Instead of the usual 3/2 aspect ratio of most SLR cameras, this is in the new 4/3 format so the image is less elongated. If 35mm film (36 x 24 mm in size) was trimmed in the long dimension to match the 4/3 format, it would be 32 x 24 mm in size.

Most SLR bodies have a solid or mirrored pentaprism for a viewfinder that creates the SLR hump on the top of the camera. The Evolt has a unique optical viewfinder that eliminates this hump, but you really do have through the lens viewing.

How good a camera is this? Very good. DP Review gave it a RECOMMENDED rating, their second highest. I almost always suggest choosing a camera that receives a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED or RECOMMENDED rating from DP Review (with the rare exception that some particular camera might provide an unusual mix of features that you really need so you are willing to put up with some significant shortcomings that give the camera a lower overall rating).

So is the Olympus Evolt the digital SLR for you? Read DP Review’s extensive review and see what you think.