid foundation for entry-level photography enthusiasts. Olympus E600 Overview and OpticsThe Olympus E600 receives a 43/100 score for its optics. The camera features a 12.3 megapixel Live MOS sensor, paired with a TruePic III+ processor. Its shooting speed is 4 frames per second, and it has a DXOMARK score of 55 for the sensor. The Micro Four Thirds sensor size and Micro 4/3 lens mount allow for a wide range of compatible lenses, while the built-in image stabilisation helps to reduce camera shake and improve image quality. In today’s market, the Olympus E600’s specifications may not stand out, with other cameras offering higher megapixel counts and faster shooting speeds. The 4:3 aspect ratio is also less common, as many modern cameras opt for a 3:2 ratio. However, the E600’s optics still provide solid performance for those seeking a reliable and affordable camera. The Olympus E600’s optics may not be groundbreaking, but they offer a dependable option for photographers who value simplicity and performance. With a wide range of compatible lenses and built-in image stabilisation, this camera remains a viable choice for a variety of situations. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 12.3 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4032 x 3024 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | Live MOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 13 x 17.3 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 4 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Micro 4/3 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | TruePic III+ |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. | |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 20030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 32003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 32003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 6044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 70300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video | |
About the VideoThe Olympus E600, unlike many modern cameras, lacks video capabilities. This camera focuses solely on photography, without offering any video recording options. Users seeking video functionality should consider other camera models. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | No |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | N/A |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | N/A |
Features34/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Olympus E600 features a score of 34/100 in the camera’s specifications. This score shows that the camera may not be on par with current market standards. The E600 has a screen size of 2.7 inches and a screen resolution of 230,000 dots. The absence of a touchscreen is noticeable, as many modern cameras now offer this functionality. The E600 does have a flip screen, which is a useful feature for various shooting angles. However, it lacks GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities, which are now common in today’s camera market. These missing features limit the connectivity and convenience of the E600 compared to other options available. Taking into account the specifications of the Olympus E600, it is evident that the camera falls short in today’s competitive market. While some features, such as the flip screen, are advantageous, the lack of connectivity options and touchscreen functionality hinder the camera’s overall appeal. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. | |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 2.7" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 2300001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. | |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery60/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Olympus E600 receives a storage and battery score of 60/100. This camera is equipped with two memory card slots, accepting both Compact Flash (Type I or II) and xD Picture Cards. Although these memory card formats were popular during the time of the camera’s release, they are less common in today’s market where SD cards are more widely used. Regarding battery life, the Olympus E600 can capture up to 500 shots with its BLS-1 battery. This battery life is average when compared to current cameras, but the lack of USB charging might be a disadvantage for some users who prefer the convenience of charging through a USB connection. Taking these specifications into account, the Olympus E600’s storage and battery features are decent but may not meet the expectations of users who prioritize more modern memory card formats and convenient charging options. | |
| Memory card | Compact Flash (Type I or II), xD Picture Card |
| Dual memory card slots | |
| Battery type | BLS-1 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 500 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |