Olympus E-510 vs Olympus SP-100

Below, we are looking at the Olympus E-510 vs Olympus SP-100, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are offered by Olympus. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the E-510 (10MP) and SP-100 (16MP) and the E-510 (Four Thirds) and SP-100 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-510 was revealed 7 years earlier than the SP-100 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the E-510 grades versus the SP-100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-510 and Olympus Stylus SP-100. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Olympus SP-100 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-510 has exterior measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) while the Olympus SP-100 has proportions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") along with a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-510 vs Olympus SP-100 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the E-510 compared to the SP-100.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-510 and SP-100 is 69 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reviewing technical specs. The visual here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-510 and SP-100.

As you have seen, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-510 having a larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus SP-100 will offer greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The older E-510 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.