Comparing the Olympus E-620 and Olympus Stylus SP-100: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Journey?

Choosing your next camera can feel overwhelming, especially with two seemingly different options like the Olympus E-620 DSLR and the Olympus Stylus SP-100 bridge camera sitting on the table. Both carry the Olympus badge of reliability and creativity but target quite different user needs and shooting styles.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into a side-by-side comparison of these two cameras, helping you understand their strengths, limitations, and the photographic contexts where each truly shines. We're drawing on extensive hands-on testing experience, technical analysis, and real-world observations to equip you with an informed perspective on which might be the better fit for your style and goals.

First Impressions and Handling: How Do They Feel in Your Hands?

Starting with physicality, the E-620 and SP-100 differ significantly. The E-620 is a compact DSLR with traditional SLR ergonomics but smaller dimensions compared to many DSLRs. The SP-100, meanwhile, adopts a bridge camera form factor - SLR-like but with a fixed lens and more bulk.

• Olympus E-620

  • Dimensions: 130 x 94 x 60 mm
  • Weight: 500 g (body only)
  • Grip: Deep and DSLR-style with thumb rest, comfortable for prolonged use
  • Buttons & Dials: Physical controls geared toward photographers who like tactile feedback

• Olympus Stylus SP-100

  • Dimensions: 122 x 91 x 133 mm
  • Weight: 594 g
  • Grip: Large front grip but bulkier and heavier due to superzoom lens
  • Buttons & Dials: Limited controls, no illuminated buttons, more menu reliance

The articulated 2.7-inch screen on the E-620 allows flexible shooting angles including selfies and low/high angles, whereas the SP-100’s 3-inch fixed LCD boasts higher resolution but no articulation. Both cameras provide optical or electronic viewfinders: The E-620 has a pentamirror optical viewfinder covering 95% of the frame, and the SP-100 features a 920k-dot electronic viewfinder. Each has its fans, but the superior viewing experience depends heavily on user preference and shooting conditions.

Design and User Interface: Who Controls the Frame?

From the top, the E-620 displays a classic DSLR layout with dedicated shutter speed and exposure compensation dials. This physical control set facilitates rapid adjustments in dynamic shooting. The SP-100, while offering manual exposure modes, leans more on layered menus and less tactile interface, which might slow down photogs seeking speedy changes.

• E-620 Controls

  • Shutter speed dial (max 1/4000 sec)
  • Exposure compensation dial and direct access to ISO and white balance
  • Physical live view button for LCD shooting

• SP-100 Controls

  • More minimalistic controls, no physical dials for shutter speed or ISO
  • Electronic shutter with max 1/1700 sec speed, somewhat limiting action freeze potential
  • On-screen menus for custom settings and exposure modes

Understanding your comfort with manual controls versus menu navigation is key in choosing. For photographers looking to learn and grow into manual exposure, the E-620 offers a more responsive environment.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

The sensor is arguably the most critical spec. Here, the two cameras take very different approaches.

What Does This Mean in Practice?

The E-620’s Four Thirds sensor is significantly larger, about eight times the area of the SP-100’s 1/2.3" sensor. Sensor size dramatically impacts image quality: larger sensors collect more light per pixel, delivering better low-light performance, dynamic range, and cleaner high-ISO images.

• E-620 Strengths: Better color depth (21.3 bits), wider dynamic range (10.3 EV), solid low-light capability (ISO tested to 536 on DxO), and raw file flexibility for post-processing. Ideal for users wanting control and image quality to print or crop extensively.

• SP-100 Strengths: Higher native resolution at 16MP on a smaller sensor gives a crop in pixels but lacks raw support, meaning less editing latitude. Smaller sensors often struggle with noise at higher ISO levels despite the boosted options.

So, if superior image quality and editing flexibility are priorities (for portraits, landscapes, professional work), the E-620 delivers over the SP-100. For casual shooters favoring convenience and megapixel counts, the SP-100 might satisfy initial expectations.

Autofocus: Precision Versus Zoom Versatility

Both cameras offer autofocus, but the systems reflect their different pedigrees.

• Olympus E-620

  • 7 AF points with contrast and phase detection
  • Face detection enabled
  • Focus modes: single, continuous, selective, tracking (no dedicated eye or animal AF)

• Olympus SP-100

  • Unknown number of points; contrast detection AF only
  • Face and tracking AF support
  • Focus modes include continuous, single, selective, center-weighted

The SP-100 compensates for autofocus limitations with a powerful 50× optical zoom (24-1200mm equivalent), enabling extreme telephoto shots unreachable with interchangeable lenses on the E-620 unless you invest significantly.

How Does This Play Out by Photography Type?

The E-620 will require proper lens selection to maximize autofocus for wildlife or sports, while the SP-100’s optical package simplifies reaching far subjects but may compromise focus precision and speed.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, a downside for rugged conditions, though the E-620’s compact DSLR body feels more robust thanks to its chassis design. The SP-100’s bulk and fixed lens add durability in handling but no specific dust or water resistance. Both rely on standard battery packs and single memory card slots, with the E-620 supporting CF and xD cards and the SP-100 using SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

Displays and Interfaces: How You Review and Adjust Shots

• E-620: 2.7-inch articulated LCD, 230k dots, HyperCrystal technology for good outdoor visibility; no touchscreen
• SP-100: 3-inch fixed LCD with 460k dots, TFT LCD tech, crisper but less flexible

The E-620’s flexible screen is a boon for shooting at awkward angles or self-portraits. The SP-100’s higher resolution screen provides sharper playback but can limit compositional freedom.

Video Capabilities: Basic Versus Robust

The SP-100 provides Full HD video (1920 x 1080 at 60 fps), a strong advantage over the E-620, which lacks any video recording functionality.

If video is an interest - especially UHD is not a deal-breaker and external microphones can be connected - the SP-100 is clearly your better option.

Battery Life and Storage

The E-620’s longer battery life supports extended shooting sessions in the field, a plus for event or landscape photographers.

Olympus E 620 screen back Olympus SP 100 front Olympus SP 100 screen back

Real-World Image Quality: Sample Shot Analysis

We tested both cameras side-by-side across various scenes:

• Portraits: E-620 produced superior skin tones, natural color gradations, and creamy bokeh with appropriate lenses. The SP-100’s bokeh was less pleasing due to sensor and aperture constraints.
• Landscapes: The E-620’s higher dynamic range captured richer shadows and highlights. Fine details held up better, especially evident when printing large.
• Wildlife: SP-100’s superzoom easily framed distant birds; however, image softness at full zoom was noticeable. E-620 needed a long telephoto, which adds weight.
• Night Shots: E-620 outperformed in noise control up to ISO 1600, where SP-100 images became noisy at 800 ISO and above.
• Macro: SP-100 could focus as close as 1cm with optical stabilization; E-620 macro performance tied to lens choice, but better resolution and focus precision overall.

Our insights confirm that sensor size and optical quality remain decisive.

Scoring the Cameras: Performance by Metric

The SP-100 gets points for zoom versatility and video but loses ground overall in image quality and ergonomics.

Which Camera Shines in Your Favorite Photography Genre?

Final Thoughts: Which Olympus Should You Buy?

Here is where your photography journey and priorities define the final choice:

Consider the Olympus E-620 if you:

• Prioritize image quality with a larger sensor and raw file flexibility
• Want traditional DSLR ergonomics and manual controls to hone skills
• Shoot in diverse conditions including low light, portraits, and landscapes
• Desire longer battery life and interchangeable lenses for creative expression
• Do not require video recording or can handle slower burst rates

The E-620 represents a versatile, beginner-friendly DSLR platform with room to grow.

Consider the Olympus Stylus SP-100 if you:

• Need an all-in-one superzoom for wildlife, travel, or casual shoot-and-go styles
• Value integrated optical stabilization and a solid electronic viewfinder
• Want to capture Full HD video along with stills
• Prefer less gear fuss without changing lenses or heavy backpacks
• Are comfortable working with JPEG output and smaller sensor limitations

The SP-100 excels as an enthusiast bridge camera offering an enormous zoom reach and video capabilities.

Getting the Most Out Of Your Choice

No matter which camera appeals to you, remember:

• Pair the E-620 with quality Four Thirds lenses to exploit sensor advantage and autofocus reliability; consider primes for portrait and macro for razor-sharp detail.
• For the SP-100, invest in a good circular polarizer and lens cleaning kit to maintain image clarity at extremes of the zoom range.
• Both cameras use USB 2.0 for image transfer; explore external card readers for faster workflow.
• The E-620’s articulated screen invites creative angles - use it to experiment with perspective.
• For video enthusiasts with the SP-100, an external microphone can elevate audio quality dramatically.

In conclusion, both the Olympus E-620 and Olympus Stylus SP-100 occupy valuable niches for photographers at different levels and preferences. The E-620 appeals to those craving DSLR-level control and image fidelity, while the SP-100 packages versatility and simplicity in a long-zoom bridge body.

Invest some hands-on time with both, whether in stores or through rentals, to appreciate their tactile and visual differences. Whichever camera you choose, keep pushing your creative boundaries - great imaging tools are only the start of a remarkable photographic adventure.

Happy shooting!