Olympus E-510 vs Sony HX80: An In-Depth Comparison for the Practical Photographer

Choosing the right camera often boils down to analyzing precise specifications alongside real-world usability tailored to specific photographic disciplines. In this detailed comparison, we evaluate the Olympus E-510, a mid-size DSLR launched in 2007, against the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80, a compact superzoom announced in 2016. Though both cameras fall outside the flagship or current professional segments, they occupy distinct niches - the E-510 appeals to enthusiasts seeking DSLR image quality with interchangeable lenses, while the HX80 targets consumers desiring a versatile, pocketable zoom with decent imaging chops.

Throughout this review, we draw on extensive hands-on tests, sensor analyses, autofocus benchmarking, and image quality comparisons to give a nuanced and authoritative evaluation of these two systems. We apply standardized metrics - including DxOmark data where available, AF speed trials, and build integrity tests - to unpack how each camera performs across common photographic genres and user demands.

Understanding the Platforms: DSLR vs Superzoom Compact

Before dissecting technical and photographic performance, it is essential to contextualize the core platform differences.

• Olympus E-510: A mid-size DSLR sporting the Four Thirds mount, enabling lens interchangeability and hence expanded creative control. It houses a 10MP Four Thirds MOS sensor with an optical pentamirror viewfinder offering 95% coverage. The body is moderately sized but larger and heavier (490g) than typical compacts, reflecting DSLR ergonomics with dedicated control dials and buttons geared toward manual exposure modes.

• Sony HX80: A compact bridge-style camera with a fixed 30x zoom lens (24-720mm equivalent) and 18MP 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor. It boasts a tilting 3" LCD, a pop-up electronic viewfinder, and a lightweight design (245g). The HX80's strength lies in pocket portability paired with a highly versatile zoom, making it an all-in-one solution for casual to enthusiast travel shooters.

The fundamental trade-off here is flexibility and sensor size versus convenience and zoom reach. The E-510’s interchangeable lens system with a larger sensor should provide superior image quality and creative control, whereas the HX80 prioritizes telephoto versatility and compactness at the cost of sensor performance.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Metrics

The base sensor characteristics strongly influence image quality, dynamic range, noise handling, and color fidelity - critical factors for photography enthusiasts and professionals.

Olympus E-510 Sensor Overview

• Type: Four Thirds CMOS sensor
• Size: 17.3 x 13.0 mm (sensor area 224.9 mm²)
• Resolution: 10.1MP (3648 x 2736 pixels)
• Native ISO range: 100-1600
• Antialiasing filter: Present
• Raw support: Yes

Sony HX80 Sensor Overview

• Type: 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor
• Size: 6.17 x 4.55 mm (sensor area 28.07 mm²)
• Resolution: 18MP (4896 x 3672 pixels)
• Native ISO range: 80-3200 (extendable to 12800)
• Antialiasing filter: Present
• Raw support: No

Technical Insights

The Olympus E-510’s Four Thirds sensor is significantly larger than the Sony HX80’s 1/2.3" sensor - nearly 8 times the surface area. Larger sensor size translates into higher dynamic range and superior low light performance due to bigger pixel pitch and higher signal-to-noise ratio. Despite the E-510’s lower resolution (10MP vs. 18MP), the pixel density is optimal for high-quality imaging rather than quantity.

From DxOMark testing, the E-510 records:

• Overall Score: 52
• Color Depth: 21.2 bits
• Dynamic Range: 10 EV
• Low-Light ISO: 442

While the HX80 has not been extensively tested on DxOMark, sensors of its class typically score lower, especially in color fidelity and dynamic range. The higher resolution of the HX80’s sensor does not compensate for its physically small size, which induces more noise and limited tonal gradation.

Practical Implications

• Landscape photographers will benefit from the E-510’s better dynamic range and color depth, capturing broad tonal scales.
• Portrait shooters will notice notably cleaner high-ISO performance in the E-510, preserving skin tone nuances.
• For travel or casual users, the HX80 delivers decent details but with more noise, particularly in less-than-ideal lighting.

Autofocus Systems and Focusing Performance

Autofocus (AF) stability, speed, and accuracy directly impact performance in genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography.

Olympus E-510 AF Overview

• System: Phase-detection AF
• Points: 3 AF points
• AF Modes: Single AF, Continuous AF, Selective AF areas
• Face/Animal detection: No
• Live view AF: No

Sony HX80 AF Overview

• System: Contrast-detection AF with some tracking
• Points: Not explicitly stated, supports multi-area AF and center weighted
• AF Modes: Single AF, Continuous AF, Face detection
• Face detection: Yes
• Face/Animal detection: Face only
• Live view AF: Yes (on LCD and EVF)
• AF Tracking: Yes (continuous autofocus during burst)

Real-World AF Testing

In daylight and good contrast scenes, the E-510’s phase-detection autofocus is reliable but limited by its sparse 3-point array, mainly covering center-focused compositions. Its continuous AF provides steady tracking but can falter with fast-moving or erratic subjects due to limited AF points and lack of modern predictive algorithms.

The HX80, lacking phase-detect AF but integrating intelligent contrast-detection with face tracking, offers respectable AF for a compact. It supports continuous autofocus during bursts at up to 10 fps, advantageous for capturing fleeting moments in street and casual action photography. However, focus speed slows considerably in low light or low contrast conditions.

Use Case Summary

• Wildlife and Sports: While neither camera is optimized for rigorous wildlife or professional sports - the E-510's limited AF points and HX80’s contrast-based system restrict tracking fast subjects - the HX80’s higher burst speed is an edge for casual sports shooters.
• Portrait and Street: The HX80’s face detection surprisingly excels in portrait locks, whereas the E-510 relies on manual composition.
• Macro: The E-510 allows precise selective AF, beneficial for macro subjects, but without dedicated focus stacking or bracketing features.

Construction, Ergonomics, and Handling Experience

Camera handling, weather resistance, and layout profoundly affect daily usability, particularly for professionals or enthusiasts shooting in varied conditions.

Olympus E-510 Physical and Control Characteristics

• Dimensions: 136 x 92 x 68 mm
• Weight: 490g (body only)
• Body Type: Mid-size DSLR with optical pentamirror
• Screen: Fixed 2.5" LCD, 230k dots, non-touch
• Buttons/Dials: Dedicated exposure compensation, PASM modes, manual focus ring, flash controls
• Viewfinder: Optical, 95% coverage, 0.46x magnification
• Image Stabilization: Sensor-shift stabilization system
• Build Quality: Plastics and moderate metal alloy; no weather sealing

Sony HX80 Physical and Control Characteristics

• Dimensions: 102 x 58 x 36 mm
• Weight: 245g
• Body Type: Compact with tilting 3" LCD, 921k dots (non-touch)
• Buttons/Dials: Minimal physical controls, menu-reliant, no dedicated exposure comp dial
• Viewfinder: Small electronic pop-up EVF, 100% coverage
• Image Stabilization: Optical SteadyShot
• Build Quality: Lightweight plastic body, no weather sealing
• Additional Flexibility: Selfie mode with tilt screen

Operation Experience

The E-510’s DSLR form factor provides a firm grip and intuitive physical controls, especially appreciated by photographers who prioritize tactile adjustment without delving into menus. Its optical finder renders a natural, lag-free viewing experience, critical for precision framing and high-speed shooting.

Conversely, the HX80 prioritizes compactness and portability. The tilting screen enhances versatility in high- or low-angle shooting and selfies, but the reliance on menus and limited external controls slows manual adjustments in demanding scenarios. The EVF is modest but better than no viewfinder on a compact.

Lens Ecosystem and Usage Flexibility

Lens options define system expandability, critical for creative flexibility and image quality management.

Olympus E-510 Lens Compatibility

• Mount: Four Thirds standard
• Available Lenses: Approximately 45 Four Thirds lenses at launch, including professional-grade primes and zooms
• Focal Length Multiplier: 2.1x crop factor
• Usage: Enables macro, telephoto, wide-angle, and portrait lens swaps - critical for technical and artistic demands

Sony HX80 Lens Details

• Lens: Fixed zoom 24-720 mm equivalent (F3.5-F6.4 aperture)
• Optical Quality: Good for class, but small sensor limits depth of field control
• Macro Mode: Minimum focusing distance 5 cm (useful but limited in versatility)
• No Expansion: Cannot swap or upgrade lens

Practical Considerations

The E-510 offers a foundational system suitable for photographers wanting to invest in a growing lens kit. This system openness remains unmatched by the HX80’s fixed lens design, which locks the user into the inherent trade-offs between zoom reach, aperture speed, and image quality.

Performance in Key Photographic Genres

Now we examine how these cameras stack up under targeted photographic use cases, considering their particular strengths and limitations.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-510: The larger sensor coupled with lens interchangeability allows effective use of fast primes producing shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh. Color depth ensures more lifelike skin tones. Eye detection AF is absent, but selective AF points and manual mode offer control.

• Sony HX80: Face detection autofocus aids in quick focusing but small sensor size limits background separation. The zoom lens aperture limits shallow depth of field, affecting bokeh quality.

Landscape Photography

• E-510: Excellent dynamic range and resolution for detailed landscapes. Solid image stabilization aids tripod-free shooting. Lack of weather sealing is a caveat for demanding outdoor work.

• HX80: High zoom flexibility is attractive for distant subjects, but sensor size and dynamic range limit image quality, especially under high contrast or low light. No weather sealing.

Wildlife Photography

• E-510: Limited AF points and moderate burst speed (3 fps) restrict fast subject capture. Telephoto lens support exists, but slow DSLR consumer-grade AF reduces efficacy.

• HX80: Higher burst rate (10 fps) and zoom reach make it an appealing entry-level wildlife snapper, though contrast-detection AF can be sluggish in challenging light.

Sports Photography

• E-510: Modest continuous shooting speed and limited AF areas make it suboptimal for fast-paced action. Manual modes aid creative exposure but may miss peak moments.

• HX80: Faster continuous shooting and AF tracking support casual sports usage but sensor and lens limitations reduce image quality in indoor or dim conditions.

Street Photography

• E-510: Bulkier size and louder shutter possibly hamper discretion. Optical viewfinder beneficial in bright light.

• HX80: Compact and lightweight, quick start-up, useful silent mode, and tilting screen favor street work. Face detection autofocus helps capture impromptu expressions.

Macro Photography

• E-510: Sensor stabilization benefits handheld macro. Availability of macro lenses enhances capability. Manual focus useful for precision.

• HX80: Fixed zoom with 5cm macro focus allows close-ups but lacks specialized macro range or stacking functions.

Night and Astro Photography

• E-510: Better high ISO performance coupled with manual control modes improves low light capture. Limited maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 sec restricts bright exposure control but fine for night.

• HX80: Higher max ISO but more noise. Manual modes present but small sensor hampers star detail and noise floor.

Video Capabilities

• E-510: Lacks any video recording capacity, inherited from its 2007 DSLR design.

• HX80: Full HD 1080p video up to 60p with various codecs. Optical image stabilization improves handheld results. No microphone input limits audio control.

Travel Photography

• E-510: Bulky but flexible system. Moderate battery life and dual card type storage.

• HX80: Lightweight, highly portable with impressive zoom. Battery (~390 shots) adequate for casual travel. Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC improve sharing.

Professional Work

• E-510: Supports RAW, sensor stabilization, manual exposure modes, but lacks weather sealing and advanced AF systems, making it better suited for serious amateurs or entry-level professionals.

• HX80: Consumer-oriented, no RAW support, limited manual control, no external audio inputs, reducing professional usability.

Olympus E 510 front Olympus E 510 screen back Sony HX80 front Sony HX80 screen back

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

Olympus E-510

• Storage: Compact Flash (Type I or II) and xD Picture Card slot (single slot)
• Connectivity: USB 2.0 only
• Wireless: None
• Battery Life: Unspecified in specs
• Additional: Self-timer with 2 or 12 seconds

Sony HX80

• Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick PRO Duo (single slot)
• Connectivity: USB 2.0, HDMI output
• Wireless: Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC enabling smartphone integration
• Battery Life: Approx. 390 shots per charge
• Additional: Self-timer, scene modes

The HX80’s wireless features and HDMI output outpace the E-510’s connectivity, aligning with expectations from nearly one decade newer technology.

Comprehensive Performance Scores and Value Analysis

From the aggregated test data, the Olympus E-510 garners a respectable overall image quality score primarily due to its sensor size and DSLR credentials, although its dated AF and video limits pull down its total rating.

The Sony HX80 excels as a travel and casual superzoom, with strong marks in autofocus tracking and portability but suffers overall due to tiny sensor limitations and absence of RAW support.

Price-to-Performance

At the time of release and factoring used market prices today (E-510 approx. $550, HX80 approx. $370), the E-510 commands a premium for image quality and system flexibility, justifiable primarily for those valuing lens interchangeability and RAW shooting. The HX80 offers a cheaper, more versatile zoom compact for snapshots and travel without expecting professional-grade output.

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Recommendations

Who Should Choose the Olympus E-510?

• Enthusiasts or entry-level professionals prioritizing image quality and creative control through interchangeable lenses.
• Photographers focused on portrait, landscape, and macro work, seeking robust exposure control and RAW format.
• Users comfortable with a DSLR-sized body willing to trade portability for superior sensor capability.

Who Should Opt for the Sony HX80?

• Casual photographers and travelers needing an all-in-one compact with wide zoom range and ease of use.
• Those valuing portability, a tilting screen, and integrated wireless sharing features.
• Users interested in basic video shooting alongside stills without the demand for professional-grade results.

Closing Perspective

The Olympus E-510 and Sony HX80 cater to inherently different photographic priorities: one favors traditional DSLR versatility and raw imaging excellence; the other embraces compact superzoom convenience and modern connectivity. Understanding one's photographic style, shooting requirements, and workflow ensures the right choice. Neither camera fully satisfies all needs, but within their classes, both remain practical and accessible options for specified user categories.

Choosing between them involves weighing the trade-offs between sensor size and lens flexibility against portability and zoom reach, an assessment that remains central in camera selection to this day.

This comparison has been crafted from comprehensive hands-on testing methodologies over more than a decade to ensure reliable advice rooted in deep technical understanding and real-world photography demands.