Olympus E-520 vs Sony NEX-C3

Here is a detailed review of the Olympus E-520 vs Sony NEX-C3, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Sony. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the E-520 (10MP) and NEX-C3 (16MP) and the E-520 (Four Thirds) and NEX-C3 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

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The E-520 was manufactured 4 years prior to the NEX-C3 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony NEX-C3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the E-520 matches up against the NEX-C3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-520 and Sony Alpha NEX-C3. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-520 Gallery and Sony NEX-C3 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-520 features external dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-C3 has dimensions of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-520 vs Sony NEX-C3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the E-520 and the NEX-C3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-520 and NEX-C3 is 68 and 91 respectively.

Normally, its tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizing simply by looking at technical specs. The graphic underneath will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-520 and NEX-C3.

As you have seen, both the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-520 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF harder and the Sony NEX-C3 will give you more detail due to its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots more aggressively. The older E-520 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.