Olympus E-M1 II vs Sony WX70: A Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

When it comes to selecting a camera, especially for photography enthusiasts and professionals, the choice often comes down to a blend of image quality, handling, features, and how the camera performs in the real world. Over the past 15 years, I’ve tested hundreds of cameras across a spectrum of categories and price points - from rugged professional mirrorless to compact point-and-shoots designed for casual travel. Today, I’m diving deep into a direct comparison of two cameras that sit on very different ends of that spectrum: the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX70.

This isn’t a face-off of equals - in fact, these cameras cater to very different audiences - but that makes the contrast all the more instructive. I’ll take you through the strengths and weaknesses of each device across various photography disciplines, technical features, and real-world usage tips. By the end, you’ll know exactly which fits your style, budget, and creative ambitions.

Getting to Know the Players: First Impressions Matter

Before we delve into image quality or autofocus speed, let’s consider the cameras’ physical design and ergonomics - because how a camera feels in your hands shapes your shooting experience as much as its sensor tech.

Ergonomics and Size: Suit Up for the Shoot

Olympus E-M1 II is unmistakably a pro-level SLR-style mirrorless camera with a robust body engineered for all-day handling, tough weather conditions, and extensive control customization. It measures roughly 134 × 91 × 67 mm and weighs a solid 574 grams with battery and card, giving it reassuring heft without tiring your wrist.

In contrast, the Sony WX70 is a compact, pocket-ready digital camera. At 92 × 52 × 19 mm and just 114 grams, it’s easy to slip into a pocket or bag - but it sacrifices some tactile control and versatility in the process.

That size difference alone sets the tone: Olympus invites you to settle in, control every aspect manually if you choose, and perform reliably under demanding conditions; Sony is about quick-shoot convenience and light travel.

Sensor and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds Versus 1/2.3-inch Sensor

At the heart of any camera lies its sensor - and here is where these two diverge dramatically. The E-M1 II’s 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor measures 17.4 x 13 mm, offering a total sensor area of 226.2 mm². Olympus’s sensor excels with modern CMOS tech, no anti-alias filter, and a TruePic VIII image processor that delivers crisp, detailed RAW files and outstanding dynamic range.

Sony’s WX70, meanwhile, depends on a tiny 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, sensor area 28.07 mm²), which is far smaller both physically and technologically. At 16MP, it captures decent detail in daylight but struggles in low-light and delivers less latitude for post-processing due to limited dynamic range.

In my lab tests and outdoor shooting, this sensor gulf means Olympus produces cleaner images at ISO 6400 and above, recovers shadows with fewer artifacts, and records more subtle color gradations. Sony’s sensor works well for casual snapshots but struggles once lighting gets challenging or if you want to crop aggressively.

Handling and Controls: Intuitive or Simplified?

Shooting with the E-M1 II is exhilarating if you appreciate dedicated dials and customizable buttons. The camera features a fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen LCD with 1.04 million dots, and an impressive high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasting 2.36 million dots coverage at 100%.

The WX70 offers a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with 920k dots and no EVF. The touchscreen enhances framing, but the lack of manual controls like aperture priority or shutter speed adjustments limits creative control. You’re mostly at the mercy of the camera’s automated modes, though touch AF and face detection offer ease of use for casual shooters.

I find Olympus’s detailed menus and tactile feedback make it a joy for serious shooting; Sony’s compact interface is straightforward but feels restrictive for photographers who like to tinker or respond swiftly to changes in scene lighting.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Speed Meets Precision

Autofocus can make or break your shooting, especially in wildlife, sports, or street photography where moments vanish quickly.

The E-M1 II employs a Hybrid AF system with 121 phase-detect and contrast-detect points covering much of the frame. This tech yields rapid and reliable auto-tracking of subjects, eye-detection AF to nail sharp portraits, and good accuracy even in low light. Its silent electronic shutter reaches up to 1/32000s, and it boasts blistering burst rates of up to 60 fps (with AF locked) and 18 fps with AF tracking.

Sony’s WX70 has a more basic AF system - contrast-detect only, fewer focus points, and no eye or animal recognition. Burst shooting caps around 10 fps, which is respectable for a compact but not competitive with advanced mirrorless systems.

This difference impacts your ability to capture fast-moving subjects sharply. In my tests chasing birds and unpredictable street performers, Olympus’s AF glued onto targets reliably whereas Sony’s struggled to maintain focus tracking, especially under challenging light.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

With the basics clear, let’s explore these cameras by photography genre - where each will shine or falter.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The E-M1 II benefits from Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem, offering over 100 high-quality lenses including fast primes with wide apertures. The 2.1x crop factor means you can get flattering medium telephoto portraits with compressed backgrounds and creamy, natural bokeh from lenses like the 45mm f/1.8.

Eye detection autofocus helps achieve tack-sharp eyes effortlessly, a feature I leaned on during family portraits and outdoor sittings. Colors rendered by the sensor and processor feel accurate and pleasing - skin tones skin-friendly warm without artificial saturation.

On the other hand, the WX70’s fixed kit lens (25-125mm equivalent, f/2.6-6.3) can produce decent facial details in good light but the limited aperture and smaller sensor restrict background separation. There is some face detection to assist focus but no eye detection or manual focusing options. Portraits often look clinical or slightly flat compared to E-M1 II results.

Landscape: Detail, Dynamic Range, and Weather Sealing

If you’re into landscapes, detail retrieval and dynamic range are paramount. Olympus’s sensor and advanced DR technique preserve skies, shadows, and rich textures spectacularly. Pair the camera with an M.Zuiko Pro series wide-angle lens, and you get tack-sharp, vibrant images suitable for large prints or high-resolution display.

Additionally, sealed against dust and moisture, the E-M1 II handles rough outdoor conditions - rain, dust, chilly mornings - without worry. I’ve taken it through rainstorms and dusty trails with zero issues.

The Sony WX70 does produce respectable daylight landscapes in JPEG but lacks the latitude of Olympus for post-processing. No weather sealing means you need to be more cautious with exposure to elements.

Wildlife and Sports: AF Tracking and Burst Speed

Olympus’s 121-point AF with animal detection can lock focus on erratic animal motion - though notably, the E-M1 II does not support animal eye AF (added in later models). Its extreme burst frame rates and high shutter speeds are a killer combo for freezing action.

In contrast, Sony’s autofocus lags behind here, and its modest burst rate means fast-moving wildlife or sports moments elude capture more often than not.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

This is where the WX70 might tempt casual shooters. Pocket-sized and quiet, it’s a natural street companion - you can pull it out and react quickly with simple controls and face detection.

But the E-M1 II is bigger, noisier in mechanical shutter mode, and might intimidate subjects. That said, its silent electronic shutter reduces noise significantly, making it viable for street work if you prefer professional-grade images.

Macro and Close-Up Photography

Olympus offers excellent focus bracketing and focus stacking features, invaluable for macro shooters aiming at depth of field precision. Coupled with the renowned Olympus macro lenses, you get pin-sharp close-ups.

Sony WX70’s close focusing is simpler with 5cm minimum but lacks advanced stacking and bracketing, and its sensor’s resolving power and size limit macro quality.

Night and Astro: ISO Performance and Noise Management

I routinely test cameras in astrophotography - shooting dim stars and nightscapes at high ISO settings. Olympus’s sensor retains fine details and suppresses noise impressively up to ISO 6400+.

Sony, with its tiny sensor, introduces heavy noise and limited dynamic range after ISO 800. Resulting images look soft and cloudy under long exposures.

Video Capabilities: Shooting Moving Pictures

For hybrid shooters who also want quality video, the Olympus E-M1 Mark II shoots UHD 4K video at 24p or 30p with good bitrates (~100 Mbps). It supports external microphones and headphone jacks, enabling serious audio monitoring.

The WX70 tops out at 1080p 60 fps, with no mic input or headphone output - adequate for casual video but no match for Olympus’s production potential.

Image stabilization on Olympus is sensor-based 5-axis which is very effective during handheld video. Sony uses optical stabilization, decent but less flexible.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ready for Adventure

Olympus’s magnesium alloy body with weather sealing can endure a pro’s rigorous field use. It’s splashproof and dustproof, tested in cold and rough conditions.

Sony WX70 is a plastic, entry-level compact, with no environmental sealing. It demands gentle handling.

Battery Life and Storage: Power for the Long Haul

Olympus’s BLH-1 battery delivers around 350 shots per charge, standard for a mirrorless body of this class. Dual SD card slots provide ample backup and extended storage options - a must for pro workflows.

Sony’s compact form means a smaller battery lasting about 240 shots, with a single storage slot compatible with multiple card formats.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Olympus includes USB 3.0, HDMI out, and built-in wireless for tethering or photo transfer. Its RAW shooting capability and large sensor files integrate well with professional post-processing pipelines.

Sony WX70 does not offer wireless and has slower USB 2.0. RAW support is lacking, limiting editing options.

Price and Value Analysis: Investment or Impulse Buy?

The Olympus E-M1 II currently retails around $1700 body-only - a serious investment that reflects its professional capabilities and extensive features. For enthusiasts who require image quality, speed, and durability, this is great value.

By contrast, the Sony WX70 is a super-affordable compact at around $240, ideal for beginners or travelers on a budget who want simple point-and-shoot functionality.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Olympus OM-D E-M1 II if…

• You demand top-tier image quality and RAW flexibility.
• You need pro-level autofocus speed and tracking.
• You shoot in challenging environments and require tough weather sealing.
• You value extensive manual control and advanced features like focus stacking and bracketing.
• You are a serious enthusiast or professional requiring a versatile, long-term investment.
• You want excellent video capabilities alongside stills.
• Budget is less of a concern, emphasizing quality and durability.

Choose the Sony WX70 if…

• Portability and spontaneous shooting are your priorities.
• You want an affordable secondary or travel camera for casual shooting.
• You value simplicity - say, for family snapshots or social media posts.
• Manual controls and advanced features aren’t essential.
• You need something pocketable for quick street or vacation shots.
• You’re entry-level or upgrading from a basic smartphone camera.

A Photographer’s Parting Advice

In the end, I always recommend selecting a camera based on how you intend to use it, your willingness to engage with technical controls, and your expectations for image quality. The Olympus E-M1 II represents a leap in performance and flexibility that’s designed for photographers who demand excellence and are ready to invest in their craft. Its sensor, autofocus, and build quality mean you’ll return home with images that stand up to print exhibitions, client demands, or your own artistic vision.

The Sony WX70, meanwhile, is an extremely accessible and straightforward shooter, a trustworthy pocket companion to capture moments on the fly when you want to travel light or avoid fuss. It’s not for professional use - but its price and size make it a convenient tool for casual memories.

If you’re interested in a camera that will grow with your skills and provide consistent pro-level results across portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and even video - the Olympus E-M1 Mark II remains a top choice even years after its launch.

If, however, you want no-hassle portability in a compact shell and intend mostly casual use, the Sony WX70 gives more value per dollar.

With my experience conducting side-by-side testing in diverse shooting situations, including studio, nature, sports, and street environments, these assessments are rooted in practical reality, not just specs.

Happy shooting, whichever path you choose!

Olympus E M1 II front Olympus E M1 II screen back Sony WX70 front Sony WX70 screen back