Olympus E-510 vs Olympus SZ-10

Its time to take a deeper look at the Olympus E-510 and Olympus SZ-10, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Olympus. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the E-510 (10MP) and SZ-10 (14MP) and the E-510 (Four Thirds) and SZ-10 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-510 was manufactured 4 years earlier than the SZ-10 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus SZ-10 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-510 grades vs the SZ-10 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-510 and Olympus SZ-10. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Olympus SZ-10 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-510 offers outside measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-10 has measurements of 106mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-510 and Olympus SZ-10 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the E-510 against the SZ-10.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-510 and SZ-10 is 69 and 90 respectively.

Often, it is tough to envision the gap in sensor sizes simply by checking out a spec sheet. The picture underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-510 and SZ-10.

As you can see, the two cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-510 due to its larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus SZ-10 will show extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-510 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.