Olympus E-520 vs Sony HX5: An Expert Comparative Analysis for Photography Enthusiasts

In the realm of camera technology, understanding the nuanced trade-offs between models, especially those targeting different categories, is crucial for selecting a system aligned with specific photographic ambitions. Here, we conduct a comprehensive, technical comparison between two distinct cameras broadly aimed at entry-level and compact users: the Olympus E-520 DSLR and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 compact. Despite overlapping retail price ranges and a similar pixel count, these cameras embody fundamentally different approaches to imaging, sensor technology, and user experience.

This detailed analysis draws upon extensive hands-on testing experience, real-world use scenarios, and objective evaluation metrics to systematically dissect the Olympus E-520 and Sony HX5’s specifications, operational capabilities, and performance across major photography disciplines. The goal is to equip photography enthusiasts and professionals with expert insights that go beyond marketing rhetoric to reveal how these cameras truly behave in practice.

First Impressions: Physical Design and Handling

A camera’s physical form factor and controls are central to its usability, impacting comfort during extended shooting and ease of access to key functions. The Olympus E-520 is a classic compact DSLR with a prominent grip and a robust body typical of a Four Thirds system camera. Its dimensions (136 x 92 x 68 mm) and weight (~552 g) deliver a solid, balanced feel suited for methodical photography across genres. In contrast, the Sony HX5 is a highly portable, pocket-friendly compact measuring 102 x 58 x 29 mm and weighing only 200 g. It is designed explicitly for effortless travel and casual shooting.

The E-520’s DSLR form factor with dedicated physical dials and buttons facilitates quick, confident adjustments for photographers accustomed to tactile control. Conversely, the HX5’s minimalist external controls prioritize simplicity and compactness, though at the cost of some manual control granularity.

From a handling perspective, the E-520 requires additional bulk and lens weight but rewards with a traditional, ergonomically contoured body allowing secure one-handed shooting. The HX5 is jettisoning size for portability; this prevents extended comfortable usage yet excels in situations demanding discretion and mobility.

Top-Level Usability: Control Layout and Interface

Examining each camera’s top-plate design and control layout further illuminates operational philosophy and efficiency for serious shooting.

The Olympus E-520’s top view reveals conventional DSLR controls: mode dial allowing manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and program modes; separate dial for exposure compensation; pop-up flash lever; and dedicated ISO adjustments. These provisions facilitate rapid setting changes without menu diving, enabling photographers to react promptly in variable lighting or dynamic scenes.

In contrast, the Sony HX5, streamlining controls for compact ease, uses a simplified mode dial without full manual exposure available in all instances - lacking dedicated shutter or aperture priority hinders precise exposure tinkering. The absence of a viewfinder and reliance on rear screen composition (covered further below) aligns with its casual user base targeting snapshots and videos rather than deliberate still photography.

For users prioritizing control precision and workflow speed, the E-520’s analog-style controls and layout are superior. The HX5’s design favors casual operation, trading manual flexibility for interface simplicity.

Sensor Characteristics and Image Quality Fundamentals

Sensor size and technology underpin core image quality prospects, including dynamic range, noise handling, and color depth. The Olympus E-520 features a Four Thirds 17.3 x 13 mm CMOS sensor covering 224.9 mm², significantly larger than the Sony HX5’s 1/2.4" 6.1 x 4.6 mm BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 27.9 mm². The larger sensor area in the E-520 inherently benefits light gathering, tonal gradation, and signal-to-noise ratio.

Key measurable image-quality metrics from DxOmark (or equivalents) show:

• Olympus E-520: Color depth 21.4 bits, dynamic range 10.4 EV, low-light ISO score 548.
• Sony HX5: Not independently tested at the same level, but historically small sensors with small pixels yield less color fidelity, narrower dynamic range, and more noise at high ISO.

For photographers concerned with print-quality, high-fidelity color reproduction, and highlight/shadow retention - especially in challenging lighting - the E-520’s sensor presents a clear advantage. Its lack of native ISO boost beyond 1600 is mitigated by inherently better noise control at base and low-ISO settings.

The HX5 compensates somewhat through computational noise reduction and BSI-CMOS design, improving sensitivity and offering ISO up to 3200, though with a corresponding drop in image detail. Its 10x zoom optic, however, is advantageous for telephoto reach in a compact form.

Viewing and Framing: Optical vs. LCD

Framing images and reviewing shots depend heavily on viewfinder and LCD characteristics.

The Olympus E-520 features an optical pentamirror viewfinder with approximately 95% coverage and 0.46x magnification. While not as bright or accurate as professional DSLRs with pentaprisms, it provides a preferred composition method with zero electronic latency, critical for fast action or bright environments where LCDs can struggle.

Its 2.7” 230k-dot fixed LCD supports live view autofocus but lacks touchscreen or articulating features, limiting flexible shooting angles. This screen resolution was standard in its release era but would be considered low today.

The Sony HX5 lacks any optical or electronic viewfinder, making the 3" 230k-dot LCD the exclusive framing and reviewing device. Its larger size offers comfortable preview, but in direct sunlight or fast, moving subjects, LCD reliance can hinder compositional accuracy and reaction speed.

In practice, DSLRs like the E-520 excel when eye-level shooting or in demanding lighting. Compact cameras like the HX5 suit street, casual, or travel photography where quick framing via LCD is acceptable.

Lens Systems and Zoom Capabilities

Lens choice dramatically affects versatility and creative potential. The Olympus E-520 employs the Four Thirds lens mount, compatible with a broad ecosystem of over 45 lenses ranging from ultra-wide to telephoto, macro, and specialty optics. The crop factor of 2.1x must be factored when selecting focal lengths for intended use. This mount's advantages include interchangeable optics, high image quality, and availability of prime lenses with fast apertures ideal for portraits and shallow depth-of-field effects.

The Sony HX5 integrates a fixed 10x zoom with a focal length range equivalent to 25-250 mm and a variable aperture of f/3.5–5.5. This built-in zoom covers wide-angle to moderate telephoto, valuable to casual shooters. However, this design imposes optical compromises commonly associated with small sensor compacts: comparatively softer corners, less background separation, and fewer manual focusing options.

Photographers requiring extensive optical flexibility - portrait bokeh, landscape sharpness, macro detail - will find the E-520 system vastly superior.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Experience

Autofocus (AF) performance differentiates cameras in capturing decisive moments, particularly in genres such as wildlife, sports, and macro.

• Olympus E-520: Employs a hybrid AF system combining phase and contrast detection, with 3 focus points (number of cross-type points unspecified). The AF includes face detection live view and continuous AF support during burst shooting. However, multi-area AF is available only as selective AF rather than comprehensive multi-point tracking. Given its DSLR heritage, the system is tuned for accuracy over speed, with moderately responsive continuous AF performance good for everyday subjects but less suited for fast action sports or erratic wildlife.

• Sony HX5: Uses contrast detection autofocus with 9 focus points including center-weighted focusing. No continuous AF or face detection features are included. It relies on precise single-shot focusing, which limits performance for moving subjects. The HX5 is not optimized for tracking but suffices for static subjects and casual snapshots.

For action-centric photography requiring quick focus acquisition and tracking, neither model matches modern professional standards, but the Olympus E-520 offers more competence due to DSLR phase detection support.

Continuous Shooting and Buffer Capacity

For sports and wildlife photographers, burst shooting speed and buffer depth are crucial.

• Olympus E-520 supports 4 fps continuous shooting in JPEG or RAW with limited buffer capacity, allowing brief bursts before slowing.
• Sony HX5 offers a faster 10 fps maximum continuous shooting rate, but only in JPEG and typically with limited buffering before slowdown.

Higher frame rate on the HX5 benefits casual sports and street photographers capturing fleeting moments, but RAW shooting and autofocus capabilities limit utility. The E-520’s slower frame rate aligns with its hybrid DSLR design prioritizing image quality rather than speed.

Exposure Controls and Metering Modes

Exposure precision dictates creative control under diverse lighting conditions.

• Olympus E-520: Features a broad exposure flexibility including manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and program modes. Metering supports multi-segment, spot, and center-weighted options. Exposure compensation is available with fine increments. Custom white balance and sensor-based image stabilization further augment exposure accuracy and image clarity.

• Sony HX5: Offers manual exposure mode conditions but lacks shutter and aperture priority. Metering includes multi-segment, spot, and center-weighted. Exposure compensation exists but with fewer controls and less granular adjustment.

Professional users or serious amateurs will value the Olympus’s full manual and semi-manual modes facilitating nuanced exposure decisions in challenging or creative lighting scenarios.

Image Stabilization Approaches

Reducing camera shake enhances handheld shooting versatility.

• Olympus E-520 provides sensor-based in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This system stabilizes all attached lenses regardless of optical stabilization presence, invaluable for telephoto, macro, and low-light handheld shooting.

• Sony HX5 employs optical image stabilization within the lens assembly to compensate for shake. Optical stabilization generally preserves image quality effectively but is limited to the reach of the fixed lens.

IBIS in the Olympus is advantageous for users with varied lenses and longer focal lengths, offering more stable captures in diverse conditions. The HX5’s optical stabilization is solid for its class and focal range but less adaptable overall.

Video Capabilities in Real-World Context

Modern imaging often requires flexible video functionality.

• Olympus E-520 does not support video recording, consistent with many DSLRs from its release period.
• Sony HX5 records Full HD 1920x1080 video at 60 fps using AVCHD codec, alongside lower resolution modes. It includes built-in GPS for geotagging and HDMI output for monitoring. No external microphone input or headphone output is present, limiting audio customization.

For casual video enthusiasts prioritizing integrated video capture with still shooting, the HX5 is considerably more capable. Professional videographers may find the lack of microphone ports a limiting factor.

Battery Endurance and Storage Solutions

Operational longevity influences shooting duration and convenience.

• Olympus E-520 employs proprietary battery packs rated for approximately 650 shots per charge under CIPA standards. Storage options include Compact Flash Type I/II and XD Picture Cards. While compact flash cards are reliable and performant, they are bulkier and more costly than SD variants.

• Sony HX5 utilizes the NP-BG1 battery pack, with manufacturer specifications not widely documented. Storage supports Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo and optionally SD/SDHC cards, facilitating more modern, versatile memory card compatibility.

The E-520’s better battery life is advantageous for extended sessions, whereas the HX5 benefits from mainstream card formats enhancing convenience and costs.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or rugged design features. Both lack dustproof, waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof capabilities. This factors heavily for outdoor photographers working in adverse environments who will require protective accessories or more specialized equipment.

Connectivity and Data Transfer Features

Both cameras lack wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or NFC, limiting instant sharing or tethered workflows.

• Olympus E-520 connects via USB 2.0 with modest transfer speeds.
• Sony HX5 also presents USB 2.0 and includes HDMI output, an important advantage for quick video playback and external monitoring.

Absence of wireless is a significant limitation for contemporary professional and enthusiast workflows relying on backend connectivity.

Practical Performance Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-520: Larger sensor and interchangeable lenses enable superior skin tone rendition and natural bokeh with prime optics. Face detection AF aids accuracy in live view. Manual focus options enhance creative control.
• Sony HX5: Fixed lens typically lacks wide apertures needed for smooth bokeh. Face detection not supported. Color rendition is good but lacks depth and nuance of larger sensors.

Overall, E-520 is preferable for portraits demanding quality and control.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus E-520: Four Thirds sensor offers better dynamic range and resolution for large prints. Weather sealing absent but sturdy build. Wide range of compatible wide-angle lenses.
• Sony HX5: Limited sensor area caps dynamic range and detail. Wide-angle of 25 mm equivalent is decent for landscapes. Lightweight and portable.

E-520’s advantages dominate critical image quality, but HX5’s portability favors casual travel landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus E-520: Slowish AF tracking and 4 fps burst limit fast action capture, but telephoto lenses and IBIS support usability.
• Sony HX5: 10x zoom provides telephoto reach, but contrast-detection AF and lack of tracking hinder fast subject acquisition.

Neither excels here, but Olympus’s lens ecosystem tips balance for dedicated wildlife shooters.

Sports Photography

• Olympus E-520: Similar limitations as wildlife. AF tracking insufficient and frame rates moderate.
• Sony HX5: Faster 10 fps burst but limited AF reduces success rate for fast-moving subjects.

Neither model is optimized, but HX5’s speed offers some advantage for casual sports shooting.

Street Photography

• Olympus E-520: Bulky and conspicuous, less ideal for candid discreetness.
• Sony HX5: Compact size, lightweight, and quiet operation well matched for street and travel use.

HX5 is clearly superior for unobtrusive street photography.

Macro Photography

• Olympus E-520: Offers precision manual focus and compatible macro lenses with excellent image stabilization.
• Sony HX5: Macro focusing down to 5 cm at best; limited working distance and zoom flexibility.

E-520 is markedly better for creative macro work.

Night/Astro Photography

• Olympus E-520: Larger sensor supports usable high ISO up to 1600, manual modes available, and stability via IBIS.
• Sony HX5: Small sensor with max ISO 3200 but heavy noise and limited manual exposure controls.

Olympus offers better control and quality in low light.

Video Capabilities

As earlier noted, HX5 significantly outperforms with Full HD 60 fps recording. E-520 lacks video altogether.

Travel Photography

• Olympus E-520: Versatile with lenses, but size and weight limit carry convenience.
• Sony HX5: Highly portable with good zoom, GPS tagging, and basic video versatility.

HX5 suits serious travelers prioritizing light travel over ultimate image quality.

Professional Workflows

• E-520 offers RAW capture, compatible with professional post-processing workflows and higher-quality outputs.
• HX5 is JPEG-only, limiting flexibility in editing and print production.

Summary Performance Ratings

An aggregate of tested and estimated scores by discipline and overall performance clarifies comparative strengths.

Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Concluding Technical Insights

The Olympus E-520 remains a competent entry-level DSLR platform, offering superior image quality, manual controls, and lens ecosystem versatility consistent with its Four Thirds heritage. Its sensor size and IBIS significantly enhance photographic flexibility where light quality, creative controls, and image fidelity matter.

Conversely, the Sony HX5 represents a different design ethos prioritizing travel-friendly size, integrated telephoto zoom, and video-capable compactness. Its smaller sensor constrains signal quality and dynamic range, but it provides attractive features for casual shooters valuing portability and multimedia functionality.

Prospective buyers should weigh operational preferences - manual exposure control, shooting scenarios, portability needs - against the differing hardware capabilities and image quality potential highlighted. Selecting between the Olympus E-520 and Sony HX5 necessitates understanding these trade-offs supported by nuanced practical experience and technical appreciation as provided here.

Olympus E 520 front Olympus E 520 screen back Sony HX5 front Sony HX5 screen back