Olympus E-450 vs Olympus E-620: An Expert Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Over the years, Olympus has carved out a unique niche in the mirrorless and DSLR space, catering primarily to enthusiasts who appreciate compact design paired with versatile shooting capabilities. Both the Olympus E-450 and the E-620 target the entry-level DSLR segment - cameras designed to be approachable yet capable, offering a solid platform for those starting their photographic journeys or seeking a reliable secondary body. Announced just months apart in 2009, these two models may appear similar on paper, but a closer, hands-on comparison reveals nuanced differences that can influence your choice depending on photography needs, budget, and style.

Drawing from hours of real-world testing and technical analysis, I'll break down their core strengths and weaknesses across various genres and use cases - from portraits to wildlife, landscapes to video - while integrating detailed specs, ergonomics, and value comparisons. By the end, you’ll have a clear-eyed, practical perspective to determine which camera fits your artistic goals and technical demands.

First Impressions and Physical Handling: Compact Yet Distinct

Size and ergonomics matter enormously when you’re considering a DSLR for travel, street photography, or long shooting sessions. The Olympus E-450 is notably compact - one of the smallest DSLRs from its era - prioritizing portability without sacrificing key DSLR ergonomics. Conversely, the E-620 is slightly larger and heavier, incorporating additional features that add bulk but enhance usability.

Physically, the E-450 weighs in at a nimble 426 grams versus the E-620’s more substantial 500 grams. That 74 grams doesn’t seem like much on paper, but in the hand, the E-620 offers a more confident grip, particularly beneficial when using longer lenses or shooting over extended periods. Its broader, slightly deeper grip accommodates larger hands more comfortably, reducing fatigue during prolonged use.

While both cameras sport pentamirror optical viewfinders (with 95% coverage), the E-620’s slightly larger and brighter viewfinder magnification (0.48x vs 0.46x) contributes to a more immersive shooting experience. This difference, subtle as it sounds, means the E-620 provides a more pleasant framing preview - especially for those transitioning from compact shooters or smartphones.

Builder’s Overview: Controls, Interface, and Usability Upgrades

When you place the two cameras side by side, the E-620 exhibits a clear evolution in design and control layout. Olympus refined the user interface to cater to both beginner-friendly navigation and quicker manual adjustments.

Starting with the top panel, the E-620 features a more intuitive mode dial with dedicated positions for advanced exposure modes, including exposure bracketing and white balance bracketing - functions absent on the E-450. The E-620’s exposure compensation dial is more tactile and logically placed, enabling precise adjustments without taking your eye off the viewfinder.

The E-450’s control scheme, while straightforward, is more basic, lacking multiple customizable buttons or illuminated controls - a feature you might appreciate if you shoot in low-light conditions frequently.

One standout ergonomic advantage on the E-620 is its fully articulated 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD screen, a boon for shooting in awkward angles: overhead, waist level, or even selfies. The E-450 offers a fixed LCD of the same size and resolution but with less flexibility.

This articulated screen on the E-620 can be a real game changer in street photography or macro work, where composing through the viewfinder isn’t always practical.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: More Pixels, More Potential?

At the heart of any camera is its sensor, dictating both image quality and noise performance - arguably the most critical specs for photographers.

Both models use Four Thirds CMOS sensors sized at 17.3 x 13 mm. But here, the E-620 takes a decisive step forward with a 12MP resolution over the E-450’s 10MP. While 2 megapixels don’t sound monumental, this bump results in images sized up to 4032 x 3024 pixels - notably larger than the 3648 x 2736 pixels in the E-450.

Why does that matter practically? For landscape shooters craving high-resolution detail or portrait photographers who want heavier cropping flexibility, the E-620’s sensor offers added breathing room.

Digging deeper into image quality metrics from DxOMark testing affirms this improvement:

Interestingly, the E-450 slightly outperforms the E-620 in overall DxO score and dynamic range - reflecting subtle nuances in image processing versions and sensor tuning. However, the E-620’s edge in low light ISO sensitivity (3200 max native ISO, double the E-450’s 1600) makes it a stronger choice for dim environments like indoor events or night landscapes.

Autofocus and Focusing Flexibility: Precision vs Speed

Perhaps the most telling difference lies in focusing systems. Olympus equipped the E-450 with a modest 3-point phase-detection autofocus, which, while serviceable for general shooting - including daylight portraits and landscapes - struggles in fast-paced or poorly lit conditions.

The E-620 upgrades this significantly:

• 7 autofocus points (compared to 3 on the E-450)
• Face detection autofocus included (absent on E-450)
• Contrast and phase detection hybrid AF systems

This translates into faster, more accurate focusing - something I confirmed during hands-on sessions, where the E-620 swiftly locked focus on moving subjects and maintained it during continuous shooting bursts. The E-450 lagged slightly in comparable situations, occasionally hunting or missing subtle focus shifts.

This autofocus edge on the E-620 opens up possibilities for wildlife and sports photographers who rely on capturing fleeting moments with precision. It also makes portraits easier, particularly with the addition of face detection - a convenience feature that helps keep eyes sharp automatically.

Burst Shooting and Sports Performance

Both cameras offer a continuous shooting speed of 4 frames per second (fps), respectable for entry-level DSLRs of the period. However, in practice, the E-620’s faster processor (TruePic III+) and better buffer management smooth out burst shooting, reducing lag over longer sequences.

In sports shooting or capturing dynamic street moments, this offers a noticeable advantage: fewer missed shots and quicker accessibility of subsequent images - vital when timing is everything.

Image Stabilization: A Decisive Upgrade on the E-620

At this stage, I want to highlight perhaps the most significant addition on the E-620: sensor-based image stabilization (IS). The E-450 lacks any form of stabilization, meaning handheld shots at slower shutter speeds often suffer from motion blur unless you opt for stabilized lenses.

The E-620’s in-body IS system compensates for hand-shake across any lens attached, increasing your chances of tack-sharp images in challenging light or macro situations without resorting to a tripod.

This built-in IS is a distinct advantage for handheld landscape work, macro photography, and low-light shooting - domains where stability matters most. Its absence on the E-450 limits creative freedom and demands more care.

Splashing Out: Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither model features formal weather sealing or ruggedization, which is common for entry-level DSLRs. However, the E-620’s slightly beefier chassis feels sturdier, with better material finishes and enhanced durability for travel and outdoor exploration.

On tough assignments - shooting in dusty street environments or unstable mountaintop conditions - the E-620 inspires more confidence. The E-450, while compact and light, feels more delicate, begging for cautious handling.

Storage and Battery Life: Holding Steady

Storage-wise, both cameras accommodate the now-obsolete CompactFlash and xD Picture Card formats, a reflection of their 2009 ancestry. This dual compatibility offers flexibility but presents an inconvenience today due to media scarcity and cost.

Battery life stakes are tied (500 shots per charge), which is impressive for their size and sensor tech, supporting full-day shooting without frequent recharging. That said, the E-620’s articulated screen and IS require slightly more power, so in extended hikes, packing extra batteries is prudent.

Connectivity, Wireless, and Video: Limited but Serviceable

Neither camera offers HDMI out, microphone inputs, or video recording capabilities - features which have exploded in importance in recent years. These limitations mark both models as still-photo focused.

The E-620 edges out with slightly better USB interface support but remains deficient in wireless connectivity (no Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth). For work in modern workflows that demand quick file transfers, tethering, or remote control, this is a clear downside.

Putting It to Use Across Photography Genres: What Suits Who?

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portrait shooters will appreciate the E-620’s face detection AF and image stabilization, allowing crisp focus on eyes and allowing lower shutter speeds for better background blur. The slightly higher resolution enables more detail retention when cropping or printing large portraits.

The E-450 can still deliver lovely, natural colors but requires more deliberate focusing and lighting control. Its 10MP capture is serviceable for casual portraits but less flexible for professional retouching.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Here, the E-450’s marginally better dynamic range charts well for detail preservation in high-contrast scenes like sunsets or forest shadows. Both cameras offer the dependable Four Thirds sensor size and compatible wide-angle lenses. However, the E-620’s higher resolution and articulated screen better facilitate composition from unusual angles.

Given the lack of weather sealing on both, use them cautiously in harsh environments or invest in protective gear.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus and Burst

E-620’s superior autofocus system, face detection, and burst buffer make it the clear choice for action where split-second focus and tracking are vital. The E-450’s AF is more basic, ideal for stationary or slow-moving subjects.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

The E-450’s lighter weight and compact form help with inconspicuous shooting. However, the E-620’s articulated screen aids in street candid shots from waist height or awkward angles - a considerable creative edge.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

Sensor-based stabilization on the E-620 dramatically improves handheld macro opportunities and night shooting, reducing the need for tripod setups. Both cameras push up to ISO 1600 (E-450) or 3200 (E-620), with higher ISO enabling cleaner night captures on E-620.

However, neither camera offers specialized astro-exposure modes or silent shutters, limiting astrophotography enthusiasts.

Video and Travel Photography

Neither model supports video recording - a major limitation for multimedia creators. For travel photographers relying on portability and versatile features, the E-450’s smaller size is appealing, but the E-620’s image stabilization and flexible LCD screen make for more creative framing and steadier shots.

Professional Workflows

Raw support on both cameras enables professional-level post-processing. Yet limited connectivity, slower write speeds, and older media slots restrict seamless integration into modern workflows dominated by SD card formats and wireless transfer.

Olympus E 450 front Olympus E 450 screen back Olympus E 620 screen back

Examining samples side by side, we see the E-620 producing slightly crisper fine details and better low-light noise control, while the E-450’s images retain excellent color fidelity and dynamic range.

The Final Scores: How Do They Stack Up?

Our expert evaluations give us an overall performance snapshot, balancing sensor quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and feature sets.

While the E-450 and E-620 score similarly on paper, these numbers mask functional distinctions that impact user experience meaningfully.

Looking across genres, the E-620 pulls ahead consistently in action, low light, and macro categories. The E-450 holds ground in landscape and portability-focused disciplines but lags on speed and versatility.

Who Should Buy the Olympus E-450?

• Photographers prioritizing a compact, lightweight DSLR for everyday shooting
• Beginners eager to learn basics without overwhelming complexity
• Landscape enthusiasts valuing dynamic range and color accuracy
• Budget-conscious buyers finding the E-450’s affordability hard to resist

While it lacks image stabilization and advanced focusing, the E-450’s simplicity benefits those who prefer manual control and deliberate shooting.

When the Olympus E-620 Wins Hands-Down

• Enthusiasts needing better autofocus speed and accuracy for wildlife, sports, or street photography
• Creatives who benefit from image stabilization, allowing handheld macro and low-light captures
• Portrait photographers who want face detection and improved resolution
• Those valuing flexible shooting angles from the articulated LCD
• Photographers willing to invest a bit more for a more capable and versatile camera

Conclusion: Olympus E-450 vs E-620 - The Balanced Verdict

Testing both cameras extensively reaffirms that the Olympus E-620 represents a meaningful upgrade over the E-450. Despite their shared sensor size and brand DNA, the E-620’s higher resolution, superior autofocus, sensor stabilization, and articulated screen collectively enhance creative control and image sharpness - especially in challenging or dynamic shooting conditions.

That said, the E-450 remains an excellent compact DSLR option for photographers valuing portability and basic DSLR functions - especially those on tighter budgets or just starting their analog-to-digital transition.

Choosing between the two ultimately boils down to your shooting priorities and budget. If image stabilization, autofocus versatility, and slightly higher image resolution matter, the E-620 is my clear recommendation. If you’re seeking entry DSLR simplicity in a pocket-friendly size, the E-450 is a charming companion.

Need help deciding? Drop me a comment or connect via my photography blog - I’m happy to discuss scenarios or recommend lenses tailored to your new Olympus DSLR choice.

Happy shooting!