Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-520
59 Imaging
38 Features
36 Overall
37
![Olympus E-1 front Olympus E-1 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/w300/fronton/Olympus-E-1-ek-fs.jpg)
![Olympus E-520 front Olympus E-520 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Olympus-E-520/Olympus-E-520-front.jpg)
68 Imaging
45 Features
45 Overall
45
Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-520 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 5MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 1.8" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- No Video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 735g - 141 x 104 x 81mm
- Released November 2003
- Replacement is Olympus E-3
(Full Review)
- 10MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 1600
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 552g - 136 x 92 x 68mm
- Launched August 2008
- Succeeded the Olympus E-510
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-520 Overview
Below, we will be comparing the Olympus E-1 versus Olympus E-520, former being a Pro DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and they are both sold by Olympus. There exists a considerable gap among the image resolutions of the E-1 (5MP) and E-520 (10MP) but they use the exact same sensor sizes (Four Thirds).
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
The E-1 was announced 5 years prior to the E-520 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-1 being a Large SLR camera and the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera.
Before diving through a thorough comparison, below is a concise view of how the E-1 matches up against the E-520 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-520 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-1 & Olympus E-520. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-1 Gallery & Olympus E-520 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Olympus E-1 over the Olympus E-520
E-1 | E-520 |
---|
Reasons to pick Olympus E-520 over the Olympus E-1
E-520 | E-1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | August 2008 | ![]() | November 2003 | Fresher by 57 months |
Screen dimension | 2.7" | ![]() | 1.8" | Bigger screen (+0.9") |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 134k | Crisper screen (+96k dot) |
Common features in the Olympus E-1 and Olympus E-520
E-1 | E-520 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More accurate focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither contains selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | No Touch friendly screen |
Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-520 Physical Comparison
For those who are going to carry your camera often, you have to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-1 has got outside measurements of 141mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") and a weight of 735 grams (1.62 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-520 has specifications of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).
Compare the Olympus E-1 versus Olympus E-520 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the E-1 and the E-520.
![Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-520 size comparison Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-520 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-E-1-vs-Olympus-E-520-size-comparison.jpg)
Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-1 and E-520 is 59 and 68 respectively.
![Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-520 top view buttons comparison Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-520 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-E-1-vs-Olympus-E-520-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-520 Sensor Comparison
Normally, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing merely by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-1 and E-520.
As you can see, both the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Olympus E-520 to produce greater detail with its extra 5MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The older E-1 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.
![Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-520 sensor size comparison Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-520 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Olympus-E-1-vs-Olympus-E-520-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-520 Screen and ViewFinder
![Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-520 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-520 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-E-1-vs-Olympus-E-520-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-520 Specifications
Olympus E-1 | Olympus E-520 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Olympus | Olympus |
Model | Olympus E-1 | Olympus E-520 |
Type | Pro DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Released | 2003-11-29 | 2008-08-20 |
Physical type | Large SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | Four Thirds |
Sensor measurements | 17.3 x 13mm | 17.3 x 13mm |
Sensor surface area | 224.9mm² | 224.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 5MP | 10MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 4:3 |
Highest resolution | 2560 x 1920 | 3648 x 2736 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 1600 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
AF center weighted | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Number of focus points | 3 | 3 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
Amount of lenses | 45 | 45 |
Crop factor | 2.1 | 2.1 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 1.8 inch | 2.7 inch |
Screen resolution | 134k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.48x | 0.46x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 60s | 60s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shooting rate | 3.0fps | 4.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | no built-in flash | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash modes | Auto, Auto FP, Manual, Red-Eye | Auto, Auto FP, Manual, Red-Eye |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | 1/180s | 1/180s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Highest video resolution | None | None |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 735 gr (1.62 lbs) | 552 gr (1.22 lbs) |
Dimensions | 141 x 104 x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") | 136 x 92 x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | 55 |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 21.4 |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 10.4 |
DXO Low light score | not tested | 548 |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 650 photographs |
Style of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage type | Compact Flash (Type I or II) | Compact Flash (Type I or II), xD Picture Card |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at launch | $1,700 | $400 |