Olympus E-510 vs Sony A580

Here is a extended review of the Olympus E-510 and Sony A580, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the E-510 (10MP) and A580 (16MP) and the E-510 (Four Thirds) and A580 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

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The E-510 was unveiled 4 years prior to the A580 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the E-510 matches up vs the A580 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-510 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Sony A580 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-510 features outside measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) and the Sony A580 has dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

See the Olympus E-510 and Sony A580 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the E-510 versus the A580.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-510 and A580 is 69 and 64 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing only by researching specs. The visual below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-510 and A580.

All in all, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-510 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony A580 will result in more detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older E-510 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.