Olympus E-500 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930: A Detailed Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing a camera that aligns with your photography style, experience level, and budget can be daunting - especially when models hail from different categories and eras. In this deep dive, we’re comparing the Olympus E-500, a mid-size advanced DSLR launched in 2005, with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930, a compact point-and-shoot introduced in 2009. Despite their generation gap and vastly different design philosophies, both offer unique strengths and weaknesses worth exploring.

We’ll evaluate each camera’s specifications, core technologies, real-world performance, and suitability for diverse photographic disciplines. Whether you’re a seasoned pro seeking an affordable backup or a hobbyist curious about older gear’s viability, this guide powered by extensive hands-on testing will help you make an informed decision.

Let’s get started.

First Impressions: Form Factor, Handling, and Ergonomics

Your photography experience starts with the feel and handling of your gear. Let’s see how these two contenders stack up physically.

The Olympus E-500 is noticeably larger and heavier, aligning with its DSLR design that accommodates a robust lens mount and manual controls. Its mid-size body offers a substantial grip enabling steady shooting during prolonged sessions - a valuable asset in outdoor or studio environments.

Conversely, the Sony S930 is ultra-compact and lightweight, easy to pocket or carry around for casual, on-the-go photography or travel. Its slim profile enhances portability but sacrifices manual control accessibility and viewfinder presence, which makes compositional precision less intuitive.

Summary:

• You want ergonomic control and optical framing? The Olympus excels here.
• You prioritize travel-friendly convenience and snap-happy simplicity? The Sony is your pick.

Design and User Interface: Control Layout and Usability

Quality controls and intuitive layouts pave the way for creative and efficient shooting.

The E-500 includes dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes - essential for refined exposure control. Buttons are well spaced with tactile feedback, allowing quick adjustments even with gloves.

The S930 focuses on simplicity: no exposure modes beyond automatic, no manual shutter or aperture controls, and no dedicated dials. Navigation relies on a menu system accessible via a small joystick and buttons - typical for a compact aimed at consumers rather than pros.

Key Observations:

• Olympus’s DSLR control layout supports advanced photographers who demand granular exposure options and rapid access.
• Sony’s straightforward interface is usable but limits creative control.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Sensor size and resolution directly impact image quality, depth of field control, and low-light performance.

Physically, the Olympus E-500's Four Thirds sensor is about eight times larger than Sony’s tiny 1/2.3” sensor. Larger sensors collect more light, reduce noise, and offer richer tonality. Despite Sony packing higher megapixels, the smaller sensor size limits image quality, especially in low light or dynamic range.

In our extensive side-by-side testing:

• Olympus produces cleaner images with better color fidelity and sharper details at base ISO.
• Sony’s images tend to show more noise from ISO 400 upward, and dynamic range is more compressed.
• The Epson's Four Thirds sensor also enables smoother bokeh and better subject separation.

Bonus Insight: The Olympus sensor’s 4:3 aspect ratio suits traditional photography formats and printing, while the Sony offers multiples including 3:2 and 16:9 for video-friendly compositions.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Your camera’s autofocus (AF) system and burst capabilities can make or break fast-paced shooting such as wildlife or sports.

The E-500's phase-detection AF delivers quick focusing with 3 selectable points but lacks advanced tracking or face/eye detection. Its 3 frames per second burst is modest but respectable for a camera of its era.

The S930 uses slower contrast-detection AF that requires slightly more time to lock focus and maintains just single-shot focusing. Its 9-point system offers good coverage, but the lack of continuous AF or tracking reduces ability for fast-moving subjects.

In wildlife or sports scenarios:

• The Olympus lets you frame and capture moments faster with less focus hunting.
• The Sony's AF speed and burst rate limit its use to static or slow-moving subjects.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability for Field Use

Reliability under adverse conditions is critical for working pros or outdoor photographers.

Neither the E-500 nor the S930 offers environmental sealing or ruggedization. The Olympus’s more substantial body does feel sturdy and solidly put together, but there is no dust or moisture resistance. The compact Sony by nature focuses less on ruggedness and more on convenience.

If your work frequently involves harsh weather or rough handling, neither camera will fully meet those demanding conditions. However, Olympus gear generally withstands casual outdoor use better due to its build.

Displays and Viewfinding: Composing Your Shots

• Olympus E-500: 2.5-inch fixed LCD with 215K dots, complemented by a pentaprism optical viewfinder covering 95% of frame.
• Sony S930: 2.4-inch fixed LCD with 112K dots resolution and no viewfinder.

The Olympus optical viewfinder is a huge advantage for bright daylight shooting or precise manual focusing. Its slightly higher-resolution LCD aids reviewing images.

Sony’s design omits a viewfinder, meaning that composing and reviewing rely solely on its lower-res LCD, which can be challenging in bright sunlight.

Lens Ecosystem and Accessories: Expanding Creative Potential

• Olympus E-500: Uses a Micro Four Thirds lens mount, compatible with a vast range of interchangeable lenses (~45 listed), including specialty options for macro, telephoto, and wide-angle work.
• Sony S930: Fixed lens (38-108mm equivalent) with limited zoom range and no option for replacement.

The Olympus offers unbeatable flexibility for photographers who crave creative control over optics. This flexibility extends to flashes, remote triggers, and other accessories.

Sony’s zoom works well for everyday scenes but restricts you to its fixed focal range and maximum aperture of f/2.9-5.4, limiting low-light and depth-of-field creativity.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

• Olympus E-500: Battery details unspecified, uses CompactFlash Type I/II + xD Picture Card - dual format offers versatility in storage but reliance on older media requires sourcing CF cards.
• Sony S930: Powered by 2 x AA batteries, writes to Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo, with internal storage also available.

AA batteries are easy to find globe-wide, giving the Sony an advantage if you travel to remote locations. Olympus’s battery life, while unspecified, is typically better than average for a DSLR but you’ll want spares when shooting extended events.

Real World Performance in Key Photography Disciplines

Let’s break down how each camera fits common photographic applications.

Portrait Photography

The Olympus’s sensor and lenses create aesthetically pleasing backgrounds and sharp details, enhancing professionals’ and enthusiasts’ portraits. Sony’s compact lacks the depth and control for premium portraiture.

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic Range: Olympus offers superior dynamic range to capture wide tonal variations in skies and shadows, critical for landscapes.
• Resolution: Both have similar megapixels (~8-10 MP), but Olympus wins on detail clarity.
• Weather Sealing: Neither camera features sealing but Olympus’s robust build fares better outdoors.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Autofocus Speed & Tracking: Olympus’s phase-detection beats Sony, but neither features tracking AF needed for fast action.
• Burst Rate: 3 fps (Olympus) vs 2 fps (Sony) - modest for action work.
• Telephoto Capability: Olympus with telephoto lenses is ideal, Sony’s fixed lens falls short in reach and speed.

Street and Travel Photography

• Discreteness & Portability: Sony’s small size shines for street/street portraits and travel, slipping unnoticed into pockets.
• Low Light Performance: Olympus’s better ISO handling is preferred for night cityscapes.
• Battery and Storage: Sony’s AA batteries are travel friendly; Olympus’s battery system is less convenient but more durable.

Macro and Close-up

Olympus’s interchangeable lenses include macro options with fine focusing and image stabilization via lens or body (though the E-500 lacks IBIS). Sony’s fixed lens macro mode (5 cm minimum focus) suffices for casual close-ups but lacks precision and magnification refinement.

Video Capabilities: Modest vs. Basic

• Olympus E-500: No video recording capability.
• Sony S930: Records very low-resolution video (320 x 240 px at 30 fps), with Motion JPEG format.

Neither camera is a contender for modern video work. If video or hybrid shooting matters, look elsewhere.

Comprehensive Feature and Performance Summary

Olympus E 500 screen back Sony S930 front Sony S930 screen back

Ratings Based on Performance Testing and User Feedback

We compiled subjective and quantitative data from our tests and user reports to score overall and genre-specific performance.

Who Should Buy the Olympus E-500?

Strengths:

• Larger sensor yielding superior image quality.
• Interchangeable lenses with professional glass options.
• Optical viewfinder and manual controls for creative photographers.
• Better suited for portraits, landscapes, and telephoto applications.
• Durable, versatile DSLR platform.

Weaknesses:

• Heavier and bulkier - less convenient for casual travel.
• No video or in-body image stabilization.
• Limited ISO range impacts low-light shooting.

Recommended if:

• You’re an enthusiast or semi-pro photographer eager to learn manual exposure and lens selection.
• You need a solid DSLR body for controlled shooting scenarios.
• You want the flexibility to expand your lens collection progressively.

Who Should Buy the Sony DSC-S930?

Strengths:

• Very compact and lightweight, excellent for casual photographers.
• Optical image stabilization reduces blur from hand shake.
• Decent zoom for everyday shooting range (38-108mm eq.).
• Easy operation for beginners.

Weaknesses:

• Small sensor limits image quality and low-light capabilities.
• No manual controls or exposure adjustment modes.
• Basic autofocus and slow burst rate.
• Poor video functionality and no viewfinder.

Recommended if:

• You want a super portable camera for travel or street photography.
• You prioritize automatic shooting without complex features.
• Occasional snapshots suffice and budget constraints are tight.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Performance and Usability

Both cameras represent a snapshot of their respective technological niches and times. The Olympus E-500 still holds value as a capable advanced DSLR offering impressive image quality, manual controls, and lens flexibility. It appeals to enthusiasts comfortable with learning DSLR operation or looking for an affordable entry point into interchangeable lens systems.

The Sony S930 appeals mainly to beginners seeking a pocketable, simple camera for casual use. Its convenience, optical VR, and modest zoom range make it a decent compact, though these strengths come with compromises in image fidelity and creative freedom.

If you want to unlock professional potential and create artfully composed images, the Olympus is the clear winner. For grab-and-go snapshots and street travel convenience, the Sony shines.

Getting Started and Accessories to Consider

If you pick the Olympus E-500:

• Explore Micro Four Thirds lenses to suit your style: fast primes for portraits, ultras for landscapes, and macro lenses for close-ups.
• Invest in extra CompactFlash/xD cards and rechargeable batteries to maximize shooting time.
• Consider external flashes compatible with Olympus for better lighting control.

For the Sony S930:

• Stock up on AA batteries for uninterrupted shooting.
• Use Memory Stick Pro Duo cards (these can be pricey or rare, so buy spares).
• Look into simple camera bags to protect your compact during travel.

Explore, Experiment, and Elevate Your Photography

No matter which camera you choose, remember that the best images come from practice, exploration, and passion. Both the Olympus E-500 and the Sony DSC-S930 have proven capable tools in the hands of inspired photographers.

We encourage you to visit a camera store to hold and test these cameras, if available, or find used models to experience them firsthand. Experiment with different lenses, lighting, and subjects to discover what inspires you most.

Photography is a journey - these cameras can be trusted companions to kickstart or enrich yours.

Happy shooting!