Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs Sony a6500 Comparison
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Sony a6500
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Brand | Olympus | Sony | |
Model | OM-D E-M1 Mark II | a6500 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2016 | 2016 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 19, 2016 | October 06, 2016 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a6500 takes the lead with a score of 72/100, while the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II trails behind with a score of 68/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released in 2016. The Sony a6500 has a launch price of $1400, while the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is priced at $2000.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II excels in size, measuring 134 x 91 x 67mm and weighing 574g. However, the Sony a6500 is more compact and lightweight, with dimensions of 120 x 67 x 53mm and a weight of 453g. This makes the Sony a6500 more portable and convenient for on-the-go photography.
While the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II offers a larger camera body, it falls short in terms of overall performance and price. The Sony a6500 not only scores higher but also provides a more affordable option for photographers. The compact size and lower price point make the Sony a6500 a more attractive choice for those looking to invest in a mirrorless camera.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs Sony a6500 Overview and Optics
The Sony a6500 outperforms the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II in optics, scoring 74/100 compared to the Olympus’ 68/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as having a CMOS sensor, an image stabilization feature, and being equipped with a capable processor – the Bionz X for the Sony and the TruePic VIII for the Olympus.
The Sony a6500’s higher score is due to its superior specifications, such as its 24.2-megapixel count compared to the Olympus’ 20.4 megapixels, which allows for more detailed images. Additionally, the Sony a6500 has a higher DXOMARK score of 85 for its sensor, compared to the Olympus’ score of 80, indicating better overall image quality. The Sony a6500 also features an APS-C sensor size and a 3:2 aspect ratio, which contribute to its advantage in optics.
On the other hand, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II has its strengths, particularly in shooting speed, as it can capture images at a rapid 60 frames per second, while the Sony a6500 is limited to 11 frames per second. This makes the Olympus a better choice for capturing fast-moving subjects or action shots.
To sum up, the Sony a6500 excels in image quality and sensor performance, making it the winner in optics. However, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II offers a significantly faster shooting speed, which may be beneficial for specific photography needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the individual’s priorities and desired outcomes.
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Optics
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
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Sony a6500
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20.4 MP | 24.2 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5184 x 3888 px | 6000 x 4000 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 13 x 17.4 mm | 15.6 x 23.5 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Micro Four Thirds |  APS-C | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 60 fps | 11 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Micro 4/3 | Sony E | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | TruePic VIII | Bionz X | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  4:3 |  3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 200 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 25,600 | 25,600 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 64 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 25600 | 51200 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 60 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 32000 s | 1/ 4000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 121 | 425 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2,360,000 dots | 2,359,296 dots |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs Sony a6500 Video Performance
The Sony a6500 outperforms the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II in video capabilities, scoring 77/100 compared to the latter’s 70/100. Both cameras share the common feature of 4K maximum video resolution, allowing for high-quality video recording. However, the differences in their video specifications contribute to the Sony a6500’s higher score.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II has a maximum video dimension of 4096 x 2160, which is slightly larger than the Sony a6500’s 3840 x 2160. This difference may seem advantageous for the Olympus camera, but it is not significant enough to overshadow the benefits of the Sony a6500. The winning camera, the Sony a6500, boasts a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, which is substantially higher than the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II’s 24fps. This higher frame rate allows for smoother, more detailed video capturing, particularly when recording fast-moving subjects or action scenes.
One advantage the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II holds over the Sony a6500 is its built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature enables users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software. The Sony a6500, however, lacks this built-in feature.
Despite the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II’s slightly larger video dimensions and built-in time-lapse functionality, the Sony a6500’s significantly higher video frame rate and overall video score make it the superior choice for videographers seeking top-quality video performance.
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Video
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Sony a6500
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K | 4K | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 4096 x 2160 px | 3840 x 2160 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 24 p | 30 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  |  | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MOV, AVI | MPEG-4, XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0 |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs Sony a6500 Features and Benefits
The Sony a6500 outshines the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II in features, scoring 81/100 compared to the Olympus’ 70/100. Both cameras share common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, touchscreens, flip screens, lack of GPS, and WIFI capabilities. However, the Sony a6500 surpasses the Olympus in certain aspects, while the Olympus has its advantages as well.
The Sony a6500’s screen resolution is 921,600 dots, which is greater than the Olympus’ 1,037,000 dots. The higher resolution results in a clearer and sharper display, enhancing the user’s experience. Additionally, the Sony a6500 possesses Bluetooth connectivity, a feature absent in the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. Bluetooth enables seamless connection to external devices, providing convenience and improved functionality.
On the other hand, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II offers a higher screen resolution. This results in a more detailed display, allowing users to review their images with enhanced clarity. However, this advantage is not enough to overcome the Sony a6500’s higher feature score and additional Bluetooth capability.
In comparing the two cameras, it is evident that the Sony a6500 holds the upper hand in terms of features. With a higher score, better screen resolution, and Bluetooth connectivity, the a6500 provides more value to users. While the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II has a slight edge in screen resolution, it falls short in other aspects, making the Sony a6500 the superior choice.
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Features
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,037,000 dots | 921,600 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs Sony a6500 Storage and Battery
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II outperforms the Sony a6500 in storage and battery with a score of 57/100 compared to 21/100. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. However, the Olympus has two memory card slots, offering more storage flexibility, while the Sony has only one slot but also accepts Memory Stick Pro Duo cards.
In terms of battery life, the Olympus lasts for 440 shots with its BLH-1 battery, while the Sony manages 350 shots using the NP-FW50 battery. Neither camera supports USB charging.
The Olympus clearly surpasses the Sony in storage capacity and battery life, making it a more reliable choice for extended photography sessions. The Sony a6500’s advantage lies in its compatibility with Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, which may be useful for some users.
Taking these factors into account, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II proves to be the superior choice for photographers prioritizing storage and battery performance. The Sony a6500 remains a viable option for those seeking Memory Stick Pro Duo compatibility.
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | BLH-1 | NP-FW50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 440 shots | 350 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
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Sony a6500
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 23.7 bits | 24.5 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 12.8 EVs | 13.7 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 1312 | 1405 |
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Scores
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
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Sony a6500
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
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