What To Know
- The Olympus E-520 has a contrast-detect autofocus system with 11 focus points, while the Nikon D3100 has a phase-detection autofocus system with 11 focus points.
- The Olympus E-520 has a magnesium alloy body that is dust- and splash-resistant, while the Nikon D3100 has a polycarbonate body that is not weather-resistant.
- The Olympus E-520 has a larger sensor size and better noise performance at higher ISO settings, making it a better choice for low-light photography.
The Olympus E-520 and Nikon D3100 are two popular entry-level digital SLR cameras that have been widely used by photographers of all skill levels. Both cameras offer a range of features and capabilities, but they also have some key differences that may influence your decision when choosing between them. In this blog post, we will provide a detailed comparison of the Olympus E-520 vs Nikon D3100, covering their specifications, performance, and other important aspects to help you make an informed choice.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Olympus E-520 features a 10.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor, while the Nikon D3100 has a 14.2-megapixel CMOS sensor. While the D3100 has a higher megapixel count, the E-520’s Live MOS sensor offers several advantages, including faster readout speeds and reduced noise levels at higher ISO settings. In terms of image quality, both cameras produce sharp and detailed images, with the E-520 having a slight edge in low-light situations due to its larger sensor size.
Lens Compatibility
The Olympus E-520 uses the Four Thirds (4/3) lens mount, which is shared with other Olympus and Panasonic cameras. The 4/3 system offers a wide range of lenses, including both native Olympus/Panasonic lenses and third-party options. The Nikon D3100, on the other hand, uses the Nikon F-mount, which has a much larger selection of lenses available. However, it is important to note that the D3100 is not compatible with older Nikon lenses that do not have an autofocus motor.
Autofocus System
The Olympus E-520 has a contrast-detect autofocus system with 11 focus points, while the Nikon D3100 has a phase-detection autofocus system with 11 focus points. Phase-detection autofocus systems are generally faster and more accurate than contrast-detect systems, especially in low-light conditions. However, the E-520’s autofocus system is known for its reliability and consistency.
Continuous Shooting Speed
The Olympus E-520 has a continuous shooting speed of 3.5 frames per second (fps), while the Nikon D3100 has a continuous shooting speed of 3 fps. While the difference in shooting speed may not seem significant, it can be noticeable when shooting fast-moving subjects or capturing a sequence of shots.
Viewfinder and LCD Screen
The Olympus E-520 has an optical viewfinder with 95% coverage, while the Nikon D3100 has an optical viewfinder with 95% coverage. The E-520’s viewfinder is slightly larger and brighter than the D3100’s viewfinder, providing a more comfortable shooting experience. Both cameras have a 3-inch LCD screen with approximately 230,000 dots of resolution.
Video Capabilities
The Olympus E-520 does not offer any video recording capabilities, while the Nikon D3100 can record videos in 720p HD resolution at 24 fps. If video recording is an important feature for you, the D3100 is a better choice.
Build Quality and Weather Resistance
The Olympus E-520 has a magnesium alloy body that is dust- and splash-resistant, while the Nikon D3100 has a polycarbonate body that is not weather-resistant. The E-520’s build quality is superior to the D3100’s, making it a more durable and reliable camera for use in challenging conditions.
Key Points
Both the Olympus E-520 and Nikon D3100 are excellent entry-level digital SLR cameras that offer a range of features and capabilities. The E-520 has a slight edge in image quality, especially in low-light situations, and has a more durable build quality. The D3100, on the other hand, has a faster autofocus system, a higher megapixel count, and offers video recording capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice between the two cameras depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Olympus E-520 has a larger sensor size and better noise performance at higher ISO settings, making it a better choice for low-light photography.
Q: Which camera has a faster autofocus system?
A: The Nikon D3100 has a phase-detection autofocus system that is faster and more accurate than the E-520’s contrast-detect autofocus system.
Q: Which camera has more lens options available?
A: The Nikon D3100 has a wider selection of lenses available due to its compatibility with Nikon F-mount lenses.
