Our review today focuses on the Sony a6000 Vs Olympus OM-D E-M5.
Both of the cameras in comparison are semi-pro level mirrorless cameras, the Sony a6000 coming with an APS-C sensor camera, while the Olympus OM-D E-M5 comes with a four-thirds sensor.
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Now, this comparison article is a detailed breakdown of all the features of the cameras. So, this will be one long yet interesting read.
However, if there isn’t enough time to go through all the details in the article, then we advise that you go through our comparison overview section which ends at the “What Situation Is Each Camera Best For?” table.
These two sections contain just about all the information you would be needing on the two cameras in tidbits.
Nonetheless, we always recommend that you read to the end of this article if you can. This is because the full article is targeted at helping you better understand everything about the cameras in comparison.
Now, let’s get into the review proper.
Comparison Overview – Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5
Here, we will compare the two cameras under review.
Where Both Cameras Get It Right – Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5
These two cameras have an LCD screen that tilts and an electronic viewfinder. These two features influence how easy framing images with the cameras will be.;
The two cameras also have an external flash shoe and a pretty impressive ISO range (see comparison table).
Furthermore, these cameras support the RAW format of images, have face detection focus, and also have the auto exposure bracketing feature.
Finally, for the purpose of shooting action and moving subjects, both of the cameras have fantastic performances in continuous shooting mode. They also have an impressive max shutter speed value.
Where The Sony a6000 Does It Better – Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5
First off, this camera has virtually all the wireless features that you could require of any modern camera. It has a built-in Wi-Fi connectivity feature, it is NFC compatible, and also supports remote control with a smartphone.
The Sony a6000 has higher values for its max sensor resolution, color depth, and dynamic range. Furthermore, this camera also has an LCD screen with a higher screen resolution.
The a6000 has a higher number of focus points. It’s also the lighter of the two cameras as well.
Finally, although both of these cameras shoot in continuous shooting mode, the Sony a6000 takes more frames per second and supports SD cards that have the UHS feature.
Where The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Does It Better – Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5
Firstly, this camera has a built-in image stabilization feature.
Also, the LCD screen of this camera is touch-sensitive, therefore, navigating through menus and options with this camera should be easier.
The camera has a microphone port for better audio quality.
Finally, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 comes environmentally-sealed.
Where Both Cameras Get It Wrong – Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5
Both cameras do not have long-lasting batteries.
The Price Value Ratio – Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5
Which is more expensive: Sony a6000 vs Canon 200D?
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is more expensive than the Sony a6000 and with a pretty wide price difference. However, they both cost less than a thousand bucks.
For our opinion on what will give better value for money spent, we are inclined to go for the Sony a6000 on this one because there are so many features where it beats the OM-D E-M5. Interestingly, it sells for less.
So, seeing that the Sony a6000 costs less and offers this many features, it is our pick for a generally satisfactory price-value ratio.
Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 – Comparison Table
Sony a6000 |
Olympus OM-D E-M5 | |
| Wireless Connection | Wi-Fi | Eye-Fi |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | No |
| Max Sensor Resolution | 24 megapixels | 16 megapixels |
| Number Of Focus Points | 179 | 35 |
| LCD Screen Resolution | 922k dots | 610k dots |
| Continuous Shooting | 11 frames per second | 9 frames per second |
| Weight | 344 grams | 425 grams |
| Color Depth | 24.1 | 22.8 |
| Dynamic Range | 13.1 | 123 |
| NFC Connection | Yes | No |
| Smartphone Remote Control | Yes | No |
| UHS Memory Card Support | UHS-I | None |
| Built-in Image Stabilization | None | Sensor-shift |
| Touch Screen | No | Yes |
| Microphone Port | No | Yes |
| Environmental Sealing | No | Yes |
| Click here to get the Sony a6000 now! | Click here to get the Olympus OM-D E-M5 now! |
Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 – Circumstances They Are Best Suited For
Sony a6000 |
Olympus OM-D E-M5 |
| This Sony a6000 is one camera that has refused to be boxed. The features this camera possesses qualifies it to play on almost any work field. For us, this camera would be your best bet for daily or travel. The body of this camera is of small size, so, you are assured that it won’t be taking up space in your bag. It is also an impressively light camera. This means that the camera will not be a burden to carry about. | As for the Olympus OM-D E-m5, it is also a well-designed multipurpose camera. This is quite obvious when you look at the features the camera offers. It comes with built-in image stabilization. This feature alone places it on the invite list to almost any party. Also, this camera would also be a perfect choice for street and sports photography for various reasons including its image stabilization, continuous shooting performance, and max shutter speed. |
| The only major thing to take note of about this camera is that it lacks image stabilization, therefore, a lot of hurriedly taken hand-held photos might turn out blurry. So, if your line of work demands that you shoot a lot of hand-held photos then this camera might not be the best choice for you. | This camera doesn’t have a very high sensor resolution, so it might not be the best choice for landscape or portrait photography. However, at its resolution value, it can still do a very great job. |
Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 –Common Features
The following features are common to both the Sony a6000 and the Olympus OM-D E-M5:
1. Articulating Screen
2. External Flash Shoe
3. RAW Support
4. ISO Range
5. Face Detection Focus
6. Continuous Shooting Mode
7. AE Bracketing
Articulating Screen
Which has an articulating screen: Sony a6000 or Olympus OM-D E-M5?
The Sony a6000 and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 both have an articulating screen. The articulating screens of the Sony a6000 and Olympus OM-D E-M5 have a design that moves about just one axis. This allows the screen to only tilt slightly upwards and downwards – which is where it derives its name; the tiltable or tilting articulated screen.
External Flash Shoe
Which has the external flash shoe: Sony a6000 or Olympus OM-D E-M5?
The Sony a6000 and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 both have the external flash shoe. The external flash shoe is a part of the camera body that allows you to attach an external flash to the body of the camera. Both of these cameras have this feature which makes them compatible with an external flash.
The external flash is a light enhancement tool that provides extra lighting for scenes with poor lighting. It is also the next option when the built-in flash cannot handle the light situation facing the photographer.
This feature is also essential for doing flash photography.
RAW Support
Which camera shoots RAW: Sony a6000 or Olympus OM-D E-M5?
The Sony a6000 and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 both shoot in RAW file format. The RAW file format saves every detail recorded by the camera. Therefore, images in this format tend to be very large in storage size. This, naturally, means that you must be ready to sacrifice a lot of storage space to shoot in RAW.
For the Sony a6000, it has a very impressive max sensor resolution. So, you will really enjoy the image quality offered by the images shot by this camera in RAW.
ISO Range
What is the ISO range of the Sony a6000 and Olympus OM-D E-M5?
The ISO of the Sony a6000 ranges from 100 to 25600 stops (expandable to 51200) while that of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 ranges from 100 to 25600 stops.
It is important to note that using very high ISO values to achieve brighter creates noise on the image being shot. Fortunately, for more modern cameras, the noise barrier that comes with very high ISO values is gradually getting broken.
Below, we have embedded videos displaying the ISO performance of the two cameras in this Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 comparison.
Face Detection Focus
Which has the face detection feature: Sony a6000 or Olympus OM-D E-M?
Both the Sony a6000 and Olympus OM-D E-M have the face detection feature.This feature can be very helpful for shooting portraits of children who find it hard to stay in one position.
Once the camera locks down on the face, if the subject changes position or moves, it adjusts its focus to the new position of the subject. The speed of adjustment varies across cameras.
Continuous Shooting Mode
Which has the continuous shooting mode: Sony a6000 or Olympus OM-D E-M?
Both the Sony a6000 and Olympus OM-D E-M cameras have a continuous shooting mode. However, the Sony a6000 performs better in continuous shooting mode than the Olympus OM-D E-M5. It shoots at a rate of 11 frames per second which is impressive for a semi-pro camera.
This shooting mode is designed for shooting any form of photography that involves a lot of action to make sure you don’t miss any.
The Olympus O-MD E-M5 although shooting at a lesser rate in this Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 comparison also does a quite impressive job in continuous shooting mode – shooting 9 frames per second.
AE Bracketing
Which has the AE bracketing feature: Sony a6000 or Olympus OM-D E-M?
Both the Sony a6000 and the Olympus OM-D E-M have the AE (auto exposure) bracketing feature. When the auto exposure option is selected, the camera lets you take different shots at different exposure values (usually 3) after which you get to select your favorite.
When shooting scenes with variation in lighting or a lot of shadows, trying to select the best settings to achieve a properly exposed image can be very difficult. It is for scenes like this that the Auto Exposure bracketing feature becomes very useful.
Video Mode
First off, if you’ll be planning to do anything of cinematic or professional video quality, then the Sony a6000 and Olympus OM-D E-M5 might not be the best choice for such purposes.
Beginning with video resolution, the two cameras in comparison, both have a full HD display resolution of 1080p.
Having a video in this resolution is pretty great quality. However, if displayed anything beyond some high-end HD televisions and monitors, this video would lose its quality.
For other functions that affect the videos shot by the camera – like audio functions. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 would be the better choice. This is because it has a microphone port.
We shall be talking more about this feature later in the article.
Also, the focus system of the camera is another feature that affects the video capabilities of the camera. The Sony a6000 will do a fantastic job when it comes to focusing thanks to its impressive number of focus points.
As for the Olympus OM-D E-M5, it also has a very impressive number of focus points. However, it isn’t as high as the Sony a6000.
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Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 —
Unique Features
The following unique features are common to both Sony a6000 and Olympus OM-D E-M5.
1. Wireless connection
2. Near Field Communication
3. Smartphone Built-in flash
4. Touch Sensitivity
5. Microphone port
6. Environmental sealing
Wireless Connection
Which has a wireless connection feature: Sony a6000 and the Olympus OM-D E-M?
Both the Sony a6000 and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 have the wireless connection feature. For the Sony a6000, it has a built-in Wi-Fi feature. This means that the camera can connect to the internet automatically. This allows you to transfer files from the camera to your computer easily, or share with family and friends on social media.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5, on the other hand, also has the ability to connect to the internet. However, the camera is unable to do this by default.
In order to connect to the internet with this camera, you must purchase an Eye-Fi card. This Eye-Fi card is what creates the connection for the camera to have access to the internet and transfer files via the connection.
Near Field Communication
Which comes with the Near Field Communication feature: Sony a6000 or Olympus OM-D E-M5?
The Near Field Communication connection is unique to the Sony a6000. To use this feature, all that is required is a smartphone that is NFC-compatible.
Once the connection between the camera and the smartphone is made, then, different functions can be carried out between the camera and the smartphone including file transfer.
Smartphone Remote Control
Which is compatible with Smartphone remote control: Sony a6000 or Olympus OM-D E-M5?
The Sony a6000 is compatible with smartphone remote control.
With this remote control method, you can adjust settings, access menus, and trigger the shutter. It also comes with preview mode as well.
Built-in Flash
Which has the built-in flash: Sony a6000 or Olympus OM-D E-M5?
The built-in flash is a feature unique to the Sony a6000 alone.
So, for scenes that are within the limit of the built-in flash, this flash provides you with perfectly exposed and properly lit images.
Sensor Resolution
The term “megapixel” is something you have most likely heard a lot of times before. A megapixel is the measurement unit of the sensor resolution of a camera.
The sensor resolution of a camera basically determines the number of pixels that will make up the images shot by the camera. So, more pixels mean sharper images with more detail.
The detail in these high-resolution images provides more flexibility with cropping images, downsampling, and image print size. This is because there are a lot of pixels to be spread out.
Looking at the Sensor resolution of the cameras in this Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 comparison, we see a very wide difference.
The Sony a6000 comes in at 24 megapixels while the Olympus OM-D E-M5 comes in at 16 megapixels. Easily, you can see that the Sony a6000 would take much sharper and more detailed photos than its counterpart.
Built-in Image Stabilization
In this comparison, only the Olympus OM-D E-M5 has a built-in image stabilization feature, known as sensor-shift image stabilization.
This type of image stabilization functions with devices called “actuators” that detect the speed and direction of the movement the camera has experienced. They then move the sensor to align it with the plane of the image, thereby averting the blurs.
As dreamy as this feature might sound, it is important to note that the image stabilization has its limit. A complete change in position of the camera experienced while the shutter is open will produce nothing but a blur.
Touch Sensitivity
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 has an LCD screen that is touch-sensitive.
This feature makes it easy to navigate different options on the camera. You can access menu files and even make settings changes by just swiping, and touching the LCD screen of the camera.
Microphone Port
Which has a microphone port: Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5?
The microphone port is unique to the Olympus OM-D E-M5 alone. It is a feature that allows you to connect an external microphone to the camera for shooting videos.
All cameras are built with internal microphones, however, these internal microphones will only be useful when it is extremely quiet and airtight.
So, if you want the best audio quality for your video, you’re going to have to use an external mic. This is because the external microphone records and amplifies the sound it can detect from the direction it is pointed at – leaving out as much as possible of the sound from the environment.
The microphone port is unique to the Olympus OM-D E-M5 alone.
Environmental Sealing
One of the most recorded causes of damage to a lot of cameras is the entrance of weather elements into the camera.
To avoid this mishap, cameras are then designed with rubber and silicone gaskets and linings called environmental sealing or weather sealing.
These linings are what keep out the weather elements that could damage the camera.
The sealing is usually found on areas of the camera that either move or have slight openings that could serve as access points for the elements.
The most common part is the flange distance area – that is the tiny space between the camera body and the attached lens.
Only the Olympus OM-D E-M5 is environmentally sealed.
Sony a6000 – Unique Pros
1. Comes with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.
2. Features a built-in flash.
3. Max sensor resolution is higher than that of the Olympus OM-D E-M5.
4. More focus points than the Olympus OM-D E-M5.
5. Higher LCD screen resolution.
6. Shoots more frames per second in continuous shooting mode.
7. The lighter camera of the two.
8. Better color depth.
9. Higher dynamic range.
10. The sensor pixel area of the Sony a6000 is also larger than that of the Olympus OM-D E-M5.
11. The Sony a6000 is NFC-compatible.
12. Also compatible with smartphone remote control.
13. Compatible with SD cards that have the UHS feature which allows for high-speed file sharing.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 – Unique Pros
1. Comes with built-in image stabilization.
2. Features touch-sensitive LCD screen.
3. Comes with a microphone port.
4. Comes with environmental sealing.
Cons Of The Sony a6000
1. Lacks image stabilization.
2. No environmental sealing.
Cons Of The Olympus OM-D E-M5
1. Screen resolution is not impressive.
2. No in-built Wi-Fi connection.
Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 – Common Pros
Sony a6000 |
Olympus OM-D EM-5 | |
| Articulating Screen | This is a movable LCD screen that makes shooting in different positions easy. | Same as the Sony a6000. |
| External Flash Shoe | This feature allows you to attach an external flash to the body of the camera. | Same as the Sony a6000. |
| Electronic viewfinder | This feature helps with proper composure while framing the image on the scene. | Same as the Sony a6000. |
| RAW Support | This feature offers the best image quality that the camera can produce. | Same as the Sony a6000. |
| Face Detection Focus | This is a feature that detects and focuses on faces on the scene being shot. | Same as the Sony a6000. |
| Continuous Shooting | This feature is fantastic for shooting sports and a lot of action scenes. | Same as the Sony a6000. |
| AE Bracketing | This feature helps out for shooting scenes with tough lighting conditions. | Same as the Sony a6000. |
| Click here to get the Sony a6000 now! | Click here to get the Olympus OM-D E-M5 now! |
Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 – Common Cons
These two cameras do not have any cons in common.
Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 —
What Do People Think About Both?
Sony a6000 |
Olympus OM-D EM5 |
| Generally, the most appreciated feature of this camera is its image quality. A lot of users are also very impressed with the autofocus system of this camera Finally, users are impressed with the price of this camera and the performance it offers. | Firstly, users kept making mention of the image stabilization feature of this camera working like “magic”. Also, users are also impressed with the low light and noise performance of this camera. Furthermore, the small size of this camera is one feature that users repeatedly rate very highly. |
| The major issue users have with this camera is its battery life not lasting very long. Also, when it comes to shooting video, users do not recommend this camera. | Users aren’t very impressed with the focusing system of this camera. Finally, most pro users who have used the Olympus OM-D E-M5 aren’t too impressed with how this camera performs in video mode. |
Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 – Our Thoughts
Sony a6000 |
Olympus OM-D E-M5 |
| What do we think about the Sony a6000? We just have to give this camera the appreciation it duly deserves. More importantly, this camera is such a compact camera and still has so many features. This means you can carry this camera anywhere with you and still get the quality and performance you want. This camera is nothing but impressive. It sure has its downsides, but altogether, we are impressed. | The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is also a camera designed to be loved. Starting with the fact that this camera is a fantastic multipurpose camera. This alone makes it something you’d want to buy at first sight. Also, for a semi-pro level camera, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 packs a lot of features in its system that make it a camera we have loved looking into. Definitely, this is not a perfect camera. But for its worth, it does make us happy. |
| You agree? Then, Click here to get the Sony a6000 now! | Want to give it a try? Then, Click here to get the Olympus OM-D E-M5 now! |
Sony a6000 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 – Related FAQs
What Are The Best Lenses for Olympus OM-D E-M5
The following are the best lenses compatible with Olympus OM-D E-M5
- Olympus 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3
- Panasonic Lumix 7-14mm f/4.0
- Olympus 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6
- Panasonic Lumix 20mm f/1.7 II
- Olympus 12mm f/2.0
- Panasonic Lumix 45-175mm f/4.0-5.6
- Panasonic Leica Summilux 25mm f/1.4
- Olympus 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6
- Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm F2.8 Macro
- Sigma 30mm F2.8 DN A Mount 43
- Sigma 30mm F2.8 DN A Mount 43
- Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm F2.8 ASPH OIS
- Sigma 30mm F2.8 EX DN Micro 4/3
Is Olympus OM-D E-M5 a mirrorless digital camera?
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is a mirrorless digital camera with a light and compact body. It is an outstanding camera that comes with tools like an eye-level viewfinder, a 120 fps, 16Mp of the resolution, an expanding number of compatible lens options, and a tilting 3.0 OLED touchscreen monitor. All these make the Olympus OM-D E-M5 easier to move around than other DSLR cameras. It also comes with other creative choices and several other classical functions and features at the disposal of the user.
How do I manually focus on Sony a6000?
To manually focus Sony a6000, go to Camera Settings 3 menu, choose Focus Mode, then select Manual Focus. This step remains the same each time you have to utilize the focus magnifier, that is, if you didn’t set out with the Manual Focus initially. You have to take note that the magnifier doesn’t function in other focus options. The Focus Mode gets completely disabled if the AF-S, DMF, or AF-C modes are selected.
Most Sony cameras are easy to navigate when you are using the Manual Focus mode.
Can Sony a6000 shoot 120fps?
The Sony a6000 cannot shoot at a frame rate of 120fps. The camera shoots videos at 1080p resolution at 60fps. It makes use of the XAVC S codec for Full HD at 24Mbps and this is very ideal in creating slow-motion videos.
The Sony a6000 is a renowned APS-C mirrorless camera with a good built-in viewfinder. It focuses fast and produces good-looking images in any light condition.
The Sony a6000 is a good camera for beginners and will easily fit into any budget for a new camera.
What is the AEL button on Sony a6000?
The AEL (Auto Exposure Lock) button on the Sony a6000 is used when you want to reframe the scene and maintain the exposure. It is situated at the top right side of the camera where your right thumb can easily navigate.
The AEL function allows the camera to keep the same level of brightness in-between shots. This function is useful in shooting several pictures that you need to compose to a panorama at a much later date.
The role the AEL/AFL button plays is selected by using the AE/AF-LOCK button option in the shooting menu.
Is the Sony a6000 good for photography
The Sony a6000 fits nicely for all kinds of photography. It comes with a good sensor (24 megapixel APS-C), hot shoe for mounting of an external flash, and a good fps rating. It also comes with an LCD screen that can easily be tilted when you want to shoot from different convenient angles.
The Sony a6000 is equipped with 24 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and Focus Sensitivity Range. Additionally, it comes with EV 0 to EV 20 (at ISO 100 equivalent with F2.8 lens attached). With an ISO 25600 (expandable to 51200), the Sony a6000 shoots crisp images.
