CameraReview

Olympus OM-D E-M10 vs Sony a6000 — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Olympus OM-D E-M10
Olympus
Olympus OM-D E-M10
Mirrorless · 16.1 MP · Micro Four Thirds · Full HD video
54
SCORE
$399
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✓ WINNER
Sony a6000
Sony
Sony a6000
Mirrorless · 24.3 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
57
SCORE
$401.84
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Best Price →
General
Brand OlympusSony
Model OM-D E-M10a6000
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20142014
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
29/01/201412/02/2014
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 119 x 82 x 46 mm120 x 67 x 45 mm
Camera weight 396 g344 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
16.1 MP05024.3 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4608 x 34566000 x 4000
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
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 17.315.6 x 23.5
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Micro Four ThirdsAPS-C
Continuous shooting
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
8 fps04511 fps045
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 4/3Sony E
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
TruePic VIIBionz 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.
4:33:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
2003020010030200
Max ISO
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.
256003003280000256003003280000
Min 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.
100302005030200
Max 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.
256003003280000256003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
60440803044080
Max 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.
400080032000400080032000
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.
8103001790300
In-body stabilisation
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.
ElectronicElectronic
Viewfinder dots 144000009900000144000009900000
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max video resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HDFull HD
Max video format
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.
1920 x 10801920 x 1080
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.
30 fps60 fps
Timelapse 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.
MOVMPEG-4
Features
Builtin flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
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 LCDLCD
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 dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
103700011500015000009216001150001500000
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
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card SD / SDHC / SDXCSD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slots
Battery type BLS-5NP-FW50
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
320 shots1505000360 shots1505000
USB charging

Olympus OM-D E-M10 vs Sony a6000 Overview and Optics

The Sony a6000 emerges as the winner in optics with a score of 67/100, while the Olympus OM-D E-M10 trails behind with a score of 57/100. Both cameras share similarities in specifications, such as having a CMOS sensor type and providing lens mounts compatible with their respective systems (Micro 4/3 for Olympus and Sony E for the a6000).

The Sony a6000 outperforms the Olympus OM-D E-M10 in various aspects. It boasts 24.3 megapixels, offering higher resolution images as compared to Olympus’s 16.1 megapixels. Additionally, the Sony a6000 has a faster shooting speed of 11 frames per second, enabling better capture of fast-moving subjects. The a6000 also has a superior DXOMARK sensor score of 82, indicating better overall image quality. Furthermore, the Sony a6000 features an APS-C sensor size, which is larger than the Micro Four Thirds sensor in the Olympus OM-D E-M10, contributing to better image quality and low-light performance.

On the other hand, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 has some advantages over the Sony a6000. It offers built-in image stabilization, which compensates for camera shake and results in sharper images, especially in low light or when using telephoto lenses. The Sony a6000 lacks this feature.

In terms of optics, the Sony a6000 holds an edge over the Olympus OM-D E-M10 due to its higher resolution, faster shooting speed, better sensor performance, and larger sensor size. However, the Olympus OM-D E-M10’s built-in image stabilization is a valuable feature that could sway some users in its favor.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 vs Sony a6000 Video Performance

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 slightly edges out the Sony a6000 in video capabilities, scoring 57/100 compared to the a6000’s 56/100. Both cameras share some common video specifications, such as having a maximum video resolution of Full HD and maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080.

The OM-D E-M10 outperforms the a6000 in one key area: it has built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos without needing additional equipment or software. The time-lapse function is a valuable tool for videographers who want to capture the passage of time in a visually compelling way.

On the other hand, the Sony a6000 has a higher maximum video frame rate at 60fps, compared to the OM-D E-M10’s 30fps. This higher frame rate is advantageous for those looking to capture fast-action scenes or create slow-motion videos. While this is a notable advantage, it is not enough for the a6000 to surpass the E-M10 in overall video capabilities.

Taking these factors into consideration, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 is the better choice for those seeking a camera with superior video capabilities. Its built-in time-lapse functionality offers a unique advantage over the Sony a6000, while the a6000’s higher frame rate is not sufficient to make up for this difference.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 vs Sony a6000 Features and Benefits

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 triumphs over the Sony a6000 with a feature score of 57/100 compared to 41/100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, absence of GPS, and the presence of WIFI. However, the differences between the two cameras make the Olympus OM-D E-M10 the superior choice in terms of features.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 has a higher screen resolution of 1,037,000 dots, as opposed to the Sony a6000’s 921,600 dots. This results in a sharper and more detailed display on the Olympus OM-D E-M10. Additionally, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 has a touchscreen, making it easier and faster to navigate through settings and adjust focus points. The Sony a6000 lacks this feature, which may slow down the user’s workflow.

While the Sony a6000 trails behind the Olympus OM-D E-M10 in terms of features, it still has some positive aspects. The flip screen, WIFI capability, and 3-inch screen size are all shared with the Olympus OM-D E-M10. However, these shared features are not enough to bring the Sony a6000 on par with the Olympus OM-D E-M10.

Taking all the features into consideration, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 proves to be a better camera than the Sony a6000. The higher screen resolution and the presence of a touchscreen give the Olympus OM-D E-M10 an advantage over the Sony a6000. While the Sony a6000 has some valuable features, it falls short in comparison to the Olympus OM-D E-M10.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 vs Sony a6000 Storage and Battery

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 and the Sony a6000 both score 21/100 in storage and battery. They share similarities in this aspect, as each camera has one memory card slot and accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. Neither camera supports USB charging.

The Sony a6000 has a slight advantage in battery life, providing 360 shots compared to the Olympus OM-D E-M10’s 320 shots. This difference may be beneficial for photographers who need longer shooting sessions. The a6000 also accepts Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo cards, offering more storage options.

However, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 uses a BLS-5 battery, while the Sony a6000 uses an NP-FW50 battery. There is no significant advantage for either camera in this aspect.

Considering the storage and battery capabilities, the Sony a6000 is slightly better due to its longer battery life and additional memory card compatibility. However, the difference is not significant, and both cameras perform similarly in this category.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 vs Sony a6000 – Our Verdict

Olympus OM-D E-M10 vs Sony a6000 Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Olympus OM-D E-M10 or the Sony a6000: