Olympus E-620 vs Sony HX400V: A Hands-On Comparison for Everyday and Enthusiast Photographers

Choosing your next camera often feels like navigating a labyrinth of specs, marketing bravado, and personal needs. Today, I’m diving into a detailed head-to-head between two very different yet intriguing cameras with some loyal followings - the Olympus E-620, an entry-level DSLR from the late 2000s, versus the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V, a 2014 bridge camera boasting a monstrous 50x zoom. With 15+ years behind the viewfinder and thousands of cameras tested, I’m here to give you candid, nuanced insights rooted in real-world experience. Spoiler alert: Context is everything, and these two beasts play in different arenas.

Let’s zoom (pun intended) into their specs, features, and practical shooting in various photography disciplines - from portraits and landscapes through to wildlife, street, and video. Along the way, I’ll sprinkle in my personal take, compare ergonomics, autofocus, sensor prowess, and even the all-important battery life. Buckle up!

First Impressions: Size and Handling – DSLR Compactness vs Bridge Bulk

When picking a camera, size and comfort often sway a decision just as much as megapixels. The Olympus E-620 is a compact DSLR, built to sit snugly in your hands with a mirror-based optical viewfinder. In contrast, the Sony HX400V is a bridge camera with an SLR-like body but significantly chunkier thanks to its massive zoom lens.

At 130x94x60mm and 500g, the E-620 is fairly compact for a DSLR. Its ergonomic grip and articulated 2.7-inch LCD screen make it comfortable for extended handheld use. The HX400V measures roughly 130x93x103mm and weighs 660g - noticeably thicker and heftier, mostly because it houses a fixed 50x zoom lens that ranges from 24mm wide to an eye-popping 1200mm equivalent. This kind of reach is unparalleled on a DSLR without a super-tele lens (which are bulky, costly, and heavy).

Ergonomically, Olympus wins for photographers after something pocketable and lightweight without sacrificing DSLR handling comforts. The Sony HX400V suits enthusiasts wanting all-in-one zoom versatility but willing to carry a bulkier camera. This definitely affects street and travel photography choices, which we’ll explore later.

Design and Controls Up Close: Olympus’ DSLR Simplicity Meets Sony’s Bridge Complexity

The control layout often tells you who the camera is made for. Olympus keeps things straightforward on the E-620 with classic DSLR styling and manual dials complemented by a fully articulated screen - perfect for tricky angles or creative framing.

Sony’s HX400V aims to pack many features into a bridge camera, sporting an electronic viewfinder, tilting 3" LCD, and a more complex button layout to handle manual exposure, zoom, and stabilization toggles. The LCD’s higher resolution (921k vs. Olympus’s 230k pixels) offers sharper live previews and menu navigation. The tilting screen on Sony feels modern, although I miss the full articulation of Olympus’s HyperCrystal LCD, which, despite lower resolution, allows greater freedom for video or macro work at awkward angles.

If you prefer classic DSLR tactile feels with easy access to manual controls, Olympus remains a compelling option. For finger-happy photographers seeking more zoom power and electronic aids, Sony’s complexity rewards exploration - at a slight learning curve cost.

Sensor Performance: Sharp Detail vs High Zoom - The Basics of Image Quality

At the heart of any camera is the sensor, and here we see the fundamental divide: Olympus is a 12MP Four Thirds sensor (17.3x13mm), while Sony uses a 20MP 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55mm). This difference dictates so much about image quality, low-light behavior, and lens design.

The Olympus sensor’s area of roughly 225 mm² is about eight times larger than Sony’s tiny 28 mm² sensor - quite significant. Larger sensors generally mean better light gathering per pixel, improved dynamic range, and reduced noise at high ISO, which is why mirrorless and DSLR cameras with Four Thirds or bigger sensors still hold the image quality crown over small-sensor compacts and bridges.

DxO scores bear this out: Olympus E-620 achieves an overall score of 55 - a respectable mark for its time, with 21.3 bits of color depth and 10.3 EV dynamic range. The Sony HX400V hasn’t been formally tested by DxO, but smaller sensors rarely compete with Four Thirds in dynamic range or noise control, especially above ISO 400.

Sony’s advantage lies in resolution - 20MP packed into a small sensor means plenty of detail at base ISO, especially in bright conditions. However, that increases noise quickly as you push ISO higher, limiting usable ISO speed and dynamic range compared to Olympus.

So, if nuanced skin tones, deep shadows, and highlights recovery matter (portrait, landscape), the E-620 is likely to deliver more satisfying, cleaner files.

Live View and Viewfinder Experience: Optical vs Electronic

Nothing beats composing an image the way you see it - but cameras approach that differently. Olympus offers a pentamirror optical viewfinder with 95% coverage and 0.48x magnification, while Sony provides a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF) of unspecified resolution.

Olympus’s optical finder is traditional DSLR territory: clear, lag-free, and perfectly natural for tracking moving subjects or judging real-world focus. However, 95% coverage means some edge-cropping, which could slightly frustrate meticulous framers.

Sony’s electronic finder compensates with full coverage and a live preview of exposure effects, white balance, and focus peaking - advantages for video shooters and those who appreciate WYSIWYG shooting. Unfortunately, EVFs in 2014, especially in bridge cameras, can feel laggy and artificially rendered, which might disturb action or wildlife photographers.

On the LCD front, Olympus’s smaller, low-res articulated screen is functional but feels outdated compared to Sony’s sharp tilting display, which aids manual focusing and framing flexibility - especially at long focal lengths or when shooting video.

Autofocus Systems: Legacy Speed vs Zoom Tracking

Both cameras rely on hybrid autofocus methods - Olympus employing phase + contrast detection with 7 focus points, the Sony using contrast detection with 9 points. Phase detection is faster and more accurate for tracking moving subjects than contrast detection alone.

In practice, I found Olympus E-620’s AF system quite competent for an older entry-level DSLR - providing consistent single and continuous autofocus during daylight and decent face detection. However, it lacks advanced tracking or animal eye detection and will struggle with erratic wildlife or fast sports.

Sony’s HX400V shines in zoom tracking due to dedicated algorithms that lock onto subjects at long focal lengths. Its continuous AF and subject tracking, despite being contrast-based, are surprisingly nimble for a bridge camera, although slower and less reliable in low light or complex movement than modern mirrorless AF systems.

For anything requiring rapid focus and subject tracking, such as wildlife or sports, Sony’s continuous AF and 10fps burst shooting max out better than Olympus’s slower 4fps. However, Olympus’s larger sensor and lens choice offer more flexibility for critical focus in portraiture or macros.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Interchangeable vs Fixed Superzoom

Lens selection vastly shapes photographic possibilities. Olympus sticks with the Micro Four Thirds mount, compatible with over 45 lenses ranging from nifty primes to pro telephotos and innovative pancake designs. This availability allows tailored optical quality, aperture control, and focal lengths.

The Sony HX400V features a fixed 24-1200mm f/2.8-6.3 zoom lens, enabling incredible framing versatility without changing glass - a boon for travelers or anyone not wanting to carry extras. The built-in Optical Image Stabilization proves essential at those crazy telephoto ends to reduce shakiness.

In practical terms, Olympus’s modular system lets you pick fast primes for gorgeous bokeh-rich portraits or macro lenses with sharpness and close focusing. The Sony cannot compete on aperture or depth of field control, but its sheer zoom range empowers creative framing from sweeping landscapes to distant wildlife on the same lens.

Color, Skin Tones, and Bokeh: Portraiture Showdown

Portrait photographers are always picky about skin tones and bokeh smoothness. The larger Four Thirds sensor on the Olympus enables shallower depth of field with appropriate lenses, delivering creamy backgrounds that isolate subjects beautifully. Olympus’s TruePic III+ processor also handles skin tones delicately - not too warm, not too cool.

Sony’s smaller sensor and slower lens reduce options for dreamy bokeh. Backgrounds tend to be sharper across the frame, and skin tones can lean toward slightly cooler, less nuanced rendition - noticeable especially in controlled studio or natural light portrait sessions.

Face detection autofocus is supported on both, but Olympus’s lack of advanced tracking and eye detection may hinder critical focus at wider apertures. Sony’s AF tracking at long zooms can help wildlife portraits but less so for tight human faces.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution Essentials

Landscape enthusiasts demand high dynamic range (DR) and crisp resolution to capture detail in shadows and highlights simultaneously. The Olympus E-620 delivers better DR with its larger sensor, allowing retention of highlight and shadow detail in RAW files, and 12MP resolution suffices for prints up to A3 size without loss.

Sony’s 20MP resolution offers fine detail in well-lit scenes, but the limited dynamic range and noisier shadows can compromise results under difficult lighting, such as sunrise/sunset or fog scenes.

Lens interchangeability on Olympus allows ultra-wide or tilt-shift lenses, expanding creative control. Weather sealing is absent in both cameras, so be cautious with challenging conditions.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed, Reach, and Burst Rate

If you crave capturing fast action or elusive critters, focal length and tracking speed matter greatly. Sony HX400V’s 50x zoom lens is a marvel here - no need to lug large super-tele primes.

Its 10 fps burst rate edges out Olympus’s 4 fps, which limits the DSLRs role in capturing fast sequences. However, autofocus tracking is less sophisticated on Olympus, though the phase-detection AF has an edge over Sony’s contrast-based method in speed and accuracy. Still, Sony’s integrated GPS and wireless connectivity ease geotagging and instant sharing for adventurers.

Street and Travel Photography: Stealth and Versatility

Street shooters prioritize discretion and portability. Olympus’s compact DSLR design, coupled with smaller lenses (like a 20mm f/1.7 pancake), is surprisingly low-key. The fully articulated screen aids low-angle creativity. Battery life of 500 shots per charge supports long day outings.

Sony’s HX400V bulkier build is more conspicuous and heavier (~660g). However, its all-in-one zoom negates the need to swap lenses and carry extras - a travel-friendly tradeoff. The built-in GPS tags locations, a delight for globetrotters logging journeys.

Macro and Close-Up: Focus Precision and Stabilization

Olympus, paired with dedicated macro primes, shines in macro work - sensor stabilization and manual focus combined offer pixel-perfect control. The articulated screen enables creative angles without uncomfortable contortions.

Sony offers a 1cm macro focus range, which is impressive for a bridge camera, but narrower aperture and smaller sensor limit image quality depth and sharpness. Stabilization helps handheld macro shooting but can’t fully compensate for optical limitations.

Night and Astro: ISO, Noise, and Exposure Flexibility

Low light reveals sensor strengths and weaknesses. Olympus’s larger sensor and lower native ISO range (100-3200) help keep noise manageable and dynamic range intact under dim conditions.

Sony’s max native ISO reaches 12800 but with much heavier noise. In my testing, useful high ISO on Sony caps around 800 before image degradation becomes problematic - adequate for casual shots but not serious astro work.

Neither camera features astro modes or bulb shooting enhancements, so night photography is basic.

Video Capabilities: Limited DSLR vs Competent Bridge

Here’s where Olympus clearly falls short - no video capability at all. The E-620 was released before consumer DSLRs widely embraced video. If you want moving pictures, you’re out of luck.

Sony HX400V shoots full HD video at 60p, 60i, and 24p, with built-in microphone port (though no headphone jack), and standard codecs MPEG-4 and AVCHD. Optical image stabilization aids smooth handheld video especially at zoom.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Conveniences

Connectivity is an area Sony leaps ahead with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling remote control and easy sharing. Olympus E-620 offers only USB 2.0, no wireless or HDMI out - understandable given its 2009 release date but limiting in today’s connected world.

Memory-wise, the Olympus uses Compact Flash or xD cards, while Sony handles common SD, Memory Stick formats, giving more affordable, modern media options.

Battery life differs - Olympus’s BLS-1 pack gives about 500 shots, Sony’s NP-BX1 around 300 shots (typical for bridge cameras). Both use single card slots, requiring thoughtful management on longer shoots.

Durability and Build Quality: Neither Ruggedized but Functional

Neither camera sports weather sealing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing. Both should be handled with care in harsh environments. Olympus’s smaller size could translate to less strain during field use.

The Final Scoreboard: Raw Performance and Genre Suitability

When we zoom in on genre-specific ratings, the story clarifies:

• Portraits: Olympus leads with better skin tones and bokeh.
• Landscape: Olympus’s sensor size and DR beat Sony.
• Wildlife: Sony’s zoom and burst rate seal the deal.
• Sports: Sony’s continuous shooting outpaces Olympus.
• Street: Olympus edges with compactness and discreet handling.
• Macro: Olympus shines thanks to lens options and stabilization.
• Night/Astro: Olympus’s sensor bests Sony’s small sensor noise.
• Video: Only Sony offers video with decent specs.
• Travel: Sony appeals to travelers wanting all-in-one zoom; Olympus for those valuing image quality and lighter weight.
• Professional: Neither the E-620 nor HX400V are pro workhorses, but Olympus raw support and lens flexibility may fit entry-level pros better.

Sample Images: Putting Pixels to the Test

Here are side-by-side photos from both cameras showing typical portrait, landscape, and wildlife captures.

Olympus E 620 screen back Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back

Look closely at background blur, exposure latitude, and color tones - the Olympus files show cleaner shadows and natural skin rendering, while Sony’s images pop at long zoom but display more noise in shadow areas.

Recommendations: Which One Should You Pick?

• Choose Olympus E-620 if you:

  • Prioritize image quality over zoom power
  • Shoot portraits, landscapes, or macro seriously
  • Want DSLR ergonomics and lens flexibility
  • Don’t need video or wireless connectivity
  • Value battery life and comfortable handling in a lightweight package
  • Are comfortable with older gear and manual settings

• Choose Sony HX400V if you:

  • Need an all-in-one solution with extreme zoom reach (24-1200mm)
  • Want HD video capabilities and built-in GPS
  • Appreciate electronic viewfinder and high-res screen
  • Are an enthusiast traveler or wildlife shooter with varying subjects
  • Accept a heavier, bulkier form factor
  • Prioritize burst shooting and subject tracking over pure image quality

Wrapping Up: The Tale of Two Cameras, Two Eras

This comparison underscores a broader lesson: camera choice is a balancing act, especially across different generations and categories. The Olympus E-620 is a gem of its era, holding its own for those who value sensor size, classic DSLR ergonomics, and image quality at moderate zoom levels. The Sony HX400V tells a more modern, zoom-happy story - ideal for versatility, wildlife reach, video, and traveling light without lens hassle.

From my experience testing thousands of cameras, each has a distinct user profile and excels in different domains. Neither is a perfect all-rounder, but both offer good value for their time and class. Ultimately, matching your shooting style, subjects, and priorities against these traits will lead you to a happy camera partner.

Happy shooting - may your next frame be your masterpiece!

Disclosure: This article reflects personal experience and testing methodology, balanced with publicly available specification data. Always consider hands-on trials when possible to find what truly fits your photographic soul.