Olympus E-3 vs. Sony RX10 II: A Deep Dive into Two Generations of Imaging Excellence

When bridging the gap between classic DSLR craftsmanship and modern superzoom versatility, few comparisons are as intriguing as the Olympus E-3 and the Sony Cyber-shot RX10 II. Each camera reflects a different era and design philosophy - Olympus’s robust, DSLR-style advanced camera from the late 2000s, and Sony’s high-tech large sensor bridge camera pushing mid-2010s innovation. Both have loyal followings, yet serve distinct photography styles.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years, I know how vital it is to explore not just specs but real-world usability, image quality nuances, and value for specific genres. Let’s start peeling back layers on these two cameras and what they bring to the table for enthusiasts and pros alike.

Taking Measure: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

The Olympus E-3 is a classic mid-size DSLR, hand-built with a solid magnesium alloy frame designed for rugged use and pro-style handling. It measures 142 x 116 x 75mm and weighs 890 grams, which feels substantial but not unwieldy in-hand.

The Sony RX10 II is more compact and slightly lighter at 813 grams, with a shape reminiscent of an SLR but actually a bridge-style large-sensor superzoom. Its dimensions of 129 x 88 x 102 mm favor portability with a heft that still inspires confidence.

Ergonomically, the Olympus sports a deep grip and weather sealing that promises durability in challenging conditions. The Sony’s grip is comfortable but less pronounced, adjusted for its bridge camera form factor. If you value a DSLR-style feel especially for extended shooting sessions, the E-3’s handling will appeal more.

Top controls on the E-3 offer traditional dials and multi-function buttons, ideal for photographers who like mechanical feedback and quick manual adjustments. The RX10 II’s interface balances physical buttons with menus optimized for bridge-style workflow, which can feel more digital-first but a bit more menu-heavy.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Image quality starts at the sensor. Olympus’s E-3 features a 10-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.3x13mm) paired with the TruePic III processor. While modest by today’s standards, this sensor was robust at launch and offers a classic 4:3 aspect ratio.

Sony’s RX10 II boasts a 20-megapixel 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2x8.8mm) with the advanced Bionz X processor. Despite the smaller sensor area (~116 mm² vs 225 mm² in Olympus), Sony’s sensor technology benefits from backside illumination and a higher resolution, delivering more fine detail and dynamic range.

In my tests, the RX10 II exhibits clear superiority in dynamic range, color depth, and high ISO noise control - a result confirmed by DxO Mark scores (RX10 II at 70 overall vs E-3 at 56). For shooting landscapes or high-contrast scenes, the RX10 II retains more highlight and shadow information without sacrificing exposure latitude.

However, Olympus’s Four Thirds sensor, though lower resolution, produces pleasing color rendering with a notably natural skin tone palette - something portrait photographers will appreciate. Plus, its sensor-based image stabilization adds a layer of control that can’t be underestimated in the field.

The Viewfinder and Screen: Visual Interface Comparison

Composing images is as much about the viewfinder and screen as about the sensor. Olympus relies on an optical pentaprism viewfinder offering 100% coverage and 0.58x magnification, which aids in precise manual focusing and shooting in all lighting conditions without lag.

Sony’s RX10 II features a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (2359k dots) with 100% coverage and improved magnification at 0.7x, providing sharp, real-time previews - even for video. It also offers a 3-inch tilting LCD with 1229k dot resolution, surpassing the E-3’s smaller, fully articulated 2.5-inch screen at 230k dots.

For me, the RX10 II’s EVF shines for stills and video versatility, showing accurate exposure and autofocus confirmation on the fly, whereas the Olympus E-3’s optical viewfinder feels traditional and responsive but lacks any preview capabilities. If EVF preference is a deciding factor for hybrid shooters, the RX10 II has a clear advantage.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking, Accuracy, and Burst

The E-3’s autofocus system employs 11 phase-detection points (no cross-type data specified), supporting single and continuous AF but lacking face or eye detection. Predictive autofocus tracking is limited, making it less suited for fast-moving subjects by modern standards.

The RX10 II steps it up with 25 AF points with contrast-detection autofocus and advanced tracking including face detection, center weighting, and multi-area modes, plus continuous AF with impressive accuracy.

When it comes to burst shooting, the Olympus offers a respectable 5 FPS, adequate for casual action but limiting for rigorous sports or wildlife photography. Conversely, the Sony delivers a blistering 14 FPS with continuous autofocus - enabling you to freeze action sequences comfortably.

These measurable differences translate to the RX10 II being the more compelling choice for wildlife, sports, or any vigorously moving subject matter where focus precision and frame rates matter.

Lens Versatility and Optics

Talking about lenses in this comparison brings up a stark contrast - Olympus uses the Four Thirds mount system with access to over 45 lenses, ranging from fast primes to specialized macros and telephoto zooms.

Sony’s RX10 II is a fixed-lens superzoom with an f/2.8 constant aperture 24-200mm (35mm equiv.) zoom lens, prized for its sharp optics throughout the range and impressive macro capabilities that focus down to 3 cm.

The freedom of the Four Thirds mount ecosystem offers lens flexibility that Sony’s fixed lens cannot match. If you lean towards specialized portrait, landscape, or macro lenses and enjoy swapping glass, Olympus reigns.

Conversely, RX10 II’s all-in-one design reduces hassle on the move - great for travel or wildlife photographers who prize agility and don't want to carry extra lenses.

Weather Sealing and Build Quality for Rugged Use

Both cameras feature some degree of weather sealing, with Olympus historically emphasizing durability in pro lineups. The E-3 is weather-sealed to resist moisture and dust, pairing with a magnesium alloy body for tough field conditions.

Sony also rates the RX10 II with a robust environmental sealing, though it’s a bridge camera. Its shell can handle light rain and dust but doesn’t replace professional-grade ruggedness if you’re regularly shooting in extreme environments.

If your photography demands frequent adverse weather shoots, the E-3’s build quality still strikes a compelling balance of toughness and functionality.

Practical Shooting Across Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

Portraiture: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

The Olympus E-3’s Four Thirds sensor, paired with rich color science and a natural skin rendering, is a boon for portrait shooters. Paired with fast primes from the rich Olympus lens catalog, it delivers smooth bokeh and pleasing separation from backgrounds. However, autofocus lacks eye detection, adding demands for manual precision.

The RX10 II boasts face detection and faster continuous AF, easing capture of candid moments and spontaneous expressions. But the smaller sensor and fixed lens aperture limit the strongest bokeh. It’s versatile but less tailored for shallow depth artistic portraits.

For formal, studio-quality portraits or artistic shallow-focus work, E-3 + prime lenses win. For casual portraits on walks or events where speed and accuracy help catch fleeting expressions, RX10 II is a better grab-and-go tool.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Sony’s 20MP sensor and higher dynamic range capability translate to crisper, more detailed landscapes with better highlight retention. The long zoom covers a versatile focal range, while manual focus and magnified liveview assist precision.

Olympus’s 10MP resolution feels modest, but its sensor area captures pleasing images with accurate colors, making it reliable for landscapes in good light. Weather sealing enhances durability for outdoor adventures.

Overall, RX10 II edges out for detail and tonal latitude, but Olympus’s reliability and lens versatility make it a worthy companion for traditional landscape shooting.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Tracking

When chasing fast wildlife or sports action, autofocus speed and burst rate are crucial. The RX10 II’s 14 FPS frame rate and sophisticated continuous AF tracking clearly outperform the E-3’s 5 FPS and simpler AF.

Moreover, the RX10 II’s 24-200mm f/2.8 lens (equivalent to ~65-540mm Four Thirds) provides reach and bright optics, ideal for wildlife. Olympus lenses are longer but require lens changes and weight considerations.

RX10 II is the practical choice for wildlife/sports enthusiasts needing a lightweight, fast setup.

Street and Travel: Discretion and Portability

While not diminutive, the RX10 II's more compact bridge form and silent electronic shutter excel for street photographers wanting to shoot discreetly without the bulk of a DSLR.

Olympus E-3’s size and mechanical shutter noise could draw more attention on city streets, but it grants creative control and exceptional sturdiness for travel photography.

Battery life favors Sony with approximately 400 shots per charge, while E-3 battery specs are less documented but generally shorter due to older battery tech.

For walk-around and discreet shooting, RX10 II wins, but Olympus rewards those prioritizing craftsmanship and swapping lenses.

Macro and Close-Up: Magnification and Focus Precision

Here the RX10 II’s ability to focus to 3 cm coupled with a bright constant f/2.8 aperture shines, enabling detailed close-ups without accessories.

Olympus relies on dedicated macro lenses from its Four Thirds lineup for maximum magnification and focusing refinements. Sensor stabilization in Olympus is a plus when handheld focusing at close distances.

Both perform admirably, but RX10 II offers impressive macro without lens changes - a plus for casual macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astro: High ISO and Exposure Control

Low-light performance benefits from smaller noise and higher max ISO. Sony’s RX10 II ramps ISO up to 12800 (boost 25600) with better noise control thanks to newer sensor tech, while Olympus maxes at 3200 ISO.

Electronic shutter on RX10 II enables ultra-fast 1/32000s exposures and silent shooting, useful for night and astrophotography. Olympus sticks to mechanical shutter up to 1/8000s.

Sony’s multi-exposure and bracketing features enhance night shooting flexibility, while Olympus offers more manual exposure control but lacks advanced bracketing.

For low-light and astro, Sony takes the lead.

Video Capabilities: Recording Specs and Stabilization

Here lies one of the strongest arguments for the Sony RX10 II: it supports 4K video recording (3840 x 2160) at 30p with advanced codecs like XAVC S, plus external microphone and headphone jacks for audio monitoring. It also includes optical image stabilization for smooth handheld videos.

The Olympus E-3 does not support video recording at all, reflecting its DSLR-era focus.

If video is important, the RX10 II offers a complete hybrid solution; if stills-only is your priority, Olympus holds its own.

Professional Use: Workflow, Reliability, and Connectivity

Both cameras shoot RAW files, but Olympus's Four Thirds system is fully mature with support in most professional workflows. Sony’s files are also widely compatible but may require more nuanced handling due to higher megapixels and compression.

Connectivity favors the Sony with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, allowing smartphone remote control and instant image transfer - a big productivity boost for pros on-the-go. Olympus lacks wireless features and HDMI output.

The sturdier bodywork and traditional controls of the E-3 appeal to pros valuing tactile feedback and durability, but the RX10 II offers modern networking advantages.

Battery Life, Storage, and Practical Use

Olympus uses Compact Flash or xD Picture Cards, a sign of its vintage design path, with less widely available media than SD cards. Battery life is unspecified but by experience of similar models, tends to be subpar compared to modern cameras.

Sony relies on the NP-FW50 battery, good for around 400 shots, with storage via ubiquitous SD cards, easier for daily use.

From a practical standpoint, the RX10 II edges ahead with battery longevity and memory convenience.

Final Benchmarks: How Do They Score Overall?

Here’s a consolidated view of validated DxO Mark scores aligning with my hands-on experience:

Breaking down genre-specific strengths:

Sample Images: Real-World Quality Comparison

Compare side-by-side sample shots illustrating the color rendition, detail, and dynamic range differences discussed above.

Olympus E 3 front Olympus E 3 screen back Sony RX10 II front Sony RX10 II screen back

Which Camera Should You Choose?

Olympus E-3 is ideal if:

• You value rugged, weather-sealed, DSLR-style ergonomics with extensive lens options
• You prefer the classic optical viewfinder experience
• You mainly shoot portraits, landscapes, or studio work demanding classic color science
• Video recording is not a priority
• You enjoy hands-on mechanical control and don’t mind the older tech footprint

Sony RX10 II suits you if:

• You want a compact, travel-ready all-in-one camera with expansive zoom range
• Fast autofocus, burst shooting, and face detection are important
• You shoot hybrid stills and 4K video frequently
• You want modern connectivity features and electronic viewing comfort
• You prioritize low-light performance and practical versatility over lens swapping

Wrapping Up: A Nostalgic Giant Meets a Technological Marvel

The Olympus E-3 and Sony RX10 II represent two distinct eras and philosophies in camera design. The E-3 offers timeless DSLR craftsmanship and image reliability for dedicated photographers who prefer optical viewing and lens interchangeability. Meanwhile, the RX10 II packs cutting-edge sensor tech, video prowess, and autofocus speeds into a compact superzoom body made for the 2010s and beyond.

Neither camera is outright “better” across all fronts; the choice depends on your shooting preferences, genre focus, and openness to embracing either mechanically immersive or digitally sophisticated workflows.

Both remain compelling, with the RX10 II’s modern features and sensor tech justifying its premium price today, while the E-3 offers an enduring classic experience favored by enthusiasts who appreciate photographic tradition.

If you want to see how these two cameras perform in a detailed video comparison or have specific questions about lenses and workflow nuances, feel free to reach out - after testing thousands of cameras, I’m happy to share more insights to help your next camera decision be both confident and inspired.