Olympus E-450 vs Sony NEX-3N: A Detailed Comparison of Two Entry-Level Cameras

In the evolving world of digital photography, the choice between legacy DSLRs and early-generation mirrorless models often rests on nuanced differences in design, technology, and photographic capabilities. The Olympus E-450, released in early 2009, and the Sony NEX-3N, launched four years later in 2013, exemplify two distinct approaches to entry-level interchangeable lens cameras. Both target enthusiasts initiating their photographic journey but represent different technological eras and philosophies: Olympus adheres to a compact DSLR with a Four Thirds sensor, while Sony pushes mirrorless innovation with an APS-C sensor.

This comprehensive comparison breaks down all critical aspects of these cameras based on direct hands-on testing experience, detailed specifications, and practical user scenarios. It aims to help discerning photographers - from hobbyists to semi-professionals - make an informed decision by clarifying each camera’s strengths, limitations, and ideal applications.

Physical Design and Handling: Compact SLR vs Rangefinder-style Mirrorless

At first glance, the Olympus E-450 and Sony NEX-3N differ sharply in form factor and ergonomics due to their underlying body architectures. The Olympus E-450 is a compact DSLR featuring a traditional prism hump and optical viewfinder, while the NEX-3N embodies the mirrorless ethos of minimalism with a rangefinder-style design.

Olympus E-450

• Dimensions: 130 x 91 x 53 mm
• Weight: 426 grams
• Build: Robust but clearly entry-level plastic construction
• Grip: Pronounced, with a textured front grip area offering stable two-handed hold
• Viewfinder: Optical (pentamirror) covering approximately 95% frame, magnification ~0.46x

The E-450 provides a more classical camera feel familiar to DSLR users, including a physical pentamirror optical viewfinder that cannot be ignored in bright outdoor conditions or for those who prefer eye-level composition. The larger body accommodates standard DSLR controls and a fixed 2.7-inch screen.

Sony NEX-3N

• Dimensions: 110 x 62 x 35 mm
• Weight: 269 grams
• Build: Plastic but notable for its lightweight and pocketable design
• Grip: Less pronounced, necessitating a careful hold especially with longer lenses
• Viewfinder: None (no OVF or electronic viewfinder)

Sony’s mirrorless design prioritizes compactness and portability with a sleek body conducive to street and travel photography. The lack of any viewfinder means reliance on the rear LCD, and that can be cumbersome in bright sunlight, but the generous tilting 3-inch screen helps offset this drawback.

Control Layout Considerations

Ergonomics extend beyond size and grip. The Olympus contains traditional physical dials and buttons for exposure modes, shutter speed, and aperture adjustments, suiting users serious about manual control. In contrast, the NEX-3N’s minimalist top plate relies heavily on menu navigation via the rear interface, streamlined for casual shooters but potentially slower in demanding situations.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Four Thirds vs APS-C

Sensor size and resolution strongly influence image quality, dynamic range, and depth of field control. This area highlights the key technological leap between the cameras.

Olympus E-450 Sensor

• Type: Four Thirds CMOS sensor
• Dimensions: 17.3 x 13 mm
• Resolution: 10 Megapixels (3648 x 2736)
• ISO Range: 100 - 1600 native
• DxOmark Overall Score: 56

The Four Thirds sensor, while smaller and older generation, remains capable in well-lit conditions, especially with appropriate glass. However, its maximum ISO 1600 limits usability in low light, and the dynamic range is more compressed compared to larger sensors.

Sony NEX-3N Sensor

• Type: APS-C CMOS sensor (Exmor)
• Dimensions: 23.5 x 15.6 mm
• Resolution: 16 Megapixels (4912 x 3264)
• ISO Range: 200 - 16000 native
• DxOmark Overall Score: 74

The larger APS-C sensor with 16 MP resolution boosts image quality significantly, particularly in dynamic range and low-light performance. This translates to richer tonal gradation, less noise at higher ISOs, and superior detail, especially critical for landscape, wildlife, and indoor shooting.

Practical Impact:

• The NEX-3N’s ability to shoot up to ISO 16000 provides practical low-light versatility unavailable on the E-450.
• Olympus’ 10 MP output remains serviceable for standard print sizes but may feel restrictive for cropping or large-format work.
• Color depth and detail fidelity favor the Sony thanks to improved sensor architecture and processor.

Display and User Interface: Fixed vs Tilting Screen

Without a viewfinder, the rear screen is the primary framing tool for the Sony NEX-3N, whereas the Olympus E-450 supplements it with an optical viewfinder and less versatile screen.

Olympus E-450

• Display Size: 2.7 inches
• Resolution: 230k dots
• Type: Fixed, no touchscreen or articulation
• Impact: Limited brightness and resolution constrain outdoor visibility, and fixed angle restricts shooting versatility

Sony NEX-3N

• Display Size: 3.0 inches
• Resolution: 460k dots (double E-450’s)
• Type: Tilting, non-touch
• Impact: Enables shooting from awkward angles (e.g., low or high), essential for street photography or vlogging-like setups
• Greater resolution contributes to sharper review and menu operation

The NEX-3N’s screen tilting capability represents a clear user interface benefit, though its non-touch nature may frustrate some accustomed to smartphone control metaphors.

Autofocus Systems: Contrast Detection vs Hybrid Evolution

Both cameras employ fundamentally different autofocus methodologies.

Olympus E-450

• AF System: 3-point phase detection combined with contrast detection
• Focus Modes: AF single, AF continuous, manual focus supported
• Coverage: Limited 3 focus points with no face detection or tracking
• Performance: Generally, slower focus acquisition, especially in low contrast scenes or live view

Sony NEX-3N

• AF System: Contrast-detection autofocus with 25 focus areas
• Focus Modes: AF single, continuous AF, manual focus
• Face Detection: Absent, unlike later Sony models
• Performance: Faster and more reliable contrast detect AF, benefitting from Sony's Bionz processor refinement

Due to advances in sensor-readout and processing speeds, the NEX-3N’s AF system provides superior performance in live view shooting, which is crucial for mirrorless operation that relies exclusively on it. The Olympus’s phase detection autofocus is limited and lacks sophisticated subject-tracking, reducing effectiveness for action or wildlife photography.

Shooting Speeds and Buffer: Burst Rate for Action

• Olympus E-450: 4 frames per second continuous shooting
• Sony NEX-3N: 4 frames per second continuous shooting

Both cameras offer comparable burst rates for entry-level models, but the Sony benefits from a faster internal processing pipeline, allowing sustained buffer performance and quicker write speeds thanks to modern SD cards.

For sports or wildlife shooting, while 4 fps is adequate for casual use, neither camera matches professional standards that exceed 10 fps.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

• Olympus E-450: Micro Four Thirds mount, approximately 45 native lenses during its era, broad third-party support now
• Sony NEX-3N: Sony E-mount, 121 lenses including native and adapted options, expanded via adapters

The Sony NEX system’s E-mount access gives it a more extensive lens array, from ultra-wide primes to professional telephotos, aligning well with ambitious shooters’ needs. The Olympus, restricted to Four Thirds lenses at the time, offers good compact primes and zooms but with a smaller sensor, effective focal length is doubled, which can be an asset or liability depending on photographic intent.

Image Stabilization

Neither the Olympus E-450 nor Sony NEX-3N includes in-body image stabilization (IBIS). Olympus relied on optical stabilization in selective lenses; Sony historically incorporated stabilization in certain lenses only.

This absence affects handheld low-light capabilities and macro photography, where physical steadiness or tripod use becomes necessary.

Video Recording Capabilities

• Olympus E-450: No video recording features
• Sony NEX-3N: Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps, MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats

Sony’s mirrorless design inherently supports modern video recording, making NEX-3N a versatile hybrid for stills and video, whereas the Olympus remains strictly a stills camera. However, the lack of microphone input and limited codec options restrict professional video usability.

Battery Life and Storage Options

• Olympus E-450

  • Battery: Proprietary battery pack
  • Life: Approximately 500 shots per charge
  • Storage: CompactFlash (Type I or II), xD Picture Card (both relatively outdated)

• Sony NEX-3N

  • Battery: Lithium-ion NPFW50
  • Life: Around 480 shots per charge (CIPA standard)
  • Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo, widely supported

Practically, both cameras offer comparable battery endurance sufficient for day-long shooting, but the NEX-3N’s smaller battery contributes to the lighter body weight. Sony’s storage options are more universally accessible and cost-effective.

Weather Sealing and Durability

Neither camera provides weather-sealing, dust, shock, or waterproofing. Users must exercise care in adverse conditions regardless of choice.

Practical Application Across Photography Genres

Olympus E 450 front Olympus E 450 screen back Sony NEX 3N front Sony NEX 3N screen back

Overall Performance Ratings and Scoring

Based on DxOmark sensor data, build quality, autofocus, and feature completeness:

• Sony NEX-3N consistently scores higher in image quality, responsiveness, and usability.
• Olympus E-450 ranks as basic and somewhat outdated but sufficient for beginners on a budget or those preferring DSLR ergonomics.

Genre-Specific Camera Suitability Scores

The genre performance chart further underscores:

• Sony’s marked superiority in landscapes, portraits, and video.
• Olympus maintaining okay ranking in ease-of-use and handling preferences for DSLR adherents.

Final Recommendations

Choose the Olympus E-450 if:

• Budget constraints are tight; significantly cheaper used prices
• You favor DSLR-style handling and optical viewfinder composition
• You shoot mostly in controlled lighting or casual scenarios
• You already own or plan to use Micro Four Thirds lenses

Choose the Sony NEX-3N if:

• Image quality (resolution, dynamic range) is a priority
• You want hybrid stills and video capability
• Portability and lightweight design are important
• You desire a more modern AF system and extended ISO range
• You are interested in more lens options and future expandability

Conclusion

While the Olympus E-450 embodies a compact DSLR approach with classic ergonomics and a mature lens mount, it shows its age with poorer low-light ability, a smaller sensor, and outdated video features. The Sony NEX-3N, representing the early era of mirrorless cameras, provides a noticeable step up in image quality, autofocus sophistication, portability, and multimedia versatility, although it sacrifices an optical viewfinder and may lack professional-grade durability.

For most photography enthusiasts today seeking an entry-level path with modern attributes, the Sony NEX-3N offers a more comprehensive and future-proof package. However, the Olympus E-450 may still hold nostalgic interest or value for beginners wanting a simple DSLR experience at minimal cost.

Carefully weigh your primary photographic needs against the detailed feature comparisons and genre suitability scores presented here to select the camera that best aligns with your creative goals and workflow preferences.