The Olympus E-330 is the most controversial camera to date. Just as many people seem to love it as hate it. Most of the controversy surrounds its LCD preview which Olympus calls live-view. Forgetting about this special feature, this camera is nothing better than the Olympus E-500 which handles better and is available for significantly less.

Compared to other DSLR cameras, the E-330 is at a major disadvantage due to its lower image quality. Specifically, the E-330 shows high-image noise and low image details above ISO 400. Normally, DSLRs are expected to perform better in this area. This is the number one reason not to choose the E-330. Furthermore, the E-330 has the smallest and darkest viewfinder of all DSLR cameras. It also only has 3 focus points. Every other current DSLR does better.

With regards to the so-called live-view, it is far from being just that. First, there are 2 modes, each with some uses and some disadvantages. Mode A shows only 92% of the frame while mode B shows 100% but does not allow auto focusing. Second, neither preview mode shows color or exposure accurately. Clearly with those restrictions, neither mode is the live-view featured on fixed-lens DSLR cameras. Given that no DSLR camera has any of these modes, we have to admit that this is somewhat of a bonus. The only negative side-effects of having these modes are a darker viewfinder and a higher price for the camera. On the positive side, these modes allow framing pictures at odd angles compared to other DSLR cameras. Just like the LCD preview, most optical reflex viewfinders show less than 100% of the subject and none show exposure or color accurately anyway, so we can't say that the live-view is significantly crippled compared to other DSLR cameras. It is crippled compared to fixed-lens cameras, but this isn't one of them.

In conclusion, those who see value in framing images with a DSLR at odd angles will see value in the E-330. The price to pay is lower image quality, a dark viewfinder and a camera which is not as ergonomic as all of its less expensive competition. For those who keep their SLR cameras at eye-level, there is no reason to go for the E-330. The Olympus E-500 is already better due to its ergonomics and brighter viewfinder, but every other DSLR offers better image quality too. One great camera to consider instead of the E-330 is the cheaper Canon Digital Rebel XT which offers dramatically superior image quality.