Olympus E-3 vs Olympus SP-620 UZ: The Ultimate Hands-On Camera Comparison

Choosing the right camera can feel like a daunting task, especially when two models come from the same brand but cater to very different photography styles and budgets. Today, I'll walk you through an in-depth, hands-on comparison of the Olympus E-3 DSLR, released in 2008, against the compact superzoom Olympus SP-620 UZ from 2012.

Having tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years in photography, including these two in multiple environments, I’ll break down their differences in real-world usage, helping you decide which Olympus might fit your shooting style, needs, and wallet best. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a passionate enthusiast, or a cheapskate looking for good value - I’ve got you covered.

Getting a Feel for It: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Before diving into specs and performance, let’s talk physicality - the hands-on feel that can make or break shooting experience.

The E-3 is a mid-size DSLR, noticeably larger and heavier at 890g, compared to the tiny 435g SP-620 UZ compact camera. The E-3’s body is crafted with a robust magnesium alloy frame and offers full environmental sealing - something professionals appreciate when shooting in the wild or in bad weather. The SP-620 UZ, meanwhile, is a plastic-bodied compact with a casual build and no weather sealing to speak of.

Ergonomically, the E-3 sports a classic DSLR layout, complete with a pentaprism optical viewfinder, multiple control dials, a top LCD panel, and large, easy-to-access buttons. If you’re the kind who loves “clubs for thumbs” like dedicated AF point selectors and customizable buttons, the E-3 delivers that courtesy. The fully articulating 2.5-inch screen isn’t huge by today’s standards but serves well in live view and video.

The SP-620 UZ keeps things simpler with just a few buttons and a 3-inch fixed LCD screen. Its zoom slider around the shutter releases is convenient but the compact size limits tactile control. There’s no viewfinder, just the LCD, which can be a drawback in bright outdoor shooting.

In summary, if you value solid build, physical controls, and weather resistance, the E-3 wins handily here. For grab-and-go convenience, light travel, or casual shooting, the SP-620 UZ is an easy companion.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Technical Foundations

At the heart of any camera lies its sensor - the key determinant of image quality potential.

The Olympus E-3 employs a Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor (17.3 x 13 mm) with 10 megapixels, while the SP-620 UZ uses a tiny 1/2.3" CCD sensor (~6.2 x 4.5 mm), despite having a higher pixel count of 16 megapixels.

From experience, larger sensors like the E-3’s Four Thirds sensor offer better image quality, particularly in:

• Dynamic range: The E-3 ties just above 10 stops, which means better detail preservation in highlights and shadows. The smaller sensor on the SP-620 is constrained by physics, capturing less tonal gradation.
• Color depth: The E-3’s 21.6 bits of color depth allows more vibrant, nuanced colors - great for portrait and landscape photographers who demand subtleties in skin tones and nature.
• Low-light ISO performance: The E-3 pushes to ISO 3200 natively and delivers decent noise control for its era (DXO low-light ISO score of 571). The SP-620 suffers from smaller pixels; expect noisy ISO beyond 400 or 800.

The E-3’s sensor also features an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré, which benefits portrait and landscape photography.

In practical terms, if image quality is your top priority - or you often shoot in challenging light - the E-3 outclasses the SP-620’s sensor by a mile.

Autofocus, Speed, and Shooting Performance

Autofocus (AF) is another vital pillar, especially if you shoot fast-moving subjects.

The E-3 offers an 11-point phase detection AF system, with continuous AF available. While modern AF systems outpace it today, back then this was solid for sports and wildlife shooters. However, it lacks face detection or advanced tracking modes, which some photographers might miss. Autofocus is reliable but requires some patience in dim lighting.

The SP-620 UZ relies on contrast-detection AF and boasts face detection, which is quite handy for casual use, portraits, and street photography. It doesn’t have continuous AF or manual focus options, limiting creative focus control. Burst shooting is not available, which again makes this camera better suited for leisurely snapshots rather than action.

The E-3 captures at 5fps burst speed, a respectable rate, allowing you to follow moderately fast action such as sports or wildlife behaviors. The SP-620 doesn’t specify continuous shooting speeds, but in real life it behaves slower due to processing constraints.

In a nutshell:

• For sports, wildlife, or any fast-paced photography, the E-3 is clearly superior.
• For casual portraits or everyday snapshots, the SP-620’s AF and face detection suffice.

Viewfinder and Screen Experience

The optical viewfinder on the E-3 is a pentaprism with 100% scene coverage and 0.58x magnification - very usable with any aiming precision, especially outdoors. The articulating 2.5” LCD screen (230k dots) complements it well for awkward angles or video.

The SP-620 UZ lacks a viewfinder entirely, relying on its fixed 3-inch LCD screen (also 230k dots), making bright daylight shooting challenging unless you can shade the screen. The screen cannot articulate or flip out, limiting flexibility in macro, low, or high-angle shots.

If you tend to compose using a viewfinder to minimize shake and refine framing, the E-3 will feel more natural and stable. For casual travel, the SP-620’s screen is adequate but not luxe.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Versatility

Lens choice can redefine what you shoot.

The Olympus E-3, being a DSLR with Micro Four Thirds mount compatibility (with adapter), happily works with over 45 dedicated lenses ranging from ultra-wide to super-telephoto. The built-in sensor-based image stabilization pairs with optically stabilized lenses to reduce shake - invaluable in macro, telephoto shooting, or low light.

By contrast, the SP-620 UZ has an impressive fixed 25-525mm equivalent zoom lens (21x optical zoom) with max aperture f/3.1-5.8. This superzoom allows for everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife or sports from the sideline - all without swapping lenses. But its variable aperture and optics can’t match the quality or light-gathering power of prime or pro zoom lenses on the E-3.

Also, with no interchangeable lenses, you’re stuck if you want specific focal lengths or specialized glass.

Here’s the take-home:

• If you want lens flexibility and maximum image quality, the E-3’s mount and choice reign supreme.
• If you prefer all-in-one convenience with a monster zoom range, the SP-620 UZ is a neat package.

Burst Rates and Shutter Speeds

The E-3 offers shutter speeds from 1/60s to 1/8000s, excellent for freezing fast action or shooting wide open in bright conditions. Its flash sync speed is 1/250s, enough for fill-flash work in daylight.

The SP-620 UZ has slower shutter range, 4s to 1/1500s - sufficient for everyday photos but ill-equipped for high-speed photography or advanced long exposure needs.

Burst mode favors the E-3, with 5fps continuous shots, enabling shooting sequences at sports events or rapid wildlife movements. The SP-620's lack of continuous shooting makes it less versatile in this regard.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Handling

Both cameras offer sensor-shift image stabilization - Olympus’ “sensor-based IS” in the E-3 and “sensor-shift” stabilization in the SP-620 UZ.

The E-3’s IS is effective, combined with sturdy build, to hand-hold shots in dim light or at longer focal lengths, while controlling shake. It makes a noticeable difference in portrait and macro work.

The SP-620’s IS helps somewhat but is limited by the tiny sensor’s poor high ISO performance. Expect noise and grain creeping in at ISO 400+. Thus, low-light performance is a weak point for the SP-620, whereas the E-3 has more latitude.

Video and Multimedia Capabilities

The SP-620 UZ, being a newer compact, offers video recording in HD 720p at 30fps, with H.264 encoding. It’s modest but enough for casual video clips. It also has HDMI output for easy playback on HDTVs.

The E-3 predates video altogether; it does not have video recording capabilities. So, if video is a priority, the SP-620 makes more sense.

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone jacks, limiting advanced audio recording options.

Battery and Storage

Battery info is sparse on the E-3, but it uses a proprietary Li-ion pack with decent endurance, roughly 400-600 shots per charge depending on usage. The robust battery life favors longer shooting sessions typical in pro and enthusiast use.

In contrast, the SP-620 relies on 4 AA batteries, which is convenient if you’re in the field without chargers - just swap in spares or rechargeables. However, AAs add weight and bulk, somewhat offsetting the compact ease.

Both cameras provide single card slots:

• E-3: Dual-format Compact Flash and xD Picture Card.
• SP-620: SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

SD cards are more ubiquitous and generally cheaper, favoring the SP-620 UZ for casual users.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Connectivity is minimal on both models:

• The E-3 has USB 2.0 only; no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS.
• The SP-620 features Eye-Fi compatibility, allowing Wi-Fi transfers with supported cards, a small step toward wireless sharing.

No NFC, Bluetooth, or GPS exists - reflecting their era's limitations.

Ready to Rock a Genre? Photography Style Breakdown

Let's look at how both cameras stack up for specific photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• E-3: Larger sensor produces creamy bokeh and superior skin tone rendition; lens choices allow fast primes with shallow depth of field. Reliable manual and selective AF points help nail compositions easily.
• SP-620: Small sensor and fixed slow zoom lens limit background blur and skin tone nuance, but face detection autofocus improves ease for casual portraits.

Winner: E-3, hands down.

Landscape Photography

• E-3: Dynamic range and 10 MP good enough for rich landscapes; weather sealing lets you shoot in harsh conditions; RAW output critical for post-processing.
• SP-620: Higher pixels, but tiny sensor limits detail; handheld shooting easier but image quality so-so; no RAW.

Winner: E-3 by a mile.

Wildlife Photography

• E-3: 5fps continuous burst and 11 AF points make it capable of capturing action. Telephoto lenses available through the mount.
• SP-620: Handy 21x zoom built in, but slow autofocus and no burst mode limit capturing fast wildlife behavior.

Winner: Depends - reach-wise SP-620 zoom is tempting, but quality and AF favors E-3.

Sports Photography

• E-3: Burst rate and AF system capable for moderate sports; physical controls fast and intuitive.
• SP-620: Too limited for sport settings.

Winner: E-3.

Street Photography

• E-3: Bulky and conspicuous; loud shutter; optical viewfinder may help framing.
• SP-620: Small, quiet, discreet; good zoom for capturing candid scenes from a distance.

Winner: SP-620 for stealth and casual shooting.

Macro Photography

• E-3: Excellent with proper macro lenses; IS sensor aids focusing precision.
• SP-620: Close focus down to 1cm, but limited by small sensor and fixed lens.

Winner: E-3 for serious macro enthusiasts.

Night/Astro Photography

• E-3: Decent ISO 3200 and manual exposure modes support night shooting; sturdy tripod mount.
• SP-620: Limited ISO range, no manual modes, small sensor noise issues.

Winner: E-3.

Video Capabilities

• SP-620: 720p video with decent codec support.
• E-3: No video.

Winner: SP-620.

Travel Photography

• E-3: Pros and enthusiasts appreciate versatility and ruggedness; but size and weight can be burdensome.
• SP-620: Lightweight, versatile zoom, decent quality for snapshots.

Winner: SP-620 for casual travel ease; E-3 for serious photo trips.

Professional Work

• E-3: Fully manual controls, RAW support, sturdy build, interchangeable lenses, decent battery life, compatible with pro workflows.
• SP-620: A point-and-shoot, no RAW, limited controls.

Winner: E-3.

Real-World Image Examples

Here’s a gallery I shot with both cameras in a typical weekend test - portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and street scenes.

You’ll notice the E-3 files feel more detailed and vibrant, especially in shadows and fine textures. The SP-620 captures decent colors but is less sharp once zoomed in, and noise is visible in lower light.

Performance and Ratings Summary

Olympus E-3 scores higher overall across image quality, speed, and build. The SP-620 wins in portability and zoom reach but trails substantially elsewhere.

Pros & Cons Recap

Olympus E-3

Pros:

• Solid, weather-sealed, professional build
• Larger Four Thirds sensor with superior image quality
• Interchangeable lenses and great lens ecosystem
• Reliable phase-detection AF with continuous mode
• Full manual modes and robust control layout
• RAW capture and broad battery options
• Effective sensor-based image stabilization

Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier
• No video recording
• Older screen resolution and size
• Mid-range continuous shooting speed by today’s standards

Olympus SP-620 UZ

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight
• Huge 21x optical zoom all-in-one lens
• HD video recording and HDMI out
• Face detection autofocus
• Uses cheap AA batteries
• Easier to carry for casual users

Cons:

• Small sensor with limited image quality
• No RAW or manual exposure modes
• No viewfinder and fixed LCD screen
• Slow autofocus and no continuous shooting
• No weather sealing

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Olympus E-3 if:

• You’re a serious enthusiast or professional needing solid image quality, lens flexibility, and durability.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or sports and want full manual control.
• You prioritize RAW files and pro-grade features.
• You don’t mind the bulk and earlier generation interface.
• Budget is around or above $600 (used or refurbished).

Buy the Olympus SP-620 UZ if:

• You want a superzoom compact camera that fits in your bag without fuss.
• You mostly shoot casual travel, street, or family photos without the need for top-tier image quality.
• You want a simple, point-and-shoot experience with nifty zoom reach.
• Video recording is a plus.
• You’re on a strict budget (~$200).

Final Thoughts: Worth the Investment?

The Olympus E-3 remains an impressive camera that punches above its weight even years after release, especially when you consider its build quality and sensor size. It’s a capable tool for those who appreciate hands-on photographic control and better image quality but isn’t suitable if portability or video is a top priority.

On the other hand, the SP-620 UZ represents a category of compact superzooms that try to do it all with ease and convenience. Great for beginners, travelers, and budget-savvy shooters, but with inherent compromises.

With Olympus’s rich heritage behind both models, your choice boils down to purpose over specs: Choose the E-3 if image quality and versatility count, or the SP-620 UZ if you want a straightforward, pocket-sized zoom.

Thanks for reading! I hope this detailed comparison helps you weigh your options confidently. Feel free to ask any questions or share your shooting preferences in the comments below - I’m always happy to chat about cameras and help you find the best fit for your creative journey.