I've been using Nikon F-2 manual focus cameras, lenses and motor drives to earn a living with since the 1970's . I need an auto-focus digital camera like a moose needs a hat rack and I never hear my clients complaining about the equipment I use because all they want from me is the results they hired me for in the first instance.

Bobbi, I have to agree with Mark...While a quality camera is indeed necessary for many pro's, it is NOT needed for the non pro. It IS the shooter, NOT the camera.

I heard a little story once, allow me to share it with you.

At a rummage sale, the auctioneer was trying to sell off an old dusty violin. Loose strings and cracked wood could be seen.
The bids were running about 5 to 10 dollars.
After several minutes an old man came forward and wished to examine this old violin. After a little tuning and tweaking, he drew back the bow and began to play a piece of classical music. Beautiful notes now washed over the crowd.

"How much am I bid?" yelled the auctioneer. "$500...$1,000...$1,500 and the bids climbed.

"In the hands of a master, any art is elevated."

All the best,

"THE BOY HAD A BETTER CAMERA THEN ME AND BROUGHT IT TO SHOW ME."

I suppose I read more into your statement than was actually there.

More to the point:

The E-500 uses the same sensor as the older E-300.

Why limit yourself to the 500? There are a few other DSLR's you may want to consider.
You may want to read the in depth review of this camera.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympuse500/

All the best,

I think you've received some good comments here and you no doubt have already made your purchase, but wanted to thank you for staring this thread as I haven't found a lot of info about this camera. My husband got me this camera for taking quality photos of my floral preservation work a couple of years ago. I wasn't that interested in photography at the time, just recording my subjects for my website (www.picturetrail.com/czcreations). I found it served the purpose well.
However, in January of this year, I got the photography bug big time and it's my new passion. I have not spent time (patience not a virtue, just want to DO IT) learning the more technical aspects of the camera and do believe I need to, but have had decent results so far. I've entered several gallery exhibitions and had two pieces pass jury inspection for a national show this fall. You might like to peek in my gallery for I've also done some portraits. I would be happy to send you directly several group photos I've been hired to do (they were all happy with the results) as well as performance shots taken at high ISO. I do know what Vicki talks about with being "soft". For the performance (high speed, Mexican dancers) shots, I used the highest ISO setting and did find a lot of noise there, but other conditions were against me - distance, dark theater, unable to use flash). I am happy to send you some of those as well, if you'd like.
You mentioned lenses. In addition to the lense that comes with the camera, I also use a 40-150 mm lense. Would like more capability in this type of lense, like up to 250, ideally.
While I do agree that in the hands of a master, just about any camera will do, I also agree with you in that it takes the "right tool for the right job".
When I get more sales to justify, I plan (this could change) to graduate to a Nikon D700, full frame unit. I am looking for the image stabilization and focus tracking features and do plan to take camera-specific classes. I'm currently trying to find one locally for my Olympus. Do think that that would help a great deal.
Hope this was helpful!

Again, if you want me to forward those group/performance shot samples to you directly, please EM me directly at czcreations@comcast.net.

Happy shooting,