Canon EOS 760D vs Olympus E-620: A Hands-On DSLR Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing a DSLR can feel overwhelming, especially when comparing models from different brands released years apart. The Canon EOS 760D and Olympus E-620 both target entry-level photographers, but they do so with varied approaches and designs. As someone who has tested thousands of cameras through rigorous lab and field evaluations, I’m here to break down what really matters when weighing these two options.

Throughout this comparison, I lean on my firsthand experience with sensor performance, autofocus behavior, ergonomics, and more, helping you see beyond the specs to how each model performs in real shooting scenarios across multiple genres.

Let’s unpack how the Canon 760D and Olympus E-620 stack up in image quality, handling, autofocus, shooting versatility, and value - so you can be confident you’re investing in the camera that fits your style and goals.

First Impressions: Ergonomics and Handling Differences

When holding both cameras side-by-side, the Canon 760D immediately feels more substantial: at 565g and a physical footprint of 132x101x78mm, it’s slightly larger and heavier than the Olympus E-620, which weighs 500g and measures 130x94x60mm. While neither is bulky, the Canon’s deeper grip and more robust build convey a more confident feel, especially for prolonged shooting sessions.

The Olympus’s compactness is an advantage for portability, ideal for street or travel photography where lightweight gear makes a difference. However, I noticed the 760D’s fully articulated 3.0-inch touchscreen provides greater flexibility and intuitive interaction, compared to the Olympus’s smaller, fixed 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD with 230k-dot resolution that lacks touch capability.

The Canon also includes a top LCD for quick status checks, a feature missing on the Olympus. Control-wise, the 760D’s layout feels more modern and accessible, with logically placed dials and buttons that minimize menu diving during shoots.

This aspect will matter more in fast-moving environments like sports or wildlife photography, where tactile feedback and quick adjustments are critical.

Sensor and Image Quality: Battle of Resolution and Size

The heart of any DSLR is its sensor, and here the Canon EOS 760D clearly holds a strong advantage. Utilizing a 24MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor (22.3x14.9mm), it packs substantial pixel density while maintaining a sensor area of approximately 332mm². This sensor is backed by the well-regarded DIGIC 6 processor, optimizing image detail, color fidelity, and noise control.

The Olympus E-620, by contrast, sports a smaller Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13mm with 12MP resolution, providing about 225mm² of sensor area - nearly a third less than the Canon in size.

In practical terms, the Canon’s larger sensor and higher pixel count translate into sharper images with more detail, better performance in low light due to increased light-gathering ability, and a wider dynamic range.

DxOMark scores reinforce this: Canon 760D scores an overall 70, with a color depth of 22.6 bits and dynamic range of 12 stops, compared to Olympus E-620’s overall score of 55, color depth at 21.3 bits, and dynamic range at 10.3 stops.

In real-world shooting, I found the 760D delivers more nuanced tonal gradations in landscape shots and cleaner shadows in night photography, where noise suppression without sacrificing detail is essential.

Olympus’s sensor can perform well for casual shooting and moderate lighting conditions but struggles in higher ISO settings (max native of 3200 vs Canon’s 12800), which impacts versatility in darker environments.

User Interface and Screen Features

The Canon 760D features a fully articulated touchscreen LCD with 1,040k-dot resolution, which vastly improves framing creativity - think overhead shots or tricky low-angle compositions. The touchscreen interface enabled quick menu navigation and focus point selection during live view shooting, which I found especially useful during portraits and macro work.

The Olympus’s HyperCrystal LCD screen is sharp in daylight but fixed in position and non-touch, limiting shooting angles and interaction efficiency. Its lower resolution means less precision for critical focusing when using live view or reviewing images.

Both cameras use optical pentamirror viewfinders with ~95% coverage and similar magnification but lack electronic viewfinder options - common in this segment but limiting for action or low-light framing precision.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

The Canon EOS 760D sports a 19-point all cross-type AF system, employing phase detection autofocus with face detection and continuous AF tracking. This system performs reliably in both stills and live view modes, with touch AF support on the 760D’s screen. During field tests in dynamic scenes such as sports or wildlife, I observed quick and consistent autofocus acquisition, thanks to the wider spread of points and cross-type sensors that better detect subject edges.

The Olympus E-620 has a more modest 7-point system, and while it has contrast-detect AF as well as phase detection, the system is slower to lock focus and lacks tracking functionality. It does provide face detection, useful for portraits, but continuous AF tracking is absent, which is a notable drawback for action-oriented photography.

For macro, portrait, and street photography requiring precise focus, Canon’s system allows more confident composition and fewer missed shots.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Canon’s EF/EF-S mount delivers access to a vast ecosystem of over 326 lenses - including affordable primes, ultra-wide landscapes, fast portrait optics, and professional telephotos. This extensive range is a massive advantage for photographers aiming to expand and specialize their craft over time.

Olympus E 620 screen back

Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds mount supports roughly 45 lenses natively, including many compact primes and zooms optimized for smaller sensors. The system is attractive if you value mirrorless adaptability and portability, yet the smaller lens selection and generally slower apertures limit creative versatility and quality in some genres.

I personally found Canon’s greater variety and optical quality better suited for photographers intent on portrait bokeh, wildlife telephoto reach, and even video follow focus lenses.

Continuous Shooting and Buffer: Sports and Wildlife Potential

The 760D offers 5fps continuous shooting rate, effective for moderate action, and enough buffer memory to capture several RAW frames before slowing. In contrast, the E-620’s 4fps shooting speed, combined with its older processor, feels more limiting in fast-paced shooting like sports or wildlife photography.

While neither camera matches the high-end pro bodies in speed, Canon’s faster burst provides more confidence for those specialty genres requiring rapid-fire capture of unfolding moments.

Video Capabilities: An Unequal Pair

Video is an important differentiator. The Canon 760D supports Full HD 1080p recording at 30fps, 25fps, and 24fps, along with 720p at up to 60fps. It uses modern H.264 codec with a microphone input jack for better sound quality.

The Olympus E-620 predates robust video features and lacks any video recording capability.

If video is a priority for you - be it for vlogging, event coverage, or multimedia projects - the Canon is indisputably the better choice.

Battery Life and Storage

Surprisingly, despite its older tech, the Olympus E-620 boasts a slightly better battery life rated at 500 shots per charge compared to Canon’s 440. This edge could tip the scales for extended travel or expedition photography where charging opportunities are scarce.

Both cameras rely on a single card slot but differ in card compatibility. Canon supports modern SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I cards, convenient and fast, while Olympus sticks to older storage types: CompactFlash Type I/II and xD Picture Card, which are becoming outdated and pricier.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither the Canon 760D nor Olympus E-620 offers professional-grade weather sealing or ruggedization. Both are compact SLR bodies with plastic chassis but relatively durable for day-to-day use. If your work or hobby includes adverse environments, neither camera is ideal without protective accessories.

Specialized Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Shines

Portraits

Canon 760D: The larger sensor produces pleasing skin tones and shallow depth of field, leveraged by the extensive lens choices and responsive eye/face AF support. The touchscreen focus selection adds creative freedom.

Olympus E-620: Decent colors but shallower bokeh due to sensor size and smaller max apertures in lens options. Face detection works but limited AF points restrict composition flexibility.

Landscapes

Canon 760D: Superior dynamic range and higher resolution enhance landscape detail and tonal richness. Lens availability includes quality wide-angle options, and the articulated screen helps compose from tricky angles.

Olympus E-620: Good for casual landscape shooting but lower resolution and dynamic range reduce print quality potential for large output.

Wildlife

Canon 760D: Faster burst speed and expansive autofocus points favor wildlife photography. EF-S mount offers telephoto lenses to reach distant subjects.

Olympus E-620: Weaker AF and 4fps speed hinder capturing fast-moving animals. Smaller sensor results in less detail.

Sports

Canon 760D: More precise tracking and faster frame rate give it a clear edge here.

Olympus E-620: Limited AF system and frame rate make it less suited.

Street

Canon 760D: Larger size but articulating screen and lens options offer flexibility.

Olympus E-620: Smaller form and lighter weight improve discretion and ease of carrying.

Macro

Canon 760D: Compatible with excellent macro lenses and precise live view AF.

Olympus E-620: Decent in macro given smaller sensor depth of field but limited autofocus precision.

Night/Astro

Canon 760D: Higher ISO range and better noise control improve astrophotography results.

Olympus E-620: ISO ceiling limits handheld night performance.

Video

Canon 760D: Full HD video with audio inputs.

Olympus E-620: No video functionality.

Travel

Canon 760D: Good all-rounder but slightly bulkier.

Olympus E-620: Lightweight and compact, good for informal travel photography.

Professional Workflow

Canon 760D: RAW support, modern connectivity (Wi-Fi, NFC), and compatibility with professional lens line.

Olympus E-620: Older storage formats, no wireless connectivity.

Technical Summary: Strengths and Limitations

Who Should Buy the Canon EOS 760D?

• Enthusiasts upgrading from basic models who want better image quality and modern features
• Photographers who need more precise AF tracking and faster burst rates for sports or wildlife
• Portrait and landscape shooters valuing higher resolution and dynamic range
• Content creators needing dependable Full HD video with audio inputs
• Travelers who don’t mind moderate weight for better handling and LCD flexibility

The Canon 760D embodies a versatile entry-level DSLR that combines solid image quality, user-friendly touchscreen, and a vast lens system, making it a dependable choice for varied photographic pursuits.

Who Should Consider the Olympus E-620?

• Budget-conscious beginners attracted by a compact, lightweight body
• Casual photographers preferring stills-only shooting without video requirements
• Those who prioritize portability and discrete street shooting
• Users comfortable with older storage media and modest autofocus demands
• Travelers wanting longer battery life with lightweight gear

The Olympus E-620 can serve well as a starter DSLR with respectable image output but is limited by its dated video absence, lower sensor resolution, and smaller lens lineup.

Final Thoughts: Canon 760D or Olympus E-620?

From my extensive experience testing DSLRs spanning decades, it’s clear the Canon EOS 760D remains the superior choice for almost all photographers who want a future-proof DSLR with strong image quality, fast autofocus, video capability, and ergonomics that support creativity. While the Olympus E-620 may still appeal to some for its compactness and lower price, its technical constraints and dated features place it largely behind modern entry-level DSLRs.

I encourage serious buyers and hobbyists to favor the Canon 760D unless weight and budget are absolute priorities, or if video is unimportant. Investing in the Canon’s broader lens ecosystem and upgrade potential will reward shooters over the long term.

Summary of Pros and Cons

Canon EOS 760D

• Higher resolution APS-C sensor with better ISO and dynamic range
• More sophisticated and reliable autofocus system
• Full HD video support with microphone input
• Fully articulated touchscreen LCD
• Extensive lens selection
• Modern wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, NFC)
  – Slightly heavier and larger
  – Older USB 2.0 connection speed

Olympus E-620

• Smaller, lighter body favorable for travel and street
• Slightly longer battery life
• Built-in sensor stabilization (advantage for video and macro)
  – Lower resolution and smaller sensor
  – No video recording capability
  – Limited AF points and slower autofocus
  – Uses older storage media (CompactFlash, xD)
  – No wireless connectivity

Investing in the right DSLR often depends on your photographic ambitions and style. I hope this practical, technically grounded comparison helps you choose wisely - because your camera should empower your vision every time you press the shutter.

If you’re ready to step into the world of modern DSLRs with solid image quality, versatility, and longevity, the Canon EOS 760D is a camera you can trust.

For a more modest entry into DSLR photography with minimum compromise, the Olympus E-620 remains a viable, affordable contender - just be aware of its limitations.

Happy shooting!