Olympus E-1 vs Sony A500

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-1 versus Sony A500, one is a Pro DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-1 (5MP) and A500 (12MP) and the E-1 (Four Thirds) and A500 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-1 was revealed 6 years before the A500 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-1 being a Large SLR camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-1 grades versus the A500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-1 Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-1 features external dimensions of 141mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") with a weight of 735 grams (1.62 lbs) and the Sony A500 has dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

See the Olympus E-1 versus Sony A500 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-1 and the A500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-1 and A500 is 59 and 63 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by checking specs. The picture here will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-1 and A500.

All in all, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-1 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony A500 will give you extra detail because of its extra 7 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged E-1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.