The Key Differences Between Olympus E-M10 vs Sony A6000
9 mins read

The Key Differences Between Olympus E-M10 vs Sony A6000

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The Sony A6000 and the Olympus E-M10 are both mirrorless cameras. Sony A6000 was released in April 2014 and where Olympus E-M10 came in the same year in March. Which one should you choose?

The Sony A6000 has 24 megapixels, and Olympus E-M10 has 16 megapixels of resolution. Sony A6000 is equipped with an APS-C CMOS sensor whereas Olympus E-M10 has Four-Thirds CMOS Sensor.

The Sony A6000 is popular amongst travelers and wedding photographers. Where the Olympus E-M10 is mostly used for personal collection and light use. Let’s talk about the basic features and discuss them in detail.

Olympus E-M10 vs Sony A6000: Comparison At a Glance

It will be tough to choose one from these mirrorless cameras. But you will see a few slight differences which will help you choose which one to buy. However, let’s help you decide which one to buy?

FeaturesOlympus E-M10Sony A6000
Release Date2014-03-182014-04-23
Mount TypeMicro Four Thirds MountSony E Mount
Sensor Resolution16MP24MP
Sensor TypeFour-Thirds CMOS SensorAPS-C CMOS Sensor
Image StabilizationYesNo
Video ResolutionFull HD (1920 x 1080)Full HD (1920 x 1080)
Electronic Viewfinder1440k dots1440k dots
ISO Sensitivity200 – 25600ISO 100 – 25600 (expands to 51200)
Shooting Speed8.0fps11.0fps
Weight396g344g
Dimension119 x 82 x 46 mm120 x 67 x 45 mm
NFCNoYes
Display3.00″ Tilting Screen3.00″ Tilting Screen
BluetoothYesYes
Built-in WirelessYesYes
Battery Life320 shots360 shots
Headphone portNoNo
Memory SlotSingleSingle
Dynamic Range13.112.3
Focus Points81179
Price (when released)699 USD650 USD

What Are The Key Differences Between The Olympus E-M10 Vs Sony A6000?

You are still confused to come up with a solution? Let me give you a full demonstration of the Sony A6000 and the Olympus E-M10.

Both cameras have some similarities along with some differences. So, let’s go discuss them in detail.

Design

The Olympus E-M10 is a camera system that has interchangeable components like lenses, flashes, and other accessories. The camera is made of metals but light which gives it a premium look. The camera has a touchscreen display.

On the other hand, the Sony A6000 is a compact, speedy and versatile camera with interchangeable components. The camera is made of magnesium alloy. The camera does not have a touchscreen display like the Olympus E-M10.

The Olympus camera tops this level because of its touchscreen display. You can choose E-M10 if you are a fan of touchscreen than the other components.

Autofocus and Image quality

The Sony A6000’s picture quality outclassed its past models. This camera got a 24.3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and is equipped with a Bionz X image processor.

 This camera got a new and advanced 179-point Hybrid autofocus system. The camera can give you gentle picture quality.

The Olympus E-M10 is quite similar, especially at low ISOs. It has got TruePic VII advanced processor, so noise-reduction algorithms are present in this camera.

The camera contains an 81-point autofocus system. Quite a similar picture quality is also presented by the Olympus E-M10.

Both compete with each other very well. But after looking at the processor quality and autofocus system you should choose the Sony A6000.

Body Comparison

The Olympus E-M10 comes up in three versions (white, black, and brown). The E-M10 is a little heavier (twelve percent) than the Sony A6000. The camera is not weather-sealed. But it is dust- and raindrop-proof.

The Sony A6000 is also available in three versions, but in different colors (black, silver, and white).

The Sony A6000 is a little smaller (twenty percent) than the Olympus E-M10. This camera is not weather-sealed as well. It is also dust- and raindrop-proof like the E-M10.

The Sony A6000 is smaller in size and lighter than the Olympus E-M10. So, you can go with the Sony camera.

Sensor Comparison

The Olympus E-M10 features a 16mp Four Thirds sensor. The sensor in E-M10 has an aspect ratio of 4:3.

The cameras have a format factor of 1.5. The E-M10 has a pixel pitch of 3.76μm.

The Sony A6000 has a sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600 which can be increased up to 100-51200.

The Sony A6000 has a 24mp APS-C CMOS sensor and it offers a 3:2 aspect. The camera has a format factor of 2.0. The A6000 has a pixel pitch of 3.91μm.

On-sensor phase detecting pixels are present in this camera which gives fast and reliable autofocus. The ISO is from 100 to 25600 which can be increased up to 100-51200.

It is clear that the Sony A6000 is a better option than the Olympus E-M10 in terms of resolution and sensor type. You should go with Sony if you’re not a fan of Olympus.

Weight and Dimension

Olympus E-M10 has a 119 x 82 x 46 mm dimension. It weighs 396 grams. It has a metallic body which gives it a premium look.

On the other hand, Sony A6000 has dimensions of 120 x 67 x 45 mm. It weighs 344 grams. Sony’s body is made of magnesium alloy and a few more composite goods. 

Weight matters for a camera if you are going to carry it regularly on your shoulder. Though both cameras are light, Sony is a little better than Olympus.

Battery

The A6000 uses an NP-FW50 power pack. You can get a maximum of 360 images from a single charge. The battery in the A6000 can be charged using a USB port, which is very helpful for travelers.

While the E-M10 uses a BLS-5 Li-ion battery. You can get a maximum of 320 shots of photos per charge. This camera also has a USB port which is the same as Sony A6000.

Sony A6000 gives a few extra shots than the Olympus E-M10 in a single charge. So, if you want a little better battery performance you should go with the Sony A6000.

Memory Slots

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 has a single memory slot. The E-M10 Digital Camera allows 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB of SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards.

Whereas the Sony Alpha a6000 has the same single slot for the memory card. This digital camera accepts 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB SD, Pro Duo, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards.

Both have the same single slots. But Sony can use a variety of memory cards. So, its memory cards will be found more easily.

Price

The Sony A6000 costs around 650 USDs in Europe. Though the price of Sony will rise if you attach lenses and other attachments.

On the contrary, the Olympus E-M10 costs around 699 USDs. This is the price without any lenses and attachments.

Sony has a better result in less price. If it is to compare in prices then the Sony A6000 is a great value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Sony A6000 better than the Olympus E-M10?

By camera quality, sensor, battery, and price comparison the Sony A6000 is a little ahead of the Olympus E-M10.

Is it worth buying a Sony A6000 over an Olympus E-M10?

Olympus E-M10 is a good camera having so many good features but Sony has more popularity along with features. Sony A6000’s previous models and overall performances push one to buy this camera.

Which one should you buy for professional use between Sony A6000 and Olympus E-M10?

Most professional photographers use the Sony A6000 camera for professional purposes. Sony’s parts are easy to find. So, Sony A6000 can be a good purchase.

Sony A6000 and Olympus E-M10: Which one is bigger?

Olympus E-M10 is comparatively bigger than the Sony A6000.

What sensor do Sony A6000 and Olympus E-M10 use?

Olympus E-M10 uses Four-Thirds CMOS Sensor and Sony A6000 uses APS-C CMOS Sensor.

Sony A6000 and Olympus E-M10 sensor resolution?

Sony A6000 has a 24mp sensor and Olympus E-M10 has a 16mp sensor.

Final Thought

Sony has a better resolution and better image quality. It has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns that appear in photos that are not present in Olympus.

Sony can shoot well in low light conditions and it has an on-sensor phase-detection that results in better autofocus.

These features you are getting in a camera like Sony which is cheaper than the Olympus. The Sony is light and small as well. So, the A6000 is the clear winner of the contest.

I think you have already chosen your camera. Thank you for staying with me and reading my article.