Olympus E-510 vs E-520: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Mid-2000s Four Thirds DSLRs

In the mid-to-late 2000s, Olympus carved a fascinating niche in the digital SLR market with its series of Four Thirds system cameras. Two models that often come up in conversation for enthusiasts and collectors are the Olympus E-510 and its successor, the E-520. Having spent significant time handling, testing, and comparing these two siblings, I’m excited to share a detailed, experience-driven assessment that will help you understand what each brings to the table - and which might still merit your interest today.

We’ll cover everything from physical ergonomics to sensor performance, autofocus capabilities, and how each fares in various popular photography genres. So buckle up - it’s going to be a thorough exploration based on real-world use and expert technical evaluation.

Seeing Is Believing: Size and Ergonomics in Daily Use

First, let’s talk about the feel in your hands: the core of any camera experience. Both cameras share a closely related heritage, but subtle refinements can significantly affect comfort and handling during long shoots.

Physically, the E-510 and E-520 share identical dimensions - 136 x 92 x 68 mm - and a similar mid-sized SLR body style that nicely balances portability and grip stability. The E-510 weighs in around 490 grams, while the E-520 is a bit heavier at 552 grams, a difference you’ll only notice if swapping them rapidly during extended sessions.

Olympus kept the ergonomics familiar, with traditional DSLR styling and a comfortably contoured grip that fits smaller and medium-sized hands well. If you’ve used earlier Four Thirds models, the E-520’s refine feel is perceptible but not revolutionary.

What really differentiates these models at a glance is the control layout and subtle design tweaks, which we’ll see in the next section.

Top View and Controls: Evolving Usability for the Photographer in Action

From the top, both models are immediately recognizable as part of the same lineage - but a few thoughtful user interface tweaks make the E-520 feel a touch more modern.

The E-510 features a classic pentamirror optical viewfinder and intuitive button placement, though its control dials and buttons show their age compared to newer DSLRs. The auto-exposure lock and mode dials serve their purpose with decent tactile feedback.

Moving to the E-520, Olympus added a few convenience features - including the introduction of spot metering in addition to the original's center-weighted metering. This is a boon for photographers seeking precise exposure control in challenging lighting. Both models lack illuminated buttons, which can be a minor inconvenience for late-night shooting.

Both cameras employ fixed 2.5-to-2.7 inch LCDs on the back - not touchscreens, but enough resolution for basic image review and menu navigation.

In practice, these top controls are ergonomic enough for comfortable operation, though neither camera compares to today’s digitals with customizable dials and richer info displays. But their simplicity can be a plus for beginners or traditionalists seeking an uncomplicated shooting experience.

Sensor Matters: Image Quality and Technical Specifications Demystified

Since image quality is paramount, let’s dive into the heart of these cameras - their sensors.

Both the E-510 and E-520 use a Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, with a sensor area about 225 square millimeters. The sensor resolution clocks in at 10 megapixels (3648 x 2736 max image size) - modest by today's standards but impressive for their 2007-2008 era.

Noteworthy differences arise in the sensor processing pipeline and dynamic range:

• E-510 achieves a DxO Mark overall score of 52, with color depth around 21.2 bits, dynamic range 10.0 EV, and low-light ISO performance rated to 442.

• E-520 nudges these numbers upward to an overall DxO score of 55, color depth 21.4 bits, dynamic range 10.4 EV, and better low-light ISO performance at 548.

Though incremental, these improvements can translate to cleaner high ISO shots - reduced noise and more workable files in shadow recovery.

Both cameras include an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré artifacts, which slightly softens the image but ensures cleaner results in complex patterns.

In daily use, when shooting landscapes or portraits in natural light, the E-520's sensor refinement means marginally better color reproduction and enhanced detail retention, especially in tricky lighting with deep shadows.

LCD and Live View: Composing and Reviewing Your Shots

Despite the lack of touch functionality, Olympus incorporated a live view mode on both models - a rarity during this timeframe that prefigured DSLR screen evolutions.

The E-510 introduced live view, which allows composing shots on the screen instead of solely relying on the optical viewfinder. However, focusing in live view mode was limited; contrast detection autofocus was unavailable, and reliance on slower phase-detection AF sometimes made live composing clunky.

The E-520 improves on this by integrating face detection autofocus during live view - a notable feature for portrait or casual shooting scenarios. Also, its slightly larger 2.7" screen (versus 2.5" on the E-510) offers a bit more image review real estate, though both screens maintain the same 230k-dot resolution.

While neither screen can rival modern high-res tilting or articulating displays, their fixed positioning and clarity are sufficient for framing, playback, and menu functions.

For photographers familiar with SLR optical viewfinding, these live view breakthroughs foreshadowed changes that later DSLRs and mirrorless cameras would finalize.

Focusing Systems: From Basics to Enhanced Precision

Autofocus performance strongly influences shooting efficiency, especially in dynamic genres like sports, wildlife, and street photography.

Both cameras use a 3-point phase detection autofocus system - a modest point count, but typical for entry/intermediate DSLRs of this era.

• The E-510 provides single, continuous, and selective AF with no face detection or animal eye AF. Unfortunately, it lacks AF tracking, which limits dynamic focus adjustments on moving subjects.

• The E-520 elevates this by adding face detection AF and live view contrast detection AF, improving its utility in portraiture and studio environments. However, it still lacks subject tracking or animal eye AF.

Burst shooting capabilities also differ slightly: The E-510's maximum continuous shooting speed is 3 fps, while the E-520 can shoot up to 4 fps, aiding faster capture of fleeting moments.

For portrait photography, face detection in the E-520 is a valuable addition - helping lock focus on eyes and faces without fuss. However, neither camera can compete with modern multi-point AF arrays, limiting their sports or wildlife proficiencies.

Weather Sealing and Build Durability: How Tough Are They?

If you plan to take your camera into harsh environments, weather resistance matters.

Neither the Olympus E-510 nor the E-520 offers substantial weather sealing. Both lack official dustproofing, waterproofing, shockproofing, crushproofing, or freezeproofing certifications.

The build quality is solid polycarbonate with metal internal frames, so they feel sturdy in the hand but should be treated with care around moisture and dust.

For landscape or travel photographers who venture off the beaten path, investing in protective rain covers or careful handling habits is essential.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: What Can You Attach?

Both cameras utilize the Four Thirds lens mount, not Micro Four Thirds. This is an important distinction:

• These cameras accept lenses designed specifically for the Four Thirds DSLR system. Despite sharing the "Four Thirds" label, the mount and flange distance differ from the now more popular Micro Four Thirds mirrorless system.

• Olympus offered roughly 45 native lenses for the Four Thirds mount, covering focal lengths from ultra-wide primes to super-telephoto zooms, many with weather sealing and high optical quality.

• Both cameras have the same 2.1x focal length crop factor on their sensors, effectively doubling the focal length of any attached lens in terms of field of view.

This lens ecosystem offers a solid foundation for general and specialized photography, especially with Olympus’s acclaimed Zuiko lenses.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Shooting Considerations

Batteries and storage media often slip under discussion, but they are vital to daily reliability.

• The E-520 is rated with a respectable battery life of approximately 650 shots per charge, a noticeable improvement over the E-510’s unspecified, but generally more modest, longevity. This makes the E-520 better suited for extended travel or event shooting.

• Both cameras rely on Compact Flash Type I/II or xD Picture Card storage. This dual compatibility offers flexibility but limits compatibility with modern SD-only card infrastructure.

• USB 2.0 is the transfer standard on both, suitable for the era but noticeably slow by today’s speeds.

If extended shooting and offline workflow integration are priorities, the E-520 has tangible advantages here.

Connectivity and Additional Features: What’s Missing and What Matters?

Neither camera sports wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, or HDMI outputs - unsurprising for their release periods but notable gaps today.

Both lack microphone and headphone ports, meaning no support for external audio or monitoring during video recording, which is effectively a non-feature since neither shoots video.

They also omit advanced exposure bracketing or white balance bracketing options, limiting versatility for HDR or challenging lighting conditions.

If you seek cutting-edge connectivity or video functionality, these cameras will disappoint.

Exploring Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

While specs inform much, testing in varied photography scenarios crystallizes each model’s practical strengths.

Portrait Photography

Capturing natural skin tones and expressive eyes demands accurate color reproduction, good dynamic range, and reliable autofocus.

Here, the E-520 has the edge thanks to its face detection autofocus and subtle sensor improvements that enrich color depth and shadow detail. The 10 MP resolution is sufficient for typical portraits, and the sensor-based stabilization helps achieve tack-sharp images even at slower shutters.

The E-510, while competent, lacks face detection and produces slightly noisier images in low light.

Landscape Photography

For landscapes, dynamic range and resolution reign supreme. Both cameras share identical sensor sizes and resolutions, but the E-520’s better dynamic range (10.4 EV vs 10.0 EV) aids in capturing nuanced skies and shadow detail.

Neither model offers weather sealing, which limits rough outdoor use. Still, their native Zuiko lenses can deliver impressive sharpness and color fidelity.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife shooters demand fast, accurate autofocus and high burst rates.

With only 3 AF points and lacking subject tracking, the E-510 struggles with fast-moving animals. Its 3 fps burst rate is adequate but easily surpassed.

The E-520’s jump to 4 fps and face detection (though not animal eye AF) provides modest gains but still leaves them behind modern specialized wildlife cameras.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife demands, sports photography benefits from tracking, responsiveness, and low-light sensitivity.

Again, the E-520’s improved burst rate and low-light ISO ceiling (548 vs 442) help, but neither camera offers AF tracking - critical for fast action.

High-end sports shooters will find these models underwhelming, but beginners can manage in well-lit conditions.

Street Photography

Smaller, lighter, and quicker to react bodies are preferred here.

The E-510’s lighter body edges in portability. Both cameras are relatively compact and discreet compared to professional DSLRs.

The E-520’s face detection AF can streamline candid shots, but its slightly larger screen and marginally heavier weight make it a balanced choice.

Macro Photography

Precision focusing and stabilization matter most here.

Both cameras include sensor-based image stabilization, beneficial for handheld macro work.

Focus stacking and focus bracketing are unavailable on either, limiting advanced macro techniques.

Night and Astro Photography

Here, high ISO performance, long exposures, and low noise dominate.

The E-520’s better low-light ISO and improved sensor dynamic range provide cleaner, more detailed night sky captures.

Neither offers silent electronic shutter options, making shutter noise a factor in quiet environments.

Video Capabilities

Neither camera supports video recording - a major omission by modern standards, but normal in their launch era.

If video is a priority, you’ll look elsewhere.

Travel Photography

For travelers, versatility, weight, and battery life steer camera choice.

The E-520’s longer battery life and improved autofocus recommends it for extended outings.

Both cameras’ compact size supports packing ease.

Professional Work

Today’s pros demand tethering, fast data transfer, rugged build, and comprehensive file support.

Both cameras shoot RAW but lack advanced tethering or ruggedness.

They might serve well in secondary or enthusiast roles but fall short as primary pro tools.

Sample Images: Seeing the Difference in Practice

To visually contextualize these points, here are comparative sample images from both cameras captured under similar conditions.

You’ll notice the E-520’s images exhibit slightly richer colors, better shadow retention, and cleaner noise profiles at equivalent ISO settings. The E-510 remains respectable but slightly less refined.

Overall Performance Ratings: Objective Metrics and Summary Scores

Summarizing their capabilities using DxOMark data and hands-on results:

• E-510 Overall Score: 52/100
• E-520 Overall Score: 55/100

A modest but meaningful upgrade, primarily driven by sensor improvements and autofocus advancements.

Genre-Specific Scoring: How Each Camera Shines

Let’s close with a breakdown of genre-focused performance:

Photography Type	E-510 Score	E-520 Score	Preferred Model
Portrait	6/10	7/10	E-520
Landscape	7/10	7.5/10	E-520
Wildlife	4/10	5/10	E-520
Sports	4/10	5/10	E-520
Street	6/10	6/10	Tie
Macro	5/10	5/10	Tie
Night/Astro	4/10	5/10	E-520
Video	1/10	1/10	Tie (No video)
Travel	5/10	6/10	E-520
Professional Work	3/10	3.5/10	E-520

Final Thoughts: Which Olympus DSLR Delivers More Bang for Your Buck?

The Olympus E-510 introduced Four Thirds sensor-based image stabilization and live view functionality into an accessible package. It remains a compelling choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts appreciating a solid, if basic, DSLR experience from the era.

The Olympus E-520, arriving under a year later, refined the formula - boosting sensor quality, expanding AF capabilities with face detection, extending battery life, and improving burst shooting speed. These upgrades make it the more balanced and capable camera for most photographic endeavors, especially portraits and landscapes.

Neither camera competes with modern mirrorless or DSLR systems in autofocus sophistication, video, or connectivity - but within their historical niche, they provide satisfying image quality and durable shooting experience.

Recommended For:

• Photography Beginners - The E-520’s user-friendly face detection AF and live view ease entry into DSLR photography effectively.

• Portrait and Landscape Shooters - The E-520 slightly leads, thanks to better sensor performance and exposure metering modes.

• Collectors or Secondary Cameras - The E-510’s lighter weight and solid core functions retain appeal for enthusiasts who appreciate classic DSLRs.

• Budget Buyers - Price differences may often favor the E-520 today, but used market conditions vary; the E-510 remains affordable.

Wrapping Up With a Personal Note

Testing these cameras side-by-side was a rewarding glance at a pivotal moment in DSLR history. Both represent Olympus’s early commitment to image stabilization and approachable DSLR ergonomics. If I had to pick for personal use during that era - or perhaps for a nostalgic pocket camera today - I lean towards the E-520 as the smarter pick for its refined capabilities and better shooting confidence.

That said, if you find an E-510 at a bargain, it’s a good dog - solid, reliable, and capable of making good images when you master its quirks.

Whichever you choose, these cameras invite you to enjoy the magic of photography with classic Olympus flavor.

Happy shooting, and may your horizons be sharp and your colors true!

This comparison was compiled from personal hands-on testing, DxOMark sensor analysis, and extensive real-world shooting sessions across multiple photography genres.