Currently available as an exclusive through the Dixons group, the 12.3-megapixel E-600 is a rebadged, pared-down and – most importantly – better-value version of the E-620. Both are aimed at photographers wanting a light and portable DSLR.

At the time of writing the E-600 was being offered for a bargain £399, down from the suggested price of £549, including a 14-42mm lens. You also get the E-620’s lightning-fast, 7-point twin AF system; three-mode, in-body anti-shake, courtesy of a sensor shift mechanism; and protection for the Live Mos chip when changing lenses, in the shape of the dust-busting Supersonic Wave Filter system.

Looking and handling like a traditional DSLR, in about 1.5 seconds you’re ready to start shooting, with the rear LCD (which flips out and rotates through 270 degrees) providing an overview of currently selected shooting settings. Our only grumble about the case is that it could have done with a slightly larger, rounder grip. This smacks of corner-cutting to reduce bulk, as do the smaller-than-average backplate buttons. However, these are well labelled and thoughtfully laid out.

While it’s disappointing that the E-600 does away with three of the E-620’s Art Filter effects, the more visually arresting three – Pop Art, Pinhole, and Soft Focus – remain and, like any effects, they work best when used sparingly. The light sensitivity range runs from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. There’s nothing unusual about that, but what is surprising is the fact that users can fine-tune their options, courtesy of 15 incremental steps between the lowest and highest ISO options.

The E-620 writes photos to either CompactFlash or XD Picture Cards. There are slots for both, and you can transfer files between them. Images display impressive edge-to-edge sharpness and even exposure. Perhaps inevitably, pixel fringing is evident in high-contrast scenarios, but it’s hidden much better than we’d normally expect at this price. Overall, if the current pricing is still accurate by the time you read this, you’re getting a mid-range model at an entry-level price.