Olympus E-30 vs Sony A99 II

In this article, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-30 versus Sony A99 II, both Advanced DSLR cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. There exists a big gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-30 (12MP) and A99 II (42MP) and the E-30 (Four Thirds) and A99 II (Full frame) possess different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-30 was manufactured 8 years before the A99 II which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-30 matches up versus the A99 II with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-30 and Sony Alpha A99 II. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-30 Gallery and Sony A99 II Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-30 provides exterior measurements of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") along with a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) while the Sony A99 II has proportions of 143mm x 104mm x 76mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.0") and a weight of 849 grams (1.87 lbs).

See the Olympus E-30 versus Sony A99 II in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have during that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-30 against the A99 II.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-30 and A99 II is 60 and 57 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizes only by going through specs. The picture below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-30 and A99 II.

All in all, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-30 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony A99 II will provide greater detail due to its extra 30 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged E-30 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.