Olympus E-400 vs Sony A500

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus E-400 versus Sony A500, both Entry-Level DSLR digital cameras by companies Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-400 (10MP) and the A500 (12MP) is very similar but the E-400 (Four Thirds) and A500 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-400 was brought out 3 years earlier than the A500 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact SLR).

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-400 matches up vs the A500 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-400 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-400 Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-400 has got outside measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") and a weight of 435 grams (0.96 lbs) whilst the Sony A500 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-400 versus Sony A500 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-400 versus the A500.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-400 and A500 is 77 and 63 respectively.

Often, it is tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading a spec sheet. The picture here may provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-400 and A500.

Clearly, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-400 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony A500 will offer you greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The more aged E-400 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.