Compared to...

Studio scene comparison (JPEG)

This is our standard studio scene comparison shot taken from exactly the same tripod position. Lighting: daylight simulation, >98% CRI. Crops are 100%. Ambient temperature was approximately 22°C (~72°F).

Canon EOS 450D vs. Olympus E-420

Camera settings:

• Canon EOS 450D: Canon EF 50 mm F1.4 lens, Aperture Priority, ISO 100
  JPEG Large/Fine, Manual WB, Default Parameters (Standard), Self-Timer (with MLU)
   
  
• Olympus E-420: Olympus 50 mm F2.0 lens, Aperture Priority, ISO 100
  JPEG Large/SHQ, Manual WB, Default Parameters (Standard), Anti-shock 2 sec
  

Canon EOS 450D	Olympus E-420
3.7MB JPEG (4272 x 2848)	2,659 KB (3648 x 2736)

Again the differences aren't huge and can in part be put down to the approaches taken to processing and sharpening. But once again the EOS 450D is the clear winner when it comes to fine detail, and offers a better 'per pixel' sharpness, though you'll need to be looking this close to see it. The only difference you're likely to see at normal enlargement sizes is the E-420's slightly richer colors and slightly more aggressive clipping of highlights (the roll-off is a lot harsher).