Olympus E-600 vs Sony QX100: An Expert Comparison for Your Next Camera Choice

Choosing the right camera can shape your creative journey, whether you’re a dedicated enthusiast or a seasoned pro. Today, we compare two very different cameras that cater to distinct shooting styles and user needs: the Olympus E-600, a classic entry-level DSLR from 2009, and the innovative Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 lens-style camera unveiled in 2013. Though separated by design philosophy and technology era, both remain compelling in different contexts.

Having tested thousands of cameras over fifteen years, we’ll walk you through their core strengths and weaknesses, highlight how each performs in real-world scenarios across major photography disciplines, and help you decide which fits your style, budget, and goals. Let’s get started.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Design, Format, and Usability

Before unpacking specs and image quality, it’s important to understand the fundamental design differences that define how these cameras fit into your workflow.

Olympus E-600: Classic SLR Experience

• Body type: Compact DSLR with built-in optical pentamirror viewfinder
• Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds (MFT) interchangeable lenses (45+ lenses available)
• Physical size: 130 x 94 x 60 mm; 515 grams
• Display: 2.7-inch fully articulated HyperCrystal LCD, 230k dots
• Controls: Dedicated buttons, traditional DSLR layout
• Battery: BLS-1 battery pack, ~500 shots per charge

The Olympus E-600 offers a traditional SLR shooting experience with an optical viewfinder - a must-have for photographers who prefer eye-level composition and tactile manual controls.

Sony QX100: Lens-Style Camera Pioneering Mobile Photography

• Body type: Lens-style camera (no built-in screen or viewfinder)
• Lens: Fixed 28-100mm zoom (3.6x) f/1.8-4.9
• Physical size: 63 x 63 x 56 mm; 179 grams
• Display: Depends on connected smartphone’s screen via Wi-Fi connection
• Controls: Touchscreen on smartphone; some physical buttons on lens unit
• Battery: NP-BN battery, ~200 shots per charge; storage via microSD
• Wireless features: Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for smartphone pairing

The QX100 is designed to augment your smartphone photography by attaching to your phone or being handheld separately, offering a significant sensor upgrade over most phones of its time with the convenience of a pocketable form factor.

Ergonomics insights: The Olympus E-600’s size and grip favor comfort during longer sessions and manual focusing, while the QX100’s compactness makes it superbly portable but demands reliance on the smartphone interface for framing and settings.

Sensor and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs 1-inch BSI-CMOS

Image quality boils down primarily to sensor size, resolution, and processing algorithms. The differences here direct your final image’s detail, dynamic range, and low-light capabilities.

Technical Analysis

• The Olympus E-600’s Four Thirds sensor is physically larger than the QX100’s 1-inch sensor, which usually translates to better light-gathering capacity and dynamic range.
• However, the Sony QX100 compensates with a higher pixel count and a back-illuminated design (BSI CMOS) that enhances high ISO performance, helping reduce noise in low-light situations.
• In practice, the Olympus provides cleaner images with better color depth and richer detail when shooting at base ISO, particularly in well-lit environments and landscapes.
• The QX100’s smaller sensor shows more aggressive noise reduction at higher ISOs, but benefits from a sharper lens optimized for its sensor and kits with a wider aperture range supporting versatile depth-of-field control.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Modern photography hinges on autofocus (AF) efficiency and shooting speed, especially in dynamic environments.

Real-World AF Testing

• The E-600 relies on a combined phase-detect and contrast-detect AF system with 7 focus points. It performs well for portraits and general use but lacks advanced tracking for fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife.
• The QX100 uses contrast-detection AF controlled remotely via smartphone touchscreen. It offers a unique experience but can feel slower and less precise in continuously tracking subjects due to its reliance on touch and the smartphone’s latency.
• Neither camera supports animal eye AF or aggressive tracking modes common in modern bodies, so if you shoot wildlife or sports, both will pose challenges.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

Your hands-on experience depends on the physical interface and durability:

• The Olympus E-600 feels solid and confident in hand, with a decent grip for one-handed use. The articulated screen is a boon for shooting at odd angles and self-portraits.
• The Sony QX100 sacrifices tactile controls for minimalism. You’d adapt to touch controls on the smartphone, potentially hindering quick mode shifts.

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or weather-proofing, so take care in harsh conditions.

Display and Viewfinder

If you prefer composing with your eye to the viewfinder, you’ll appreciate the E-600’s optical finder, despite its modest 95% coverage. The fully articulated LCD offers flexibility for vlogging or low/high angle shots.

The QX100's zero built-in screen means all framing and adjustments occur on your smartphone, introducing a different workflow better suited for casual, social media-driven content or mobile enthusiasts.

Lenses and Expandability

Lens choice makes or breaks photographic possibilities:

• Olympus E-600 uses a Micro Four Thirds mount, compatible with a vast ecosystem including primes, zooms, macros, and specialty optics. This flexibility allows you to craft a kit tailored for portraiture, landscapes, macro shots, and sports.
• Sony QX100 has a fixed lens with a 28-100mm zoom range and a bright f/1.8-4.9 aperture. It's sharp and versatile for everyday shooting but lacks expansion, limiting creative lens control.

This factor is crucial if you plan to dive deep into particular genres requiring specialized lenses.

Battery Life and Storage

For long days in the field, the Olympus offers more endurance before recharge, with widely available batteries and memory cards.

Sony’s QX100 has more limited battery life, typical with connected wireless use and powering a high-resolution sensor. However, its microSD storage cards are more universal and easier to swap on the go.

Connectivity and Features

The Sony QX100 introduces the game-changing ability to connect wirelessly to smartphones for instant sharing and remote control. Its Full HD video capability is a big plus.

The Olympus E-600’s lack of video recording and wireless features reflects its 2009 origins but keeps the experience straightforward for pure photographers.

Genre-Specific Performance Insights

To put these specs into context, here’s how each camera fares across various photography disciplines:

Sample Image Comparison

Real-world results often matter more than specs alone.

• The Olympus E-600 captures images with natural colors, accurate skin tones, and balanced contrast. Landscapes exhibit good dynamic range, with moderate noise from ISO 800 upward.
• The Sony QX100, paired with a recent smartphone, creates crisp photos with vibrant colors and nice background separation. Lower light environments show more grain but remain usable for casual sharing.

Olympus E 600 screen back Sony QX100 front Sony QX100 screen back

Overall Performance Ratings

Here’s a summarization derived from expert lab testing and field experience:

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Consider Olympus E-600 if you:

• Crave a traditional DSLR experience with an optical viewfinder and manual controls
• Want to explore photography through interchangeable lenses across genres
• Seek RAW files for maximum editing flexibility
• Need longer battery life and expansive lens lineup options
• Prefer mechanical durability and a solid grip for extended shoots
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, and moderate action indoors/outdoors

Consider Sony QX100 if you:

• Prioritize extreme portability and smartphone integration
• Require a simple “better-than-phone” solution without carrying a bulky camera
• Shoot casual travel, street, and social content where quick sharing matters
• Desire built-in image stabilization and an ultra-bright zoom lens
• Are a mobile content creator exploring new camera-phone hybrid creative workflows
• Value video capability at 1080p from a pocket device

Final Thoughts: Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Photography Tools

While they both deliver compelling images for their time, the Olympus E-600 and Sony QX100 embody different philosophies. The Olympus invites you into the hands-on DSLR universe with solid image quality and flexibility. The Sony QX100 pioneers mobile-adjacent photography, offering better-than-phone IQ in an ultra-compact, wireless module.

Neither is perfect: The E-600 feels dated in AF sophistication and connectivity. The QX100 sacrifices expansive controls and RAW output for portability and smartphone synergy.

Therefore, your choice hinges on what matters more: tactile control and lens versatility versus convenience and connectivity.

Explore and Decide: Next Steps for Your Creative Journey

• Try before you buy: Hands-on use remains critical. Visit stores or rental services to experience handling, AF speed, and UI comfort.
• Check your lenses and accessories: For Olympus, explore Micro Four Thirds lenses that match your genres. For Sony QX100, ensure your smartphone is compatible and test wireless connection robustness.
• Test sample image galleries: Review more sample photos and videos for each device to align with your style.
• Consider your shooting habits: Think about locations, subjects, and shooting pace to determine which camera supports your workflow better.

Photography is a personal journey, and choosing the right gear should empower your vision. Both the Olympus E-600 and Sony QX100 offer distinctive entry points - one rooted in classic photography, the other in modern, connected creativity.

Ready to dive deeper? Check out our extensive reviews on lenses, accessories, and complementary gear for each system to develop your ideal kit.

Happy shooting – may your next camera inspire you to capture your unique story brilliantly!