Olympus E-520 vs Olympus SP-590 UZ

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus E-520 and Olympus SP-590 UZ, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are created by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-520 (10MP) and the SP-590 UZ (12MP) is pretty similar but the E-520 (Four Thirds) and SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-520 was revealed 4 months before the SP-590 UZ so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-520 grades vs the SP-590 UZ for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-520 and Olympus SP-590 UZ. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-520 Gallery and Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-520 comes with outside measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) and the Olympus SP-590 UZ has proportions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") having a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-520 and Olympus SP-590 UZ in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-520 vs the SP-590 UZ.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-520 and SP-590 UZ is 68 and 72 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-520 and SP-590 UZ.

Clearly, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-520 with its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Olympus SP-590 UZ will offer you extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively.