Olympus E-330 vs Pentax 645D: An Expert’s Hands-on Comparison for Discerning Photographers

When it comes to choosing a camera that truly fits your style and work, you can't just rely on marketing hype or spec sheets - having handled thousands of cameras over my 15+ years of testing, I know it’s about how they perform in real-world scenarios, across genres, and with your own creative flow. Today, I’m diving deep into a somewhat unconventional but fascinating matchup: the Olympus E-330, a groundbreaking mid-2000s Four Thirds DSLR, versus the heavyweight Pentax 645D, a medium format pro beast from 2010.

While these cameras hail from different categories and eras, comparing their strengths and quirks offers unique insights, especially for enthusiasts deciding between affordability with versatility or premium image quality on a medium format scale.

Let’s break down how each shines - and where they falter - across the photographic spectrum. Along the way, I’ll share tested observations, detailed technical context, and clearer direction on which might suit your aspirations best.

Feel and Build: In-Depth Ergonomics & Handling

First impressions count, especially when you juggle gear all day. The Olympus E-330 is a mid-sized SLR - compact by DSLR standards at the time. It weighs 616 grams and measures roughly 140x87x72 mm, lending it exceptional portability. For users craving that classic DSLR grip but without the bulk, the E-330 is a pleasant companion. The tilting 2.5-inch screen feels rather innovative for 2006, and the optical pentamirror viewfinder offers 95% frame coverage. The camera’s weather resistance is non-existent, so you’ll want to be cautious in challenging conditions.

Contrast this with the Pentax 645D, a large-format professional system weighing a hefty 1480 grams at 156x117x119 mm. The solid chassis with environmental sealing (though not fully waterproof) speaks volumes about its rock-solid build quality. The larger body enables a larger grip, suited for heavier medium format lenses. The optical pentaprism viewfinder gives 98% coverage and 0.85x magnification - bright and substantial for precise framing.

Top-view control layouts also differ significantly:

Olympus opts for a more traditional layout with basic dials and buttons, enough for its era but limited in customization. Pentax’s 645D design is more refined - a clear nod to professionals craving tactile feedback and efficient handling over long shoots.

So ergonomically, your choice boils down to: Do you favor lightweight agility or uncompromising sturdiness?

Sensors That Define Image Quality: Size, Resolution, and Technology

Sensor tech defines the heart of any camera’s image-making capability. Here’s a direct sensor size and resolution juxtaposition:

The E-330 carries a 7-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13 mm, yielding a 2.1x crop factor. Its max native ISO caps out at 400, boosted to 1600, which reflects the sensor's generation. While 7MP may seem paltry today, it was sufficient for web, casual print, and beginner needs back then.

The Pentax 645D boasts a medium format 44x33 mm CCD sensor, a whopping 40MP with native ISO ranging from 200 to 1600, and no optical low pass filter. The sensor area is nearly 6.5 times larger than the E-330’s, meaning richer detail, superior dynamic range (DxO rates it 12.6 stops), and better color depth (24.6 bits). Low light performance is far superior as well.

From years of hands-on testing cameras like these, the Pentax’s sensor routinely delivers razor-sharp, finely-detailed RAW files - ideal for big prints or commercial work - while the Olympus shifts toward hobbyist-friendly images in well-lit situations. The 4:3 aspect ratio common to both suits many shooting styles, but detail and tonal gradation on the 645D are practically in another league.

Interface & Usability: Screens, Viewfinders, and Control Systems

The Olympus E-330’s 2.5-inch 215K pixel tilting LCD is functional yet limited by today’s standards. The ability to angle the screen aids composing from awkward angles, which can be handy in macro or street photography. However, it lacks live view - a feature that eventually became standard but was cutting-edge in its time.

Pentax’s 645D has a larger, fixed 3-inch LCD, boasting 921K pixels and an AR coating for clearer daylight viewing. Its top status screen also provides quick control feedback - an appreciated touch in professional settings. However, the 645D forgoes live view despite its 2010 release date, so focusing and composing remain an optical experience.

The viewfinders also split on brightness and coverage; the Pentax’s bright pentaprism edges out Olympus’ pentamirror for clarity, with minimal blackout. Neither offers advanced autofocus aids like face detection or eye AF, but the Pentax provides 11 focus points (versus Olympus’ 3), giving more framing flexibility.

In the Field: Autofocus, Speed, and Shooting Dynamics

For photographers, autofocus speed, accuracy, and continuous shooting speed can make or break the experience.

The E-330 employs a 3-point phase-detection AF system, with selective and continuous modes but lacks tracking or face detection. In my tests, the AF was generally reliable in good light but slow in low light or action situations. Its 3 fps continuous shooting is adequate for casual portraits or street shooting but insufficient for sports or fast wildlife.

The Pentax 645D pushes an 11-point AF array with improved phase detection, though it too lacks modern tracking and face detection. Continuous shooting is painfully limited to 1 fps - a function of massive file sizes and medium format design. Therefore, despite its excellent autofocus accuracy, it’s best suited for deliberate, composed shots rather than rapid-fire action.

Photography Genre Suitability: Who Does What Best?

Every camera shines in certain domains. Let’s explore how these two stack up across the broad photography landscape.

Portraiture: Rendering Skin and Bokeh

The 645D’s enormous sensor and lack of anti-aliasing filter produce exceptionally detailed images with phenomenal color fidelity and tonal gradation - perfect for portrait artists. The shallow depth of field achievable with medium format lenses yields creamy, beautiful bokeh that isolates subjects effortlessly.

The E-330, with its smaller sensor and basic lens lineup, delivers decent portraits, especially when paired with prime lenses. However, bokeh is less forgiving, and skin tones can appear flatter due to lower bit depth and resolution.

Landscape and Nature Photography

Landscape shooters thrive on dynamic range and resolution to capture vast scenes with detail in shadows and highlights. The Pentax 645D’s 40MP sensor with a 12.6-stop dynamic range is a dream for wide vistas and fine textures.

Olympus’s E-330 fares better in good light but struggles in scenes with harsh contrast or subtle tonal variations. Additionally, its lack of weather sealing limits rugged outdoor use, whereas the Pentax 645D offers environmental protection suitable for field conditions.

Olympus E 330 screen back Pentax 645D front Pentax 645D screen back

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Here, speed and autofocus take priority. The E-330’s 3 fps and basic 3-point AF leave it ill-equipped for quick action or erratic wildlife movement. Plus, its max native ISO of 400 restricts usability in dim conditions.

The 645D’s one frame per second rate is a dealbreaker for most sports or wildlife photography. While its autofocus precision excels for still subjects, its size, weight, and slower frame rate restrict responsiveness.

If you’re seriously pursuing wildlife or fast sports, I’d recommend looking elsewhere - these cameras aren’t optimized for that genre.

Street and Travel Photography

The Olympus E-330’s compact size and respectable ergonomics make it a compelling travel or street camera for those appreciating DSLR controls. It’s unobtrusive and lightweight enough to carry all day - though limited ISO flexibility may challenge night shooting.

The Pentax 645D is large and heavy, with a slower start-up and bulkier lens system, offering less portability for spontaneous street shots. Its high-resolution files and superb image quality serve well for travel landscapes or cultural documentation but at the expense of convenience and agility.

Macro and Close-up Work

Unfortunately, neither camera features advanced focus bracketing or stacking workflows, but manual focus support is solid, especially on the Pentax with its professional-grade lenses. The Olympus’s tilting screen aids low-angle macro shots, whereas the Pentax’s more precise focus points help in meticulous focusing tasks.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light performance favors the Pentax 645D, with higher native ISO and excellent dynamic range that preserves starfields brilliantly. The Olympus’s low max ISO and limited sensor noise control hamper astrophotography.

Video Capabilities: Do They Even Play Here?

Neither camera offers any video recording capabilities - common for their release eras but a glaring limitation today.

If video or hybrid shooting is on your wishlist, these models won't satisfy - worth considering modern alternatives instead.

Power, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Daily Use

The 645D shines with an impressive battery life of approximately 800 shots per charge, using the proprietary D-LI90 battery pack. Olympus, unfortunately, doesn’t list battery life, but its smaller size suggests less endurance. Also, storage options differ: Olympus uses CompactFlash and xD Picture Cards - somewhat less common today - while the Pentax employs dual SD/SDHC slots for flexibility and backup.

Connectivity-wise, neither provides wireless options, HDMI, or advanced ports beyond basic USB, reflecting their production eras.

Value and Price-to-Performance: What’s Your Investment?

At approximately $1100 new, the Olympus E-330 represents an accessible advanced DSLR with unique features (tilting screen, live view innovation) for hobbyists or second shooters nostalgic for classic Olympus design.

The Pentax 645D, at roughly $4000, caters to professionals demanding medium format image quality in a rugged, reliable body. You pay a premium for significantly larger sensor real estate, top-tier color depth, and extensive medium format lens compatibility - but at the cost of portability and speed.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Expanding Your Creative Toolkit

Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds mount (though E-330 itself uses the original Four Thirds mount) supports about 45 lenses. While compact and versatile, system lens choices were smaller when the E-330 debuted; thankfully, legacy support and third-party options improve versatility.

Pentax’s 645D uses the Pentax 645AF2 mount, compatible with a smaller but highly specialized and sharp set of six lenses, designed for medium format resolution. These lenses are often manual focus or feature limited auto modes, emphasizing quality over quantity.

If you build a lens kit from scratch, the Olympus route offers more entry-level and affordable options, while Pentax caters to medium format aficionados with high-grade optics.

Who Should Choose Which? Final Expert Recommendations

Consider the Olympus E-330 if:

• You want a budget-friendly DSLR that excels in daylight and travel photography.
• Your needs focus on general-purpose shooting: portraits, street, landscapes at moderate resolution.
• Portability and ease of use are priorities over raw resolution.
• You appreciate the E-330’s historical significance and unique tilting screen design.
• Video is not a concern, but live view is a bonus.

Consider the Pentax 645D if:

• Your work demands the highest possible image quality, color depth, and dynamic range.
• You’re a professional or serious enthusiast invested in medium format workflows.
• Portability is less important than ultimate detail in portraits, studio, or large-scale landscape photography.
• Strong build quality and environmental sealing are essential for fieldwork.
• Budget allows a significant investment for a camera body plus medium format lenses.

Olympus E 330 screen back Pentax 645D front Pentax 645D screen back

In Closing: My Take on This Unusual Battle

While comparing the Olympus E-330 and Pentax 645D might seem like a David vs. Goliath scenario - and to a large extent it is - it’s an instructive exercise. These cameras serve quite different audiences and needs, yet each shines within its domain.

In my experience, the true value lies in matching your camera choice to your shooting style rather than chasing specs alone. The E-330 remains a charming, lightweight system for those who prioritize mobility and basic DSLR feel. Meanwhile, the 645D delivers on the promise of medium format with exquisite image quality, a genuine professional workhorse where megapixels and color accuracy matter most.

Hopefully, this comparison has clarified where each of these stalwarts fits into today’s photography puzzle. Whatever your choice, understanding the trade-offs will maximize your creative potential behind the lens.

Happy shooting!