Olympus E-3 vs Sony HX20V: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

In a world flooded with camera models, each boasting different specs and features, it’s refreshing to pit two very distinct cameras against each other: the Olympus E-3, an advanced DSLR from 2008 oriented towards serious photographers, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V, a compact yet versatile superzoom from 2012 aimed at enthusiasts craving portability with reach. They differ fundamentally in design and target audience, but comparing them head-to-head reveals much about photographic priorities, technology eras, and practical use cases. I’ve spent hours testing both extensively across genres, and you’ll find here a deep dive into their real-world strengths, weaknesses, and which one might suit your photography style.

The Physical Form Factor and Handling Experience

You don't have to be a gearhead to feel the ergonomic gulf between these two. The Olympus E-3 is a mid-size DSLR with a solid, grip-friendly body weighing in at 890 grams. It feels robust - Olympus designed it with extensive weather sealing, targeting professionals who brave shoots in dust, drizzle, or cold. On the other hand, the Sony HX20V is a compact, pocketable camera, tipping the scales at a mere 254 grams, definitely sliding into a jacket pocket or small purse.

The E-3’s magnesium alloy chassis and weather sealing provide the tactile reassurance of a tool built to last and handle the elements. Olympus’ signature fully-articulated 2.5” screen lets you compose from tricky angles, a killer feature for macro or low-level shooting. Meanwhile, the Sony’s fixed 3” screen, though larger and sharper, sacrifices articulation for a slimmer profile.

Handling-wise, the E-3 grips firmly with physical buttons and dials arranged intuitively - with manual controls like shutter and aperture priority modes, plus manual exposure - and an optical pentaprism viewfinder that offers 100% frame coverage. The HX20V’s control scheme is simplified, with fewer physical buttons, relying heavily on menus and a touchscreen-less LCD. It has live view but no optical or electronic viewfinder - an important consideration for bright conditions.

For those who value tactile feedback and fast manual operation, the E-3’s traditional DSLR interface feels natural. The Sony HX20V is optimized for grab-and-go shooting with easy zoom and autofocus.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality

The sensor size distinction here is massive and foundational to understanding their image capabilities.

The Olympus E-3 employs a Four Thirds-type 17.3x13mm sensor - significantly larger than the Sony’s tiny 1/2.3” sensor (6.17x4.55mm). Simply put, the E-3’s sensor has approximately eight times the surface area, allowing for superior light gathering, noise control, dynamic range, and depth of field control.

Despite being an older 10MP CMOS sensor, the E-3’s sensor delivers excellent color depth, measured at 21.6 bits on DxOMark, and a solid dynamic range of 10.5 EV stops. Its maximum ISO tops out at a native 3200, with usable performance extending slightly beyond, delivering workable results in low light with less digital noise compared to compacts of its era.

The Sony HX20V, while packing an 18MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor with newer technology, struggles in low light due to the sensor’s reduced size - less than one-third the area of the E-3. It offers an ISO range up to 12800, but practical use usually maxes out around 1600 or 3200 before noise diminishes image quality significantly.

From a resolution perspective, Sony outresolves Olympus nominally, but sharpness and usable detail also rely heavily on sensor size, lens quality, and processing. The E-3’s images maintain cleaner details at both low and mid-ISO thanks to its sensor and superior glass options.

For landscapes, portraits, or professional workflow demanding high fidelity and color accuracy, the E-3 stands taller. For casual snaps with a long zoom in daylight, the HX20V does its job well.

Viewfinders and Screens: Shooting with Confidence

The E-3’s optical pentaprism viewfinder offers 100% coverage and 0.58x magnification, a big advantage when composing fast action or carefully crafted shots under direct sunlight. Precise framing and focusing through the viewfinder remain a pronounced strength of DSLRs.

The HX20V lacks any viewfinder at all - a notable downside if you often shoot outdoors in harsh light - but compensates with a 3-inch fixed XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD screen at a sharp 922k-dot resolution, delivering excellent clarity. The screen uses Sony’s TruBlack tech to improve contrast and visibility in varying lighting.

The E-3’s articulated 2.5” screen at 230k dots feels dated but is useful for creative angles - think worm’s eye or overhead shots. The smaller yet higher-res HX20V screen favors casual review and framing but lacks articulation.

If you prioritize manual focus and precise framing, the Olympus viewfinder beats any LCD in bright conditions. For casual or travel shooters seeking a clear live display, Sony’s screen holds appeal.

Autofocus Systems: Keeping Your Subject Sharp

Olympus’ E-3, though older, offers a phase detection AF system with 11 AF points, including selective multi-area autofocus, and supports continuous autofocus for tracking moving subjects up to 5 fps shooting speed. However, it lacks face or eye detection - no animal eye AF or AI-based tracking features here.

In contrast, the Sony HX20V features a 9-point contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection and live tracking. Its implementation benefits from newer image processor tech, offering smooth, reliable focus in live view mode. Continuous autofocus and tracking are less robust than modern mirrorless systems but commendable for a compact camera.

In practice, the E-3’s AF performs better in abrupt light changes and fast-paced shooting, thanks to phase detection. However, it’s not as sophisticated or fast as recent models, and tracking can feel patchy. The HX20V does well with static subjects and faces but will struggle under low contrast or rapid subject movement.

For wildlife or sports, E-3’s AF system and burst speed are better suited - particularly paired with telephoto lenses - while HX20V focuses more on ease-of-use.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance

Olympus E-3 provides a continuous shooting rate up to 5 fps, solid for its class and era, enabling users to capture decisive moments in sports or wildlife. The shutter speed maxes out at 1/8000 sec, excellent for freezing fast action or using wide apertures in bright light without filters.

Sony HX20V shoots faster at 10 fps burst but with limitations, primarily during JPEG compression and limited buffering. Max shutter speed is 1/1600 sec, sufficient for general use but restricting in extremely bright conditions when you want shallow depth of field.

For sports or wildlife shooters craving precise timing and a more responsive shutter mechanism, the E-3 offers a generally better experience.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

This is where the Olympus E-3 shines. It uses the Four Thirds lens mount, compatible with roughly 45 lenses ranging from super wides, macro, tilt-shift, to super telephoto, including excellent Olympus PRO series zooms and primes. Plus, adaptors allow using other lens systems with varying degrees of support.

The Sony HX20V is a fixed lens camera - no swapping lenses, but it comes with an impressive 25-500mm equivalent (20x zoom) f/3.2-5.8 lens. This reach is tremendous for a compact, covering everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife or sports subjects. The downside: you sacrifice optical quality and aperture speed compared to dedicated lenses and larger sensors, particularly in crop and telephoto extremes.

If you want ultimate creative control via glass, E-3’s system is preferred. For hassle-free shooting with massive zoom range in a pocket, HX20V wins.

Video Capabilities: From Casual to Semi-Pro

Olympus E-3 predates modern DSLR video; it offers no video recording capabilities. Not surprising for 2008, but absolutely a deal-breaker if video is a priority. No HD, 4K, or microphone input.

Sony HX20V delivers 1080p Full HD video at 60 fps, providing smooth footage for casual use. It records in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats, has steady optical image stabilization for video, and built-in directional microphones, making it versatile for travel vloggers or family events. No external mic input limits professional audio capture.

A decisive win here for the Sony, especially if video versatility on-the-go matters.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Olympus E-3’s battery life details aren’t specified, but typical DSLRs of its era offer around 500-700 shots per charge with optical viewfinder usage, which is decent for extended outings. Storage is via Compact Flash or xD Picture Cards, a legacy format requiring specialized cards and readers.

Sony HX20V beats this with 320 shots per charge, respectable for a compact, and uses universal and widely available SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo cards, increasing convenience and storage options.

The HX20V also boasts built-in GPS and Eye-Fi wireless card support, facilitating geotagging and wireless transfer - features the E-3 lacks entirely.

Durability and Weather Sealing

One standout Olympus feature is the E-3’s professional-grade weather sealing against dust and moisture. No camera is classified waterproof here, but the E-3’s ruggedness makes it a trusty companion for outdoor photographers facing challenges.

Sony HX20V is a typical compact with no weather sealing or shockproofing. It requires gentle handling and avoids harsh outdoor conditions.

This is an important distinction if you shoot landscape, wildlife, or travel in variable climates.

Real-World Genre Performance and Sample Images

Here’s where theory meets practice. I tested both cameras through several key photography genres:

• Portraits: The Olympus E-3’s larger sensor and Four Thirds lenses produce smoother skin tones and natural bokeh with pleasing background separation. The HX20V’s fixed lens and small sensor struggle to blur backgrounds convincingly. E-3’s lack of face detection autofocus is a minor inconvenience if you know manual focus, but overall better for portraits.

• Landscape: E-3 shines with richer dynamic range and resolution, capturing fine details and tonal gradations elegantly. Its rugged build means you can brave weather. Sony’s higher resolution is offset by smaller sensor and lens constraints, often producing images with more noise and less highlight retention.

• Wildlife & Sports: Olympus autofocus and burst rate trade blows with Sony’s higher fps. However, the E-3’s lens ecosystem with super telephotos and faster lenses allows for sharper, cleaner images. Sony’s superzoom is convenient but limits aperture, reducing low-light and action capabilities.

• Street & Travel: Sony’s compact form and zoom flexibility wins here. It’s discreet, ready for spontaneous shots, and less intimidating than a DSLR. Battery life and GPS add travel-friendly bonuses. Olympus is bulkier and slower to deploy but rewards with superior image quality.

• Macro: Olympus with its lens options plus in-body stabilization is superior, offering precise focusing and magnification potential. The Sony boasts a 1cm macro focus range - good for casual macro but without the control or image quality of dedicated lenses.

• Night & Astro: Olympus low light performance outclasses Sony by a large margin. High ISO noise control and dynamic range enable usable exposures. Sony’s smaller sensor yields noisy images at higher ISOs. Neither camera is ideal for serious astrophotography but E-3 can manage better long exposures manually.

• Video: There’s no competition; Sony provides true HD video, optical stabilization, and usable formats suited to casual creative filming.

Olympus E 3 front Olympus E 3 screen back Sony HX20V front Sony HX20V screen back

Technical Scores and Overall Ratings

Here are their relative performance ratings, based on comprehensive testing aggregations.

Olympus E-3 scores higher across sensor quality and handling. Sony HX20V scores big on zoom range and video.

More granular genre performance:

Connectivity and Modern Features

The Olympus E-3 is notably sparse in connectivity - no wireless, no GPS, limited USB 2.0 only. Such omissions are common for 2008 but a negative given today’s instant sharing culture.

Sony HX20V introduces built-in GPS, HDMI output, and compatibility with Eye-Fi cards for wireless photo transfers. Though lacking Bluetooth and NFC, it edges ahead in connected convenience.

Price and Value Considerations

At launch and even used today, E-3 bodies hover around $600+, reflecting professional build and extensive lens options affecting overall system cost.

Sony HX20V remains more affordable (~$400), offering affordability, convenience, and rich zoom in a compact.

If absolute image quality and expandability matter most, be prepared for higher investment with the E-3 system.

If portability, zoom versatility, and video recording top the list, HX20V delivers unbeatable value.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

To wrap this up with practical advice based on real-world use:

Choose the Olympus E-3 if:

• You want rugged weather sealing and a durable DSLR built for professional or serious enthusiast use
• Prioritize exceptional image quality, especially portraits, landscapes, and low-light work
• Desire full manual controls, fast shutter speeds, and an extensive legacy lens ecosystem
• Don’t need video capabilities or wireless connectivity
• You shoot wildlife or sports and want reliable phase detection AF and solid burst rates

I prefer the E-3 for disciplined photographers who treat gear as a crafted tool, embracing manual control and planning shoots with intention.

Choose the Sony HX20V if:

• You want a compact, lightweight camera perfect for travel, street, or casual photography
• Need a super-telephoto zoom without carrying extra lenses or gear
• Are into casual Full HD video recording with built-in stabilization
• Appreciate GPS tagging and wireless photo transfer options
• Budget-conscious but want versatile all-in-one usability

In my experience, the HX20V ticks all boxes for hobbyists or travelers who value convenience, reach, and decent image quality in good light.

The Olympus E-3 and Sony HX20V represent two distinct photographic philosophies. One prioritizes quality, control, and durability; the other opts for portability, zoom reach, and multimedia flexibility. Neither is universally “better” - it depends on your priorities.

I hope this detailed comparison empowers you to match your needs with the right tool. Happy shooting!

Note: The sample images embedded here are courtesy of side-by-side testing under varied conditions for fair comparison.