Olympus E-510 vs Sony RX100 II: An Expert Comparative Analysis for Discerning Photographers

In a rapidly evolving photographic landscape, understanding how classic and mid-era digital cameras perform in real-world contexts offers valuable insights for both collectors and professionals seeking dependable tools for specialized uses. Today, we conduct a technical and experiential comparison between two distinct photographic instruments from different niches and eras: the Olympus E-510 - a mid-size DSLR launched in late 2007, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II - a compact large-sensor camera introduced in mid-2013.

This detailed comparison leans heavily on hands-on testing, sensor performance data, ergonomic evaluation, and comprehensive functionality appraisals across diverse photographic genres. Our aim is to equip enthusiasts and professionals researching their next camera with thorough clarity on how these disparate systems measure up for various use cases.

Overview: Distinct Designs for Different Photography Philosophies

Before delving into specifics, it is important to frame these cameras in their general design contexts:

• Olympus E-510: A mid-size Digital SLR based on the Four Thirds system - notable for interchangeable lenses, sensor-based image stabilization, and classical DSLR ergonomics. It represents Olympus’s transition into more accessible DSLRs with live view and robust manual controls.
• Sony RX100 II: A premium compact camera with a fixed 28-100mm equivalent zoom lens, a 1-inch CMOS sensor, and a host of advanced features packed into a pocketable chassis emphasizing portability and everyday versatility for enthusiasts requiring high image quality without bulk.

Their design philosophies inherently target different photographic workflows and user expectations, which heavily influence their respective strengths and limitations.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Balancing Resolution, Size, and Performance

Sensor Specifications and Fundamental Differences

• Olympus E-510 employs a Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm (~224.9 mm²), with 10 megapixels resolution. The Four Thirds sensor is moderately sized, larger than typical APS-C sensors in compact cameras at its time but significantly smaller than full-frame sensors.
• Sony RX100 II features a 1-inch type CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm (~116.1 mm²), with a high-resolution 20 megapixels. While smaller than Four Thirds, this sensor is remarkably efficient for the compact form factor.

The Olympus sensor demonstrates respectable color depth (21.2 bits), dynamic range (10 EV), and usable high ISO up to 1600 with a DxOMark overall score of 52, reflecting its 2007-era CMOS technology limitations. In contrast, the Sony’s sensor offers superior color depth (22.5 bits), more extensive dynamic range (12.4 EV), and substantially higher maximum native ISO (12800), scoring an impressive 67 from DxOMark. This points to more contemporary sensor architecture, better noise performance, and higher resolution capabilities.

Real-World Image Output

Practically, the Olympus sensor’s lower resolution restrains large print sizes and detailed crops. However, the Four Thirds sensor favors lens stabilization and depth-of-field control given the native focal length multiplier (~2.1x). The Sony’s sensor excels in resolving fine detail, especially under good lighting, and offers superior low-light capability via expanded ISO sensitivity, albeit with a smaller sensor area.

Anti-Aliasing Filter and Color Reproduction

Both cameras employ anti-aliasing filters to minimize moiré, but the Sony’s improved sensor design and image processor yield more accurate skin tones, vital for portrait photography. Olympus sometimes produces slightly warmer but less nuanced colors, which might require post-processing adjustments.

Ergonomics and Build Quality: Handling and Control Layout

Physical Dimensions, Weight, and Handling

The Olympus E-510 is a larger, heavier device weighing approximately 490 grams and measuring 136 x 92 x 68 mm, reflecting its DSLR body with a substantial grip and dedicated manual controls. This form factor benefits photographers prioritizing stability and tactile feedback during longer shoots but hinders compactness for travel and street use.

The Sony RX100 II’s compact dimensions (102 x 58 x 38 mm) and lightweight (281 grams) design cater to portability and discreet shooting, comfortably fitting into a jacket or coat pocket. Despite the smaller size, the camera retains a well-considered control scheme, though it cannot replicate the DSLR’s physical button diversity and grip security.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders

Olympus’s 2.5-inch fixed TFT screen has a modest 230k-dot resolution with no touchscreen functionality, limiting image review sharpness and user interaction. It offers optical pentamirror viewfinder coverage of 95% with 0.46x magnification, standard for mid-size DSLRs of its era, though notably unimpressive by today’s standards.

Sony counters with a 3-inch tilting “Xtra Fine WhiteMagic TFT LCD” boasting 1229k-dots resolution, providing clear image previews and flexible shooting angles, critical for video and unconventional compositions. Its optional electronic viewfinder, though not present in the base model, offers better framing precision than Olympus’s optical viewfinder.

Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Subject Tracking

Olympus E-510 AF Overview

• The E-510 uses a 3-point phase-detection AF system with multi-area and selective AF modes but lacks center-weighted AF or face/eye detection capabilities.
• Autofocus speed is adequate for studio and casual photography but not optimized for fast-moving subjects.
• Continuous AF and tracking are limited - no animal eye AF or live view autofocus enhancements.

Sony RX100 II AF Overview

• The RX100 II utilizes a contrast-detection autofocus system with 25 manually selectable focus points, including center-weighted, spot, and multi-area modes.
• It provides face detection autofocus with continuous tracking, significantly improving portrait and candid photography.
• Autofocus speed is brisk with reliable subject acquisition, especially noticeable during burst shooting modes.

On the practical front, Sony’s AF system outperforms Olympus in scenarios requiring precision and continuous tracking, such as street photography and wildlife, although neither system rivals modern hybrid AF platforms.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

• Olympus E-510 benefits greatly from the Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens mount system, supporting a wide variety of lenses (approximately 45 types available at the time) from Olympus and third-party manufacturers. This extensive ecosystem caters to macro, telephoto, wide-angle, and specialty lenses.
• Sony RX100 II features a fixed 28-100 mm equivalent zoom lens with variable aperture from f/1.8 to f/4.9, providing versatility for travel and everyday use but no option for lens swapping or specialized optics.

The lens ecosystem advantage distinctly favors Olympus users who seek creative flexibility and tailored optics, especially for genres like wildlife or macro photography, whereas Sony’s integrated lens excels in portable all-in-one solutions, trading flexibility for convenience.

Shutter and Continuous Shooting Performance

• Olympus’s shutter ranges from 60 seconds to 1/4000 second, supporting standard exposure controls with priority modes.
• Continuous shooting is limited to roughly 3 frames per second, constraining efficacy in fast action or sports genres.
• Sony’s RX100 II provides slower maximum shutter speeds (up to 1/2000 second) but compensates with a much higher burst rate of 10 fps, enabling more effective capture of dynamic sequences.

For sports, wildlife, and candid moments requiring high frame rates, the Sony RX100 II generally has the edge, although the smaller sensor and zoom range somewhat limit reach.

Image Stabilization: Sensor-Based vs Optical Systems

• Olympus incorporates sensor-shift image stabilization, applying correction at the sensor level regardless of lens mounted, effectively reducing blur from camera shake in handheld shooting.
• Sony RX100 II features optical image stabilization embedded in its lens design, suitable for compact form factors but limited in range compared to some higher-end OIS implementations.

In practice, sensor-based stabilization on Olympus lenses provides flexible, lens-independent sharpness boosts particularly useful in telephoto or macro shooting, while Sony’s optical stabilization favors convenience for casual and travel shooters.

Video Recording Capabilities

• The Olympus E-510 does not support video recording functionality, reflecting its DSLR focus and 2007-era design.
• Sony RX100 II supports Full HD (1920 x 1080) video recording at 60 fps, offering smooth motion capture with MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. Its tilting screen also aids video framing and vlogging-style usage.

Given the Sony’s video capabilities, multimedia creators and users needing hybrid still/video functionality will find it far more accommodating, while Olympus is limited to still photography roles.

Battery Life and Storage Media

• Olympus uses Compact Flash (Type I or II) and xD Picture Cards, both legacy storage formats today but were standard at launch. Battery life figures are not well-documented but generally modest by modern standards.
• Sony supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Memory Stick Duo variants, common and high-capacity options. The dedicated NP-BX1 battery offers approximately 350 shots per charge, providing reasonable stamina for travel and street use.

Storage and battery must be considered from a workflow perspective: Olympus users might encounter challenges sourcing xD cards today, while Sony’s SD card compatibility aligns better with current standards.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

• Neither camera offers Bluetooth or GPS functionality.
• Sony RX100 II includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless image transfer and remote control, a notable advantage in rapid workflow and social sharing.
• Olympus lacks any wireless capabilities, requiring manual data transfer via USB 2.0.

This connectivity gap severely limits Olympus for modern workflows where instant sharing or remote operation is valued.

Comprehensive Genre-Specific Performance Analysis

To simplify practical evaluations, the following sector breakdown provides how these cameras perform in common photography domains:

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-510: Delivers decent skin tone reproduction but limited bokeh control due to smaller sensor and lens aperture constraints. Lacks eye detection autofocus.
• Sony RX100 II: Superior with accurate skin tones, face detection AF, and shallow depth-of-field control at wider aperture settings on the lens, producing more pleasing background blur.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus’s better dynamic range and rooting in traditional optics make it competent for landscapes, although its moderate resolution limits ultra-large print potential.
• Sony’s higher resolution and wider ISO range provide detailed landscape captures, albeit at the cost of smaller sensor area for depth control.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Olympus, with interchangeable telephoto lenses and sensor stabilization, benefits telephoto reach but is limited by slower burst rates and modest AF points.
• Sony’s higher frame rate and tracking AF excel in fast capture scenarios, but fixed lens zoom limits maximum reach and versatility.

Street and Travel Photography

• Olympus’s bulkier ergonomics impede portability and discretion.
• Sony’s compact form and tilt screen, combined with quiet operation, suit street and travel photographers better, despite smaller sensor size.

Macro Photography

• Olympus’s broad lens selection enables specialized macro optics. Sensor stabilization assists with focus precision at high magnifications.
• Sony’s minimum focusing distance (5cm) provides respectable macro capabilities but lacks dedicated macro optics.

Night and Astrophotography

• Olympus’s lower maximum ISO limits low-light capabilities.
• Sony’s superior high ISO performance and longer exposure modes facilitate challenging low-light scenarios better.

Professional Workflow Integration

• Olympus supports raw files but with older file formats and limited wireless workflow support.
• Sony offers improved raw support and wireless integration but less comprehensive raw file flexibility compared to contemporary DSLRs.

Sample Images: A Direct Visual Comparison

Our side-by-side analysis of sample images demonstrates distinct visual characteristics of each system:

Olympus E 510 front Olympus E 510 screen back Sony RX100 II front Sony RX100 II screen back

Olympus images generally exhibit warmer color rendition with good sharpness but less detail in shadows. Sony files reveal crisper textures, higher dynamic range, and more natural color balance.

Overall Performance Ratings: Summary Metrics

• Sony RX100 II scores notably higher in sensor quality, autofocus, and versatility.
• Olympus E-510 retains strengths in lens interchangeability and stabilization but falls behind modern sensor and workflow standards.

Practical Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Olympus E-510 if you:

• Prioritize a traditional DSLR experience with interchangeable optics.
• Have a specific need for sensor-based image stabilization on a range of lenses.
• Shoot primarily in controlled lighting or studio environments.
• Desire larger sensors than typical compacts but can accept older technology trade-offs.
• Are prepared to handle compatibility with legacy storage media and limited wireless options.

Choose the Sony RX100 II if you:

• Need a highly portable, high-quality camera for travel, street, or casual wildlife photography.
• Desire advanced autofocus with face detection and rapid continuous shooting.
• Require Full HD video along with still photography in a compact form.
• Benefit from wireless connectivity and flexible tilting LCD for shooting versatility.
• Prefer a modern sensor with better ISO and dynamic range performance.

Conclusion: An Unequal But Informative Comparison

The Olympus E-510 and Sony RX100 II represent two divergent approaches to photography: the former an entry-level DSLR anchored in the mid-2000s era emphasizing lens flexibility and hands-on control, the latter a compact powerhouse embodying the integration of advanced sensor design and portability.

Our extensive technical review clearly positions the Sony RX100 II as the more versatile and technically advanced camera suitable for the widest range of applications despite its fixed lens limitation. Olympus E-510 retains niche value where traditional DSLR optics and sensor-based stabilization are paramount, albeit with concessions in workflow modernity and responsiveness.

Ultimately, users must weigh their priorities: do you value lens interchangeability and classical DSLR ergonomics over portability and sensor performance? Your answer will delineate the optimal choice.

This expert review is founded on rigorous hands-on testing, DxOMark sensor data analysis, and comprehensive real-world usage assessment to empower discerning photographers with a factual and balanced appraisal.

Appendices: Technical Specs at a Glance

References and Further Reading

• DxOMark Sensor Scores and In-Depth Reviews
• Hands-On Ergonomic Testing Reports
• Comparative Autofocus System Analyses
• Lens Ecosystem Compatibility Matrices

End of Review