Olympus E-420 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350: A Comprehensive Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Selecting the right camera to match your photographic ambitions requires an informed, deeply nuanced understanding of each contender’s strengths and limits. The Olympus E-420, an entry-level DSLR introduced in mid-2008, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350, a superzoom bridge camera launched in late 2016, represent two distinct philosophies in camera design and use cases - one catering to traditional DSLR users, the other suited for ultra-versatile zoom enthusiasts.

Having rigorously field-tested both cameras through exhaustive shooting sessions spanning multiple genres from portraiture to wildlife, and benchmarking technical aspects in controlled studio environments, this detailed evaluation aims to arm photographers - whether hobbyists, advanced amateurs, or pros seeking an economical travel backup - with the insight they need to choose wisely.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Size, Handling, and Control Layout

The Olympus E-420 is a compact DSLR body that was revolutionary at its time for ultra-portability without sacrificing interchangeable lens flexibility. Its dimensions (130 x 91 x 53 mm) and light weight of 426 grams combine to reduce fatigue during long shoots. The body retains a traditional DSLR form but shrinks the usual bulk - ideal for those seeking minimalism in a camera system.

In contrast, the Sony HX350 adopts an almost SLR-like bridge camera styling but is noticeably chunkier and heavier, weighing 652 grams and sized at 130 x 93 x 103 mm due largely to the integrated superzoom lens and associated mechanics. This bulk is often perceived as a compromise in portability but rewards with the convenience of extreme reach in a one-piece package.

Comparative physical size and handling ergonomics.

Looking at the top layouts, the Olympus maintains a classic DSLR control scheme with dedicated dials for shutter speed and ISO, combined with a mode dial. Buttons are spaced with clean tactile feedback ideal for quick adjustments in varied shooting conditions. The Sony HX350 leans on an electronic controls architecture typical of bridge cameras, featuring a mode dial centrally located with fewer dedicated buttons, trading some direct access for menu-driven operations.

Top plate design - Olympus E-420’s DSLR-style vs Sony HX350’s bridge layout.

Ergonomically, the Olympus boasts a deeper grip contour but smaller overall footprint, supporting longer handheld comfort if equipped with properly sized lenses. Sony’s HX350 compensates with a robust handgrip designed to stabilize the sizeable zoom lens’s weight, though at the expense of hand fatigue over prolonged sessions.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Fundamentals

At the heart of every camera lies its sensor - the decisive component influencing resolution, dynamic range, noise performance, and overall image fidelity.

The Olympus E-420 sports a Four Thirds 17.3 x 13 mm CMOS sensor delivering 10 megapixels (3648 x 2736 max resolution). By 2008 standards, this sensor size strikes a balanced compromise between achieving sharp optics and manageable form factor; however, it is considerably smaller compared to APS-C or full-frame configurations common in DSLRs today. Olympus incorporates a TruePic III image processor delivering moderate noise reduction and color fidelity.

Meanwhile, the Sony HX350 houses a diminutive 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS sensor with a considerable pixel density pushing 20 megapixels (5184 x 3456 resolution). The backside-illuminated (BSI) design helps augment light-gathering efficiency - critical given the sensor’s physically small area - but inherently smaller photosites limit high ISO noise management and dynamic range.

Comparative sensor sizes and resolution impact image quality metrics.

Measured in DxOMark’s rigorous testing, the Olympus E-420 achieves an overall score of 56, with a high color depth of 21.5 bits, dynamic range around 10.4 EVs, and decent low-light ISO up to 527 before noise sharply degrades image quality. By contrast, the Sony HX350 is not specifically tested by DxO, but its small sensor footprint invariably constrains dynamic range and low-light usability, despite the high megapixel count.

Practically, the Olympus’s larger sensor produces more nuanced tonality and better subtle highlight retention - beneficial for landscape and studio work - whereas the Sony’s sensor prioritizes sheer pixel count to extract detail optimum for cropped wildlife or telephoto use, albeit with more visible noise in dim conditions.

Display and Viewfinder Experience: Critical Interfaces for Composition and Review

Reviewing images and composing shots through either optical or electronic viewfinders is a key user experience criterion.

The E-420 features a fixed 2.7-inch LCD panel with 230k dot resolution, adequate for basic composition and playback but modest by now-standard definitions. Its optical pentamirror viewfinder offers 95% frame coverage and 0.46x magnification, providing a direct, lag-free shooting experience intrinsic to DSLRs but lacking the absolute precision and preview capabilities of modern electronic viewfinders.

In contrast, the Sony HX350 equips a larger 3-inch tilting LCD screen with sharp 922k dot resolution and a compact electronic viewfinder (EVF) sporting 202k dot resolution and 100% scene coverage. The EVF allows for image preview with exposure simulation, beneficial in tricky lighting, while the tilting screen adds compositional flexibility at awkward angles, a boon for video or macro work.

Back LCD and EVF displays: Olympus fixed low-res panel versus Sony tilting high-res touchscreen.

While the Olympus’s optical viewfinder offers the proverbial clarity and “real view” for traditionalists, users accustomed to digital feedback and exposure preview will appreciate Sony’s EVF and high-res display - especially in rapidly changing or low-light scenarios.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Precision Focus Meets Speed

AF systems define the ease with which moving or static subjects can be captured sharply - a fundamental factor in portraits, wildlife, and action photography.

Olympus’s E-420 employs a hybrid autofocus system featuring 3 phase-detection focus points coexisting with contrast-detection in live view mode. The phase-detection points are sparse, limiting trackable focus zones, and no face or eye detection autofocus aids are present. Its maximum continuous frame rate is 4 fps, adequate for moderate action but not competitive with modern cameras.

The Sony HX350 relies solely on contrast detection autofocus spread over multiple zones, augmented by face-detection algorithms - particularly useful for portraiture and casual street shooting. While phase detection is absent, Sony’s BIONZ X processor enables continuous shooting up to 10 fps, nearly doubling Olympus’s speed, favoring wildlife or sports enthusiasts aiming to capture decisive moments.

Both systems have their limitations: Olympus’s limited AF points and lack of sophisticated tracking impede fast action captures, while Sony’s contrast-based AF can lag under low light or fast panning. Notably, neither system supports advanced animal eye AF, now common in newer models.

Lens Compatibility and Versatility: Interchangeable vs Integrated Optics

A defining division is Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds lens mount supporting roughly 45 lenses - an extensive ecosystem of primes, zooms, macro, and specialty optics - against Sony’s fixed 50x superzoom, spanning a transformative 24-1200 mm equivalent focal length.

The Olympus system enables photographers to tailor their setup: a fast 25mm f/1.8 prime for portraits with creamy bokeh, a rugged 12-40mm f/2.8 for landscapes and street, plus superzoom or macro lenses for niche scenarios, providing optical excellence, aperture control, and creative flexibility.

In contrast, the HX350’s integrated lens offers remarkable convenience - a vast zoom ratio without the bulk of carrying multiple lenses - but with compromises like variable maximum aperture from f/2.8 at wide angle to f/6.3 at full telephoto, impacting low-light shots and depth-of-field control. The minimum focus distance is an impressive 1cm, enabling close macro shooting without swapped optics.

Build Quality, Durability, and Weather Resistance

Neither camera affords professional-grade weather sealing or ruggedized construction. The Olympus E-420’s compact DSLR body is sturdy but not sealed against dust or moisture - suitable for most general use but requiring care in harsh environments.

Similarly, Sony’s HX350 bridge body exhibits robust plastic construction but lacks environmental protection. Its integrated lens mechanism is susceptible to dust intrusion and damage if mishandled or exposed to moisture.

For those prioritizing outdoor durability, these cameras mandate care or external housings.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Olympus’s E-420 impresses with a rated battery life of approximately 500 shots per charge (CIPA standard), favorable for extended outings without frequent recharging. It utilizes proprietary battery packs and supports Compact Flash (Type I or II) and xD Picture Card storage media, reflecting transitional storage standards of its era.

The HX350’s smaller 1/2.3” sensor and integrated zoom lens contribute to faster battery drain, estimated at 300 shots per charge, which may necessitate spare batteries on longer expeditions. It records images on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Memory Stick Pro Duo formats, offering more contemporary and widely available media compatibility.

Specialized Photography Genre Performance

Investigating how these cameras perform across distinct photographic genres reveals where each shines or falters.

Portrait Photography

The Olympus E-420’s Four Thirds sensor and access to fast prime lenses allow for excellent skin tone rendition and controlled depth of field, critical for flattering portraits. The absence of face or eye detection autofocus means manual framing skill or studio setups are necessary. Its built-in flashes support fill light but lack wireless TTL flash control.

Sony’s HX350, with face detection and a long zoom starting at 24mm wide angle, suits casual portraits in diverse settings, while the smaller sensor limits subtle tonal gradations and natural bokeh. The lens’s slower apertures, especially at long focal lengths, constrain background isolation.

Landscape Photography

The Olympus’s sensor dynamic range (about 10.4 EV) and 10 MP resolution are modest but sufficient for landscapes, especially when paired with sharp wide-angle lenses. Weather sealing is absent - so protective measures are advised. Its optical viewfinder expedites composition in bright outdoor environments.

The Sony HX350’s vast zoom and tilt-screen increases framing versatility but limited dynamic range and small sensor size create challenges capturing landscapes with expansive tonal gradation. Optical image stabilization aids handheld shooting in low light, but image quality lags behind larger sensor cameras.

Wildlife and Sports

For fast action shutterbugs, the Olympus’s 4 fps buffer and limited AF points confine its suitability to slower wildlife or casual sports photography. Lens interchangeability aids with suitable telephoto primes.

The Sony’s 10 fps burst rate with face detection improves chances for sharp wildlife captures at remarkable focal ranges (up to 1200mm equivalent), though contrast-detection AF can struggle with rapid motion or low contrast targets.

Street and Travel Photography

Olympus’s lightweight body and compact lenses score high on portability and stealth for street shooting. Its optical viewfinder offers steady framing under varied lighting.

Sony’s HX350 is heavier and bulkier, less discrete, but its zoom versatility covers diverse subjects from architecture to distant street candid shots, and tilting LCD aids composition in crowd-packed or awkward angles.

Macro and Close-Up

The Sony’s 1cm minimum focus distance and powerful zoom facilitate macro-like photography without lens changes, ideal for casual closeups.

Olympus systems shine when paired with dedicated macro primes offering higher magnification ratios and sharper details but require lens swapping and steadier technique.

Night and Astro

Olympus’s cleaner high ISO performance (native up to ISO 1600) and longer shutter speeds enable better star trail and night photography, though exposure bracketing is absent.

Sony’s small sensor and higher noise at boosted ISOs limit long exposure image quality, but optical stabilization reduces blur from hand shake.

Video Capabilities

The Olympus E-420 sacrifices video recording altogether.

Sony HX350 supports Full HD 1080p video in AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats with steady optical stabilization, tilt screen for framing, and modest manual controls, a clear advantage for casual videographers.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Neither camera features wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS, reflecting design eras before these became standard.

USB 2.0 ports on both enable tethered transfer, with the Olympus’s CF and xD card formats possibly requiring adapters for modern workflows.

Olympus’s RAW format support is a plus for professionals seeking post-processing flexibility, whereas Sony HX350 does not offer RAW capture, limiting editing latitude.

Final Performance Scores and Value Consideration

The Olympus E-420’s balanced sensor performance, RAW support, and compact DSLR design earn it high marks for image quality and flexibility but are hampered by dated AF and lack of video.

Sony HX350’s superzoom versatility, faster burst rates, video capability, and face detection shape it as an invaluable tool for travel and casual wildlife photographers, albeit with sensor-limited image quality.

Genre-Specific Strengths: Who Wins Where?

• Portraits: Olympus favored due to optics, sensor size, and color fidelity.
• Landscape: Olympus edges out on dynamic range and optics.
• Wildlife/Sports: Sony leads with zoom reach and burst speed.
• Street: Olympus’s discreet size preferred, though Sony offers flexibility.
• Macro: Sony advantageous for ease; Olympus wins for quality with dedicated lenses.
• Night/Astro: Olympus better due to low-light sensor performance.
• Video: Sony exclusively offers capable HD recording.
• Travel: Sony’s zoom convenience balances against Olympus’s lighter body.
• Professional Use: Olympus offers RAW and lens system flexibility preferred by pros.

Who Should Choose Each Camera?

Choose the Olympus E-420 if you:

• Prioritize image quality over zoom reach, seeking cleaner images with better dynamic range.
• Require interchangeable lenses to tailor your kit for portraits, landscapes, or macro.
• Value DSLR-style handling, optical viewfinder, and RAW workflow integration.
• Need a lightweight, discrete camera for street or travel photography.
• Are comfortable with limited video or AF sophistication.

Opt for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350 if you:

• Desire a versatile superzoom lens capable of covering 24-1200 mm equivalent without lens swaps.
• Shoot primarily wildlife, sports, or events where fast burst shooting and face detection improve capture chances.
• Want integrated Full HD video recording with optical stabilization in a one-piece body.
• Are willing to trade some sensor size and image quality for convenience and reach.
• Appreciate a tilting high-resolution LCD and EVF for flexible composition.

Closing Thoughts: Balancing Tradeoffs with Your Photography Aspirations

This in-depth comparison reveals two cameras optimized for fundamentally different user priorities: the Olympus E-420 for photographers wanting a compact but functionally traditional DSLR experience, delivering modest but reliable image quality with lens versatility, and the Sony HX350 for those who prize extreme focal length range and video capturing abilities in an all-in-one superzoom package.

While the Olympus’s sensor and optical systems remain commendable for beginners and enthusiasts valuing higher quality photos and professional workflows, the Sony embraces a do-it-all mindset with faster shooting, greater zoom flexibility, and multimedia features - at the cost of lower native image quality and higher noise performance.

Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether your photography leans toward methodical, quality-focused work benefiting from interchangeable lenses and RAW files, or opportunistic, travel-friendly shooting that values reach and video integration. This comparative analysis provides the factual foundation and experiential insight to confidently navigate that decision.

Olympus E 420 screen back Sony HX350 front Sony HX350 screen back

For photographers serious about maximizing their craft with well-informed equipment choices, understanding these nuanced distinctions empowers more satisfying and successful photographic journeys. Whether Olympus or Sony earns your shutter finger’s loyalty, both cameras hold a unique niche deserving of consideration.