Olympus E-P3 vs Sony A58: An Experienced Photographer’s Take on Choosing Your Next Camera

When you’re a photography enthusiast or a working pro looking to add a reliable camera to your gear bag - or maybe replace an aging body - choosing between cameras that straddle different design philosophies and generations can be tricky. Today, I’m diving deep into a comparison between two entry-level offerings from the 2010s: the Olympus PEN E-P3, a mirrorless rangefinder-style that debuted in 2011, and the Sony SLT-A58, a 2013 compact DSLR with Sony’s SLT technology.

Both cameras target enthusiasts stepping up from point-and-shoots or older DSLRs, but they differ significantly in sensor size, design, and features. I’ve had hands-on time with both over the years and run them through real-world shooting challenges spanning portraits to landscapes to video. Let’s break this down in detail - with no boring specs dump, just practical insights that will help you decide which one fits your shooting style and budget best.

The Physical Feel: Size, Build, and Handling

Physically, these two cameras couldn’t be more different in approach. The Olympus E-P3 embraces the classic rangefinder look and compact mirrorless design, whereas the Sony A58 sits squarely in the DSLR camp with a more traditional form factor and heft.

The Olympus E-P3 measures only 122 x 69 x 34 mm and weighs around 370g - lightweight and pocket-friendly, making it a breeze for travel and street shooting. Its rangefinder-style body lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder but offers a clean, minimalist control layout. The Sony A58 is a chunkier piece at 129 x 95 x 78 mm and about 492g, pronounced handgrip included. It opts for a more robust DSLR feel, with clubs for your thumb and fingers, plus a built-in EVF that mimics an optical viewfinder experience.

While the Olympus’s slimness is appealing for portability, it comes with some ergonomic sacrifices. Buttons are a bit smaller and less intuitively placed. Professional shooters or those with larger hands may find it fiddly during prolonged shoots. Sony, on the other hand, provides a more substantial grip and better reach to dials and buttons - important for sports or wildlife shooters needing quick adjustments.

In terms of build quality, neither model sports weather sealing or pro-grade ruggedness, so if you often shoot in harsh conditions, beware. For lightweight portability and casual use, Olympus has the edge; for comfort during longer sessions and better control ergonomics, Sony wins out here.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor size and quality lie at the root of image potential, affecting everything from resolution and dynamic range to low-light performance and depth of field control.

The Olympus E-P3 features a Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor (17.3 x 13 mm) with a 12MP resolution. The Sony A58 sports a larger APS-C-sized CMOS sensor (23.2 x 15.4 mm) at 20MP resolution. This size difference is significant. APS-C sensors typically deliver better image quality, especially in low light, with better dynamic range and color fidelity - confirmed by DXOmark scores where the Sony scored 74 overall versus Olympus’s 51.

In practical terms, this means the Sony A58 has an edge in producing cleaner images with less noise at higher ISOs. If you often shoot in dim environments or need fine detail from landscapes or portraits, Sony’s sensor gives you a visible leg-up. The Olympus can still deliver excellent images under good lighting but runs out of steam more quickly as ISO climbs.

Both cameras have an anti-aliasing filter which slightly softens images but reduces moiré. The Sony’s 20MP sensor also grants the possibility of moderate cropping without sacrificing quality - a bonus for wildlife or sports shooters on a budget.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking the Moment

Autofocus systems can make or break your experience, especially for action, sports, or wildlife photography.

• Olympus E-P3: Contrast-detection AF with 35 focus points, face detection, and touch-to-focus on the OLED display.
• Sony A58: Hybrid phase-detection/contrast-detection AF with 15 focus points (3 cross-type), full-time phase detection comes via Sony’s translucent mirror system.

It doesn’t take much experience to realize that contrast-detection AF (Olympus) is generally slower and less reliable than phase detection (Sony), especially when tracking moving subjects. The Sony A58 boasts 8 fps continuous shooting, which is respectable on an entry-level DSLR body, compared to the Olympus’s 3 fps, more limiting for fast sequences.

In real-world wildlife or sports scenarios, the Sony’s AF system nails focus locks quicker and maintains them better across moving subjects. Olympus’s face detection works well for portraits and casual shooting but can struggle with anything fast-paced.

For landscapes or slower-paced genres, Olympus’s AF is adequate. The touch AF on its 3" OLED screen makes focusing quick in live view, catering to those who love manual touchpoints over complex controls.

Screen, Viewfinder, and Interface

The ways you compose your shots differ vastly between the two.

Olympus gives you a fixed 3-inch OLED touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio and 614k resolution. The touch functionality is a nice bonus rare in cameras of this vintage, easing live view focusing and menu navigation. The OLED technology ensures vivid colors and good contrast, making framing and reviewing images a pleasure.

Sony A58’s 2.7-inch tilting LCD screen is not a touchscreen but has decent resolution (460k). It can tilt for low or high-angle shooting but feels less sharp and less vibrant than Olympus’s screen.

Regarding viewfinders, Olympus lacks an integrated EVF; instead, there is an optional external electronic viewfinder. This can be a downside for those uncomfortable with composing only from the rear screen, especially in bright sunlight.

Sony provides a built-in EVF with 1,440k dots resolution and 100% coverage, giving DSLR shooters that eye-to-scene experience even in bright conditions. The tradeoff is a slightly bulkier body and additional power draw.

For users who rely on eye-level composition and tracking action through the finder, Sony holds a clear advantage.

Lens Ecosystems and Compatibility

No camera is an island - your choice heavily depends on which lenses you can mount, affecting flexibility and cost.

• Olympus PEN E-P3: Uses the Micro Four Thirds mount with over 100 native lenses available from Olympus and Panasonic, plus many third-party options. The smaller sensor and crop factor (2.1x) mean lenses are compact and affordable, though depth of field control is more limited than larger sensors.

• Sony A58: Sports the Sony A-mount (Sony/Minolta Alpha) with roughly 143 lenses, including many legacy Minolta lenses now discontinued or aftermarket options. The APS-C crop factor (1.6x) strikes a nice balance, and some lenses can be expensive but offer superb optical quality and aperture sizes.

For street and travel shooters prioritizing small, lightweight setups, the Olympus MFT system is a winner. However, for portrait and sports photographers needing longer focal lengths and faster glass, Sony’s A-mount line has better telephoto options.

One caveat: Sony discontinued A-mount cameras a while ago, so new lens development ceased, while Micro Four Thirds keeps evolving. This impacts long-term system viability.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery stamina matters for on-the-go photographers who hate changing batteries mid-shoot.

• Olympus E-P3: Rated for about 330 shots per charge using its BLS-5 battery.
• Sony A58: Nearly 690 shots per charge with its NP-FM500H battery.

Sony more than doubles Olympus’s battery life, thanks to more efficient power management and its DSLR design. For day trips or travel, this improvement cuts down the number of spare batteries needed.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but Sony A58 adds compatibility with Memory Stick Pro Duo, offering extra storage flexibility. Each has a single card slot.

Video Capabilities: How Do They Stack Up?

Videographers (or hybrid shooters) will appreciate some differences.

Olympus E-P3 offers:

• Full HD 1080p at up to 60fps (AVCHD and Motion JPEG formats).
• Simple controls, but no mic or headphone jacks.
• No 4K or advanced video features due to its age.

Sony A58 shoots:

• 1080p at 60fps too, with AVC/H.264 and AVCHD options.
• Has a microphone input jack, allowing better audio recording.
• Lacks headphone out, limiting audio monitoring.

Neither supports 4K or video stabilization internally, but both deliver usable HD video for casual or semi-serious video shooting. Sony’s mic input will appeal to vloggers or wedding shooters who want improved sound.

Specialty Photography: How Do They Handle the Genre Mix?

Let’s tackle specific use cases and see which camera fits better.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus: The smaller sensor means less depth of field control, but Olympus’s image stabilization helps keep handheld shots sharp. Its OLED screen and touch AF aid in focusing precisely on eyes and faces. However, limited resolution (12MP) may reduce cropping latitude.
• Sony: Higher resolution APS-C sensor captures more detail, richer color depth, and better dynamic range, benefiting skin tone rendition. The phase-detection AF with face tracking excels at locking onto eyes, superb for portraits.

Verdict: Sony’s A58 is stronger for crisp detail and bokeh, but Olympus works well for casual portrait shooters on a budget or those prioritizing portability.

Landscape Photography

• Sony: Larger sensor and higher resolution deliver excellent dynamic range and fine detail, essential for landscapes. The robust EVF assists in framing and exposure checks. Continuous AF helps if you’re working handheld.
• Olympus: More compact and easier to carry, great for hikers and casual landscape shooters, but limited resolution and dynamic range restrict ultimate image quality. No weather sealing is a drawback outdoors.

Verdict: Sony wins if pixel peeping and latitude matter most. Olympus suits those who prize compactness.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• Sony: Faster burst rates (8 fps), phase-detection autofocus, and bigger selection of telephoto lenses make it the logical choice. Tracking moving animals or athletes is smoother.
• Olympus: Slower burst and contrast AF impede action capture. Smaller sensor reduces image quality when cropping telephoto shots.

Verdict: Sony handily takes this category.

Street Photography

• Olympus: Its small size, discreet design, and quiet operation make it perfect for street photographers wanting to stay unobtrusive.
• Sony: Larger body and noise from the SLT mirror may draw unwanted attention.

Verdict: Olympus for stealth and portability.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras lack specialized features like focus stacking or very close macro focusing, making lens choice paramount.
• Olympus’s lens ecosystem offers many macro options with optical stabilization, aiding handheld shots.
• Sony also has numerous macro lenses but benefits from its higher resolution APS-C sensor capturing more detail.

Night and Astro Photography

• Sony’s superior high ISO performance and lower noise undoubtedly excel in low light and astrophotography.
• Olympus can struggle beyond ISO 800, requiring careful noise control.

Connectivity and Extras

• The Olympus has no wireless, Bluetooth, or GPS. No wireless tethering options here.
• Sony supports Eye-Fi connectivity for wireless image transfer, a nice plus for quick sharing or remote shooting.
• Both include HDMI and USB 2.0 ports but miss newer connectivity standards common today (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).

Price-to-Performance: What Are You Getting for Your Money?

The Olympus E-P3 is discontinued and often found used at bargain prices (sometimes below $200 USD). The Sony A58 also commonly sells on the used market around $250-$400, sometimes bundled with lenses.

Considering performance improvements, sensor advantages, and shooting flexibility, the Sony A58 offers better bang for those investing modest amounts into a serious entry DSLR. Olympus shines only if you value compactness and a simple system for walk-around photography.

Quick Pros and Cons Rundown

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

If you’re a cheapskate after a super-compact camera for travel, street work, or casual everyday shooting with an emphasis on portability and user-friendly touch controls, the Olympus E-P3 still holds up surprisingly well. Its Four Thirds system boasts a solid lens selection, and the OLED screen remains vibrant today.

But if your budget allows and you prioritize image quality, faster autofocus for action or wildlife, longer battery life, and the ability to shoot video with external audio, the Sony A58 is the wiser buy. Its APS-C sensor, burst shooting, and robust build give you a bigger toolkit that covers nearly every photographic genre competently.

Neither camera will match today’s high-end mirrorless giants or pro DSLRs, so consider your expectations carefully. But for those stepping up from beginner models or looking for a secondary camera with legacy support and excellent value, both are worthwhile considerations - with Sony slightly edging out Olympus on real-world performance.

Sample Images Showcase: How They Look in Action

To round things off, take a look at these sample shots comparing image quality, color, and detail from both cameras. Notice the Sony’s finer detail retention and better dynamic range in shadows and highlights.

Olympus E P3 front Olympus E P3 screen back Sony A58 front Sony A58 screen back

Performance Scores Summed Up

Here we see Sony’s higher sensor score and autofocus performance pushing its total score well ahead.

Specialized Genre Scores to Help Narrow Down Your Choice

Sony dominates sports, wildlife, and video, while Olympus takes a slight edge in street and travel categories.

Control Layout and User Interface: Instant Access Matters

Sony's deeper grip and dedicated dials make for faster adjustments, favoring pros and enthusiasts. Olympus favors simplicity and minimalism, which beginners might appreciate, though advanced users may find it limiting.

In Summary

• For a compact, stylish camera with a quiet personality and decent image quality, pick the Olympus E-P3.
• For better image quality, faster autofocus, versatile shooting (sports, wildlife, portraits), and longer battery life, go with the Sony A58.
• Budget and shooting style are your main guides. Both are dated but still hold instructional and hobbyist value today.

Feel free to ask if you want advice on lenses or accessories for either system. Happy shooting!