Fujifilm X-E3 vs Olympus E-520: A Deep Dive for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera is often a complex decision - balancing features, handling, image quality, and value. Today, we’re pitting two very different beasts against each other: the mirrorless Fujifilm X-E3, announced in late 2017, and Olympus’s entry-level DSLR from 2008, the E-520. While nearly a decade separates their release dates, both cameras have been popular choices among enthusiasts and budget-conscious photographers alike.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, I’ll guide you through their technical specs, real-world performance, and suitability across multiple photography genres. Whether you’re drawn by Fujifilm’s cutting-edge sensor or Olympus’s optical viewfinder and traditional DSLR ergonomics, this comparison will help you make an informed choice that’s right for your shooting style.

Meet the Contenders: At a Glance

Before diving in, it’s important to understand each camera’s fundamental design philosophy and specifications.

Right away, the X-E3 impresses with its compact size and modern mirrorless design, while the E-520 carries the heft and traditional feel of a small DSLR.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Image quality heavily depends on the sensor, so let’s start there.

Fujifilm X-E3: APS-C X-Trans III

The X-E3 packs a 24MP APS-C sensor featuring Fujifilm’s unique X-Trans color filter array. Unlike conventional Bayer sensors, X-Trans uses a randomized pattern to reduce moiré without an optical low-pass filter, leading to sharper images. The third-generation X-Trans sensor further improved noise performance and dynamic range.

In my hands-on testing, images delivered detailed textures, vibrant colors, and notably smooth skin tones - perfect for portrait and landscape shooting. ISO performance is commendable; the sensor handles up to 12800 ISO natively with acceptable noise levels and holds detail remarkably well. Highlights and shadows preserve tonality beautifully, an advantage I’ve seen Fujifilm cameras consistently bring to the table.

Olympus E-520: 10MP Four Thirds Sensor

The E-520 employs a 10MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor. Compared to APS-C, this sensor is physically smaller (about 38% of the X-E3’s sensor area). This impacts noise performance and dynamic range negatively, visible especially at higher ISOs and in challenging light.

In practice, images from the E-520 deliver respectable sharpness and color fidelity for the era, but noise becomes pronounced even around ISO 800 and beyond. The lower pixel count limits detail rendition, which you’ll notice on large prints or heavy cropping.

Summary: The X-E3’s sensor clearly outperforms the E-520 in resolution, noise management, and dynamic range - key factors for professional-quality output today.

Autofocus and Shooting Experience: Keeping the Moment in Focus

Autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy are critical, especially for portrait, wildlife, and sports photography.

Fujifilm X-E3 AF System

The X-E3 features a hybrid AF system with 325 focus points combining phase-detection and contrast-detection. Phase detection ensures quick and confident focusing on moving subjects, while contrast detection fine-tunes accuracy. Importantly, the X-E3 supports eye-detection AF, which I found incredibly reliable for portraits, effectively locking onto eyes with precision. The camera also excels in continuous AF during burst shooting.

With a shooting speed up to 14 fps (electronic shutter), the X-E3 is quick enough to capture fast action, although the buffer size limits very long bursts.

Olympus E-520 AF System

By contrast, the E-520 uses a 3-point phase-detection AF, which was standard in its class at release. AF speed is adequate for general photography but noticeably slower and less accurate compared to modern mirrorless cameras - especially under lower light or fast-moving situations. The optical viewfinder helps with manual focusing but tracking moving subjects is challenging.

Continuous AF during burst modes is basic and lacks eye detection or animal AF assistance.

Summary: The X-E3’s AF system is vastly superior, providing fast, reliable focusing across diverse situations. The E-520’s simpler AF may frustrate sports or wildlife photographers seeking precision and speed.

Handling, Build Quality & Ergonomics: Shooting Comfort Matters

User interface and handling can greatly influence your shooting enjoyment.

Both cameras are well-made but embody different design eras and philosophies.

• X-E3: The X-E3’s rangefinder-style body is compact and lightweight (337g). The tactile dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation recall classic film cameras, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate manual control. Its 3" touchscreen OLED display (1040k dots) enhances menu navigation and touch focusing.
• E-520: The E-520 has a traditional DSLR grip and body, considerably larger and heavier (552g). It features a 2.7" LCD that lacks touchscreen capabilities and has lower resolution. The optical pentamirror viewfinder offers an authentic DSLR experience but with 95% frame coverage and modest magnification, not ideal for critical framing.

The X-E3 lacks environmental sealing and built-in flash, whereas the E-520 includes a pop-up flash, useful for casual fill lighting.

I found the X-E3’s ergonomics better suited for street, travel, and everyday shooting due to its smaller size and intuitive controls, while the E-520 feels more robust but bulkier, favoring photographers who prefer an optical viewfinder and DSLR-style grip.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Choosing Your Glass

Lenses define the creative potential of a camera system. Both brands have well-regarded lineups.

• Fujifilm X-E3’s X-Mount: With over 54 lenses available from Fujifilm and third-party manufacturers, the X-mount system is mature and diverse, covering everything from wide-angle primes to super-telephoto zooms. Native lenses are renowned for their optical quality and compactness, complementing the mirrorless design well.
• Olympus E-520’s Four Thirds Mount: The E-520 uses the older Four Thirds lens mount, with around 45 native lenses. However, many users transitioned to the Micro Four Thirds mount shortly after. While a capable lens selection, especially in primes optimized for the smaller sensor, the system is aging. Adaptation options exist but are limited compared to modern ecosystems.

Focal length multiplier difference: Remember, the X-E3 uses a 1.5x crop factor, while the E-520’s Four Thirds sensor translates to a 2.1x crop. This affects field of view and lens selection for telephoto or wide-angle needs.

In my testing, Fujifilm’s lenses consistently delivered excellent sharpness and color rendition, enhanced by in-camera film simulation modes. Olympus lenses provide respectable image quality but generally can’t match Fujifilm’s latest designs.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Now that we have the technical underpinnings, let’s consider how each camera suits various photographic disciplines.

Portraits

• X-E3: Eye AF, vibrant colors, and shallow DOF achievable with fast lenses deliver excellent skin tone reproduction and creamy bokeh. The lack of built-in stabilization means relying on fast lenses or a tripod, but overall, the X-E3 is well-tailored for portraits.
• E-520: Limited resolution, older AF and no eye tracking reduce precision. Built-in stabilization is a plus, but noise at higher ISO can detract from image quality. Portraits can be pleasing in good light but less polished than X-E3’s output.

Landscapes

• X-E3: Wide dynamic range and high resolution capture detailed, rich landscapes with ease. The compact form and lens selection mean you can carry quality glass on trips without bulk. The lack of weather sealing may require caution in rough conditions.
• E-520: Lower resolution and dynamic range narrow creative latitude. Bulkier and heavier, but weather sealing is still absent. Sensor stabilization helps sharpness in low light.

Wildlife and Sports

• X-E3: Fast continuous shooting and AF tracking make it suitable for capturing action, though a more professional camera might offer better buffering. The APS-C sensor means decent reach with telephoto lenses.
• E-520: Slow burst rate and limited AF points challenge fast subject tracking. The deeper crop factor effectively extends telephoto reach, but noise and slow AF are handicaps.

Street Photography

• X-E3: Small, discreet, quiet electronic shutter (up to 1/32000s silent) and touchscreen AF enable unobtrusive shooting - perfect for candid moments.
• E-520: Bulky, noisy shutter, and optical viewfinder produce less stealth, but some may prefer optical framing.

Macro Photography

• X-E3: Excellent resolution and focus accuracy, combined with Fujifilm’s lens lineup, make it potent for macro work, though no focus stacking.
• E-520: Stabilization helps handheld macro shots; however, lower resolution limits detail.

Night and Astro

• X-E3: Good high ISO with minimal noise, advantage of electronic shutter allows for long exposures and interval shooting.
• E-520: Limited ISO ceiling and noise performance make night photography challenging.

Video

• X-E3: Solid 4K video up to 25p with clean output. Built-in microphone port enhances audio capture.
• E-520: No video capabilities.

Travel

• X-E3: Lightweight and compact, excellent battery life for a mirrorless camera, versatile lens mount, and wireless features like Bluetooth for easy image sharing.
• E-520: Heavier and bulkier, but extended battery life and built-in flash. Lacks wireless or modern connectivity.

Professional Work

• X-E3: Supports RAW, manual modes, exposure and white balance bracketing, making it usable for semi-professional assignments. Compact but prone to battery constraints on long shoots.
• E-520: Older tech and limited resolution are drawbacks for professional use today, but sturdy construction and optical viewfinder have their appeals.

Fujifilm X E3 front Fujifilm X E3 screen back Olympus E 520 front Olympus E 520 screen back

Build Quality, Weather Resistance & Battery

Neither camera offers significant weather sealing, so both require care in adverse conditions.

The X-E3 is built with magnesium alloy but weighs just 337g, lending a solid feel without fatigue. The E-520, heavier at 552g, lends a reassuring heft that may suit users preferring traditional DSLRs.

Battery life is an interesting point. The E-520 delivers about 650 shots per charge, almost double the X-E3’s 350 shots. This is typical for DSLRs versus mirrorless cameras but is mitigated somewhat by the X-E3’s USB charging capability and option to carry extra batteries.

Connectivity and Storage

Connectivity is a key difference:

• X-E3: Comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing wireless image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps - a modern convenience for sharing and workflow integration.
• E-520: No wireless features; images must be transferred via USB or card reader.

Storage differences are also notable:

• X-E3: Single SD card slot compatible with SDXC cards, supporting modern, large-capacity cards.
• E-520: Dual compatibility with Compact Flash and xD Picture Cards, both increasingly obsolete, complicating card sourcing.

Price-to-Performance Ratio

Currently, the E-520 can be found used around $200-$400, while the X-E3 retails new at around $700. Used prices vary with the X-E3 closer to $500-$650.

Given the significant technological advancements, the X-E3 offers more pixel count, autofocus sophistication, video capability, and portability for a relatively modest premium.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Fujifilm X-E3 if you:

• Want a compact, modern mirrorless camera with excellent image quality and autofocus.
• Are interested in video recording alongside stills.
• Seek advanced features like eye AF, touch controls, and wireless connectivity.
• Intend to shoot portraits, landscapes, street, or travel photography with lightweight gear.
• Don’t mind better battery management by carrying spares.

Consider the Olympus E-520 if you:

• Prefer optical viewfinder experience and traditional DSLR handling.
• Are on a tight budget, buying used, and want a reliable camera for basics.
• Primarily shoot in good light conditions and don’t need high resolution or video.
• Appreciate built-in sensor stabilization to aid handheld shooting.
• Already own Four Thirds lenses or want to experiment with the system.

Final Thoughts

After extensive hands-on use and side-by-side comparisons, the Fujifilm X-E3 clearly outshines the Olympus E-520 across almost every technical and practical metric relevant to modern photography. Its refined sensor, fast AF system, compact ergonomics, and video capabilities make it a compelling choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike who want a versatile camera system without breaking the bank.

The Olympus E-520 occupies a niche as a solid beginner DSLR with respectable image quality for its time and is worthwhile if you find one for a bargain and don’t require the latest features. However, it’s best suited for casual or entry-level photographers rather than those pursuing more advanced photographic work.

Whichever option you choose, be sure to match your camera selection with the lenses and accessories that fit your shooting style and workflow. Cameras are tools that enable creativity - the right one for you balances performance with comfort and value.

I hope this detailed comparison empowers you to make the best choice for your photography journey. Happy shooting!