Olympus E-M1 II vs Olympus SP-620 UZ: A Deep Dive Into Two Very Different Cameras

When Olympus announced the OM-D E-M1 Mark II in late 2016, it was a clear signal that mirrorless cameras were taking a giant leap into professional-level photography. Meanwhile, looking back a few years earlier, the SP-620 UZ represented a different era and segment - an affordable superzoom compact aimed at casual shooters and travelers desiring convenience over cutting-edge performance.

At first glance, these two Olympus cameras couldn’t be more different. Yet, both hold their own particular appeal depending on what you need from a camera today. Having spent countless hours testing and comparing cameras, I want to explore how these two perform across all major photographic disciplines, considering technical specs, ergonomics, and real-world use.

Let me take you on a comprehensive journey, breaking down the Olympus E-M1 II and the SP-620 UZ, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and helping you decide which fits your photographic ambitions best.

Carrying and Handling: Size, Weight, and Controls

An often overlooked yet crucial aspect of any camera comparison is how the device feels and behaves in hand. After all, the best sensor or fastest AF is moot if the camera frustrates you ergonomically.

The Olympus E-M1 II is a pro mirrorless camera styled much like a DSLR. With dimensions of 134x91x67 mm and a weight of 574 grams (body only), it feels substantial but still compact for a camera of its caliber. The grip is sculpted, allowing stable, confident handling during longer shoots or telephoto usage - something that’s vital for wildlife or sports photographers. The magnesium alloy body also provides appreciable weather sealing for dusty or mildly wet environments.

Contrast this with the Olympus SP-620 UZ; a compact superzoom camera measuring 110x74x74 mm and 435 grams. Its very round compact form is more pocketable but far less tailored for prolonged photography sessions. The lack of a dedicated grip or textured heft results in less assured handling, especially as you crank up the 21x zoom lens to its maximum.

Looking at the top plate, the E-M1 II offers a robust, professional-level control suite: dual dials, customizable buttons, mode dial with locking mechanism, and a top LCD panel showing key shooting info.

The SP-620 UZ offers minimal physical controls and leans heavily on automatic modes. Its tiny control buttons and lack of dedicated dials hint at its snapshot-oriented design.

Ergonomics Verdict: If you regularly shoot in manual or semi-automatic modes, or require rapid adjustments, the Olympus E-M1 Mark II feels like a trusted companion. The SP-620 UZ, however, is better suited for casual outings where portability and simplicity win over manual dexterity.

Sensor and Image Quality: Definitions of “Sharp” and “Noisy”

One cannot discuss image quality without starting at the sensor - the camera’s heart.

The E-M1 II employs a 20MP Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.4 x 13 mm, paired with Olympus’s TruePic VIII processor. This sensor strikes a solid balance between resolution and low-light performance. While its 20MP count is modest compared to modern full-frame alternatives, the absence of an optical low-pass filter allows for crisp images with fine detail rendition - a boon for landscape and portrait photographers seeking sharpness without artificial smoothing.

On the other hand, the SP-620 UZ is built around a much smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) with 16MP resolution. This fixed-lens camera’s sensor is tiny by professional or even enthusiast standards, which severely limits dynamic range and increases noise levels at higher ISOs.

Image quality test results:

• Olympus E-M1 II’s DXOMark score hits 80 overall, with a color depth of 23.7 bits and a respectable dynamic range of 12.8 stops.
• SP-620 UZ hasn’t been evaluated by DXOMark, but based on sensor tech and resolution, it struggles with color fidelity and highlight retention - especially beyond ISO 400.

The E-M1 II’s ISO 200-25600 range is versatile, with usable images up to ISO 3200 or even 6400 for many applications. The SP-620 UZ, capped at ISO 3200 native, requires caution and low ISO shooting to avoid muddy shadows or blown highlights.

Personal note: During my tests in variable lighting, the E-M1 II consistently produced images with clean gradients and preserved detail in shadows, something unattainable on the SP-620 UZ’s sensor.

Sensor and IQ takeaway: When absolute image quality matters - portraits with skin tones, landscapes with crisp textures, or astrophotography - the E-M1 Mark II’s sensor easily outclasses the SP-620 UZ.

The Viewfinder and Display Experience

Shifting to composing and reviewing shots, Olympus outfits the E-M1 II with a bright, high-res electronic viewfinder (EVF), while the SP-620 UZ offers no EVF at all.

The E-M1 II’s 3-inch fully articulated touchscreen LCD with 1,037k dots is a revelation. It allows shooting from awkward angles and smooth menu navigation. The quality is vibrant, and the touch interface enables quick focusing and settings adjustments.

The SP-620 UZ’s 3-inch fixed TFT screen at a mere 230k dots is decidedly basic. It lacks touch capability, appears dull in direct sunlight, and offers limited feedback on exposure or focus accuracy.

The E-M1 II’s EVF boasts a resolution of 2,360k dots, 100% coverage, and 0.74x magnification, delivering an immersive and lag-free experience essential for fast-moving scenes or bright outdoor environments.

In contrast, shooting without a viewfinder on the SP-620 UZ often means wrestling with glare on the LCD and slower reactions to framing or focus.

Verdict: For photographers who value precision framing or spend time outdoors, the E-M1 II’s EVF and articulated display provide superior flexibility and confidence.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Faster, more accurate autofocus is one of the Olympus E-M1 II’s critical advancements over its predecessor - and compared to the SP-620 UZ, the difference is night and day.

The E-M1 II uses a hybrid AF system incorporating both phase-detection and contrast-detection across 121 focus points. This combination offers lightning-fast acquisition, reliable subject tracking, and precision even in low contrast or low-light conditions. Features like face detection, touch-to-focus, and AF tracking keep moving subjects tack-sharp.

Meanwhile, the SP-620 UZ relies on contrast-detection AF only with unspecified AF points. Autofocus is noticeably slower and less confident, especially at long zoom ranges or dim lighting. Continuous AF and subject tracking are absent or extremely limited.

Testing the cameras on moving cars, sprinting athletes, and birds in flight, the E-M1 II locked focus quickly and tracked smoothly with burst shooting. The SP-620 UZ struggled to maintain focus once subjects became distant or moved unpredictably.

Summary: For wildlife, sports, or any situation requiring rapid, accurate focus, the E-M1 Mark II’s AF system is a world apart from the humble superzoom.

Burst and Video Capabilities

Burst shooting and video features are increasingly essential to photographers today.

The Olympus E-M1 II delivers burst rates up to 60fps (electronic shutter, 18MP JPEG mode), and 15fps using the mechanical shutter with continuous AF - impressive for a camera in its class. This facilitates catching decisive moments in sports or wildlife action.

The SP-620 UZ lacks a defined high-speed burst mode and feels sluggish in continuous shooting, more suited to laid-back snapshots.

Regarding video, the E-M1 II supports 4K UHD 3840x2160 at 30fps and cinema-grade 4K DCI 4096x2160 at 24fps with high bitrates (up to 237 Mbps) in MOV H.264 format. It also has both microphone and headphone jacks, enabling detailed audio control.

Conversely, the SP-620 UZ shoots only 720p HD video at 30fps in MPEG-4 format, with no external audio options, limiting its use for higher-quality filmmaking.

Video verdict: The E-M1 II is a viable tool for serious videographers or hybrid shooters. The SP-620 UZ’s video is functional for casual use but lacks professional features.

Lens Compatibility and Flexibility

Lens selection shapes what you can achieve long-term with a camera.

The Olympus E-M1 II mounts Micro Four Thirds lenses, an extensive, mature system with over 100 lenses. This includes fast primes (f/1.2, f/1.8), professional telephotos, macro optics, and compact zooms. Since MFT lenses benefit from the 2.0x crop factor of the Four Thirds sensor, telephoto reach is doubled - great news for wildlife or sports shooters on a budget.

The SP-620 UZ’s fixed 25-525mm equivalent zoom lens offers remarkable reach in a pocketable package. But fixed-lens cameras mean you’re locked into the lens characteristics and quality Olympus packed into the device; no upgrades or specialty lenses.

When considering specialized genres like macro or portraiture, the E-M1 II wins hands down based on lens interchangeability and image control.

How They Perform Across Photography Types

Let's dissect practical performance in different genres.

Portrait Photography

Portraits require accurate skin tone reproduction, smooth bokeh, and reliable eye detection.

The E-M1 II’s sensor and lens options provide creamy background separation and faithful color rendition; face and eye detection AF works well when shooting in natural light.

The SP-620 UZ’s small sensor limits depth-of-field control, producing flatter images with less separation. Skin tones can look washed out in tricky light.

Landscape Photography

Landscape demands high dynamic range and resolution to capture intricate details.

The E-M1 II's dynamic range and 20MP resolution are well suited for stitched panoramas or large prints. Weather sealing allows shooting in damp or windy conditions.

The SP-620 UZ is vulnerable to noise and lacks rugged construction, making it less ideal for serious landscape use.

Wildlife Photography

The E-M1 II’s autofocus, high burst rates, and telephoto lens ecosystem make it capable of capturing birds and mammals on the move.

The SP-620 UZ’s long zoom and small size aid in casual wildlife snapshots but AF lag and slower frame rates limit success with fast-moving subjects.

Sports Photography

Quick AF and continuous shooting really matter here. E-M1 II thrives with adjustable AF points and robust tracking.

SP-620 UZ is simply not designed for fast-paced sports photography.

Street Photography

Street shooting benefits from discreet, portable gear.

The compact size of the SP-620 UZ lends to unobtrusiveness and casual street snaps. However, limited low light performance reduces flexibility.

The E-M1 II is bulkier but remains portable for an enthusiast. Its silent shutter modes aid candid shooting, and superior high ISO performance shines in dim street scenes.

Macro Photography

E-M1 II supports focus stacking and compatible macro lenses; combined with 5-axis image stabilization, macro shots are tack sharp.

SP-620 UZ can focus as close as 1cm, but lacks macro-specific features or stabilization.

Night and Astro Photography

High native ISO, long exposures, and sensor noise characteristics matter here.

E-M1 II excels with clean high ISO images and bulb modes for extreme long exposures.

SP-620 UZ’s limited sensor size and ISO range constrain night photography potential.

Video Use

With 4K video, microphone and headphone jacks, and image stabilization, E-M1 II is noticeably oriented toward hybrid shooters.

SP-620 UZ’s 720p video is adequate for casual recording but quickly shows its limitations.

Travel Photography

In travel, size, battery life, and flexibility shape experience.

SP-620 UZ’s smaller size and all-in-one zoom lens make it a simpler travel companion.

E-M1 II is heavier and bulkier but offers far more creative control and cues up for deeper photographic journeys.

Professional Use

Reliability, file formats, and workflow integration define professional tools.

E-M1 II supports RAW capture, dual card slots, robust build, and works seamlessly with computer tethering and editing workflows.

SP-620 UZ lacks RAW, professional build, and fast data transfer options.

Build, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Proceeding to ruggedness, a serious consideration depending on shooting environment.

The E-M1 II is weather-sealed, splash/dust-proof, and ready for sub-zero temperatures down to -10°C. Olympus’s build quality here is professional-grade.

The SP-620 UZ provides no weather sealing or environmental resistance, relegating its use to controlled or fair weather conditions only.

Battery Life and Storage

Olympus quotes around 350 shots per charge for the E-M1 II with the BLH-1 battery. Real-world use aligns closely, with efficiency aided by dual SD card slots offering backup or overflow.

The SP-620 UZ uses 4 x AA batteries, which can be convenient globally but less efficient. Battery life varies widely depending on cell type and usage.

Note: AA power can be a strength in remote regions lacking recharge options.

Connectivity Features

The E-M1 II offers built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control apps but lacks Bluetooth or NFC.

SP-620 UZ is Eye-Fi compatible, enabling wireless transfer via specialized SD cards.

USB speeds favor the E-M1 II with USB 3.0 versus USB 2.0 on the SP-620 UZ.

Summarizing the Numbers: Performance Across the Board

Let's review some hard performance numbers.

Olympus E-M1 II’s higher DxO score reflects significantly better image quality, dynamic range, and low-light capacity, alongside advanced autofocus and burst modes.

SP-620 UZ remains a modest point-and-shoot player, best suited to beginners or casual tourists.

Genre-Based Scoring and Suitability

• Portraits, Landscapes, Wildlife, Sports, Macro, and Night photography all lean heavily in favor of E-M1 II.
• Street and Travel shooting sees some advantages for SP-620 UZ in terms of stealth and size.
• Video and professional work scenarios only tip decisively toward E-M1 II.

Sample Image Comparison: Real-World Evidence

A side-by-side gallery highlights the difference in resolution, dynamic range, and color fidelity. The E-M1 II’s images show richer textures, crisper lines, and better shadow details.

The SP-620 UZ’s images appear softer with more noise, especially when zooming or under less-than-ideal light.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

This comparison boils down to clear use-case distinctions.

• Choose the Olympus OM-D E-M1 II if:

  • You’re a serious hobbyist or professional needing image quality and versatility.
  • You demand high-speed autofocus, rugged build, and full manual control.
  • You want to invest in a system with lenses and accessories for growth.
  • Video capabilities and advanced features matter to you.
  • You shoot across genres, including wildlife, sports, macro, or night photography.

• Choose the Olympus SP-620 UZ if:

  • You want a simple, easy-to-use compact with a long zoom for travel or everyday snaps.
  • Portability and convenience trump the need for professional results.
  • Your budget is tight, and you don’t mind limited controls and image quality.
  • You prefer AA battery usage for convenience during trips with limited electricity.
  • You primarily capture casual landscapes, family moments, or occasional outdoor wildlife.

Closing Thoughts

From my experience testing thousands of cameras, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II remains a compelling hybrid mirrorless powerhouse even years after launch. It strikes a superb balance of technology and usability that continues to serve serious photographers well.

The SP-620 UZ, while modest, fulfills a niche for affordable, all-in-one superzoom shooting in a pocketable form - perfectly understandable given its 2012 vintage and intended audience.

Photography equipment is a personal investment, and choosing the right tool hinges on aligning features with your shooting style and goals. Hopefully, this comparison sheds light on your direction, equipping you to make an informed decision based on technical expertise and real-world insight.

Thank you for reading. Feel free to reach out if you want specific sample images or further usage notes on either camera.

End of Comparison Article