Olympus E-620 vs Sony HX9V

Olympus E-620 vs Sony HX9V: An Exhaustive Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Selecting a camera aligned with one’s photographic ambitions requires more than simply scanning spec sheets. It mandates a thorough understanding not only of hardware specifications but also how these translate into real-world usability, image quality, and workflow efficiency. Here, we dissect the Olympus E-620 DSLR and the Sony HX9V compact superzoom - two markedly distinct cameras released within a two-year window - through rigorous technical analysis and hands-on experience. Our goal is to guide photography enthusiasts and professionals in making an informed choice predicated on their unique shooting conditions and priorities.

Physical Dimensions and Handling: Size Versus Portability

The Olympus E-620 is a compact DSLR built on the Four Thirds platform, whereas the Sony HX9V represents a small-sensor, fixed-lens superzoom compact. Physical size and ergonomics have paramount importance in user experience, impacting grip stability, fatigue during extended shoots, and portability.

The Olympus E-620 measures 130 x 94 x 60 mm and weighs approximately 500g, reflecting its more substantial DSLR construction with a detachable lens system. The Sony HX9V is significantly smaller and lighter at 105 x 59 x 34 mm and 245g.

In practice, the E-620’s notably larger form factor yields a more secure grip and easier access to manual controls for photographers accustomed to DSLRs. Its weight, while not burdensome for seasoned users, may deter those valuing travel-friendly equipment. Conversely, the HX9V’s pocketable design excels in discreet street photography and travel, though it lacks the heft that some associate with balance and stability in handheld shooting.

Interface and Controls: Navigating Physical and On-Screen Layouts

Given these distinct form factors, interface design and control access diverge considerably.

The Olympus E-620 features a traditional DSLR control layout with dedicated buttons for ISO, exposure compensation, drive mode, and quick access dials. It incorporates a fully articulated 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD with a modest 230k-dot resolution, allowing versatile shooting angles albeit with limited screen clarity by modern standards.

The Sony HX9V opts for a 3-inch fixed XtraFine LCD with TruBlack technology and 921k-dot resolution, delivering a bright, high-contrast image ideal for compositional review in bright environments. However, it lacks an electronic or optical viewfinder, relying solely on the LCD.

Experienced Olympus users will appreciate the E-620’s optical pentamirror viewfinder offering approximately 95% coverage and a 0.48x magnification ratio, facilitating more precise framing and traditional optical viewing. The HX9V’s omission of a viewfinder is a significant departure from the DSLR paradigm, potentially hindering well-composed handheld shooting under direct sunlight.

The presence of physical control dials on the E-620 enables rapid exposure adjustments and mode changes, whereas the HX9V’s largely menu-driven interface can slow operation, especially for users requiring swift access during dynamic shooting.

Sensor Technology and Image Output: Size Matters

Sensor size has a foundational influence on image quality, noise performance, and depth-of-field control.

The Olympus E-620 uses a Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm (224.9 mm²) at 12 megapixels, featuring an anti-aliasing filter and TruePic III+ processor handling image rendering. The Sony HX9V houses a smaller 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor of 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²) delivering 16 megapixels, supported by BIONZ processing, and incorporates an anti-aliasing filter.

From extensive laboratory testing and field shooting, the larger Four Thirds sensor in the E-620 presents superior dynamic range (approximately 10.3 EV per DxO Mark) and color depth (21.3 bits). It also holds a distinct advantage in low-light sensitivity, translating to a practical ISO ceiling near 3200 with usable noise levels.

The HX9V’s smaller sensor inherently restricts light-gathering capability, resulting in higher noise at elevated ISOs. Its maximum ISO also caps at 3200 but image quality degradation becomes apparent beyond ISO 800 due to pixel-level noise amplification. Although more pixels might seem advantageous, at compact sensor scales this can exacerbate noise and reduce pixel-level SNR.

For portraitists and landscape photographers requiring nuanced tonal gradation, the Olympus sensor maintains an edge, producing cleaner shadows and smoother highlight transitions under challenging lighting.

Autofocus Performance: Precision versus Speed

Autofocus capabilities directly impact success across genres, from wildlife to sports, where accuracy and speed are essential.

The Olympus E-620 employs a 7-point autofocus system leveraging hybrid AF with phase and contrast detection available both in live view and through the optical viewfinder. It supports AF face detection which is helpful for portraiture but lacks animal eye detection. AF continuous tracking is supported to a basic degree but no advanced subject-tracking algorithms are present.

In contrast, the Sony HX9V simplifies to a 9-point contrast-detection system with no dedicated face or eye detection. It lacks continuous AF tracking but incorporates selectable AF areas within the frame.

Testing reveals that the E-620’s hybrid AF ensures more rapid and reliable focus acquisition, especially in moderately challenging lighting or moderate motion scenarios. Sony’s contrast-only system can hesitate in low-contrast or low-light environments. Continuous servo AF is not supported by the HX9V, which limits efficacy for fast or erratic subjects - critical in wildlife or sports.

Shooting Speeds and Burst Performance

For action-oriented photographers, frame rates and burst depth are vital.

The Olympus E-620 delivers a maximum continuous shooting rate of approximately 4 frames per second (fps), adequate for casual sports and wildlife capture but unlikely to satisfy professional requisites requiring 10+ fps.

Sony’s HX9V excels here, boasting a 10 fps burst mode, which is impressive for a compact superzoom. However, this speed is limited to JPEG and lower resolution bursts; buffer depth and processing speed limit extended continuous shooting efficacy.

The HX9V’s rapid burst capability suits casual wildlife or street photographers seeking decisive moment captures but lacks the precision AF tracking to match professional sports needs.

Lens Flexibility and Ecosystem

The Olympus E-620 leverages the Micro Four Thirds mount, one of the most extensive and versatile interchangeable lens systems currently available. With over 45 lenses officially supported including primes, zooms, macro, tilt-shift, and specialized optics, it offers photographers freedom to tailor optics to exact genre needs.

In contrast, the HX9V employs an integrated 24–384mm equivalent zoom with a variable maximum aperture of f/3.3–5.9. This range covers wide-angle landscapes to substantial telephoto reach, ideal for travel and versatile shooting scenarios. The trade-off is the inability to swap lenses when the fixed optics reach their limitations, such as low-light prime requirements or ultra-macro tasks.

Professionals or advanced amateurs will find the E-620’s lens ecosystem invaluable. Those desiring an all-in-one solution with minimal fuss might prefer the HX9V, fully mindful of the compromises.

Image Stabilization and Flash Capabilities

The Olympus offers sensor-shift image stabilization (IS) integrated at the body level, which benefits all attached lenses, critical for handheld shooting in dim light or with slower shutter speeds.

The Sony HX9V features optical stabilization through lens-shift, effective in countering typical handshake, especially at telephoto focal lengths.

Regarding flash systems, Olympus provides a built-in flash with numerous modes including slow sync, rear curtain, and fill-in, as well as compatibility with external flashes via hot shoe integration - enabling creative lighting control crucial for portrait and studio work.

The HX9V only has a built-in flash with limited modes and no external flash support, reducing flexibility for advanced lighting setups.

Video Capture: Limitations and Strengths

Video functionality is increasingly important. The Olympus E-620 does not offer video recording capabilities, reflecting its 2009 design focus on still photography.

Sony's HX9V supports Full HD 1080p video at 60fps, along with lower resolution modes, encoded in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. This provides capable consumer-grade video capture with smooth motion and decent compression.

Neither camera supports microphone or headphone jack inputs, limiting professional audio capture. The HX9V includes rudimentary video stabilization helping handheld footage smoothness.

Battery Life and Storage

The Olympus E-620 uses proprietary BLS-1 battery packs rated for approximately 500 shots per charge, a respectable endurance figure for DSLRs of its generation.

Sony’s HX9V uses the NP-BG1 battery, and while official figures are sparse, typical compact usage yields fewer shots per charge due to video capture and LCD reliance.

Storage-wise, the Olympus supports Compact Flash (Type I/II) and xD Picture Cards, while Sony is compatible with a broader range of media including SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick formats, providing greater flexibility in card choice.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Connectivity is minimal on the Olympus, limited to USB 2.0 without wireless capabilities.

Sony’s HX9V incorporates built-in GPS and Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer, which enhances workflow convenience for travel and social sharing, despite lacking Bluetooth or NFC.

Weather Sealing and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedization features such as dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing, designating them primarily for moderate environmental conditions.

Comprehensive Performance Ratings and Genre Suitability

Considering performance across various photographic disciplines:

• Portraiture: The E-620’s superior sensor and AF face detection enable more accurate skin tone rendition and subject separation. HX9V limitations in depth of field control and AF hinder portraits.

• Landscape: The E-620 offers higher resolution RAW output with greater dynamic range and lens interchangeability; the HX9V’s zoom versatility is attractive but limited sensor size reduces image quality.

• Wildlife & Sports: The Sony’s 10 fps burst enables moment capture, yet E-620’s superior AF speed and accuracy make it more reliable, albeit slower. Telephoto reach on Olympus depends on lens investments.

• Street Photography: HX9V’s portability and zoom range favor candid and travel scenes; E-620’s size is a penalty here.

• Macro: Olympus’ accessory lens system and stabilization provide finer focusing and higher magnification; the HX9V’s macro mode is more of a point-and-shoot convenience.

• Night/Astro: Olympus exhibits cleaner high ISO performance and longer exposure capabilities.

• Video: HX9V is the only option, offering HD capture albeit beginner-level features.

• Professional Use: E-620’s RAW support, lens options, and exposure controls better integrate into professional workflows.

Final Recommendations

• For Enthusiasts and Entry-Level DSLR Users: The Olympus E-620 represents a compelling option offering creative control, image quality, and system expandability. It remains relevant for those prioritizing stills and flexibility with a modest budget.

• For Travel and Casual Photographers: Sony HX9V’s compact size, extensive zoom, and video capabilities provide a versatile all-in-one solution best suited for those valuing convenience over ultimate image quality or professional features.

• For Specialized Disciplines: Portrait and landscape photographers will benefit from the Four Thirds system’s image quality. Wildlife and sports amateurs might appreciate HX9V’s burst rate but must compromise on focus reliability.

• Budget Considerations: The Olympus commands a higher entry cost with additional lens investments required. Sony’s lower price and integrated zoom lens may appeal to cost-conscious buyers or those desiring minimal kit.

Closing Thoughts

Our side-by-side analysis elucidates how technological decisions and design priorities manifest in vastly different user experiences. The Olympus E-620's Four Thirds sensor, interchangeable lenses, and DSLR ergonomics make it a pragmatic choice for those seeking serious photographic tools with nuanced control. The Sony HX9V’s compact, all-in-one architecture caters well to travel photographers seeking portability and video capabilities but entails concessions on sensor size, AF sophistication, and overall robustness.

Both cameras reflect their eras’ technical boundaries yet have enduring appeal within their niches. Prospective buyers should align their choice with shooting habits, genre specialization, and workflow needs to optimize satisfaction and output quality.

Images used:

Olympus E 620 screen back Sony HX9V front Sony HX9V screen back