Olympus E-M1 II vs Olympus SZ-11

Olympus E-M1 Mark II vs Olympus SZ-11: An Exhaustive Practical Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

In an era where imaging technology proliferates across various form factors, discerning which camera best suits one’s photographic requirements demands a meticulous examination. This article undertakes a comprehensive comparative analysis between two Olympus models at opposite ends of the spectrum: the professional-grade mirrorless Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II (hereafter E-M1 II) and the compact superzoom Olympus SZ-11. This juxtaposition elucidates how diverging design philosophies, sensor technologies, and feature sets influence practical usage across diverse photographic disciplines.

Camera Design and Ergonomics: From Compact Convenience to Professional Handling

One of the most immediately perceptible differences lies in the physical design and ergonomics. The E-M1 II exhibits a traditional SLR-style mirrorless body, constructed with robust environmental sealing, while the SZ-11 is a small, pocketable compact without weather protection.

E-M1 Mark II:

• Dimensions: 134 x 91 x 67 mm
• Weight: 574 g (body only)
• Build: Magnesium alloy chassis with comprehensive environmental sealing
• Controls: Extensive dedicated buttons, dials, and customizability
• Grip: Deeply contoured, optimized for stable handling during extended use

SZ-11:

• Dimensions: 106 x 69 x 40 mm
• Weight: 226 g
• Build: Polycarbonate shell, no weather sealing
• Controls: Minimal buttons, largely menu-driven interface
• Grip: Compact with limited ergonomics for prolonged shooting

The ergonomics on the E-M1 II facilitate tactical operations, enabling proficient access to settings without menu layers. Conversely, the SZ-11, with its limited physical controls, appeals to casual or travel photography scenarios prioritizing portability over operational speed.

This top-down view highlights the E-M1 II’s comprehensive dial arrays (mode, exposure compensation, front and rear command dials), contrasting starkly with the SZ-11’s minimalistic control panel. For users requiring rapid parameter adjustments, the E-M1 II clearly outpaces the SZ-11.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Implications of Sensor Size and Resolution

The fundamental disparity shaping photographic output between these cameras is their sensor architecture.

• E-M1 Mark II features a 20.4MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.4 x 13.0 mm sensor area, approximately 226 mm²)
• SZ-11 uses a 14MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, approx. 28 mm²)

The E-M1 II’s sensor size is nearly 8x larger, underpinning significant benefits in image fidelity:

• Dynamic Range: The Four Thirds sensor offers a measured dynamic range of 12.8 EV stops (per DxO Mark), allowing superior retention of highlight and shadow details, critical for landscapes and high-contrast scenes.
• Color Depth: 23.7 bits vs. untested/not available for SZ-11 sensor indicates richer, more gradated color reproduction on the E-M1 II.
• Noise Performance: The E-M1 II’s sensor exhibits substantially improved low-light capability with usable ISO reaching 25600 (native high ISO limit), offering cleaner images at elevated sensitivities suited for indoor, night, or fast-action scenarios.
• The SZ-11’s compact sensor constrains effective low-light usability to ISO 1600 maximum, with noise becoming prominent beyond ISO 400.

Resolution-wise, the E-M1 II’s 5184×3888 output supports detailed large-format printing and cropping flexibility, whereas the SZ-11’s 4288×3216 resolution aligns with casual or moderately sized prints.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed Across Use Cases

Focusing systems profoundly affect real-world performance, especially under fast-moving or tricky light conditions.

E-M1 II:

• Hybrid AF system: 121 total focus points with phase-detection and contrast-detection AF combined
• Features eye and face detection with laudable accuracy
• Continuous AF, tracking, and selective AF modes available
• 60 fps continuous burst capability with AF tracking
• Focus bracketing and stacking support for macro and high-precision focusing

SZ-11:

• Contrast-detection AF with unspecified focus points
• Single AF mode with face detection, no continuous AF or advanced tracking
• Maximum continuous shooting speed of 7 fps
• Lacks manual focus and focus bracketing options

Testing indicates the E-M1 II autofocus excels in demanding contexts such as sports or wildlife due to quick acquisition and robust tracking, while the SZ-11 suffices for static or casual scenes.

Display and Viewfinder Systems: User Interface and Compositional Tools

Visual feedback tools are paramount for composition and reviewing images.

• E-M1 II: 3.0” fully articulating touchscreen LCD (~1.03 million dots), paired with a 2.36 million-dot electronic viewfinder, covering 100% field of view
• SZ-11: 3.0” fixed, non-touch TFT LCD with 460k dots; no viewfinder available

The E-M1 II’s articulating screen and high-resolution EVF provide flexibility for shooting at unconventional angles and bright outdoor conditions. Touchscreen capabilities streamline menu navigation and AF point selection.

SZ-11 users rely solely on the rear LCD, which has limited resolution and susceptibility to glare under sunlight. The absence of a viewfinder restricts eye-level composition preferences.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance: Responding to Fast Action

For genres such as sports, wildlife, and street photography, shutter speed ranges and burst rates are critical.

E-M1 II:

• Mechanical shutter: 1/8000 s top speed; electronic shutter up to 1/32000 s (silent)
• Continuous shooting: Up to 60 fps (electronic shutter), 15 fps with AF tracking
• Shutter reliability rated very high for professional workloads

SZ-11:

• Mechanical shutter speed range restricted to 4 to 1/2000 s
• Burst mode peaks at 7 fps without AF tracking
• No electronic shutter

The E-M1 II’s shutter versatility supports freezing rapid movement and working under bright conditions with wide apertures without ND filters. The SZ-11 is handicapped in this regard, limiting action photography.

Video Capability and Audio Features: Content Creation Considerations

Videographers will weigh resolution, frame rates, and audio controls heavily.

E-M1 II:

• 4K UHD (4096×2160 at 24p and 3840×2160 at 30p)
• High bitrate recording up to 237 Mbps intra-frame compression
• External microphone and headphone ports for professional audio monitoring
• Sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization supports smooth handheld filmmaking

SZ-11:

• Maximum video resolution 1280×720 at 30 fps
• Motion JPEG format (highly compressed and suboptimal for post)
• No external audio input or headphone monitoring
• Sensor-shift stabilization present but less effective than E-M1 II’s advanced system

For serious video work, the E-M1 II is readily superior, supported by practical connectivity and stabilization features. The SZ-11’s video tools are basic and adequate for social or casual clips only.

Lens Selection and Ecosystem Compatibility

Lens ecosystems dictate creative flexibility.

• E-M1 II: Micro Four Thirds mount with access to a mature lens lineup numbering over 100 professional to budget options; compatibility with third-party lenses from Panasonic, Sigma, Tamron; native fast prime lenses and specialized optics for varied genres (macro, tilt-shift, telephoto, wide angle).
• SZ-11: Fixed zoom lens 25-500 mm equivalent (20x optical zoom), aperture f/3.0-6.9, no interchangeable lens support.

The E-M1 II’s system versatility appeals to photographers requiring precise optical control and diversity, critical for professionals and serious enthusiasts. The SZ-11 simplifies operation but fares poorly where lens interchangeability or bespoke optics are prerequisites.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Operational endurance and workflow integration further differentiate the models.

The E-M1 II’s dual card slots enable backup or extended capture, essential for critical workflows. Wireless connectivity allows remote control and seamless image transfer - significant for professional shooting sessions. The SZ-11’s connectivity is minimal, and battery life is modest given its compact form factor.

Evaluating Performance Across Photography Disciplines

A breakdown by photographic specialty clarifies suitability.

Olympus E M1 II front Olympus E M1 II screen back Olympus SZ 11 front Olympus SZ 11 screen back

Portrait Photography

• E-M1 II: Eye detection AF delivers precise focus on subjects’ eyes, ensuring sharp portraits with accurate skin tones rendered by superior sensor color depth. Interchangeable fast prime lenses enable subject-background separation and aesthetically pleasing bokeh.
• SZ-11: Fixed lens with narrow maximum aperture limits bokeh control; AF is contrast-based and less reliable for precise eye focus; sensor size restricts tonal gradation quality.

Recommendation: For professional or formal portraiture, E-M1 II is unequivocal. SZ-11 is suboptimal, suited only for casual snapshots.

Landscape Photography

• E-M1 II: Outstanding dynamic range combined with high resolution captures fine textures and broad tonal values. Weather sealing ensures field reliability; fully articulated LCD assists low-angle compositions.
• SZ-11: Limited dynamic range and resolution; no weather sealing limits outdoor harsh environment operation.

Recommendation: E-M1 II is highly recommended for landscape photographers aiming for image fidelity and equipment durability.

Wildlife Photography

• E-M1 II: Rapid AF, high burst rates, robust telephoto lenses in the MFT lineup make it a competent wildlife partner.
• SZ-11: Long zoom (25-500 mm equiv.) useful but slower AF and limited buffer capacity restrict responsiveness.

Recommendation: E-M1 II for serious wildlife shooting; SZ-11 acceptable for casual nature photos.

Sports Photography

• E-M1 II: Excellent autofocus tracking combined with 60 fps burst (electronic shutter) suits fast action.
• SZ-11: 7 fps burst without AF tracking insufficient for complex sports scenes.

Recommendation: E-M1 II preferred for sports professionals.

Street Photography

• E-M1 II: Slightly heavier but compact compared to DSLRs; articulating screen aids discreet shooting; silent shutter advantageous.
• SZ-11: Highly compact, pocketable, quiet operation; limited manual controls.

Recommendation: SZ-11 for point-and-shoot convenience; E-M1 II for controlled street photography with higher image quality demands.

Macro Photography

• E-M1 II: Supports focus bracketing and stacking; compatible macro lenses; 5-axis IBIS enhances handheld performance.
• SZ-11: Minimal macro control (1 cm focus), no stacking; limited resolution.

Recommendation: E-M1 II for detailed macro work.

Night and Astrophotography

• E-M1 II: High ISO performance, Astro mode, and long exposure capabilities benefit astrophotographers.
• SZ-11: Sensor noise and max exposure constraints impede night capabilities.

Recommendation: E-M1 II is significantly superior.

Video Production

• E-M1 II: 4K video, professional audio inputs, excellent stabilization, and high bitrate options.
• SZ-11: Basic 720p recording with limited codec support.

Recommendation: E-M1 II required for serious videographers.

Travel Photography

• E-M1 II: Moderate size but system weight increases with lenses; excellent battery life and durability.
• SZ-11: Ultra-portable, long zoom range in a tiny body, but compromises in image quality.

Recommendation: Travelers prioritizing portability may prefer SZ-11; enthusiasts seeking image quality favor E-M1 II.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

• E-M1 II: Supports RAW, tethered shooting, dual card backup, professional connectivity, and custom workflows.
• SZ-11: JPEG only, limited connectivity, single card, no tether support.

Recommendation: E-M1 II meets professional demands adequately; SZ-11 is unsuitable.

Overall Performance Metrics and Scoring

According to DxOMark and hands-on evaluations:

• E-M1 II scores approximately 80 overall, indicating class-leading image quality and versatility.
• SZ-11 scores untested, but practical observations confirm entry-level image quality.

Genre-Specific Ratings and Strength Highlighting

This graphic consolidates the above analysis, demonstrating the E-M1 II’s dominance across nearly all genres except casual travel/street where SZ-11’s compact form can provide benefits.

Summary of Strengths and Limitations

Practical Recommendations by User Type

• Professional photographers and serious enthusiasts: The E-M1 Mark II is an industry-grade tool offering flexibility, responsive performance, and image quality suitable for almost any photographic endeavor. Its price is justified by the breadth of capabilities and system maturity.
• Casual photography and travel enthusiasts on a budget: The SZ-11 provides a pocket-sized solution with extensive zoom reach for snapshot scenarios where convenience outweighs technical excellence.
• Videographers: The E-M1 II’s advanced 4K specs and audio support make it the clear choice.
• Sports and wildlife photographers: Superior AF performance and burst modes on the E-M1 II are indispensable.
• Street photographers seeking ultimate discretion: SZ-11’s smaller footprint is advantageous, though image quality will be limited.

Conclusion: Distinct Tools for Distinct Needs

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and Olympus SZ-11 serve fundamentally divergent photographic missions. The E-M1 II embodies Olympus’ visionary professional mirrorless line, delivering cutting-edge autofocus, imaging performance, and rugged usability. Contrarily, the SZ-11 caters to entry-level users requiring convenient zoom versatility and lightweight portability.

Deciding which camera aligns best with one’s photographic goals hinges upon a comprehensive understanding of real-world operational demands and image expectations. When precision, speed, and image excellence guide the selection, the E-M1 II stands unequivocally superior. Should portability, simplicity, and budget be paramount, the SZ-11 fulfills those criteria albeit with significant compromise.

Choosing between these Olympus models is thus less a battle of absolute merit and more an exercise in matching tool to task - a principle all photographers, novice or professional, would do well to heed.

If you wish to explore in-depth feature testing results or sample images from both cameras, the gallery below offers comparative visuals for critical evaluation:

Olympus E M1 II front Olympus E M1 II screen back Olympus SZ 11 front Olympus SZ 11 screen back

For additional comparative detail and genre-specific ratings, refer to this final graphic: