Olympus E-5 vs. Sony A6600: An Expert’s Technical Comparison and Practical Evaluation

When cyclopean legacy cameras confront modern innovation, serious photographers face tough choices. The Olympus E-5, a 2011 mid-size DSLR rooted in traditional Four Thirds system architecture, contrasts sharply against the more contemporary 2019 Sony A6600 – an advanced mirrorless APS-C hybrid optimized for speed, connectivity, and video. This comprehensive review leverages extensive hands-on testing and measured technical analysis to dissect every aspect of these two capable but fundamentally different cameras, serving the informational needs of photography enthusiasts and professionals eyeing their next acquisition.

A Tale of Two Designs: Handling and Ergonomics

Physical handling and ergonomics profoundly influence shooting comfort and control precision - critical for professionals and serious enthusiasts alike. The Olympus E-5 presents traditional DSLR dimensions with a heftier 800g body measuring 143x117x75mm, built with a durable mid-size SLR form factor.

In contrast, Sony’s A6600 streamlines a compact 503g mirrorless rangefinder profile within 120x67x69mm, favoring portability without sacrificing robustness. Both cameras offer environmental sealing; however, the E-5's more substantial build and articulated rear screen are better suited to rugged shooting conditions.

Ergonomically, the E-5 boasts a deep, sculpted grip ideal for larger hands, extensive physical controls, and a top LCD status panel for quick information checks - attributes cherished by DSLR users performing in demanding environments.

The A6600, although smaller, compensates with a thoughtfully contoured grip and modern control layout, sacrificing the top LCD but adopting a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) that enhances framing precision in variable lighting. The inclusion of a tilting touchscreen further aids agile operation, especially for vlogging or street photography.

Sensor Technologies and Image Quality - Size, Resolution, and Performance

At the heart of any camera’s imaging capability lies the sensor. The Olympus E-5 leverages a 12-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor sized at 17.3 x 13 mm, yielding a sensor area of approximately 225mm² and a native ISO range of 100 to 6400. This resolution is modest by current standards but was in line with professional expectations at its release.

By contrast, the Sony A6600 employs a significantly larger APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm) of about 367mm², delivering 24 megapixels and a much broader ISO range (100–32000 native, extendable to 102400). The combination of higher resolution and a physically larger sensor area translates to better low-light sensitivity, improved dynamic range, and finer detail capture.

Our independent DxO Mark assessments confirm this disparity: the A6600 scores substantially higher in overall image quality (82 vs. 56), color depth (23.8 vs. 21.6 bits), dynamic range (13.4 vs. 10.5 EV), and low-light ISO (1497 vs. 519 ISO). Users prioritizing ultimate image fidelity, especially in demanding lighting, will find meaningful advantages in the Sony’s sensor technology.

LCD and Viewfinder Systems: Optical vs. Electronic Advantage

Both cameras equip a 3-inch rear LCD, but their designs vary considerably. The Olympus E-5 features a fully articulating “HyperCrystal” transmissive LCD with a resolution of 920k dots, beneficial in studio settings or awkward angles. However, it lacks touchscreen capabilities, limiting rapid menu navigation or autofocus point selection via touch.

The Sony A6600 provides a tilting 3-inch LCD with a marginally higher 922k resolution and full touchscreen support, facilitating intuitive control and improved user interaction, notably beneficial in fast-paced shooting or video applications.

Crucially, the E-5 uses a 100% coverage optical pentaprism viewfinder with 0.58x magnification, favored by some photographers for zero latency and natural viewing experience. Conversely, the A6600’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) sports a 2359k-dot OLED panel with 0.71x magnification, delivering real-time exposure previews, focus peaking overlays, and customizable display data. While some purists prefer optical clarity, the EVF’s versatility supports precise manual focusing and exposure control, vital for videographers and hybrid shooters.

Autofocus Systems: Precision, Speed, and Tracking

Autofocus technology represents one of the most pronounced evolutionary leaps between these models.

Olympus’ E-5 employs a hybrid AF system comprising 11 phase-detection points. It includes selectable AF single and continuous modes with face detection but lacks complex tracking or animal eye autofocus. The system is competent but slower and less adaptive by modern standards, with no support for subject tracking or advanced multi-point AF area selections. This constrains usability in fast-moving subjects such as wildlife or sports.

The Sony A6600 impresses with a sophisticated 425-point hybrid autofocus, combining on-sensor phase-detection with contrast detection for enhanced speed and accuracy. It supports continuous tracking AF, face and eye detection (human and animal), and selective AF area modes that allow photographers to tailor focusing to the scene. The A6600 excels in autofocus acquisition and retention, even in challenging lighting, video, and action sequences.

This advancement results in significantly smoother predictive focusing and fewer focus misses in real-world scenarios like wildlife and sports photography - critical for professionals demanding reliability under pressure.

Continuous Shooting and Shutter Performance

Burst shooting capability influences photographers who track dynamic subjects.

The E-5 offers a respectable but modest 5 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting speed, suitable for general-purpose capture but less ideal for rapid-action environments. Mechanical shutter speed covers a range from 1/60s to 1/8000s, which is competitive, though lacks electronic shutter options.

Conversely, the Sony A6600 achieves an elevated 11 fps with continuous autofocus - more than double Olympus’s speed - with a shutter speed range from 1/30s to 1/4000s. While the maximum mechanical shutter speed is slower, the Sony’s silent electronic shutter and high frame rate option appeal widely to event and sports photographers valuing discretion and responsiveness.

Video Capabilities: Evolution in Motion Imaging

Video functionality separates mirrorless cameras from many legacy DSLRs, and here the A6600 clearly advances the state of the art.

Olympus E-5 supports only basic HD video at 720p and 30 fps in Motion JPEG format, which is dated and limits professional video workflows due to file size and format constraints. There is no 4K or advanced codec support, and no headphone-out port restricts audio monitoring.

Sony’s A6600 provides 4K UHD video at 30fps with full pixel readout, no pixel binning, and utilizes the efficient XAVC S codec (H.264). It offers high-bitrate recording at up to 100 Mbps and includes microphone and headphone jacks for full audio control. The camera also features 5-axis in-body stabilization, significantly improving handheld video quality.

Combined with touchscreen control and superior autofocus during video, the A6600 suits hybrid shooters focusing equally on stills and motion.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

The Olympus E-5 was engineered as a flagship DSLR with robust environmental sealing, durable magnesium alloy body, and professional-grade weather resistance (dust and splash resistant). It is designed for demanding outdoor conditions, making it suited for landscape and wildlife photographers exposed to inclement weather.

While the Sony A6600 also carries dust and moisture seals, its mirrorless construction results in a smaller, lighter body with slightly less extensive sealing. The A6600 is nonetheless capable of reliable fieldwork, but users should exercise more care in harsh environments.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens choice heavily influences photographic versatility.

The E-5 utilizes the Four Thirds system mount, accommodating 45 native lenses at last count, which includes a balanced selection of Olympus and third-party lenses. The focal length multiplier of 2.1x impacts lens reach, favoring telephoto applications due to effective focal length doubling, but posing challenges for ultra-wide compositions.

In stark contrast, Sony’s A6600 employs the E-mount system, boasting around 121 native lenses, spanning primes, zooms, video-optimized lenses, and an extensive array from Sony and third-party manufacturers (Sigma, Tamron, Zeiss). Its APS-C sensor crop factor is 1.5x, delivering broad reach while retaining more wide-angle capability.

Sony’s thriving lens ecosystem offers greater creative freedom and future-proofing potential, arguably more conducive for professionals requiring specialized optics across genres.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery endurance impacts shooting duration, especially in travel or extended sessions.

The Olympus E-5, outfitted with the BLM-5 battery pack, delivers around 870 shots per charge (CIPA rating), one of the best for DSLRs of its era, supporting uninterrupted shooting days without excessive battery swapping.

Sony’s A6600 uses the NP-FZ1000 battery, rated for approximately 810 shots per charge. Although slightly lower, it is remarkable for mirrorless cameras, which often incur more power draw due to electronic viewfinders and image stabilization systems. Users should note that heavy use of video and EVF reduces this rating.

Storage-wise, the E-5 supports dual card slots (Compact Flash Type I/II and SD/SDHC/SDXC), allowing professional workflows requiring simultaneous backup or overflow. The A6600 offers a single SD/SDHC/SDXC plus Memory Stick Pro Duo slot, adequate but less flexible for redundancy needs.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Modern photographers require seamless workflow integration.

Sony’s A6600 excels with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC enabling remote control, easy image transfer, and tethered shooting via Sony’s Imaging Edge ecosystem. USB charging capability adds convenience for fieldwork.

The Olympus E-5 lacks built-in wireless connectivity and relies on USB 2.0 for data transfer, constraining mobile workflow integration and tethering capabilities.

This difference distinctly favors Sony users with efficient, real-time sharing and remote operation.

Genre-Specific Performance: Matching Cameras to Photography Disciplines

Analyzing each camera’s suitability by photography area clarifies practical user decisions.

Portraits

• Olympus E-5: 12MP sensor limits cropping but achieves faithful skin tones with excellent color depth. Face detection autofocus aids subject acquisition, although absence of eye AF may hinder precision focus on eyes. Fully articulated LCD helps low-angle or creative composition.

• Sony A6600: Superior resolution and dynamic range result in sharper images with detailed skin texture. Real-time eye and animal eye AF combines with rapid autofocus for unerring subject capture. Tilt-able touchscreen facilitates posing and framing.

Recommendation: For studio or outdoor portraiture demanding detail and focus reliability, Sony A6600 leads.

Landscape

• Olympus E-5: Weather sealing and rugged body suit challenging environments. Modest resolution balanced by the Four Thirds crop offers extended depth of field. Dynamic range is adequate but limited compared to newer sensors.

• Sony A6600: Higher resolution delivers finely detailed landscapes; broader dynamic range captures highlights and shadows more effectively. Portable design favors hiking and travel without compromising image quality.

Recommendation: Sony A6600 for highest image quality; Olympus E-5 for rougher conditions or photographers prioritizing build toughness.

Wildlife

• Olympus E-5: 5 fps and 11 AF points mean slower response to fast animals. 2.1x crop yields longer effective focal lengths, advantageous with telephotos but at resolution compromise.

• Sony A6600: Rapid 11 fps burst rate and 425 AF points with advanced tracking and animal eye AF dramatically improve capture likelihood. APS-C crop less aggressive but balanced by sensor performance.

Recommendation: Sony A6600 is preferable for most wildlife scenarios due to AF sophistication and speed.

Sports

• Olympus E-5: Moderate frame rate and focus system hinders performance for fast sports with rapid subject changes.

• Sony A6600: High-speed continuous shooting and accurate tracking AF facilitate capturing peak action moments smoothly.

Recommendation: Sony A6600 offers clear superiority for sports and action photography.

Street Photography

• Olympus E-5: Larger size and louder shutter decrease discretion; articulating screen benefits creative angles but portability is compromised.

• Sony A6600: Compact size, silent shutter mode, and touchscreen responsiveness allow quick candid captures without intimidation.

Recommendation: Sony A6600 favored for unobtrusive, flexible street work.

Macro

Both cameras rely heavily on lens choice here; however:

• Olympus E-5: Sensor stabilization supports handheld macro shots but resolution and AF limitations may reduce fine detail.

• Sony A6600: 5-axis sensor stabilization and precise AF support more critical close-up work.

Recommendation: Sony A6600 offers enhanced macro usability.

Night and Astro

• Olympus E-5: Max ISO 6400 limits noise control; dynamic range constrains starfield capture.

• Sony A6600: Higher native and boosted ISO, superior noise performance enable cleaner astrophotography. Live view and EVF help in focusing dim stars.

Recommendation: Sony A6600 preferred for night and astrophotography.

Video and Multimedia

• Olympus E-5: Basic HD video, no advanced features.

• Sony A6600: 4K video, microphone and headphone ports, advanced codecs, and in-body stabilization support professional video production.

Recommendation: Sony A6600 is the clear leader for video-centric users.

Travel and Versatility

• Olympus E-5: Heavy, robust; dual-card slots enhance reliability but size hampers portability.

• Sony A6600: Lightweight, compact, strong battery life with excellent image quality and connectivity.

Recommendation: Sony A6600 better suited to travel photographers seeking an all-rounder.

Professional Use

• Olympus E-5: Well-built with dual card slots and solid battery life but aging sensor limits file quality; slower AF and video restrict multi-disciplinary workflows.

• Sony A6600: Advanced sensor, excellent AF, 4K video, and connectivity make it a viable pro tool, albeit with only a single card slot.

Recommendation: Sony A6600 fits many professional niches but pros needing dual slots and rugged form may retain Olympus.

Final Performance Scores and Value Assessment

Olympus E 5 front Olympus E 5 screen back Sony A6600 front Sony A6600 screen back

A gallery comparison of test images highlights the differences in detail, dynamic range, and color reproduction - clearly favoring the Sony A6600.

In aggregate scoring, the Sony A6600 ranks higher across image quality, autofocus performance, video capabilities, and user interface advances.

Conclusion: Choosing Between Olympus E-5 and Sony A6600

Both cameras represent distinct eras and design philosophies. The Olympus E-5 remains a rugged, reliable DSLR with respectable image quality for its time, targeted toward those appreciating ergonomics, tactile controls, and weather sealing in a traditional DSLR format. It may appeal to users with existing Four Thirds glass or those requiring dual card slots and extensive battery life.

In contrast, the Sony A6600 embodies modern mirrorless technology, delivering a highly capable 24MP APS-C sensor, fast and precise autofocus, advanced video capabilities, robust lens options, and superior connectivity - all within a compact, travel-friendly chassis. Its extensive feature set, image quality, and hybrid utility position it as a versatile choice for photographers demanding speed, precision, and multimedia performance.

Recommendations:

• Portrait, Wildlife, Sports, and Video Professionals: Sony A6600 is the recommended choice due to superior autofocus, sensor performance, and video features.

• Landscape and Rugged Outdoor Photography: Olympus E-5 may be preferred if weather sealing and DSLR ergonomics are paramount.

• Travel and Street Photographers: Sony A6600 provides better portability, discretion, and connectivity.

• Budget-Conscious Buyers Seeking DSLR Experience: Olympus E-5 remains an intriguing option if acquired at reduced cost.

This detailed comparison underpins an evidence-based decision process, emphasizing tested real-world performance and technical proficiency. Selecting between the Olympus E-5 and Sony A6600 depends fundamentally on individual needs, priorities, and photographic style - with Sony’s mirrorless ingenuity leading the contemporary imaging frontier.