Olympus Stylus 1 vs. Sony Alpha DSLR-A500: A Hands-On, Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing your next camera isn’t easy, especially when faced with two distinctly different types of cameras like the Olympus Stylus 1 and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. Both offer unique strengths and quirks that cater to different photographic preferences and budgets. After years of field-testing cameras (and yes, as someone who’s handled thousands myself), I’m here to unpack the nuances, technical chops, and practical value of these two contenders - to help you decide which might serve your shooting style best.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Bridge Zoom vs. Entry-Level DSLR

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, it’s helpful to understand the core identity of these cameras.

• The Olympus Stylus 1 is a small sensor superzoom bridge camera, announced in late 2013, designed to offer DSLR-like handling with a fixed zoom lens covering a broad 28-300mm equivalent focal range and a constant F2.8 aperture.

• The Sony Alpha DSLR-A500, announced in 2009, is an entry-level DSLR with an interchangeable lens mount (Sony/Minolta Alpha), allowing access to a vast lens ecosystem.

In short, Olympus is a versatile zoom powerhouse in a compact body, while Sony is a traditional SLR with potentially more customization and higher imaging quality due to the larger sensor.

Let’s break down the main aspects to see how they stack up.

Olympus Stylus 1 (left) vs. Sony A500 (right) - Size and grip differences

Handling, Ergonomics, and Physical Build

If you’re the type who shoots for hours, comfort and smart control layout can make or break a camera choice.

Olympus Stylus 1

• The body is compact yet sports an SLR-like form, putting dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation under your fingers.
• At just 402 grams and roughly 116x87x57 mm, it’s smaller and lighter than many DSLRs, making it great for travel and casual shooting.
• The fixed lens means no changing glass, which helps balance and keeps the setup pocketable in a bag.
• The stylus also offers a fully tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD at 1.04 million dots, ideal for creative angles and quick menu navigation.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

• Bulkier and heavier, tipping the scales at 630 grams with dimensions of 137x104x84 mm - typical of a compact DSLR.
• Classic DSLR handling with a deeper grip and clubs-for-thumbs body style, better suited to those who prefer a more substantial feel and extra stability on longer shoots.
• The 3-inch tilting LCD, however, is woefully under-resolved at just 230k dots, appearing grainy by today’s standards.
• Viewfinder-wise, Sony sports an optical pentamirror finder with 95% coverage (framelines), while Olympus has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with full 100% coverage and a crisp 1440-dot panel - a plus for accurate composition.

Both cameras feel solidly constructed but keep in mind neither offers rugged weather sealing, so extra care outdoors is recommended.

Control layout highlights: Olympus’s dedicated dials vs. Sony’s traditional DSLR controls

Sensor Technology & Image Quality - The Heart of Photographic Performance

Image quality is arguably the most critical factor here, so let’s dig into sensor tech and real-world performance.

Olympus Stylus 1 Sensor

• Sensor size: 1/1.7" BSI-CMOS measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm (about 41.5 mm²).
• Resolution: 12 MP (3968 x 2976 pixels).
• DXO Mark overall score: 51.
• Max native ISO: 12,800.
• Features a built-in anti-alias filter, which softens some fine detail to prevent moiré.
• Reasonably good color depth (20.7 bits) and dynamic range (~11.6 EV).
• Low-light ISO score is relatively modest (179), reflecting the sensor’s limitations in noise performance at high ISO.

Sony A500 Sensor

• APS-C CMOS sensor at 23.5 x 15.6 mm - roughly 366.6 mm², nearly nine times larger surface area than Olympus’s sensor!
• Also 12 MP, but higher max resolution output (4272 x 2848 pixels).
• DXO Mark overall score: 64 (significantly higher).
• Max native ISO also 12,800 but with better noise handling thanks to larger sensor real estate.
• Color depth: 21.8 bits; dynamic range similar at 11.6 EV.
• Low-light ISO score: 772, a full four times better than Olympus.

What does this mean practically?

The Sony A500’s larger APS-C sensor provides cleaner images at higher ISO settings with better detail and color fidelity. The Olympus, while packing decent image quality for a bridge camera, struggles in low light and fine detail retention, especially compared to the Sony. The Olympus sensor’s smaller size inherently limits dynamic range and noise control.

Sensor size and performance differences between Olympus Stylus 1 and Sony A500

Autofocus and Focusing Flexibility

Nothing frustrates more than missed focus. Each camera’s AF system suits different scenarios.

Olympus Stylus 1

• Uses a contrast-detection autofocus with 25 focus points, face detection, and live view AF.
• Supports touch AF on the screen for quick point selection.
• Autofocus speed is decent for a compact superzoom, though hunting under low light or low contrast scenes can be a drawback.
• Includes continuous AF tracking at 7fps - competitive for its class.

Sony A500

• Hybrid autofocus: 9-point phase-detection system with contrast detection.
• Phase detection enables faster, more accurate focus with less hunting, particularly for moving subjects.
• However, no continuous AF tracking during burst shooting.
• Lower burst speed at 5fps.
• Focus area is center-weighted without a dedicated multi-point tracking system like modern cameras.

If your work involves fast-moving subjects (sports, wildlife), the Sony’s phase-detection offers a tangible benefit in AF accuracy and speed. Olympus’s continuous AF at 7fps is impressive, though the contrast-detection system might lag behind in tracking fast action.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Versatility

Lens options can shape your shooting style profoundly.

Olympus Stylus 1

• Fixed lens: 28-300mm equivalent (10.7x zoom) at a constant F2.8 aperture.
• This is an all-in-one zoom with bright optics across the range - extremely useful for travel, casual wildlife, and event photography without swapping lenses.
• Macro focus range to 5 cm enables close-up shooting flexibility.

Sony A500

• Sony A-mount DSLR lens mount with approximately 143 compatible lenses (including Sony, Minolta legacy glass, and third-party options).
• Offers unlimited customization from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, primes, macros, tilt-shifts - the whole lot.
• Aperture depends on lens choice, so you can pick fast primes for portraits or telephotos for wildlife.
• Sensor size requires lenses designed for APS-C coverage, which are widely available at varying price points.

The Olympus Stylus 1 is a great grab-and-go for subjects that fit within its zoom range and aperture strengths. Meanwhile, Sony’s interchangeable system appeals to enthusiasts looking to expand creatively and elevate image quality with specialized lenses.

3-inch tilting LCD and interface contrasts: Olympus’s high-res touchscreen vs. Sony’s basic LCD

Performance in Different Photography Genres

Now, let’s translate specs into real-world shooting conditions across popular genres.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus: The fixed F2.8 across the zoom range offers lovely background blur (bokeh) especially at longer focal lengths, though the smaller sensor softens the separation effect compared to APS-C.

• Effective face detection and touch AF allow quick eye focus but lack animal eye AF.

• Skin tones render nicely, but limited dynamic range can cause clipped highlights in bright shadow-filled scenes.

• Sony: Larger sensor and ability to use fast prime lenses yield smoother background separation and more natural skin tones.

• The 9-point phase detection AF does not include eye tracking, so focusing on eyes requires precision.

• Overall, superior image quality and low noise make it the easier choice for professional portraiture.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus: Compact size encourages travel, and the wide 28mm equivalent is good for scenic framing. Dynamic range is moderate; shooting in RAW and exposing carefully can compensate.

• No environmental sealing means caution in harsh weather.

• Sony: APS-C resolution plus wider bit depth in RAW deliver better detail and latitude for post-processing.

• Larger sensor plus access to sharp third-party wide-angle lenses make it ideal for landscapes.

• No weather sealing here either, but sturdier build feels reassuring.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus: 10.7x zoom gives reach up to 300mm equivalent, decent for casual wildlife and birding.

• Contrast-detection AF can slow focus on quick subjects.

• 7fps burst shooting helps, but autofocus tracking limits pursuit of erratic motion.

• Sony: Requires telephoto lens purchase (e.g., 300mm f/4), increasing bulk and cost.

• Phase-detection AF is more suited to moving animals but limited by 5fps frame rate.

• If prime telephotos are owned, Sony is the better choice for sharper results and faster focusing.

Sports Photography

• Sony’s 5fps is respectable in its era, though modern cameras dwarf this.
• Olympus’s 7fps burst rate is higher but AF tracking struggles, making Sony more reliable to capture action.
• Sony’s phase AF provides more responsive focus acquisition on athletes in motion.

Street Photography

• Olympus wins with portability, quiet operation, and versatile zoom.
• The tilting touchscreen enables shooting discreetly from waist height.
• Sony is bulkier, noisier, and less suited to quick grab shots on the fly.

Macro Photography

• Olympus’s closest focusing at 5cm and built-in stabilization aids handheld macro work.
• Sony depends on buying dedicated macro lenses, but the sensor size boosts detail capture.
• Without macro glass, Sony’s macro capability is limited.

Night and Astro Photography

• Sony’s higher ISO performance and cleaner files rule here.
• Olympus’s ISO noise limits usable range.
• Neither has built-in astro-specific intervals, but Sony’s longer max shutter speed of 30 seconds allows proper exposure control for star trails.

Video Capabilities

• Olympus shoots Full HD 1080p video at 30fps, with H.264 compression.
• Includes higher speed modes (up to 240fps in low resolution) for slow-motion effects.
• No microphone or headphone jacks - audio options limited.
• Sony A500 lacks video recording altogether.

If video is important, Olympus takes a clear lead, offering respectable Full HD capture alongside slow-motion options.

Travel Photography

• Olympus’s small size, constant-bright zoom lens, and decent battery life (410 shots) make it a hassle-free travel companion.
• Sony’s bulk and lens swapping can slow you down but rewards image quality enthusiasts willing to haul extra gear.
• Sony’s longer battery life (520 shots) is a modest advantage.

Professional Work

• Sony’s ability to shoot in RAW and wide lens compatibility means better workflow integration for pros.
• Olympus also supports RAW but is hampered by sensor limitations.
• Neither has weather sealing or rugged designs expected in professional-grade bodies.

Olympus 1 front Olympus 1 screen back Sony A500 front Sony A500 screen back

User Interface, Connectivity, and Extra Features

• Olympus sports a capacitive touchscreen LCD, making menu navigation and focusing a breeze.
• Sony’s interface relies on buttons and dials, which might feel clunky by modern standards.
• Olympus offers built-in Wi-Fi (no Bluetooth or NFC), useful for image transfer and remote control.
• Sony lacks wireless connectivity.
• Both have HDMI ports and USB 2.0 data transfer, though the Sony supports Memory Stick storage as well as SD cards.

Battery Life and Storage Choices

• Sony’s NP-FM500H battery yields roughly 520 shots per charge, outperforming Olympus’s 410 shots on BLS-5 battery.
• Both cameras use a single storage slot, but Sony supports Memory Stick Duo and SD cards, giving more versatility.

Price and Value Considerations

• Olympus Stylus 1 was offered around $700 new; pricing now is mostly secondhand.
• Sony A500 lists similarly at $638 but, being older and discontinued, prices fluctuate.
• Olympus’s all-in-one convenience competes well against Sony combined with lens costs.
• Sony’s body-only price seems reasonable but factoring in extra lenses pushes budgets higher.
• For photographers who want one camera, no lens hassles, and good zoom reach, Olympus offers tremendous value.
• For image quality purists and those wanting system expansion and optical performance, Sony holds long-term value.

Pros and Cons Summary

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose the Olympus Stylus 1 if:

• You want a pocketable, versatile all-in-one zoom camera without carrying extra lenses.
• Video recording and slow-motion capture are priorities.
• Portability and travel convenience outshine absolute image quality.
• You appreciate touchscreen control and built-in Wi-Fi.
• Budget-conscious and prefer minimal fuss with good-enough image quality for everyday use, portraits, street, or casual wildlife.

Choose the Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 if:

• Maximum image quality, especially in low light, is your top priority.
• You want to build a lens collection over time for specialized photography (portrait primes, telephoto wildlife lenses).
• You mostly shoot stills rather than video.
• You prefer traditional DSLR ergonomics and optical viewfinder experience.
• You’re comfortable with bulkier gear and value a mature system’s reliability.

After working extensively with both cameras, I’d say the Olympus Stylus 1 is ideal for the cheapskate hobbyist who craves simplicity and zoom versatility in one package, while the Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 appeals to serious amateurs or emerging pros wanting solid APS-C image quality with lens adaptability, accepting that video is off the table. Each has undeniable charm and usefulness depending on your photographic path.

Whichever side you lean toward, both cameras remain solid choices in their class and era, capable of producing memorable images with the right technique and creativity.

Happy shooting!