A Deep Dive Comparison: Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs. Sony Alpha DSLR-A560

When it comes to investing in a camera, photographers often find themselves at a crossroads - balancing the allure of advanced features against practical usability and budget constraints. Today, I’m putting two very different beasts head-to-head: the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, a Pro-level Micro Four Thirds mirrorless powerhouse announced back in 2016, versus the Sony Alpha DSLR-A560, an entry-level APS-C DSLR that first graced the shelves in 2010.

This is not just a specs comparison; drawing from hands-on tests and years of experience, I’ll break down how these cameras perform across a wide range of photographic disciplines, dissect their technical builds, and ultimately guide you on which one might suit your photography goals best.

Let’s start by sizing these contenders up - literally.

Physical Dimensions and Ergonomics: Holding a Camera That Works for You

No matter how advanced a camera is under the hood, if it doesn’t feel comfortable to hold, that can stifle creativity. The Olympus E-M1 II, with its SLR-style mirrorless body, measures a compact 134mm width by 91mm height and 67mm depth, tipping the scales at 574 grams. The Sony A560, an APS-C DSLR, is slightly larger and heavier at 137mm x 104mm x 84mm and 599 grams.

In real-world handling, the E-M1 II's smaller size contributes to nimble handling - especially useful for travel and street photography where discretion and reduced arm fatigue matter. Its magnesium alloy body also sports full weather sealing, offering robust dust and splash resistance that professionals can rely on in challenging environments.

On the other hand, the A560, while lacking weather sealing, feels solid with its polycarbonate and metal chassis - typical for entry-level DSLRs. Its larger grip accommodates bigger hands better but at the cost of bulkier carry.

Looking at control layouts, the Olympus keeps things modern with a top LCD info screen and an electronic viewfinder boasting 2.36 million dots, supporting 100% coverage and 0.74x magnification. The Sony features an optical pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage and a noticeably lower magnification of 0.53x.

Ergonomically, Olympus has the edge for photographers who prefer tactile dials and customizability, thanks to dedicated buttons and multiple customizable function keys on the E-M1 II. Sony’s A560 is comparatively limited, with fewer direct controls and no top display.

Imaging Sensor and Quality: Size Matters, But So Does Processing

At the heart of every camera is its sensor, dictating image quality potential. The E-M1 II uses a 20MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor sized 17.4x13 mm, accompanied by Olympus's TruePic VIII processor. The A560, meanwhile, packs a 14MP APS-C sensor measuring 23.5x15.6 mm, processed by Sony’s Bionz engine.

While Sony’s APS-C sensor offers a larger physical area - approximately 62% bigger than the Olympus's Four Thirds sensor - resolution isn’t massively different. The Olympus’ 20MP sensor provides free breathing room for fine detail, especially when coupled with its lack of an anti-aliasing filter, aiding sharper rendition of textures when shooting landscapes or portraits.

In practical shooting, the E-M1 II delivers excellent dynamic range of 12.8 EV and superior color depth (23.7 bits versus Sony's 22.5), confirmed by DXO Mark’s tests. This translates into more recoverable highlights and shadows and richer color gradations, highly valuable for landscape photographers who often wrestle with tricky lighting.

The Sony A560’s sensor, due to its larger size, traditionally offers better noise control at higher ISOs. However, its lower pixel count and older sensor technology somewhat offset this advantage, especially in low-light conditions past ISO 1600.

Autofocus Performance: Hunting or Tracking? Let’s See What Each Can Do

Speed and accuracy in autofocus (AF) systems can make or break your ability to capture decisive moments.

The Olympus E-M1 II boasts an advanced hybrid AF system combining 121 phase-detection points alongside contrast detection - essentially bridging speed with precision. This includes full tracking, face detection, and touch-activated AF on the fully articulating touchscreen.

Sony A560, on the other hand, offers a 15-point phase detection system with only 3 cross-type sensors and contrast detection. While sufficient for entry-level use, this AF system suffers in continuous tracking, limiting sports or wildlife photographers who need relentless subject-lock.

Testing continuous shooting reveals the E-M1 II’s capability to shoot up to 60 frames per second (fps) with electronic shutter mode, albeit at reduced resolution and without continuous AF. With mechanical shutter and AF tracking active, it still achieves an impressive 15 fps burst. The Sony A560 caps out at 5 fps burst rate without AF adjustment between frames, constraining action shooters who want snappy sequences.

In day-to-day shooting, Olympus’s eye and face detection AF shines in portrait scenarios. However, Sony’s system still pulls its weight reasonably well indoors or portraits under reasonable light, albeit lacking animal eye detection, which is now a popular feature with wildlife photographers.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Taking a Beating

Professional photographers - and even enthusiasts who shoot outdoors - will appreciate the Olympus’s rugged build and environmental sealing. Its body is weather-sealed against dust, moisture, and freezing temperatures, a significant plus for landscape and wildlife shooters working in harsh or unpredictable conditions.

Sony’s A560 is built more with budget-conscious amateurs in mind - offering solid, but unsealed, construction. It’s vulnerable to dust and moisture, which should be a consideration for those shooting in harsher climates or on expeditions.

LCD and Viewfinder Technology: Seeing Is Believing

Both cameras sport 3-inch rear LCDs with live view functionality, but the experience varies.

The Olympus sports a fully articulating touchscreen LCD with 1,037k-dot resolution, enabling flexible shooting angles - including selfies and low-to-ground macro shots - and swift touch-based AF point selection in live view. Touchscreen responsiveness is snappy and intuitive.

Sony A560 offers a tilting screen but without touch sensitivity and a slightly lower resolution at 922k dots. While useful for occasional low-angle shooting, the lack of touchscreen slows focusing options.

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) with Olympus provides an experience closer to what you’d expect from an optical finder, with instant view confirmation and a bright, high-resolution image. Sony’s optical pentamirror is a little dimmer, offers 95% coverage, and feels less immersive, especially for manual focusing or video.

Lens Ecosystem: Breadth vs. Specialization

Olympus uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, part of a shared system including Panasonic and other manufacturers, boasting over 100 native lenses. This gives photographers access to a large, versatile, and relatively affordable lens lineup, from wide-angle primes to super-telephotos and macro lenses.

Sony A560 adheres to the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, which similarly supports a broad selection - over 140 lenses including legacy Minolta glass. However, the entry-level positioning of the camera means it typically pairs well with more affordable lenses, though some of the newest Sony E-mount lenses are not compatible without an adapter.

Given the E-M1 II’s modern autofocus and stabilization technology, Olympus lenses support in-lens and in-body stabilization, maximizing image sharpness even at handheld speeds.

Stabilization: Rolling with the Shots

Speaking of stabilization, the Olympus E-M1 II features a robust 5-axis sensor-shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS), compensating for pitch, yaw, roll, and X/Y-axis shake. This technology enables handheld shooting at shutter speeds several stops slower than usual without blur - effectively broadening creative freedom, particularly useful in macro, landscape, and low-light shooting.

Sony’s A560 includes sensor-based stabilization, but its performance is limited; it’s less sophisticated and generally requires stabilized lenses to get meaningful results.

Performance across Photography Genres: A Practical Breakdown

Let’s contextualize these technical differences by assessing the cameras’ suitability for a diverse set of photography genres:

Portrait Photography

The E-M1 II’s high-resolution sensor coupled with accurate eye and face detection autofocus makes it excellent for portraits. Its ability to deliver smooth bokeh through fast Olympus primes - along with precise color rendition - helps capture natural and flattering skin tones.

The A560, while capable, shows limitations with fewer AF points, less effective continuous AF tracking, and older sensor tech that reduces rendering finesse and low-light performance.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are king here. Olympus’ 12.8 stops of dynamic range, lack of AA filter (for sharper images), and articulated screen for challenging angles give it the upper hand. Weather sealing ensures confidence during outdoor excursions.

Sony’s larger sensor offers slightly better noise performance in dark scenes and APS-C’s generally better high ISO handling can help in dawn/dusk conditions, but Olympus pulls ahead with higher resolution and rugged build.

Wildlife Photography

Rapid autofocus tracking and high burst rates are essential for wildlife. The E-M1 II excels with 121 AF points, 15 fps continuous with AF lock, and excellent buffer depth.

A560’s 5 fps and limited AF coverage restrict its wildlife potential. Furthermore, lack of animal eye AF means missing critical focus on eyes of moving animals.

Sports Photography

The same principles as wildlife apply. The Olympus’ massive 60 fps burst mode (with electronic shutter) might tempt sports pros/enthusiasts as a high-speed shooter, though some limitations exist around AF during max burst.

Sony’s burst speed and AF tracking are more modest, suited perhaps for casual sports shooting but not demanding fast-action sequences.

Street Photography

Size, weight, and discretion weigh heavily here. Olympus’s compact, weather-sealed body plus silent electronic shutter mode make it a stealthy street shooter.

Sony's larger footprint and louder shutter may make it less ideal in candid situations.

Macro Photography

The articulating touchscreen with touch AF and revolutionary focus bracketing and stacking modes on Olympus help nail perfect macro shots despite shallow depth of field.

Sony’s lack of focus stacking forces reliance on manual focus precision, a steeper learning curve for macro newcomers.

Night and Astro Photography

The Olympus fares admirably with native ISO up to 25600 and excellent noise management for a smaller sensor. The sensor-shift IS also assists in capturing sharper starscapes when paired with astro lenses.

Sony’s larger sensor and ability to push ISO up to 12800 (native) and 25600 (boosted) grants versatility, but noise starts creeping at extreme ISOs. The absence of advanced exposure assists (timelapse recording) puts Olympus ahead.

Video Capabilities

Olympus films in impressive 4K UHD at up to 30fps with MOV H.264 compression - offering professional video shooters sharp footage with decent bitrate control. It also provides clean HDMI output, 3.5mm microphone, and headphone ports.

Sony A560 maxes out at 1080p (Full HD) 60fps, encoded in AVCHD or MPEG-4. Though adequate for casual videographers, its lack of 4K or advanced audio monitoring limits semi-pro use.

Travel Photography

Lightness, durability, and versatility matter most on the road. Olympus’ compact size, weather sealing, and expansive lens choices make it a traveler’s dream.

Sony’s larger size and shorter battery life (approx. 350 shots vs. A560’s 1050) may require spares to avoid mid-trip issues.

Battery Life and Storage: Endurance Factor

The Sony A560 impresses with approximately 1050 shots per charge, a boon for longer sessions or remote shoots, partly due to the lack of electronic viewfinder.

Olympus, consumed by its EVF and heavy electronics, delivers about 350 shots per battery - a relatively shorter endurance necessitating spare batteries for full-day outings.

Both offer dual card slots - Olympus with SD/SDHC/SDXC, Sony with multi-format options including Memory Stick Pro Duo.

Connectivity and Interface: Keeping Pace with Modern Needs

Olympus has built-in wireless connectivity (though lacking Bluetooth and NFC), enabling remote capture and Wi-Fi file transfers. USB 3.0 speeds phase it ahead of Sony’s USB 2.0 in the A560.

Sony, with Eye-Fi card support, offers wireless transfers but no native Wi-Fi, which feels dated now.

Verdict and Recommendations: Which Camera Should You Choose?

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, though introduced in 2016, remains a formidable, pro-level mirrorless contender. Its stellar autofocus system, rugged build, 5-axis stabilization, and 4K video capabilities solidify it as a versatile workhorse across genres - from wildlife and sports to landscape and video.

Conversely, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 is a solid entry-level DSLR built for newcomers wanting affordable, straightforward performance. Its larger APS-C sensor outperforms Four Thirds sensors of the past but is limited in speed, durability, and modern conveniences.

Here’s a quick summary for prospective buyers:

• For Professionals and Advanced Enthusiasts: The Olympus E-M1 II wins hands down due to speed, durability, advanced AF, and pro-level feature set.
• For Entry-Level Buyers on a Budget: Sony A560 provides a workable solution for learners focusing on general photography and indoor use.
• For Travel and Street Shooters: Olympus is more compact, stealthier, and weather-resistant.
• For Wildlife and Sports Photographers: Olympus offers faster burst and tracking.
• For Video Shooters: Olympus’ 4K modes and audio ports give it a clear edge.
• For Landscape and Night Photographers: Olympus’ dynamic range, sensor resolution, and focus stacking tools provide enhanced creative control.

Final Thoughts: Harnessing the Right Tool for Your Craft

Photography gear choice must always be a balance of requirements, budget, and future growth. The E-M1 II represents a matured mirrorless system packed with technology to carry you through varied shooting environments and professional assignments. Meanwhile, the Sony A560’s simplicity and budget orientation make it suitable for learning and casual shooting.

Both cameras have their unique charms; the choice ultimately boils down to where you see your photographic journey heading. From my extensive testing, if longevity, performance, and adaptability rank highest, Olympus’s E-M1 II still holds strong today.

Sample Imagery: See the Cameras in Action

To wrap up the comparison, here are sample photos shot side-by-side using both cameras under controlled settings to illustrate color rendition, detail, and dynamic range differences.

Olympus E M1 II front Olympus E M1 II screen back Sony A560 front Sony A560 screen back

Notice how the Olympus files demonstrate crisper details and richer tonality - especially in shadowy areas - while Sony outputs warmer colors but less sharpness due to the AA filter.

I hope this deep dive offers clarity and actionable insights, steering you confidently toward the camera that best fits your photographic aspirations. Happy shooting!