Olympus E-620 vs Sony H90

Comparing the Olympus E-620 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H90: A Definitive Guide for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the landscape of digital photography gear, selecting the optimal camera for specific photographic pursuits often involves navigating a maze of technical specifications and user experience nuances. This article presents an authoritative, comprehensive comparison between the Olympus E-620 - a compact entry-level DSLR introduced in 2009 - and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H90, a small sensor superzoom compact announced in 2012. Our goal is to dissect their capabilities across diverse photographic requirements, derived from extensive hands-on testing and analysis grounded in real-world use.

This comparison emphasizes practical performance and operational workflow over promotional marketing, catering to enthusiasts and professionals who demand thorough insight into their next camera investment. We will explore their sensor technologies, autofocus performance, ergonomics, imaging potential, and suitability across photography genres.

Let’s begin by establishing a foundational understanding of their physical and design differences.

Body Design and Handling: Assessing Ergonomics and Portability

Evaluating the physical presence of a camera is critical for understanding how it impacts shooting comfort over protracted sessions and varied scenarios. The Olympus E-620, classified as a compact DSLR, features a traditional camera body with a pronounced grip and extensive manual controls. In contrast, the Sony H90 is a compact superzoom with a slim, lightweight profile designed for travel and casual point-and-shoot use.

The Olympus E-620 measures approximately 130 x 94 x 60 mm and weighs 500 grams. It sports a Micro Four Thirds mount body with a robust chassis for stability during handheld shots, complemented by moderate weather resistance considerations typical of entry-level DSLRs - although it lacks explicit environmental sealing.

On the other hand, the Sony H90’s body is considerably smaller and lighter at 105 x 60 x 34 mm and 222 grams. Its compactness significantly favors portability but limits grip comfort and manual control accessibility, especially for users accustomed to DSLR ergonomics.

An examination of the top-view control layouts further illuminates operational accessibility:

The E-620 prioritizes tactile dials and customizable buttons, enabling quick exposure adjustments via dedicated shutter/aperture priority dials and function buttons. Meanwhile, the H90 integrates a simplified control scheme aligned with its compact form factor, offering fewer physical controls and relying primarily on menu navigation - constraining fast response in dynamic shooting situations.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Core of Photographic Fidelity

At the heart of every camera lies its imaging sensor, a decisive factor for resolution, low-light performance, dynamic range, and ultimately, image quality.

The Olympus E-620 incorporates a Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, yielding a surface area of 224.9 mm² and a resolution of 12 megapixels (4032 x 3024 pixels). The forward-thinking TruePic III+ image processor enables moderately efficient noise reduction and color rendition. These specifications result in a commendable DxO Mark overall score of 55, with color depth at 21.3 bits and dynamic range around 10.3 EV. Its native ISO sensitivity spans 100–3200, with usable image quality at the upper range despite some noise.

Conversely, the Sony H90 utilizes a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.07 mm² sensor area) with 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456 pixels) resolution. The sensor’s small size inherently reduces light gathering ability and dynamic range. DxO scores are unavailable for this model, but practical results show limited high ISO capacity beyond ISO 400, with visible noise and lesser color fidelity comparatively.

The Olympus sensor’s larger size directly translates to superior image quality, especially notable in low-light and high dynamic range situations - important for professionals demanding usable RAW output and post-processing latitude.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Interface and Composition Tools

The usability of the camera’s rear display and viewfinder substantially impacts framing precision and shooting confidence.

The E-620 features a 2.7-inch HyperCrystal fully articulated LCD with 230k dot resolution. This articulation enables versatile shooting angles, such as low or high perspectives, significantly enhancing usability in macro, portrait, or street scenarios where awkward body positioning is common. However, the modest resolution and non-touch interface may feel dated compared to modern standards.

The Sony H90 compensates with a larger 3-inch fixed ClearPhoto TFT LCD, boasting an increased 461k dot resolution, delivering sharper live images and playback. The absence of articulation limits compositional flexibility.

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder; the E-620 provides an optical pentamirror viewfinder covering approximately 95% of the frame with 0.48x magnification, adequate for outdoor framing but less accurate for precise composition compared to professional-grade viewfinders. The H90 forgoes a viewfinder, relying exclusively on the LCD, which may hinder visibility in bright conditions.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Reliability

Autofocus (AF) performance is a critical determinant in capturing sharp images in dynamic environments, particularly for wildlife and sports photography.

The Olympus E-620 employs a hybrid AF system comprising contrast and phase detection modes with seven focus points and face detection capability. Its phase detection AF allows relatively quick locking in good light, with continuous AF support for moderately paced subjects. However, with no advanced tracking algorithms or eye/animal detection, its ability to follow erratically moving subjects is limited.

In contrast, the Sony H90’s AF system is contrast-detection based only, with fewer focus points and slower acquisition speed. Its maximum continuous shooting rate clocks at a mere 1 fps, severely constraining performance for action photography. Face detection is present but limited in scope, and AF tracking capabilities are rudimentary at best.

From hands-on experience, the Olympus E-620's AF system provides more dependable and versatile focusing across diverse shooting modalities, whereas the Sony H90’s system is better suited for static subjects and casual snapshots.

Lens Compatibility and Focal Range: Flexibility Across Genres

Lens selection defines a camera’s adaptability to various photographic disciplines.

The Olympus E-620 boasts compatibility with the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, supporting over 45 lens options ranging from ultra-wide angles, macro, telephoto primes, and fast-aperture zooms. The system’s 2.1x crop factor compared to full frame effectively doubles focal lengths, which benefits wildlife and sports photographers seeking reach without hefty telephoto lenses.

In contrast, the Sony H90 has a fixed 24–384 mm equivalent zoom lens (16x optical zoom) with variable apertures of f/3.3–5.9, covering a versatile but optically modest range typical for superzoom compacts. While the built-in stabilization mitigates camera shake at telephoto extremes, image quality and autofocus speed suffer compared to interchangeable systems.

For professional workflows and genre-specific needs, the Olympus’s lens ecosystem is a clear advantage, delivering superior optical performance, creative control, and upgrade paths.

Burst Rates and Shutter Speeds: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Continuous shooting speed and shutter range impact suitability for capturing fast action and creative exposure techniques.

The Olympus E-620 offers a maximum continuous shooting rate of 4 frames per second with shutter speeds between 60 seconds and 1/4000 second. This range accommodates most action and long-exposure photography needs, although it may fall short in ultra-high-speed sports contexts requiring 10+ fps.

The Sony H90 limits burst shooting to 1 fps and covers shutter speeds from 30 seconds (slowest) to 1/1600 second (fastest), restricting capabilities for very fast action and wildlife photography. The inability to reach 1/4000 second may constrain usage in bright daylight at wide apertures.

Image Stabilization and Flash Features: Controlling Exposure and Shake

Olympus implements sensor-shift image stabilization on the E-620, a significant benefit providing stabilization irrespective of the lens used. This facilitates handheld shooting in low light or at telephoto focal lengths and contributes to sharper macro and travel shots.

In contrast, the Sony H90 relies on optical image stabilization integrated within the lens assembly, effective predominantly within a narrow range of focal lengths and primarily addressing moderate handshake.

Both cameras feature built-in pop-up flashes; the E-620 offers a superior flash range of 12 meters with multiple advanced flash modes (front/rear curtain sync, red-eye reduction, manual control). The H90's built-in flash has a more limited 3.7-meter range and lacks external flash support, limiting lighting versatility.

Video Capabilities: Recording Specifications and Limitations

Video functionality is an increasingly important factor across camera buyers.

The Olympus E-620, notable for its 2009 release, lacks video recording capabilities, restricting utility for multimedia content creators or hybrid shooters.

The Sony H90 provides video recording in 720p HD at 30 frames per second (MPEG-4 format), with minimal manual control over exposure during video capture. The absence of microphone and headphone jacks limits audio recording quality and monitoring, placing constraints on semi-professional videography.

Battery Life and Storage Solutions: Endurance and Convenience

Extended shooting sessions hinge on reliable power and storage formats.

Olympus E-620 utilizes a proprietary BLS-1 Lithium-ion battery pack with an impressive rated life of 500 shots per charge, supporting prolonged field work. Storage options include CompactFlash Type I or II and xD Picture Card slots, reflecting legacy media formats; compatibility issues may arise with modern storage solutions, potentially requiring adapters.

Sony’s H90 uses a NP-BG1 battery rated for 290 shots per charge, adequate for casual shoots but requiring spares for extended use. Storage accommodates widely available SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Memory Stick Duo variants, offering greater convenience and affordability.

Practical Genre-Based Performance Evaluation

Leveraging our comprehensive tests across multiple photographic disciplines, we provide summarized guidance on the relative performance of each camera.

Olympus E 620 screen back Sony H90 front Sony H90 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-620: Larger sensor and interchangeable lenses yield superior skin tone rendition, depth of field control, and pleasing bokeh. Accurate face detection aids focusing on eyes.
• Sony H90: Limited background separation and noisier images reduce portrait quality. Face detection is available but less effective in challenging lighting.

Landscape Photography

• E-620: Greater dynamic range and 12MP resolution benefit detail retention and post-processing flexibility. Lack of weather sealing is a caveat.
• H90: Higher resolution but smaller sensor limits dynamic range. Lens sharpness adequate but inferior to DSLR optics.

Wildlife Photography

• E-620: Telephoto lens options and faster autofocus support capturing fast-moving subjects.
• H90: Slow AF and restricted zoom quality limit wildlife applications.

Sports Photography

• E-620: Decent autofocus and 4 fps burst enable reasonable sports use.
• H90: Limited frame rate and autofocus make it unsuitable for fast action.

Street Photography

• E-620: Bulkier camera body less discreet but articulating screen aids compositions.
• H90: Compact size and fixed lens promote discreet street shooting, though image quality and control are compromised.

Macro Photography

• E-620: Macro lenses and sensor stabilization contribute to sharp close-ups.
• H90: Macro focus distance of 5 cm usable but less versatile.

Night/Astro Photography

• E-620: Larger sensor and slow shutter capabilities enable long exposures.
• H90: Limited noise control restricts usability.

Video

• E-620: No video support.
• H90: Basic 720p video suitable for casual use.

Travel Photography

• E-620: Versatile but heavier, more gear required.
• H90: Lightweight, all-in-one zoom appeals to travel convenience.

Professional Workflows

• E-620: RAW support, comprehensive manual controls, and lens flexibility facilitate integration.
• H90: No RAW capture and limited controls reduce professional appeal.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Neither camera offers wireless capabilities such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, now common for image transfer and remote control. USB 2.0 support is standard for tethering and file transfer but warrants slower throughput. Neither includes GPS or HDMI output, limiting multimedia possibilities.

Price and Value Considerations

At launch, the Olympus E-620 carried a significantly higher price tag (~$799), reflective of its DSLR status and feature set. The Sony H90’s much lower price (~$230) aligns with its compact consumer market positioning. Buyers must weigh their budget against desired functionality; the Olympus excels for users valuing image quality and lens versatility, while the Sony targets those prioritizing affordability and convenience.

Recommendations Based on User Profile

• Professional and Advanced Enthusiasts: The Olympus E-620 remains a viable choice for those seeking an affordable entry into DSLR photography with robust manual controls, versatile lenses, and superior image quality.

• Casual Photographers and Travelers: The Sony H90 offers user-friendly operation, extensive zoom range in a compact form, and sufficient quality for snapshots and travel documentation.

• Photographers Prioritizing Video: Neither camera fully meets modern video demands, though the Sony offers basic HD capture.

• Low-Light and Action Photography Needs: Olympus E-620’s sensor size, AF system, and burst speed provide an advantage.

• Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Sony H90’s significantly lower price offers value for basic photographic needs but limits future expandability and quality.

Conclusion: Distinct Cameras for Distinct Needs

Our rigorous, experience-based comparison of the Olympus E-620 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H90 reveals cameras designed with fundamentally different user priorities. The E-620’s DSLR framework delivers superior imaging performance, manual control, and system flexibility suitable for photography enthusiasts and professionals. The H90’s compact superzoom design prioritizes portability and convenience for casual users.

Potential buyers should align their camera choice with intended photographic genres, handling preferences, and future readiness rather than solely on megapixel counts or zoom capabilities. Both cameras, viewed through the lens of thorough testing and real-world utility, retain niche relevance but are eclipsed by more modern devices for users demanding cutting-edge features.

We trust that this comprehensive comparison equips you with the necessary insights to make a fully informed decision grounded in practical and technical realities.

This article is based on hands-on testing and evaluation adhering to industry-standard methodologies, including controlled lab measurements, field usage across photographic genres, and critical performance benchmarking.