DSLR: Olympus E-520 anyone??

[queryanalyzer]

I know there are 2 other DLSR threads.. thought I would as a few questions.
I have been looking to buy one, in the $500-$600 range. Did quite some research, went to B&H store in New York city (for the 2nd time in a month) to get a feel of the camera.
I was trying to decide between Sony A230 ($550), Pentax K200D ($670) & Olympus E-520 ($450).
While i was there the Canon XS ($530) /XSi ($630) really impressed me with its view fiender, it was just great. Also, the new (August 2009 release date) Nikon D3000 ($600) was very good, 11 point Auto Focus, very friendly GUI, though not a lot of button controls, very quite AF operation.

When i started out my research I was inclining towards K200D, but all the retailers seem to have jacked-up the price, can barely find one for less than $700.
Olympus E-520 caught my attention just a few days back, haven't read much about it, its small view finder (because of the 4-3 mount) seems to be the only disadvantage.
Like most other cameras i have mentioned here the E-520 came out in first half of last year (Makes Nikon D3000 more attractive?)

Ooh, I very new the SLR world, just wanting to explore it.
Any thoughts?

[Katsura]

The 4/3 system used by Olympus has a limited future, I do not see how commited is Oly and Panasonic is to launch future 4/3 system bodies.

They seem to have their energy concentrated on micro-4/3 system with EVF like the digital PEN.

Out of all the cameras you mentioned, I highly recommend Pentax K-20D. This is a discountinued model( replaced by the K-7 ), but the image quality is good and for amature use it is more than enough for most people's requirement. When it came out, it had a lot of D200's feature at D80's price.

Wallmart is currently selling K-20D body only for 599.88 (Online only, or select deliver to your local store for free), and with 2 Kit lens for $699.

At that kind of price it's an absolute steal.

[Katsura]

Actually K-200 is now off the market, the K20D is a higher grade body than the K200 at a lower price, you can't go wrong.

Impressed with Canon's view finder, really????? I tend to think Nikon and Pentax have the best FOV and Viewfinder brightness in their cameras.

[queryanalyzer]

Originally Posted by Katsura

Actually K-200 is now off the market, the K20D is a higher grade body than the K200 at a lower price, you can't go wrong.

Impressed with Canon's view finder, really????? I tend to think Nikon and Pentax have the best FOV and Viewfinder brightness in their cameras.

$700 w/ lens is a great prince for the K20D, but at 700 gms its kind of heavy.
While looking got a used K200D, i stumbled upon Sony A200.
The A200 has some good reviews, some say its better than A230 (which replaced the A200).
Anyone here familiar with the A200?

[Katsura]

Hey have you seen the new Pentax K-x?
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0909/09091703pentaxkx.asp
Okay, don't be distracted by the colourful sell options you can get that may make it look like a total amature attmept.

It's specs are actually amazing for an entry level:
4.7fps shooting
1/6000 shutter speed
720P 24fps HD Video recording
ISO up to 12800 (I think they used the new Sony Exmor sensor with onboard AD converter), the same one used in Nikon D90, so you are getting a great sensor for entry level money
On board HDR function
On board digital Negative processing feature

And it's tiny and light. It's the smallest entry level DSLR.
price point is $649 WITH kit lens

[Katsura]

Personally I think it's genious move to attact new users

[queryanalyzer]

Damn... thats great, and just $649. Lot of features: 4.7fps, HD video, Live view.

I ended up getting the Sony A200. Believe it or not, i havent really unpacked it .