Olympus E-510 vs Sony A300

Here, we are matching up the Olympus E-510 vs Sony A300, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-510 (10MP) and the A300 (10MP) is very similar but the E-510 (Four Thirds) and A300 (APS-C) boast different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-510 was introduced 2 months earlier than the A300 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony A300 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a in depth comparison, here is a short summary of how the E-510 grades versus the A300 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-510 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A300. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Sony A300 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-510 has outer measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") along with a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) whilst the Sony A300 has measurements of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-510 vs Sony A300 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-510 against the A300.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-510 and A300 is 69 and 64 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reviewing specifications. The visual below may give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-510 and A300.

Plainly, both the cameras feature the identical megapixel count but different sensor measurements. The E-510 includes the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF harder.