Olympus E-510 vs Sony A57

In this article, we are comparing the Olympus E-510 and Sony A57, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the E-510 (10MP) and A57 (16MP) and the E-510 (Four Thirds) and A57 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-510 was introduced 5 years earlier than the A57 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the E-510 matches up vs the A57 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-510 & Sony SLT-A57. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-510 Gallery & Sony A57 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-510 has outside measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) whilst the Sony A57 has dimensions of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") having a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-510 and Sony A57 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the E-510 compared to the A57.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-510 and A57 is 69 and 64 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to visualise the gap in sensor measurements only by researching technical specs. The photograph here will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-510 and A57.

As you have seen, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-510 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Sony A57 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images a little more aggressively. The older E-510 will be behind in sensor technology.