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Olympus E-520 vs Sony A7R IV

The Olympus E-520 and the Sony Alpha A7R IV are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in May 2008 and July 2019. The E-520 is a DSLR, while the A7R IV is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (E-520) and a full frame (A7R IV) sensor. The Olympus has a resolution of 10 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 60.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Olympus E-520
versus
Sony A7R IV
Olympus E-520   Sony A7R IV
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Four Thirds lenses Sony E mount lenses
10 MP – Four Thirds sensor 60.2 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-1,600 ISO 100-32,000 (50 - 102,400)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots)
2.7" LCD – 215k dots 3.0" LCD – 1440k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
3.5 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
750 shots per battery charge670 shots per battery charge
136 x 92 x 68 mm, 535 g 129 x 96 x 78 mm, 665 g
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Check E-520 offers at
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Check A7R IV offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Olympus E-520 and the Sony Alpha A7R IV? 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 physical size and weight of the Olympus E-520 and the Sony A7R IV are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Olympus E-520 vs Sony A7R IV
Compare E-520 versus A7R IV top
Comparison E-520 or A7R IV rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7R IV is somewhat smaller (1 percent) than the Olympus E-520. However, the A7R IV is markedly heavier (24 percent) than the E-520. It is noteworthy in this context that the A7R IV is splash and dust-proof, while the E-520 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-520) and the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7R IV). Mirrorless cameras, such as the A7R IV, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the E-520 gets 750 shots out of its Olympus BLM-1 battery, while the A7R IV can take 670 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FZ100 power pack. The power pack in the A7R IV 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 would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras 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-520 136 mm 92 mm 68 mm 535 g 750 n May 2008 699ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7R IV 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-450 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 440 g 500 n Mar 2009 499ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-600 130 mm 94 mm 60 mm 535 g 500 n Aug 2009 449ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-620 130 mm 94 mm 60 mm 521 g 500 n Feb 2009 699ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-P1 121 mm 70 mm 36 mm 355 g 300 n Jun 2009 799ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-P2 121 mm 70 mm 36 mm 355 g 300 n Nov 2009 799ebay.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-410 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 435 g 500 n Mar 2007 699ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-510 136 mm 92 mm 68 mm 538 g 750 n Mar 2007 799ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic L10 135 mm 96 mm 78 mm 556 g 450 n Aug 2007 599ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R IVA 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7S III 127 mm 97 mm 81 mm 699 g 600 Y Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A9 II 129 mm 96 mm 76 mm 678 g 690 Y Oct 2019 4,499 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 3,199ebay.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 naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The E-520 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 80 percent) than the A7R IV, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Olympus E-520 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Sony A7R IV a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7R IV is 278 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.0. The sensor in the E-520 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the A7R IV offers a 3:2 aspect.

Olympus E-520 and Sony A7R IV sensor measures

With 60.2MP, the A7R IV offers a higher resolution than the E-520 (10MP), but the A7R IV has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.76μm versus 4.74μm for the E-520). Yet, the A7R IV is a much more recent model (by 11 years and 2 months) than the E-520, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the A7R IV has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A7R IV implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7R IV for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 47.5 x 31.7 inches or 120.7 x 80.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 38 x 25.3 inches or 96.6 x 64.4 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 31.7 x 21.1 inches or 80.5 x 53.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-520 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 A7R IV has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the E-520, the A7R IV has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (241MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Olympus E-520 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7R IV are ISO 100 to ISO 32000, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

In terms of underlying technology, the E-520 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the A7R IV uses a BSI-CMOS imager. 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-520 versus A7R IV MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under consideration, the A7R IV offers substantially better image quality than the E-520 (overall score 44 points higher). The advantage is based on 4.6 bits higher color depth, 4.4 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.6 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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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-520 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.410.454855
2.
 
Sony A7R IV Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
3.
 
Olympus E-450 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.510.551256
4.
 
Olympus E-600 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024none21.510.354155
5.
 
Olympus E-620 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024none21.310.353655
6.
 
Olympus E-P1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.453655
7.
 
Olympus E-P2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.450556
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-410 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.110.049451
11.
 
Olympus E-510 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.210.044252
12.
 
Panasonic L10 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.310.842955
13.
 
Sony A7R IVA Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
14.
 
Sony A7S III Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/120p23.713.9252086
15.
 
Sony A9 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.0343493
16.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
17.
 
Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The A7R IV indeed provides for movie recording, while the E-520 does not. The highest resolution format that the A7R IV can use is 4K/30p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A7R IV has an electronic viewfinder (5760k dots), while the E-520 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 viewfinder in the A7R IV offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the E-520 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the A7R IV has a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.46x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Olympus E-520, the Sony A7R IV, 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-520optical n2.7 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y Y
2.
 
Sony A7R IV5760 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Olympus E-450optical n2.7 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
4.
 
Olympus E-600optical n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Olympus E-620optical n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Olympus E-P1none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n Y
7.
 
Olympus E-P2optional n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n 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-410optical n2.5 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
11.
 
Olympus E-510optical n2.5 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Panasonic L10optical n2.5 / 207 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
13.
 
Sony A7R IVA5760 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7S III9440 n3.0 / 1440 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A9 II3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The E-520 has one, while the A7R IV does not. While the built-in flash of the E-520 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the A7R IV is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Sony A7R IV has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The E-520 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or xD Picture cards, while the A7R IV uses SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.

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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-520 and Sony Alpha A7R IV 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-520Y- / ----2.0---
2.
 
Sony A7R IVYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
3.
 
Olympus E-450Y- / ----2.0---
4.
 
Olympus E-600Y- / ----2.0---
5.
 
Olympus E-620Y- / ----2.0---
6.
 
Olympus E-P1Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Olympus E-P2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Olympus E-30Y- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Olympus E-420Y- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Olympus E-410Y- / ----2.0---
11.
 
Olympus E-510Y- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic L10Y- / ----2.0---
13.
 
Sony A7R IVAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
14.
 
Sony A7S IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
15.
 
Sony A9 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
16.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
17.
 
Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
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It is notable that the A7R IV offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the E-520 does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Sony A7R IV (unlike the E-520) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the E-520 and the A7R IV have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The A7R IV was replaced by the Sony A7R V, while the E-520 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the E-520 and A7R IV can be found, respectively, in the Olympus E-520 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A7R IV Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Olympus E-520 and the Sony A7R IV? 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-520:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 130g or 20 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (750 versus 670) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (80 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in May 2008).

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Arguments in favor of the Sony Alpha A7R IV:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (60.2 vs 10MP), which boosts linear resolution by 150%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (44 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (4.6 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (4.4 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (2.6 stops ISO advantage).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 4K/30p video.
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.46x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1440k vs 215k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 3.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • 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.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More modern: Reflects 11 years and 2 months of technical progress since the E-520 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the A7R IV is the clear winner of the contest (29 : 7 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

E-520 07:29 A7R IV

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Olympus E-520 and the Sony A7R IV place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the E-520 and the A7R IV in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular 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-520..87/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 May 2008 699ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7R IV5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-450........4/54/5 Mar 2009 499ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-600..........4.5/5 Aug 2009 449ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-6203/588/100..72/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2009 699ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-P1..+..66/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2009 799ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-P23/5+..69/1004/54.5/5 Nov 2009 799ebay.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-410..86/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Mar 2007 699ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-510..89/100..+ +3.5/54.5/5 Mar 2007 799ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic L10..85/100..+3.5/54/5 Aug 2007 599ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R IVA5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7S III4.5/5+ +5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A9 II....5/590/1005/55/5 Oct 2019 4,499 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, 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? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Olympus E-520 vs Sony A7R IV

    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-520 Sony A7R IV
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Four Thirds lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date May 2008 July 2019
    Launch Price USD 699 USD 3,499
    Sensor Specs Olympus E-520 Sony A7R IV
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 35.7 x 23.8 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 849.66 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 42.9 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 10 Megapixels 60.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3648 x 2736 pixels 9504 x 6336 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.74 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 4.44 MP/cm2 7.09 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability no Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1,600 ISO 100 - 32,000 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 102,400 ISO
    Image Processor TruePic III BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 55 99
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.4 26.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.4 14.8
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 548 3344
    Screen Specs Olympus E-520 Sony A7R IV
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.46x 0.78x
    Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.7inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 215k dots 1440k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Olympus E-520 Sony A7R IV
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 3.5 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-ShutterYES
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF or XD cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Olympus E-520 Sony A7R IV
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.1
    HDMI Port no HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    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-520 Sony A7R IV
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Olympus BLM-1 Sony NP-FZ100
    Battery Life (CIPA)750 shots per charge670 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 136 x 92 x 68 mm
    (5.4 x 3.6 x 2.7 in)
    129 x 96 x 78 mm
    (5.1 x 3.8 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 535 g (18.9 oz) 665 g (23.5 oz)
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