The Olympus E-510 (2007) was the first Olympus Four Thirds DSLR with in-body sensor-shift IBIS — 10 MP Live MOS sensor, 11-point AF, Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction, and ORF RAW output. Shutter count must be read from the camera menu, as ORF files do not reliably embed it.
Check Shutter Count →Released in May 2007, the Olympus E-510 was the mid-range model in Olympus’s 2007 Four Thirds DSLR refresh alongside the entry-level E-410. Its defining feature was the first in-body image stabilisation in the Olympus DSLR line — a sensor-shift SR system providing approximately 2–2.5 stops of stabilisation. The E-410 sold alongside it without IBIS, offering a smaller and lighter body for photographers who used stabilised lenses.
The E-510 features a 10.0 MP Four Thirds Live MOS sensor, TruePic III+ image processor, 11-point phase-detect AF (3 cross-type), and the Olympus Supersonic Wave Filter (SSWF) ultrasonic dust reduction. Olympus does not publish an official shutter rating for the E-510. The estimated lifespan based on the consumer Four Thirds class is approximately ~100,000 actuations.
| Model | Release | Sensor | Shutter Life | IBIS | RAW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympus E-510 | 2007 | 10 MP Four Thirds Live MOS | ~100,000 (est.) | Yes (2–2.5 stops) | ORF |
| Olympus E-410 (contemporary) | 2007 | 10 MP Four Thirds Live MOS | ~100,000 (est.) | No | ORF |
| Olympus E-520 (successor) | 2008 | 10 MP Four Thirds Live MOS | ~100,000 (est.) | Yes (improved) | ORF |
| Olympus E-620 (later consumer top) | 2009 | 12.3 MP Four Thirds Live MOS | ~100,000 (est.) | Yes | ORF |
exiftool -ImageCount yourfile.ORF. ExifTool may return an image counter value, but Olympus has not confirmed this equals the mechanical shutter count — treat it as an approximation only.The E-510 was released in 2007 — nearly 20 years ago. Alongside shutter count, inspect the rubber grip adhesive (separates with age), the optical viewfinder eyepiece for scratches, and the BLM-1 battery health (original cells will be severely degraded).
| Actuation Count | % of Est. Life | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 5,000 | 0 – 5 % | Very low use — near new |
| 5,000 – 30,000 | 5 – 30 % | Low use — good condition |
| 30,000 – 60,000 | 30 – 60 % | Moderate to heavy use |
| 60,000 – 85,000 | 60 – 85 % | High use — negotiate price |
| 85,000 + | 85 %+ | Near or past est. life — budget for shutter service |
The E-510 introduced sensor-shift SR (Super Resolution) image stabilisation to the Olympus DSLR line. It works with all Four Thirds lenses — stabilised IS lenses (those with an IS switch) coordinate with the sensor-shift system (Dual IS mode) for enhanced correction. Non-IS lenses benefit from the sensor-shift IS alone.
The E-510 uses the Four Thirds (FT) mount. All native Four Thirds lenses mount and AF natively. Micro Four Thirds lenses require the MMF-2 or MMF-3 adapter; AF performance with MFT lenses on the E-510 is typically slow and not recommended for active subjects. The lens ecosystem includes the popular Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, the 40-150mm f/4-5.6 telephoto, and the premium 50mm f/2 macro.
The SSWF (Supersonic Wave Filter) dust reduction activates on start-up and shutdown, vibrating the sensor cover to dislodge dust. On a 18+ year old body, inspect the sensor surface carefully using a loupe or a test shot against a white wall at f/16 — SSWF reduces dust but does not eliminate it entirely.
Not reliably. Olympus ORF files from the E-510 era do not embed a confirmed mechanical shutter count in a standard EXIF tag. Use the camera menu (MENU → Set-up → Camera Information) for an accurate reading.
The E-510 and E-410 launched simultaneously in 2007 with the same 10 MP Four Thirds Live MOS sensor. The key difference: the E-510 has in-body sensor-shift IBIS and a slightly larger body; the E-410 omits IBIS for a smaller, lighter (370 g vs 475 g) body with a 3" articulating tilting display. Both cameras shoot stills only — neither includes video.
For specific applications — especially with Zuiko Digital lenses — the E-510 produces pleasant, low-noise images at base ISO. The 10 MP sensor is sufficient for A4 prints and web use. Practical ISO ceiling is around 800; above ISO 1600, noise is significant. The lack of video (stills only), limited dynamic range compared to modern sensors, and the nearly 20-year age of all remaining units mean a used Olympus E-M10 or PEN E-PL series body offers far better value in the MFT ecosystem.
The E-510 uses the BLM-1 lithium-ion battery — shared with the Olympus E-3, E-5, E-30, E-520, and E-620. Original cells from 2007 will be severely capacity-degraded. Third-party BLM-1 compatible batteries are readily available. DSTE and Wasabi Power are commonly cited third-party options.