Olympus E-500 vs Olympus SP-590 UZ

On this page, we are matching up the Olympus E-500 versus Olympus SP-590 UZ, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both sold by Olympus. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the E-500 (8MP) and SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the E-500 (Four Thirds) and SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor size.

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The E-500 was introduced 4 years earlier than the SP-590 UZ which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-500 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-500 matches up against the SP-590 UZ when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-500 and Olympus SP-590 UZ. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-500 Gallery and Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-500 has outside measurements of 130mm x 95mm x 66mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 479 grams (1.06 lbs) whilst the Olympus SP-590 UZ has dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") having a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-500 versus Olympus SP-590 UZ in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at that moment. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the E-500 versus the SP-590 UZ.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-500 and SP-590 UZ is 70 and 72 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to see the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by looking at specs. The image below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-500 and SP-590 UZ.

All in all, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-500 having a larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus SP-590 UZ will give more detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-500 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.