Can't say anything relative to Consumer Reports, but I have used Olympus cameras and lenses for almost 30 yrs. w/o a problem.
The auto dust removal and the pixel mapping are worth considering as well. I use the 14-54mm 2.8 lens for 90% of my work, more expensive than the kit lens, but really worth it. Faster glas and less glass to buy for equivalent focal lengths.

I saw those reviews too and then ordered the 510 and the 14-54 lens. I have used a variety of Olympus lenses for many years with no reason to complain, and I have serious doubts about those reviews. That said, I note that the kit lenses are pretty cheap. I have the 14-45 coming too and plan to use it in hazardous weather.

Thank you both for your feedback. I think I feel more comfortable taking the CR review with a grain of salt now. I hope you don't mind a follow-up question. I am a first-time D-SLR buyer with a pretty tight budget. I have no flash, filters, memory cards, or other D-SLR "accessories". I noticed you were both less enthusiastic about the kit lenses. Would you suggest that I just buy the E-510 body and then buy one good lense (whch one?), or get a kit now, and upgrade lenses as I go. I am trying to build my skills towards submitting freelance work to stock agencies and small regional publications. I am most interested in outdoor photography (landscape,wildlife, plantlife) with people and dogsports coming in a close second. I'd appreciate any guidance you can offer

the 14-54mm will work for what you wish to photograph, add the 50-200mm when you can afford it for the wildlife. If you find the need to focus closer, pick up the extension tube. For distant and small wildlife, birds, eg., the 1.4 teleconverter works well with the 50-200.
Cards are cheap these days. 1GB is less than $50! I paid $225, just 4 yrs ago.
As to filters, you need only 2: a polorizer and a graduated neutral density.
Kodak's "Joy of Photography", available at the library, will show you what you can expect using various focal lengths and a bit about filters. A lot of it has to do with film, but the info is interchangeable for the most part.
Also check out www.nyip.com. Clik on "photo ezine", for some tips on cameras and subject treatment.

I extremely happy both with my E330 and E3!!I use mostly the 35mm macro,the 14-54,and the 70-300 lenses and some older OM lenses with adapter!!I just ordered a focus confirmation adapter with a chip from Russia that works as a sound and light confirmation of focus with non auto old lenses!!(Dandelion) I hope it works ok!!I will try it also as a focus confirmation on a telescope with the E330 and E3E!!I will let you know if it works nicely!!I have a lot of old OM lenses!!
Regards:Albert
PS:This site is very interesting!!:http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/index.html

I have a 500 and a 510. love 'em both but the 510 is the favorite. I will admit that the Zuiko's are overpriced and the kit lenses are merely adequate BUT they do a fairly reasonable job. I have added to Sigmas to my glass collection and have been very pleased. The 510 handles the shake reduction in the body even for my Sigma BIGMA 50-500. As a body the 510 is well worth the money. I shoot it more than my Nikon D-90 since it shake reduces all my lenses where the Nikon demands VR lenses at a higher cost.

This may I bought a Sigma 50-500 from B&H,and I now can say,after using it for some time that it is a fabulous lens!!Heavy,yes,but works flawlessly,focuses very nicely for birds,using spot focus and metering!!The sling that comes with it,atatcched to the back of the lower handle,and helps in carrying it without harming the ataching baionet!!
Regards!!
Albert