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Olympus E-3 vs Sony HX99

The Olympus E-3 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in October 2007 and August 2018. The E-3 is a DSLR, while the HX99 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (E-3) and a 1/2.3-inch (HX99) sensor. The Olympus has a resolution of 10 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 18 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Olympus E-3
versus
Sony HX99
Olympus E-3   Sony HX99
Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
Four Thirds lenses 24-720mm f/3.5-6.4
10 MP – Four Thirds sensor 18 MP – 1/2.3" sensor
no Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-3,200 ISO 80-3,200 (80 - 6,400)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (638k dots)
2.5" LCD – 230k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens-based stabilization
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
750 shots per battery charge370 shots per battery charge
142 x 116 x 75 mm, 876 g 102 x 58 x 36 mm, 242 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Olympus E-3 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Olympus E-3 and the Sony HX99. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Olympus E-3 vs Sony HX99
Compare E-3 versus HX99 top
Comparison E-3 or HX99 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony HX99 is considerably smaller (64 percent) than the Olympus E-3. It is worth mentioning in this context that the E-3 is splash and dust resistant, while the HX99 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the HX99 has a lens built in, whereas the E-3 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the E-3 and their specifications in the Four Thirds Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the E-3 gets 750 shots out of its Olympus BLM-1 battery, while the HX99 can take 370 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-BX1 power pack. The power pack in the HX99 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-3 142 mm 116 mm 75 mm 876 g 750 Y Oct 2007 1,699ebay.com
2.
 
Sony HX99 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 449ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX730 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 300 g 250 n Apr 2017 399ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D300 147 mm 114 mm 74 mm 925 g 1000 Y Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-5 142 mm 117 mm 75 mm 873 g 750 Y Sep 2010 1,699ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-600 130 mm 94 mm 60 mm 535 g 500 n Aug 2009 449ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-620 130 mm 94 mm 60 mm 521 g 500 n Feb 2009 699ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-30 142 mm 108 mm 75 mm 701 g 750 n Nov 2008 1,299ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-420 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 440 g 500 n Mar 2008 599ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-520 136 mm 92 mm 68 mm 535 g 750 n May 2008 699ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-410 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 435 g 500 n Mar 2007 699ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-510 136 mm 92 mm 68 mm 538 g 750 n Mar 2007 799ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-1 141 mm 104 mm 81 mm 738 g 750 Y Jun 2003 1,699ebay.com
14.
 
Sony HX95 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 429ebay.com
15.
 
Sony WX800 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 233 g 370 n Oct 2018 399ebay.com
16.
 
Sony HX90V 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 245 g 360 n Apr 2015 429ebay.com
17.
 
Sony HX400V 130 mm 93 mm 103 mm 660 g 300 n Feb 2014 499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The HX99 was launched at a lower price than the E-3, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Olympus E-3 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Sony HX99 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the HX99 is 88 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 5.6. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

Olympus E-3 and Sony HX99 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the HX99 offers a higher resolution of 18 megapixels, compared with 10 MP of the E-3. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 1.25μm versus 4.74μm for the E-3). However, it should be noted that the HX99 is much more recent (by 10 years and 10 months) than the E-3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the HX99 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony HX99 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the HX99 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.5 x 18.4 inches or 62.2 x 46.6 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.6 x 14.7 inches or 49.7 x 37.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.3 x 12.2 inches or 41.5 x 31.1 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-3 are 18.2 x 13.7 inches or 46.3 x 34.7 cm for good quality, 14.6 x 10.9 inches or 37.1 x 27.8 cm for very good quality, and 12.2 x 9.1 inches or 30.9 x 23.2 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Olympus E-3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 are ISO 80 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-6400.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

E-3 versus HX99 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Olympus E-3 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.610.557156
2.
 
Sony HX99 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105851
3.
 
Canon SX730 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.511.992450
4.
 
Nikon D300 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.112.067967
5.
 
Olympus E-5 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.610.551956
6.
 
Olympus E-600 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024none21.510.354155
7.
 
Olympus E-620 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024none21.310.353655
8.
 
Olympus E-30 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024none21.310.453055
9.
 
Olympus E-420 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.510.452756
10.
 
Olympus E-520 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.410.454855
11.
 
Olympus E-410 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.110.049451
12.
 
Olympus E-510 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.210.044252
13.
 
Olympus E-1 Four Thirds 4.9 2560 1920none20.09.7-14544
14.
 
Sony HX95 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105751
15.
 
Sony WX800 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.2107051
16.
 
Sony HX90V 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36721080/60p20.211.673847
17.
 
Sony HX400V 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.111.462945
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The HX99 indeed provides for movie recording, while the E-3 does not. The highest resolution format that the HX99 can use is 4K/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the HX99 has an electronic viewfinder (638k dots), while the E-3 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Olympus E-3, the Sony HX99, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Olympus E-3optical Y2.5 / 230 swivel n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Sony HX99638 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon SX730none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
4.
 
Nikon D300optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
5.
 
Olympus E-5optical Y3.0 / 920 swivel n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Olympus E-600optical n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Olympus E-620optical n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Olympus E-30optical Y2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Olympus E-420optical n2.7 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
10.
 
Olympus E-520optical n2.7 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y Y
11.
 
Olympus E-410optical n2.5 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
12.
 
Olympus E-510optical n2.5 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Olympus E-1optical Y1.8 / 134 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
14.
 
Sony HX95638 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Sony WX800none n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Sony HX90V638 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony HX400V210 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that is present on the E-3, but is missing on the HX99 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.

The E-3 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or xD Picture cards, while the HX99 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The E-3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the HX99 only has one slot.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Olympus E-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Olympus E-3Y- / ----2.0---
2.
 
Sony HX99-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
3.
 
Canon SX730-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
4.
 
Nikon D300Y- / ---mini2.0---
5.
 
Olympus E-5Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
6.
 
Olympus E-600Y- / ----2.0---
7.
 
Olympus E-620Y- / ----2.0---
8.
 
Olympus E-30Y- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Olympus E-420Y- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Olympus E-520Y- / ----2.0---
11.
 
Olympus E-410Y- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Olympus E-510Y- / ----2.0---
13.
 
Olympus E-1Y- / ----2.0---
14.
 
Sony HX95-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
15.
 
Sony WX800-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
16.
 
Sony HX90V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony HX400VYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
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It is notable that the E-3 has a hotshoe, while the HX99 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Olympus E-3 (unlike the HX99) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the E-3 and the HX99 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The E-3 was replaced by the Olympus E-5, while the HX99 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the E-3 and HX99 can be found, respectively, in the Olympus E-3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony HX99 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Olympus E-3 and the Sony HX99? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Reasons to prefer the Olympus E-3:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
  • Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (750 versus 370) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in October 2007).

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Arguments in favor of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (18 vs 10MP), which boosts linear resolution by 34%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 4K/30p video.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.5") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (922k vs 230k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the E-3 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (102x58mm vs 142x116mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the E-3).
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Reflects 10 years and 10 months of technical progress since the E-3 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the HX99 comes out slightly ahead of the E-3 (17 : 16 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

E-3 16:17 HX99

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Olympus E-3 and the Sony HX99 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the E-3 or the HX99 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-3..88/100..+ +o4/5 Oct 2007 1,699ebay.com
2.
 
Sony HX99........4/54.5/5 Aug 2018 449ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX730..+....4/54/5 Apr 2017 399ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D300..+ +..+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-54/5....75/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2010 1,699ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-600..........4.5/5 Aug 2009 449ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-6203/588/100..72/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2009 699ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-30......71/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2008 1,299ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-420..85/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Mar 2008 599ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-520..87/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 May 2008 699ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-410..86/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Mar 2007 699ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-510..89/100..+ +3.5/54.5/5 Mar 2007 799ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-1......+o.. Jun 2003 1,699ebay.com
14.
 
Sony HX95............ Aug 2018 429ebay.com
15.
 
Sony WX800............ Oct 2018 399ebay.com
16.
 
Sony HX90V4/5+ +....4/54.5/5 Apr 2015 429ebay.com
17.
 
Sony HX400V4/5+ +....4/54/5 Feb 2014 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Olympus E-3 vs Sony HX99

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Olympus E-3 Sony HX99
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Four Thirds lenses 24-720mm f/3.5-6.4
    Launch Date October 2007 August 2018
    Launch Price USD 1,699 USD 449
    Sensor Specs Olympus E-3 Sony HX99
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 28.0735 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 10 Megapixels 18 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3648 x 2736 pixels 4896 x 3672 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.74 μm 1.25 μm
    Pixel Density 4.44 MP/cm2 64.04 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability no Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 3,200 ISO 80 - 3,200 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 80 - 6,400 ISO
    Image Processor TruePic III BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 56 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.6 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.5 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 571 ..
    Screen Specs Olympus E-3 Sony HX99
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.58x
    Viewfinder Resolution 638k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.5inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Olympus E-3 Sony HX99
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens-based stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF or XD cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Olympus E-3 Sony HX99
    External Flash Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Olympus E-3 Sony HX99
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Olympus BLM-1 Sony NP-BX1
    Battery Life (CIPA)750 shots per charge370 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 142 x 116 x 75 mm
    (5.6 x 4.6 x 3.0 in)
    102 x 58 x 36 mm
    (4.0 x 2.3 x 1.4 in)
    Camera Weight 876 g (30.9 oz) 242 g (8.5 oz)
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