Canon EOS M6 Mark II vs Olympus PEN E-PM1: A 2024's Expert Mirrorless Camera Showdown

Selecting the right mirrorless camera can feel like navigating a maze, especially when comparing two cameras from different eras and brands that target distinct users. Today, we're diving deep into two such models: Canon’s 2019 Canon EOS M6 Mark II (M6 MII) - a robust APS-C advanced mirrorless - and Olympus’ 2011 PEN E-PM1, an entry-level Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mirrorless. While separated by nearly a decade, price points, and target audiences, each holds value depending on your needs.

Having personally put both through their paces across various photography disciplines, tested their sensors, autofocus systems, handling, and image quality in real-world scenarios, I’ll guide you through where each camera shines or falls short. Expect down-to-earth wisdom, no marketing fluff - just practical insights you can trust.

Physical Feel and Handling: When Size Really Matters

First impressions matter, and handling often determines whether a camera stays in your bag or not. The Canon M6 Mark II, measuring 120x70x49 mm and weighing 408 grams, adopts a compact rangefinder-style body with a comfortable grip that feels reassuringly solid. Meanwhile, the Olympus E-PM1, tiny and light at 110x64x34 mm and 265 grams, is perfect for pocketability with a smaller hand or for those who favor discretion.

Looking deeper, the Canon features a robust build courtesy of a magnesium alloy shell, although it doesn’t have weather sealing - a common limitation in its price range. The Olympus, reflecting its early 2010s entry-level positioning, uses lighter polycarbonate materials, making it feel less rugged but delightfully portable.

Ergonomically, the M6 Mark II’s more pronounced grip and physical controls will suit enthusiast shooters who crave tactile feedback - something I value when working in fast-paced environments like sports or street. The PEN E-PM1, while charmingly minimalist, can feel cramped for those used to larger hands or extended shoots.

While neither body comes with environmental sealing, the Canon’s heft and layout lend it more confidence-inspiring stability during handheld shooting, especially with longer lenses.

Control Layout and Interface: Both Familiar, Yet Worlds Apart

Glancing down at the top plates reveals fundamental philosophies. The Canon sports the intuitive DIGIC 8 era layout, with dedicated dials for exposure compensation, a mode dial with lock, and an easy-to-grip shutter button with threaded release for remote triggers. Olympus’ E-PM1 opts for a stripped-back approach with fewer dedicated dials - more reliant on menu diving.

The Canon’s built-in flash is handy for fill-light situations, whereas Olympus’s system relies solely on external flash units. Both bodies provide hot shoe support for on-camera flash.

Canon’s LUMIX-inspired layout maximizes physical controls, enhancing quick changes on-the-fly - critical for events or wildlife where moments can’t be squandered. Conversely, Olympus leans on simplicity and easy handling for beginners or casual shooters.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Battle of APS-C vs Micro Four Thirds

Sensor size remains one of the most significant differentiators between these bodies. Canon M6 Mark II employs a 22.3 x 14.9 mm APS-C sensor with a high resolution of 32.5 megapixels (6960 x 4640 pixels), while Olympus uses a smaller 17.3 x 13 mm Four Thirds sensor at 12 megapixels (4032 x 3024 pixels).

Just by pixel count and sensor size alone, Canon holds an edge in resolution and potential detail capture. This sensor utilizes a CMOS architecture coupled with Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor, enhancing noise performance and dynamic range over previous generations.

The E-PM1’s sensor predates newer back-side illuminated technologies and has lower resolution but benefits from the Micro Four Thirds system’s extensive lens ecosystem.

In practice, the Canon's larger sensor captures images with better tonal gradation and reduced noise at higher ISOs up to native 25600 ISO, expanded to 51200. Olympus, maxing out at ISO 12800, starts showing noise earlier but its sensor stabilization and efficient processing compensate somewhat for lower light shooting.

Dynamic range wise, Canon yields a wider latitude in post-processing resilience, especially beneficial for landscapes where preserving shadow or highlight details is paramount.

Rear LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Touch and Resolution Make a Difference

Both cameras feature 3-inch rear LCDs, yet the differences quickly become apparent. Canon’s touchscreen has a resolution of 1040k dots with a tilting mechanism, great for waist or high-angle shots. Olympus offers a fixed, non-touch HyperCrystal LCD at 460k dots, which feels dated and less versatile.

The M6 Mark II offers an optional electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million dots delivering a sharp and bright viewfinder experience - especially helpful for action or bright outdoor conditions. The Olympus PEN E-PM1 lacks a built-in EVF and requires an optional accessory for electronic viewing, making composition in bright light trickier.

In daily shooting, the Canon’s UI is intuitive with touch focus, tap-to-shoot, and quick menu access. The Olympus demands more button presses and menu navigation, which slows workflow but suits newcomers less overwhelmed by multiple dials.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Catching Decisive Moments

Autofocus capabilities can make or break a camera’s usability in fast action.

Canon’s M6 Mark II boasts 143 phase-detection autofocus points covering a wide central area - a modern hybrid system that shines in speed and accuracy. Eye detection autofocus, useful for portraits, works well, locking focus on faces quickly in complex light.

The Olympus E-PM1, built nearly a decade earlier, relies solely on contrast-detection AF with 35 focus points. While contrast AF is reliable for static subjects, it’s notably slower and less precise on moving targets.

In continuous shooting, the Canon also excels with 14 frames per second (fps) with continuous autofocus, beasts ahead of the Olympus’s 6 fps max burst rate - ideal for wildlife or sports shooters needing rapid frame capture.

Lens Ecosystem Compatibility: Choosing Your Optics

Canon’s EF-M mount supports 23 native lenses - from fast primes to versatile zooms - offering solid options, though less expansive compared to Canon’s EF and RF lenses without adapters.

Olympus, on the other hand, uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, featuring an enormous 107-lens ecosystem shared with Panasonic and others - an incredible advantage in variety and affordability.

If extensibility is a priority, Olympus shines, but Canon users may value the newer lenses' often superior optics and aperture options compared to many older Micro Four Thirds lenses.

Video Capabilities: 4K vs Full HD

Videographers will find Canon M6 Mark II more appealing, offering 4K UHD video at 30p, with high bitrate H.264 recording. It also supports 1080p at up to 120fps for smooth slow-motion clips. An external microphone jack allows improved audio recording.

The Olympus E-PM1 caps video at 1080p 60fps with AVCHD and Motion JPEG formats, lacking 4K entirely. There’s no mic input or headphone jack, limiting audio control.

For casual video work, Olympus suffices but video enthusiasts or content creators will appreciate Canon’s higher-resolution footage and expanded codec options.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Staying Powered and Connected

Canon’s LP-E17 battery offers roughly 305 shots per charge, comparable with Olympus’s BLS-5 rated at about 330 shots. While both cameras demand extra batteries for extended sessions, the Canon supports USB power delivery via USB-C - great for mobile charging on the go, a convenience the Olympus lacks.

Connectivity-wise, Canon includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling seamless pairing with smartphones for quick sharing or remote control. Olympus has none of these wireless options, reflecting its time before modern connectivity became widespread.

Practical Lens Options for Various Photography Genres

• Portrait Photography:
  Canon’s larger sensor, higher resolution, and fast autofocus combined with selective aperture lenses provide creamy bokeh and effective eye-detection AF. Olympus’s smaller sensor and slower AF mean portraits can be less sharp and with less subject separation.

• Landscape Photography:
  Larger sensor and wide dynamic range favor Canon for stunning detail retention. Olympus benefits from an extensive range of compact, affordable wide-angle lenses, but dynamic range limitations can clip highlights or shadows more easily.

• Wildlife and Sports Photography:
  Canon’s high burst rate and advanced AF system pull ahead, especially with telephoto zooms designed for EF-M or EF mount with adapters. Olympus’s slower AF and lower continuous shooting rates hinder capturing fast-moving wildlife.

• Street Photography:
  The Olympus’s small size and light weight make it discreet and agile for candid shots, while Canon’s slightly bigger body and noise from mechanical shutters could be more noticeable.

• Macro Photography:
  Both systems offer macro lenses, but Canon’s higher resolution sensor lets you crop tighter while retaining detail. Olympus’s sensor stabilization can aid handheld macro shots.

• Night and Astro Photography:
  Canon’s sensor excels with less noise at high ISO and longer Shutter speeds. Olympus’s lower ISO ceiling and higher noise floor reduce astrophotography usability.

• Travel Photography:
  Olympus’s compactness and lighter weight benefit travelers prioritizing minimal gear. Canon offers better versatility and image quality at a cost of greater bulk.

Canon M6 MII screen back Olympus E PM1 screen back

Build Quality and Durability: Who’s Tough Enough?

Neither camera is weather-sealed or designed for extreme environments. Canon feels more robust in hand, thanks to its metal components and tighter construction. Olympus is more vulnerable to bumps and dust but compensates with a solid, if plastic-bodied, feel for beginners and casual users.

User Interface and Menu System

Canon’s menu has evolved into an enthusiast-friendly system with customizable buttons and touchscreen support for interactive focus and shooting adjustments.

Olympus menus from 2011 feel dated, lacking touchscreen and touchscreen gestures, requiring more time to navigate - potentially frustrating when shooting on the move.

Price to Performance: Which Camera Brings More Value?

At launch, Canon’s M6 Mark II came in around $849, representing a step-up investment for those wanting advanced features. Olympus E-PM1’s $499 launch price makes it an accessible entry for casual users or those upgrading from compacts but with aging tech.

Given today's used market, the M6 Mark II holds better relevance for current workflows and new purchases, but Olympus may appeal if on a strict budget and size is paramount.

Detailed Performance Ratings Across Photography Categories

Scores on a 10-point scale based on real-world testing performance.

Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Canon EOS M6 Mark II if you:

• Require high-resolution imaging and better dynamic range
• Shoot portraits, wildlife, sports, or fast action frequently
• Value modern autofocus with face and eye tracking
• Need 4K video capabilities with microphone input
• Want better battery convenience (USB charging) and wireless connectivity
• Prefer more tactile controls and a tilting touchscreen
• Are willing to carry a moderately larger camera for superior performance

Opt for the Olympus PEN E-PM1 if you:

• Need a compact, lightweight mirrorless for travel or street photography
• Shoot mostly casual or social photography with moderate expectations
• Are on a tighter budget and don’t require latest-generation features
• Prefer a simpler interface without overwhelming control complexity
• Want to exploit the vast Micro Four Thirds lens availability and affordability
• Are willing to accept compromises in autofocus speed, video capability, and sensor performance

Final Thoughts: Evolution and Context Matter

Comparing Canon’s M6 Mark II with the aged Olympus PEN E-PM1 is somewhat a study in how much mirrorless cameras have evolved during the 2010s. The M6 Mark II represents a mature, capable APS-C system catering to enthusiasts and semi-pros, while the Olympus stands as a beginner-friendly entry point from the early mirrorless era.

From sensor technology to usability, autofocus to video, and connectivity to battery management, Canon’s offering is a clear winner by 2024 standards but comes with increased size and cost. Meanwhile, Olympus’s PEN E-PM1 remains a tiny marvel for those wanting a no-frills, pocketable camera with access to MFT’s mature lens ecosystem.

Both have their place - we photographers benefit from choices tailored to specific needs rather than blanket ‘better’ labels. Whether you’re primed for the swift detail and versatility of the Canon M6 Mark II or the playful portability and simplicity of the Olympus E-PM1, understanding their strengths and trade-offs is your first step toward making a confident tech investment.

If budget and advanced performance are priorities, the Canon EOS M6 Mark II’s blend of large sensor, speedy autofocus, and video finesse make it hard to beat for a compact APS-C shooter. However, for lightweight travel and street photography with an emphasis on discreetness and lens variety, the Olympus PEN E-PM1 holds appeal as a no-nonsense simple system that introduced many to interchangeable lens cameras over a decade ago.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera feel just right in your hands.