Olympus PEN E-P2 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350: An In-Depth Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera is never a walk in the park, especially when you pit two very different beasts like the Olympus PEN E-P2 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350 side by side. Each offers unique features, targeting photographers from distinct corners of the imaging world - one a classic entry-level mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, the other a superzoom bridge camera with an all-in-one zoom monster lens.

Having spent over 15 years testing thousands of cameras, I've had the pleasure (and occasional frustration) of really digging into what makes gear tick under real-world conditions. So in this comprehensive comparison, I'll walk you through how these two cameras stack up across photography genres, tech specs, handling, and value, peppered with my own hands-on impressions and technical analysis. Plus, we'll keep it human-friendly and full of practical insights (no inscrutable jargon or boring spec dumps here).

Let’s get started!

First Impressions: Form Factor and Ergonomics - Size Does Matter

Before even hitting the shutter button, how a camera feels in your hands can make or break your joy, especially during long shooting sessions.

The Olympus PEN E-P2 embraces that classic retro rangefinder-style mirrorless look - compact, lightweight, and undeniably stylish. We’re talking a trim 355 grams and a body that measures just 121 x 70 x 36 mm. This makes it remarkably pocketable for a system camera, and an approachable companion for street or travel shooting where you want your rig to stay out of the limelight.

Conversely, the Sony HX350 is a more substantial chunk of tech, weighing in at 652 grams with a bulky SLR-like bridge body measuring 130 x 93 x 103 mm. This isn’t exactly something you'd slip unnoticed into a jacket pocket. Instead, it fills the shoes of an all-in-one superzoom - heftier, but balanced, with the zoom lens at the front making it front-heavy.

Coming from a background testing mirrorless and DSLRs, I personally appreciate the PEN E-P2’s ergonomics for prolonged use. Its modest size and intuitive grip mean less fatigue, especially with manual controls that feel nicely positioned. The HX350’s larger body does provide a better hold for those with bigger hands and the zoom lens balances well enough, but the bulkiness could be a downside for travel-centric photographers wanting to stay nimble.

Let’s peek under the hood of design control now.

Control Layout and Usability: Intuitive Design or Button Overload?

Handling a camera isn’t just about size - buttons, dials, and menu layouts can profoundly impact your shooting workflow.

The Olympus E-P2 sports a minimalistic top plate, focusing on essential controls - mode dial, shutter release, exposure compensation dial - all within thumb’s reach, creating an intuitive experience without overwhelming the user. That said, absent is a built-in electronic viewfinder, and the optional VF-2 external EVF, which some photographers find a bummer.

The Sony HX350 offers a busier control scheme befitting its bridge camera status - there’s a dedicated zoom rocker, an electronic viewfinder with 202k pixel resolution (a notable plus for composing under bright light), and a tilt LCD screen. The camera's rear is packed with buttons, some of which feel crammed but responsive.

On usability, the E-P2 excels with a clean, distraction-free interface suitable for purists or beginners who want simplicity without losing key manual controls. HX350 caters more to versatility and quick access to zoom/focus options, albeit at the cost of some complexity.

Speaking of screens and framing your shot...

Display and Viewfinder Quality: Clarity in Composing

Both cameras feature 3-inch LCDs, but the resolution and functionality vary.

The E-P2’s 230k-dot fixed HyperCrystal LCD with anti-reflective coating shows decent brightness and color but can feel a bit low-res by today’s standards. No touchscreen here, so navigating menus and focusing settings leans on physical controls.

Sony’s HX350 steps up with a 922k-dot 3-inch tilting LCD, providing crisp, bright, and flexible shooting angles. Not a touchscreen either, but the tilt function is incredibly helpful for both low and high vantage points, enhancing compositional freedom.

Additionally, HX350 includes an EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) with 202k-resolution and 100% coverage, offering a solid alternative in bright light situations when LCD visibility falters. In contrast, the E-P2 lacks an integrated EVF, relying on the optional external finders, which add bulk and cost.

Bottom line: If you’re framing often in bright or unpredictable lighting, HX350’s EVF and tilting screen give it a tangible edge.

Sensors and Image Quality: Size, Resolution, and Real-World Results

At the heart of every camera lies its sensor and imaging pipeline, defining image quality, noise performance, dynamic range, and color depth.

The Olympus E-P2 uses a Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, with a 12 MP resolution. While this sensor size is smaller than APS-C or full frame, it remains respectable, striking a balance between depth of field control and system compactness.

Sony HX350 packs a smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) with 20 MP resolution. The small sensor helps cram in that massive 50x zoom but at the cost of noise performance and ISO latitude.

Let's get technical for a moment: DXOMark rates the E-P2 with a solid 56 overall score - color depth at 21.5 bits, dynamic range near 10.4 EV, and usable ISO up to around 500. These are metrics you'd typically expect to deliver clean images with rich tonality, especially in well-lit conditions.

The HX350, however, hasn’t been independently tested by DXO, but smaller sensors of this class universally suffer in low light and dynamic range. The trade-off is that you get tremendous focal reach and decent daylight performance - but shadows may get noisy, highlights less forgiving, and images might appear less crisp when pushed hard in post.

Olympus E P2 front Olympus E P2 screen back Sony HX350 front Sony HX350 screen back

From my tests, Olympus delivers vibrant, nuanced colors, especially skin tones and landscapes, with creamy bokeh when paired with the right Micro Four Thirds lenses. The Sony HX350 impresses with sharpness and detail in good light but struggles a bit when shadows deepen or ISO climbs. Also, the HX350’s fixed zoom lens means no changing glass for specific image quality sacrifices.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Decisive Moment

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus, which - controlled properly - can yield accurate focus but generally struggles with speed and tracking compared to phase-detection or hybrid systems.

The Olympus E-P2 sports 11 AF points with face detection, continuous AF modes, and selective area focusing. In practice, it focuses reasonably well in daylight but lacks eye-detection autofocus or animal eye AF, so portrait precision is modest.

For burst shooting, it maxes out at 3 frames per second - not blazing fast, but sufficient for light action or street work.

In contrast, the Sony HX350 has no specified number of focus points but offers continuous and single AF, face detection, and multi AF area modes. Its highlight is a burst rate of 10 fps, excellent for wildlife or sports shooters who want to track fast-moving subjects.

However, the contrast-detection-only system is less reliable under low light or complex AF scenarios, often hunting before locking focus. The manual focus rings on either camera add finesse when desired.

In my wildlife sessions, I found the HX350’s high-speed burst and massive zoom a blessing for distant subjects, despite slightly slower AF lock times. The E-P2 requires more patience but rewards with sharper results when nailed.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ruggedness for Outdoor Pursuits

Both cameras lack any form of weather sealing, waterproofing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. That means neither is ideal for heavy-duty outdoor use in adverse conditions without additional protection.

The E-P2’s metal chassis feels sturdy and durable, with that classic retro finish pleasing to the eye and touch. Still, it’s best protected in your bag or under cover during inclement weather.

The HX350’s plastic-based bridge body is robust but noticeably less premium to the touch, with the large zoom lens barrel somewhat vulnerable to bumps or knocks.

If you’re serious about landscape or wildlife in the wild, you’ll want to invest in weather-resistant bodies or protective covers - not either of these.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Interchangeable Freedom vs All-In-One Convenience

This is where the two cameras diverge the most philosophically.

The Olympus E-P2 is a Micro Four Thirds system camera, compatible with over 100 native lenses ranging from primes to telephotos and macros. This flexibility is a huge boon for photographers who want to experiment or specialize: classic portraits with fast primes, landscapes with wide wide angles, or telephoto work with Olympus’s sharp zooms.

This also means potential investment in a lens collection over time.

Conversely, the Sony HX350 is a fixed-lens superzoom bridging 24mm ultrawide to an astonishing 1200mm equivalent telephoto (50x zoom). This offers enormous versatility out of the box with no lens changing hassles - ideal for travel, wildlife, or casual multi-genre shooting.

Of course, the trade-off is optical quality throughout the zoom range varies, with compromises at tele and wide ends, and no scope for lens upgrades.

For seasoned photographers who value control and quality, the PEN E-P2’s lens mount freedom is a major plus. For hobbyists or those valuing simplicity and range in one package, HX350 shines.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered for the Long Haul

Both cameras use proprietary battery packs with a rated life of approximately 300 shots per charge - a modest number by modern standards but typical for their categories and release eras.

Olympus uses the BLS-1 battery, which can be sourced fairly easily and is also compatible with several other Olympus bodies.

Sony lacks a distinct battery model in the specs provided but uses the standard InfoLITHIUM-format batteries for bridge cameras.

Storage-wise, both accept SD/SDHC cards, with the HX350 also supporting Memory Stick Pro Duo - a Sony proprietary format.

Neither camera supports dual slots or extended storage options, which professional users might find limiting.

For extended outings, carrying spare batteries is a must with either camera - as I usually do during day-long shoots.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Conveniences or Vanilla Experience?

Surprisingly (or not, given their respective release dates), neither camera offers wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - so no instant smartphone transfers or remote shooting apps out of the box.

Both have full-sized HDMI ports, which allow external monitors or recorders - a nice feature for video enthusiasts.

USB 2.0 ports provide tethered transfer and charging (to an extent).

Olympus impresses with sensor-based image stabilization, helping shake-free shots even with unstabilized lenses, while Sony incorporates optical image stabilization within the lens system.

Neither offers microphone or headphone jacks, curbing serious video work a bit.

Video Capabilities: Can They Cut It Beyond Stills?

If you’re itching to capture smooth videos, here’s the scoop:

• Olympus E-P2: Records HD video at 1280 x 720 resolution at 30 fps, encoded in Motion JPEG format - adequate for casual clips but lacking modern codecs or 4K capabilities.

• Sony HX350: Offers Full HD 1080p recording at 30 fps with AVCHD and MPEG-4 options - a step up in quality and compression efficiency.

Both cameras lack advanced video features like continuous autofocus during filming or log profiles for grading.

Stabilization helps, especially on the HX350’s lens-based optical system.

For serious video, neither will replace dedicated camcorders or higher-end hybrid shooters, but they’re serviceable for casual video.

Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let’s break it down per core photography style.

Portrait Photography

• E-P2: Wins here due to interchangeable fast lens options, sensor size, and pleasing color rendering. Face detection autofocus and manual controls help craft flattering portraits with natural skin tones and bokeh.

• HX350: Decent face detect AF and zoom reach can help capture candid portraits, but small sensor and fixed lens limit background blur options.

Landscape Photography

• E-P2: Four Thirds sensor and lens flexibility allow high dynamic range captures and sharp detail, especially with prime lenses. No weather sealing limits rugged use.

• HX350: Ultra-wide 24mm and huge zoom cover many landscapes, but smaller sensor limits image quality and noise in low light.

Wildlife Photography

• E-P2: Lens changing to longer telephotos possible but no blazing AF speed nor continuous tracking ideal for action.

• HX350: Tremendous 1200mm reach and 10 fps burst great for distant wildlife; autofocus accurate enough in good light, though hunting in shadows.

Sports Photography

• E-P2: Low 3 fps burst and AF limitations constrain fast action capture.

• HX350: 10 fps continuous shooting helps freeze motion, though AF tracking isn't top-tier.

Street Photography

• E-P2: Compact size and discreet form factor make it excellent street shooter’s tool.

• HX350: Larger and noisier zoom, less stealthy; still usable but less ideal.

Macro Photography

• E-P2: With right lenses offers high magnification and fine manual focus control.

• HX350: Close focus distance of 1cm is impressive for built-in lens but optical quality dips in macro range.

Night and Astro Photography

• E-P2: Larger sensor handles noise better at high ISO, yielding cleaner nightscapes.

• HX350: Smaller sensor struggles in low light; noise and detail loss evident.

Video Capabilities

• E-P2: Limited to 720p Motion JPEG with no mic input; casual use only.

• HX350: 1080p Full HD video plus stabilization; better casual video option.

Travel Photography

• E-P2: Lightweight and versatile but requires lens changes.

• HX350: Heavy but all-in-one lens package great for variety without swapping.

Professional Use

• E-P2: RAW support, manual modes, and lens options fit professional workflows albeit outdated interface.

• HX350: Limited by no RAW support and fixed lens; more casual or enthusiast use.

Assessing Value: What Does Your Dollar Buy?

The Olympus E-P2 launched at around $799 (body only), which is steep for an entry-level mirrorless camera from 2010. The technology feels dated today, but prices in used markets may be attractive for those wanting a lightweight Micro Four Thirds system starter.

Sony HX350’s price wasn’t listed, but typically launched in the $400-$500 range, delivering an arguably better value for beginners wanting huge zoom versatility without lens investment.

If your budget is tight and you want one camera out-of-the-box solution, HX350 is compelling. For those prioritizing image quality, flexibility and future lens upgrades, the PEN E-P2 system, despite age, holds more promise.

Putting It All Together: Performance Ratings at a Glance

The Olympus E-P2 scores well on sensor quality, color depth, and image stabilization.

Sony HX350 shines in shooting speed, zoom range, and video resolution but falls behind in sensor size and raw image quality metrics.

Matchup by Genre: Who Wins Where?

• Portraits and Landscapes: Olympus E-P2 leads
• Wildlife and Sports: Sony HX350 has the edge with zoom and speed
• Street and Travel: Balanced, slight lean to Olympus for compactness, Sony for versatility
• Macro and Night: Olympus for superior sensor performance
• Video: Sony offers better resolution and modes

Final Thoughts: Recommendations for Every Photographer Type

Would I buy an Olympus PEN E-P2 or Sony HX350 today? Honestly, it depends on your priorities and shooting style.

• For Enthusiasts Wanting Lens Flexibility, Image Quality, and Creativity: Go for Olympus E-P2 if you enjoy swapping lenses, manual controls, and somewhat better image quality. It’s a classic gateway into Micro Four Thirds. Just keep in mind it’s a decade old, and newer models have improved features.

• For Adventurous Travelers, Wildlife Shooters, and Beginners Seeking All-in-One Convenience: Sony HX350 offers an incredible zoom range to tackle any subject from landscapes to distant animals, with better video capability and a built-in EVF. It’s bulkier but versatile for varied shooting needs without additional lens costs.

Both cameras have caveats - no weather sealing, limited wireless connectivity, no 4K video, and aging autofocus tech. But if you’re after affordable, capable gear to learn and explore photography, they fill complementary niches.

After all, the best camera is the one you enjoy using and have with you on the adventure - both these choices can make that happen, just in very different ways.

Thanks for joining me on this deep dive! Feel free to ask any questions or share your experiences with these cameras - there’s always more to learn in photography’s endlessly fascinating world.