Olympus E-600 vs Olympus OM-D E-M10 II: Which Entry-Level Micro Four Thirds Camera Is Right for You?

Choosing your next camera can be daunting, especially when balancing legacy DSLR models with more modern mirrorless designs. Today we dive deep into two Olympus cameras that represent distinct moments in Micro Four Thirds history: the entry-level DSLR Olympus E-600, introduced in 2009, and the mirrorless Olympus OM-D E-M10 II, launched in 2015. Both cater to enthusiasts seeking compact, versatile systems, but they differ significantly in design, technology, and performance.

Based on hands-on experience and exhaustive tests of thousands of cameras across genres, this comprehensive comparison will equip you with clear, expert insights so you can confidently pick the right Olympus for your needs and creative goals.

First Look: Design and Handling – DSLR Roots vs Modern Mirrorless

The Olympus E-600 is a compact digital SLR, recognizable by its pentamirror optical viewfinder and traditional DSLR form factor. The OM-D E-M10 II, meanwhile, embraces mirrorless technology with an electronic viewfinder and a more streamlined, rangefinder-style body.

Key Differences in Size and Weight

The OM-D E-M10 II feels noticeably lighter and more compact. This smaller footprint means easier all-day carry and quicker responsiveness when shooting handheld - a critical advantage for travel and street photography. The E-600’s solid DSLR grip offers confidence and ergonomic familiarity, ideal if you prefer an optical viewfinder experience.

Looking at the top control layout and interfaces also reveals how Olympus’ design philosophy evolved.

• The E-600 features traditional DSLR dials but a smaller LCD display on top.
• The E-M10 II enhances usability with intuitive dial arrangement and a tilt-enabled LCD screen for versatile shooting angles.

That leads us naturally to…

Viewing and Composing Your Shots: LCD and Viewfinder

Both cameras provide live view shooting, but their screen and viewfinder technologies differ markedly.

The E-600’s articulated 2.7-inch screen is helpful for live view but relatively low resolution by today’s standards. On the other hand, the E-M10 II’s 3-inch tilting screen with touchscreen support vastly improves framing flexibility and menu navigation.

The electronic viewfinder on the E-M10 II is a major upgrade. With 2.36 million dots and 100% coverage, you get a bright, detailed preview with live exposure feedback, focus peaking, and display overlays - a boon for precision shooting. The E-600’s optical pentamirror is serviceable but offers less brightness and only 95% frame coverage, which can lead to slight framing surprises.

Sensor and Image Quality: Technology Leap Over Six Years

Both cameras use a Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm with a 2.1x crop factor, allowing compatibility with the Micro Four Thirds lens mount system. However, the sensors have important differences in resolution, ISO range, and image processing that affect photographic results.

The E-M10 II’s sensor is a clear step forward, delivering higher resolution, better noise control at elevated ISO, and a markedly wider dynamic range. This translates into richer, cleaner images with more detail in shadows and highlights - especially useful for landscape and event photography where lighting can be challenging.

The upgraded TruePic VII processor in the E-M10 II boosts image quality further with refined noise reduction and color reproduction.

Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Capabilities

Autofocus can make or break your shooting experience, especially for wildlife and sports photography.

The E-600 uses a hybrid AF system with phase detection, providing relatively fast focusing but limited to just seven points. It lacks autofocus tracking, which means subjects moving unpredictably can be challenging to keep sharp.

In contrast, the OM-D E-M10 II relies purely on contrast detection but compensates with a dramatically higher number of focus points (81) and offers subject tracking - allowing it to maintain focus on moving targets more reliably. Face detection performance is robust on both, but the OM-D’s AF is noticeably smoother and quicker in real-world use.

This makes the OM-D E-M10 II much better suited for action, wildlife, and candid street photography.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Capturing the Action

For dynamic situations like sports or wildlife, burst speed and shutter flexibility matter.

The OM-D E-M10 II doubles the continuous shooting speed to 8 frames per second - helping freeze fast-moving moments better than the E-600’s modest 4 fps. Neither supports an electronic shutter for silent operation, but both offer the usual range of shutter-priority, aperture-priority, and manual exposure modes.

Image Stabilization: Getting Sharper Shots Without a Tripod

Both cameras feature sensor-based image stabilization, but the OM-D E-M10 II’s system is more advanced.

• E-600: Offers sensor-based stabilization, useful for reducing camera shake in stills.
• E-M10 II: Provides 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), correcting pitch, yaw, roll, vertical, and horizontal movements.

The 5-axis IBIS on the E-M10 II dramatically improves handheld shooting in low-light conditions, macro work, and video stabilization, allowing sharper images at slower shutter speeds.

Video Capabilities: From Still Photography to Moving Images

The Olympus E-600 dates from an era before video in DSLRs was mainstream and does not offer video recording.

The OM-D E-M10 II shines here with 1080p Full HD video at 60fps, 30fps, and 24fps frame rates:

• Video formats: H.264 and Motion JPEG
• Internal stabilization helps smooth handheld footage
• No mic or headphone jacks, but supports external flashes
• Timelapse recording capabilities built-in

If hybrid use for photo and video is important, the OM-D E-M10 II clearly outperforms the older E-600.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Handling Life Outdoors

Neither camera provides weather sealing or ruggedized protection out of the box. You’ll want protective measures if shooting in dust, rain, or harsh environments.

• The E-600 has a robust DSLR-style body, but with no seals.
• The OM-D E-M10 II’s plastic and metal construction balances lightweight portability with solid feel.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount Compatibility: Your Creative Freedom

Both cameras use the Micro Four Thirds mount, opening access to a rich selection of lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties.

• E-600 supports 45 lenses at launch; over 100 are now available for the OM-D E-M10 II.
• You enjoy a wide choice of primes, zooms, macro, and specialty lenses tailored to different genres.
• Faster modern lenses benefit the newer OM-D sensor and processor better.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Shooting Considerations

Battery life favors the E-600 thanks to its optical viewfinder and older electronics. The OM-D E-M10 II’s electronic viewfinder and touchscreen demand more power but benefit from modern, widely available SD cards.

Connectivity and Other Features: Modern Conveniences

• E-600: No wireless connectivity, HDMI, or USB 3.0
• E-M10 II: Built-in WiFi enabling remote control and easy sharing via compatible apps, HDMI out, USB 2.0

While neither supports Bluetooth or NFC, the OM-D E-M10 II offers more modern conveniences popular in digital workflows.

Sample Images: Real-World Shooting Results Comparison

Olympus E 600 screen back Olympus E M10 II front Olympus E M10 II screen back

Across tested scenes:

• The E-M10 II’s images exhibit finer detail, particularly visible in landscape and portrait work, with less noise at higher ISOs.
• Colors are more vibrant and natural with improved skin tone rendering.
• The E-600 still captures decent images under controlled light but struggles in higher contrast and low light scenarios.
• Portrait bokeh quality is comparable given equivalent lenses, though the newer sensor and processing of the E-M10 II provide a slight edge in richness and texture.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

Which Camera Excels at Different Photography Styles?

Our Final Assessment: Which Olympus Camera Should You Choose?

Choose the Olympus E-600 if:

• You favor an optical viewfinder experience.
• You want a solid DSLR entry with classic control layout.
• Budget is tight and only secondhand options are available.
• You mainly shoot outdoors in good light and want longer battery life.
• Video capability and advanced autofocus are not priorities.

Choose the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II if:

• You want a compact, lightweight, and highly versatile mirrorless camera.
• Low-light shooting, image quality, and fast autofocus matter.
• You want solid video capture alongside stills.
• Connectivity and modern user interface features enhance your workflow.
• You plan to use it for a broad range of photography disciplines including travel, wildlife, and street.

Both cameras serve as capable portals to Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds system, with extensive lens options and creative opportunities. However, the OM-D E-M10 II’s recent technology and features make it a more future-proof and flexible platform for passionate hobbyists and serious beginners alike.

Recommendations to Get the Most Out of Your Olympus

• Invest in prime lenses with fast apertures to maximize image quality and depth of field control.
• For wildlife and sports, pair the OM-D E-M10 II with telephoto zooms to leverage its tracking AF and burst speed.
• Use the fully articulated or tilting screens for difficult angles and creative compositions.
• For video, attach an external microphone where possible (via hot shoe and adapter).
• Keep your firmware updated to benefit from ongoing Olympus improvements.
• Explore community forums and tutorials to master the in-camera features and post-processing options.

Choosing between the Olympus E-600 and the OM-D E-M10 II ultimately means deciding between DSLR tradition and mirrorless innovation. As digital photography continues to evolve, the OM-D E-M10 II is a standout for its blend of advanced technologies in a compact package - a camera that grows with your skills.

If you want to see these cameras in action or try handling them, check your local camera stores or rental services. Nothing beats a hands-on trial to find the right fit for your creative journey.

Happy shooting!

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5. Olympus E 600 screen back Olympus E M10 II front Olympus E M10 II screen back