Olympus E-420 vs Sony A390

Following is a extended analysis of the Olympus E-420 vs Sony A390, both Entry-Level DSLR digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the E-420 (10MP) and A390 (14MP) and the E-420 (Four Thirds) and A390 (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

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The E-420 was launched 3 years earlier than the A390 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact SLR).

Before diving in to a complete comparison, below is a short introduction of how the E-420 grades against the A390 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-420 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Sony A390 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-420 offers outer measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") accompanied by a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Sony A390 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") and a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-420 vs Sony A390 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the E-420 and the A390.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-420 and A390 is 77 and 66 respectively.

Often, its hard to see the contrast between sensor sizes simply by checking specs. The image below may give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-420 and A390.

All in all, both of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-420 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Sony A390 will give you extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged E-420 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.