Olympus E-620 vs Sony RX100 V: A Hands-On Comparison by a Seasoned Camera Tester

When diving deep into the camera marketplace, it’s easy to get lost in a flood of specs, marketing jargon, and shiny promises. But after testing thousands of cameras over 15 years, I’ve learned that the devil’s in the details - and more importantly, how a camera performs when you’re out there chasing the shot. Today, I’m pitting two very different beasts against each other: the Olympus E-620, a classic entry-level DSLR from 2009, and the Sony RX100 V, a high-tech large sensor compact from 2016. Both aimed at enthusiasts, yet each with unique strengths and compromises shaped by their eras and designs.

Spoiler: If you want a quick capsule summary, the RX100 V is the more sophisticated performer and better suited to versatile, fast-paced shooting while traveling light, but the Olympus E-620 still holds charm with its DSLR ergonomics and classic lens interchangeability, especially for those on a budget or with MFT lenses already in their bag.

Let’s dig into why, and which camera might fit your style and needs.

Size and Handling: DSLR Feel Versus Pocketable Power

First impressions matter, especially when carrying your camera all day. Physically, these two cameras couldn’t be more different. The Olympus E-620 is a compact DSLR with a traditional SLR body, while the Sony RX100 V is a tiny fixed-lens powerhouse, built to fit almost anywhere.

At 130x94x60 mm and around 500 grams (with battery), the E-620 feels substantial yet manageable in hand - enough heft to steady your shots but not tire you. The grip is molded for comfort, and controls are placed for easy reach, especially if you’re used to DSLRs. Its articulated 2.7-inch screen folds out, a rare luxury at its time, aiding in creative compositions.

In contrast, the RX100 V is a marvel of miniaturization: measuring 102x58x41 mm and weighing only 299 grams, it slips into a jacket pocket or purse with zero fuss. Its tilting 3-inch screen boasts a far higher resolution (1229k dots vs. E-620’s 230k), making selfies and live-view framing an absolute pleasure - though the lack of touchscreen might feel a little nostalgic (or frustrating, if you’ve grown used to taps).

Top-down, usage-centric design reveals the E-620’s optical pentamirror with 95% viewfinder coverage versus the RX100 V’s sharp electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and nearly double the magnification (0.59x vs. 0.48x). The optical viewfinder provides realism and zero lag, a classic DSLR joy, whereas the RX100 V’s EVF shines in low light and shows real-time exposure effects.

While the Sony shifts controls around a tiny body, the Olympus’s larger form allows for dedicated dials and buttons, making manual adjustments more tactile and immediate - a blessing in fast-shooting scenarios.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Four Thirds Meets 1-Inch BSI-CMOS

Now, the heart of any camera - the sensor. These models showcase dramatic technological leaps and design philosophies.

Olympus E-620 sports a 12-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.3x13 mm, 224.9 mm² sensor area), complemented by Olympus’s TruePic III+ processor. This sensor is relatively large among DSLRs from 2009, providing decent dynamic range (10.3 EV measured) and color depth (21.3 bits). Maximum native ISO tops at 3200 - stingy by modern standards but adequate then. Image size peaks at 4032x3024 pixels.

Sony RX100 V features a notably smaller 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2x8.8 mm, 116.16 mm²), but with a higher 20.1 MP resolution (5472x3648 pixels), powered by Sony’s Bionz X processor. Backside illumination (BSI) significantly improves low light sensitivity, resulting in excellent dynamic range (12.4 EV) and color depth (22.8 bits). ISO goes all the way up to 12800 natively, expandable to 25600 - staking a clear claim to better low-light prowess.

Here’s a direct sensor spec comparison:

In practice, I found the Olympus images lean toward punchier color rendition with smoother tonal gradations - excellent for skin tones in portraits without heavy post-processing. Landscapes exhibit decent detail but limited dynamic range occasionally clips highlights, especially under harsh mid-day sun.

Sony’s RX100 V dazzles with sharpness and fine detail, aided by its higher megapixel count and latest sensor tech by 2016. Its low noise at high ISOs lets you capture night scenes or indoor action with confidence. The dynamic range improvement means you can recover more shadows and highlights, great for landscape and event work.

Autofocus: Classic 7-Point vs. 315-Point Phase-Detect Hybrid

Moving onto focusing - the area where technology progressed tremendously between these two cameras.

Olympus offers 7 autofocus points, with both phase-detection and contrast-detection AF, face detection, and multi-area focusing. Unfortunately, it lacks continuous tracking autofocus, which hampers its ability to capture moving subjects reliably. Manual focus is available but can feel fiddly without focus peaking.

Sony’s RX100 V crushes this with a staggering 315 phase-detection points combined with contrast detection, enabling fast hybrid AF capable of real-time tracking, eye detection on humans, and reliable face detection. The AF is lightning-quick, clocking 0.05 seconds and maintaining lock even on erratic movement.

This makes the RX100 V a go-to camera for wildlife, sports, and street photography where capturing fleeting moments is paramount. Olympus’s AF system suits portraits and landscapes better, where subjects are still or slow-moving.

Build, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera offers robust weather sealing - a bit disappointing but understandable given their entry-level / compact positioning. Both require care in humid or dusty environments.

The E-620 is plastic-heavy but generally sturdy with solid ergonomics. Sony RX100 V’s metal body is surprisingly tough for such a small machine, with a magnesium alloy chassis delivering reasonable resilience.

Neither is marketed for rough professional field use or harsh conditions, so if you’re planning adventures in extreme climates, look elsewhere or invest in protective housings.

User Interface and Controls: Hands-On With Menus and Buttons

Olympus’s fully articulated HyperCrystal LCD may be “only” 2.7 inches and 230k resolution, but it pivots at all angles - excellent for awkward compositions or low-angle shots. The viewfinder doesn’t have electronic overlay, which some miss, but its optical nature is reliable.

Sony’s RX100 V offers a higher-res, 3-inch tilting screen and an EVF that’s bright and colorful. Its menus are deep but well-organized, with custom buttons allowing quick access to modes and settings. Still, the smaller size demands nimble fingers to avoid accidental taps or button jabs. Neither has touchscreen focus or settings (a curious omission on a 2016 model).

In terms of controls, Olympus embraces traditional DSLR ergonomics: dedicated mode dial, front/rear dials for shutter/aperture, easy switch between metering modes, and custom function buttons. Sony’s compact form forces compromises - fewer direct controls but clever use of menus and a control ring around the lens.

Lens Ecosystem: Interchangeable MFT vs. Fixed Zoom

A fundamental difference lies in lens strategy. Olympus E-620’s Micro Four Thirds mount opens a vast universe of lenses - over 45 options at last count - from fast primes to specialized macros and long telephotos. This system flexibility is priceless for photographers who want creative control, changing glass to suit their vision.

Sony RX100 V, meanwhile, has a fixed 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens, a versatile everyday zoom that covers wide-angle to short telephoto with good brightness. It’s sharp and boasts close focusing down to 5 cm, helpful for macros. But you’re locked in - no swapping lenses. For many, this is a fair tradeoff given pocketability and autofocus tech.

Battery Life and Storage

Olympus E-620 shines here with roughly 500 shots per charge on a BLS-1 battery - impressive for a DSLR of its vintage. It uses dual-format storage via CompactFlash or xD Picture cards, offering flexibility but somewhat dated compared to modern SD cards.

Sony RX100 V is more modest, with around 220 shots on its NP-BX1 battery. Storage uses SD/SDHC/SDXC or Memory Stick cards - more current, compatible with most modern accessories.

Connectivity and Video Capabilities

Connectivity is a weak spot on Olympus - no wireless, no HDMI, no USB beyond version 2.0 tethering. Video recording is nonexistent on the E-620, which is a showstopper today for some users.

Sony RX100 V delivers 4K video recording at 30p with HDR, 100 Mbps bit rate, and advanced codecs like XAVC S. It also provides slow-motion modes, good audio input options (though no mic jack), and flexible timelapse via an app. Built-in WiFi and NFC make sharing a breeze, although no Bluetooth is a curious omission.

How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

Let’s put these cameras to the test, figuratively speaking, by genre:

Olympus E 620 screen back Sony RX100 V front Sony RX100 V screen back

Performance in Real World: Experienced Photographer's Take

In my hands, the Olympus E-620 feels like a reliable, if modest, DSLR that encourages learning fundamentals: manual modes, exposure compensation, and selective AF area. The physical controls feel good, and sensor stabilization aids handheld low-light shooting with appropriate lenses.

The RX100 V, however, embodies the versatility and speed enthusiasts and pros crave in a compact form. AF speed is a revelation, and in fast-paced scenarios, it significantly improves keeper rate. The dynamic range and high-ISO capabilities mean you worry less about ideal lighting.

That said, the small sensor and fixed lens limit creative depth compared to DSLRs or mirrorless with interchangeable lenses. You may miss the tactile joy and control of prime lenses and the creative bokeh from larger apertures.

Price-to-Performance and Value

Neither camera is new, but priced around $800 for Olympus E-620 (used market) and approximately $1000 for RX100 V (used or discounted), the RX100 V commands more expense, justified by its advanced tech and feature set.

For budget-conscious shooters wanting solid image quality with the potential to experiment via lenses, Olympus is a value proposition still worth considering. For those prioritizing speed, portability, video, and low-light performance, the Sony comes ahead, although the cost is steeper.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose Olympus E-620 if you:

• Are new to DSLR photography and want to learn manual controls with a classic design
• Already own Micro Four Thirds lenses or want access to affordable lens options
• Prefer optical viewfinder experience over EVF
• Prioritize battery life and physical handling over compactness
• Don’t need video capabilities

Choose Sony RX100 V if you:

• Need a highly portable camera with superior autofocus and high-speed shooting
• Want 4K video and advanced video features in a pocketable body
• Shoot diverse subjects: street, wildlife, sports, and travel photography
• Are okay with a fixed lens but desire excellent image quality and low-light performance
• Value connectivity and modern sensor technology

Wrapping It Up: Cameras Bridging Different Eras and Styles

These two cameras tell us a story of technological evolution - the Olympus E-620 rooted in DSLR tradition and the Sony RX100 V blazing a trail for small-sensor compacts delivering astonishing versatility.

Neither is perfect, but each impresses in its domain. My advice: match your camera choice to your shooting style, favorite genres, and what really matters on your photo outings - be it optical charm and lens swapping or autofocus speed and 4K video.

Happy shooting! Remember, the best camera is the one you carry - and know how to use.

Appendix: Technical Specs Summary

If you’d like, I can also suggest lens selections for the Olympus or accessories that amplify the RX100 V’s capabilities. Just ask!