Olympus E-500 vs Sony HX350

Below, we are evaluating the Olympus E-500 and Sony HX350, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the E-500 (8MP) and HX350 (20MP) and the E-500 (Four Thirds) and HX350 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-500 was announced 12 years earlier than the HX350 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-500 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX350 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a short overview of how the E-500 matches up versus the HX350 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-500 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-500 Gallery and Sony HX350 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-500 offers external measurements of 130mm x 95mm x 66mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 479 grams (1.06 lbs) whilst the Sony HX350 has sizing of 130mm x 93mm x 103mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.1") having a weight of 652 grams (1.44 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-500 and Sony HX350 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-500 and the HX350.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-500 and HX350 is 70 and 62 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing just by reviewing specifications. The graphic below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-500 and HX350.

Plainly, both cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-500 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Sony HX350 will offer extra detail with its extra 12MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics much more aggressively. The older E-500 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.