Olympus E-450 vs Sony A290

In this write-up, we are comparing the Olympus E-450 versus Sony A290, both Entry-Level DSLR digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-450 (10MP) and A290 (14MP) and the E-450 (Four Thirds) and A290 (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-450 was manufactured 14 months earlier than the A290 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact SLR).

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the E-450 matches up against the A290 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-450 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-450 Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-450 comes with external dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") having a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Sony A290 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") and a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-450 versus Sony A290 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-450 vs the A290.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-450 and A290 is 77 and 66 respectively.

Often, it's tough to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions just by reviewing technical specs. The picture below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-450 and A290.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-450 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Sony A290 will offer you greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The more aged E-450 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.