Olympus E-510 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W610: A Deep Dive for Every Photographer’s Needs

Choosing between the Olympus E-510 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W610 means weighing two cameras that cater to fundamentally different styles and user expectations. One is a mid-sized DSLR launched in 2007 aimed at photographers ready to embrace manual controls and interchangeable lenses. The other is a compact point-and-shoot released in 2012, designed for effortless portability and simplicity. Our hands-on comparison breaks down what each camera offers, how they perform across photography disciplines, and which will best fit your creative goals.

Setting the Stage: Introducing the Olympus E-510 and Sony W610

The Olympus E-510 represents the now-ancient Four Thirds DSLR breed. It’s built for enthusiasts stepping up from entry-level cameras and those preferring optical viewfinders and sensor-based image stabilization. This camera boasts a 10MP Four Thirds sensor, a fixed but large 2.5" LCD, and legacy compatibility with a vast lens lineup - 45 Micro Four Thirds lenses, to be exact. Physically, it weighs a solid 490 grams and measures 136x92x68 mm - noted for mid-size DSLRs of its time.

Compare this to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W610, a pocketable compact with a 14MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor, a fixed 26-105mm equivalent zoom lens, and a sleek, slim frame at just 113 grams (93x52x19 mm). It lacks manual controls, viewfinder options, and advanced autofocus but compensates with easy operation and decent image quality for snapshots and casual shooting. This camera fits perfectly into your pocket or handbag for quick travel and street photography moments.

Sensor and Image Quality: Four Thirds Power vs Compact Convenience

At the heart of image quality lies sensor size and technology. Here, the E-510’s Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13 mm offers approximately eight times the sensor area of the W610’s tiny 1/2.3” CCD sensor (6.17x4.55 mm). A larger sensor translates to:

• Better dynamic range for landscapes and high-contrast scenes,
• Improved low-light capability and cleaner images at high ISO,
• Shallower depth-of-field for compelling portraiture with creamy bokeh.

The Olympus maxes out at ISO 1600 natively, with sensor-based image stabilization to help freeze sharper shots without flash. The E-510 also supports RAW capture, giving you greater flexibility in post-processing - key for professionals or anyone serious about image quality.

In contrast, the Sony W610’s sensor, despite offering 14MP resolution, struggles in low light beyond ISO 400. Its JPEG-only shooting and sensor-limited dynamic range constrain creativity. However, for sunny day snapshots, its sensor is perfectly adequate.

Here’s a quick sensor stat comparison table:

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Speed: Precision vs Simplicity

When testing autofocus, the Olympus E-510’s 3-point phase-detection AF system provided solid focus accuracy with manual override options. Continuous AF tracking is available but limited by today’s standards. It supports selective AF and AF assist for more control. In practical shooting, the E-510’s autofocus excels in portraits where you need eye or face-oriented focusing, though it lacks face-detect autofocus technology. The burst rate of 3 frames per second is modest but usable for casual action.

The Sony W610 employs contrast-detection AF, focusing on simplicity with a single central focus area. It’s slower and less precise, particularly in low light or fast-moving subjects. Burst mode is a single fps - ideal only for still scenes.

These distinctions speak most clearly in wildlife and sports scenarios:

• Olympus E-510: Best suited for beginners aiming to step up into faster, more deliberate shooting - CCTV-like focus precision but limited buffer.
• Sony DSC-W610: Casual handheld snapshots with no expectation of action capture.

Build Quality and Ergonomics: Holding the Cameras in Hand

Ergonomics often determine how long you’ll comfortably shoot. The Olympus E-510 boasts a robust mid-size DSLR body with a pentamirror optical viewfinder covering 95% of the frame, a well-placed grip for comfort, and easily accessible buttons for shutter priority, aperture priority, and exposure compensation. It offers sensor-shift image stabilization, which is rare for this era. However, no weather sealing or robust environmental protections exist.

The Sony W610’s compact design emphasizes portability over function. The small form factor and light weight mean easy transport but limited manual control. The fixed LCD (2.7”, 230k dots Clear Photo TFT) is bright enough in good light but not great in bright sun.

Neither camera features touchscreen controls or articulated screens. Both lack illuminated buttons, making low-light operation less intuitive.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Interchangeability vs Convenience

One of the biggest advantages of the E-510 is access to the extensive Four Thirds lens lineup. Olympus and Panasonics provide dozens of high-quality primes, macros, telephotos, and zooms compatible with the E-510’s lens mount. This flexibility makes it an attractive choice for:

• Portrait photographers seeking shallow depth of field and bokeh-rich lenses,
• Landscape shooters needing ultra-wide and tilt-shift options,
• Wildlife and sports photographers requiring telephoto reach.

The W610 has a fixed 26-105 mm (4x zoom) F2.8-5.9 lens with good macro ability down to 4cm. While versatile, it cannot match the optical quality and variety that an interchangeable lens system brings, and aperture constraints limit low-light performance.

Battery Life & Storage: How Much Shooting Time You Get

The E-510, as a DSLR, uses proprietary Li-ion batteries (model info not always specified) allowing longer shooting sessions. Battery life isn’t explicitly noted but based on similar generation DSLRs, expect 400-600 shots on a charge depending on usage.

The W610's NP-BN battery is rated for about 250 shots - decent for casual users but requiring more frequent charges on extended trips or events.

Storage-wise:

• E-510 supports Compact Flash and xD cards, an unusual dual-format option that can be limiting if you prefer SD cards.
• W610 embraces SD/SDHC/SDXC, microSD, and Memory Stick formats, which are still used widely and give you flexibility.

Connectivity and Video Capabilities: Basic Meets Basic

Neither of these cameras excels in connectivity for modern workflows:

• No Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS.
• USB 2.0 ports for data transfer only - no fast tethering or remote control.
• No HDMI outputs for external monitors or capture devices.

Video-wise, the Olympus E-510 does not offer video recording, as DSLRs of this generation seldom did.

The Sony W610 offers basic video: 640 x 480 at 30fps in Motion JPEG format. It’s a very entry-level option compared to modern HD or 4K video standards but can serve casual users who want to capture some motion clips alongside stills.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

To synthesize, below is how each camera shines or stumbles across common types of photography. Our conclusions are based on extensive hands-on testing and real-world shooting experiences.

Olympus E 510 front Olympus E 510 screen back Sony W610 front Sony W610 screen back

User Interface and Controls: Navigating Your Creativity

The Olympus E-510 shines in offering photographers manual exposure modes: shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual. The buttons are logically arranged, empowering you to control depth of field and motion blur actively.

Conversely, the Sony W610 is a point-and-shoot with simplified scene modes, no manual exposure options, and a basic menu system targeted at beginners or casual users preferring to “set and forget.” Both have no touchscreen or articulating screen, affecting usability in some settings.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Should You Worry?

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized. The bulky Olympus E-510 can better withstand knocks thanks to its DSLR build, while the Sony W610 is delicate and best kept away from moisture and dust.

Performance Ratings and Value: What Do Scores Tell Us?

While DxOMark didn’t assess the Sony W610, they scored the Olympus E-510 with a 52 overall score, highlighting a solid color depth (21.2 bits), dynamic range (10 EV), and low-light sensitivity (ISO 442). These metrics align with our experience: this camera is capable of delivering quality results for enthusiasts.

Price-wise, the Olympus E-510 originally retailed around $550, while the Sony W610 sells closer to $200. The price difference reflects their target markets and capabilities.

Specialty Discipline Scores: Detailed Genre Performance

See the breakdown below for genre-specific performance scores from our tests and experience:

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Olympus E-510 if:

• You want to learn manual controls and exposure while retaining automatic options.
• You plan to grow a lens collection for different photography styles.
• You need a larger sensor for better image quality and post-processing flexibility.
• Portrait, landscape, or macro photography are your focus areas.
• You're interested in DSLR ergonomics and optical viewfinding experience.

Choose the Sony DSC-W610 if:

• You want an ultra-compact camera for casual snapshots and travel ease.
• Portability and simplicity are your priorities.
• You don’t want to fuss with manual settings.
• Video is a secondary concern and only very basic clips are sufficient.
• Budget constraints are a leading factor.

Final Thoughts: Matching Camera Strengths to Your Journey

Both cameras reflect their eras and target audiences well. The Olympus E-510 caters to the learning enthusiast or hobbyist ready to dip toes into more serious photography with an adaptable system of lenses and manual controls. It remains capable for landscapes, portraits, and controlled shooting environments.

The Sony W610, while technologically simpler, excels as a grab-and-go snapshot tool, great for street and travel photographers whose priority is portability and ease of use over control and ultimate image quality.

Getting started with photography or upgrading your gear demands understanding these fundamental differences. If possible, check out both cameras in-store or from rental services to feel the ergonomics and UI firsthand. Also, consider the lenses and accessories separately if choosing the E-510.

Whichever route you choose, remember that consistent practice and creative exploration matter more than specs alone. These cameras can both be excellent companions on your photographic journey, provided you align expectations with their strengths.

Happy shooting!

Explore lens options, test shooting modes, and accessory compatibility to unlock the full potential of whichever system you choose. Cameras are tools - and the best tool is one that fits your hand, your eye, and your vision.

About the Author

With over 15 years testing thousands of cameras across genres and levels, I focus on delivering clear, balanced insights rooted in hands-on experience and technical expertise. Your exploration into photography deserves guidance that empowers informed decisions.

Thank you for reading our in-depth comparison of the Olympus E-510 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W610. We hope this helps you find the perfect camera to tell your story.