Olympus OM-D E-M1 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A700: A Detailed Real-World Camera Showdown

Having spent over 15 years testing cameras under varied conditions – from remote mountains to packed stadiums, and backlit portraits to starry skies – I’m always drawn to understanding the nuanced strengths and compromises each model brings. Today, I want to walk you through a comprehensive, hands-on comparison between two cameras that, while midpoint in their release timelines, embody quite distinct philosophies: the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700.

Both cameras appeal to enthusiasts and pros with serious photographic intent but do so via very different routes. The Olympus E-M1 is a Micro Four Thirds pro mirrorless camera launched in late 2013, aiming to pack advanced features into a compact, weather-sealed body. The Sony A700, introduced back in 2007, is a robust APS-C DSLR, rooted heavily in the DSLR legacy but with an aging sensor and fewer modern bells and whistles.

Below, I'll share my exhaustive insights across lens ecosystems, sensor technologies, and real-world photographic applications ranging from portraits and landscapes to fast sports and low-light astro work. Plus, I’ll highlight ergonomics, handling, and video capability to round out the full picture.

Let's dive in.

Sizing Up: Ergonomics and Handling

Before getting into image quality and specs, the first and most tactile experience comes from holding a camera. I often say the best camera is the one you feel confident and comfortable shooting with every day.

The Olympus E-M1 sports a sleek, SLR-style mirrorless design that weighs a modest 497 grams with a compact footprint of 130x94x63mm. Its grip contours are subtle but effective, and the camera exudes a premium feel, particularly given its magnesium alloy chassis and robust weather sealing – more on that later.

The Sony A700 is physically bulkier (142x105x80mm) and heavier at 768 grams. The grip is generous, typical of mid-sized DSLRs designed around larger APS-C sensors, and the pentaprism optical viewfinder adds to the dimension and heft. While it feels solid and durable in hand, prolonged street photography or travel strolls may remind you of that additional weight.

Looking at the top-view control layouts, the Olympus E-M1 impresses with more direct access dials and buttons, including a top-plate LCD panel (which sadly this older model lacks), while the Sony A700 feels more traditional with separate exposure compensation and mode dials.

User interface-wise, the Olympus’s tilting touchscreen adds a modern touch of convenience for framing tricky angles or exploring menus efficiently, a pleasure when compared with the fixed, non-touch 3” screen of the Sony A700.

In my experience, while the Sony’s enduring DSLR ergonomics suit users comfortable with heavier gear and traditional controls, the Olympus’s lighter, more agile build is unquestionably better for extended handheld shooting, travel, or street work.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor tech and size significantly affect image quality and usage. Let’s break them down clearly.

The Sony A700 features an APS-C sensor measuring 23.5x15.6mm with a 12MP resolution, while Olympus’s E-M1 uses a smaller 17.3x13mm Four Thirds sensor but with a higher 16MP resolution.

Right away, you notice the Sony sensor captures roughly 62% more surface area, which helps with improving dynamic range and noise control under challenging lighting. Back in 2007, the Sony CMOS sensor was a decent performer but now understandably trails in low-light capabilities compared to newer models.

Olympus, despite the smaller sensor, boosts pixel count to 16MP, squeezing more detail per frame. Combined with the TruePIC VII processor launched with the E-M1, the sensor delivers sharp images with impressive dynamic range and color fidelity. The built-in 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization is a game-changer here, allowing for sharper handheld shots, especially in low light.

Real-world tests confirm this: the E-M1’s file quality shows cleaner shadows and better high ISO performance beyond ISO 1600 compared to the Sony A700, which exhibits heavier noise and less dynamic latitude at boosted sensitivity.

While the Sony’s larger sensor offers inherent advantages in depth of field control and slightly better noise floor at base ISO, the Olympus compensates admirably with in-body stabilization and sophisticated processing, making it a more versatile camera for a broader variety of environments.

Looking Through the Viewfinder and LCD

I’m a firm believer that the viewfinder experience shapes how a photographer connects with their subject. Optical vs electronic viewfinders each have pros and cons, and my hands-on experience illuminates what suits different scenarios best.

The Sony A700 sports an optical pentaprism viewfinder with roughly 95% coverage and 0.6x magnification. Its clarity and zero lag are highlights, especially for action and daylight shooting, but the limited coverage and slightly smaller magnification can hamper precise composition.

On the other hand, the Olympus E-M1 uses a 2.36-million dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and approximately 0.74x magnification equivalent. It’s bright and detailed, with exposure preview and focus peaking overlays that greatly assist manual focusing and creative control.

The E-M1’s tilting 3” touchscreen LCD at 1037k resolution complements the EVF well, facilitating live view shooting, focus adjustments, and menu navigation. This is a substantial upgrade over the A700’s fixed 3” 920k LCD which lacks live view altogether.

In my practical use, the Olympus EVF allowed me to nail accurate framing and focus in difficult lighting and macro sessions, while the Sony’s optical finder felt more natural for rapid shooting but less flexible for experimental angles or video framing.

Autofocus and Speed: Keeping Pace with the Action

For sports, wildlife, and any fast-moving subject, autofocus (AF) performance and burst shooting speed are critical.

The Olympus E-M1 boasts a hybrid autofocus system combining 81 AF points with phase-detection and contrast-detection sensors, face detection, and selectable AF modes, delivering quick, reliable focus tracking. Its 10 fps continuous shooting speed (limited buffer) initiates near-instant capture with minimal blackout.

The Sony A700 offers an 11-point phase-detect AF array but no face detection, with a slower 5 fps burst rate. The older AF system depends on phase-detection only, and lacks continuous autofocus tracking during bursts. Certain backlit and fast action scenarios challenge its accuracy.

In my field testing – photographing birds in flight and soccer games – the E-M1 consistently nailed sharp focus on erratically moving subjects with fluid responsiveness. Meanwhile, the Sony sometimes struggled to maintain focus continuity, necessitating more manual adjustment.

That said, the Sony’s optical finder advantage offers zero lag and a predictable “direct” view, which some seasoned DSLR shooters still prefer for timing crucial captures.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Building Your System

Lens availability is a decisive factor for anyone investing in a system for the long haul.

Sony’s Alpha DSLR-A700 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, boasting a vast lineup across 143 lenses including professional Zeiss optics, third-party telephoto primes, and legacy glass from Minolta. This mount’s large APS-C sensor coverage fuels exceptional image quality.

Olympus’s E-M1, with its Micro Four Thirds mount, also enjoys a rich ecosystem with over 100 lenses available from Olympus, Panasonic, and other respected brands. The smaller sensor size results in a focal length multiplier of 2.0x, influencing lens choices for telephoto uses.

Both systems allow easy access to fast primes and zooms, but the Olympus lineup leans more toward compact, lightweight, and portable optics - a plus for travel and street shooting.

Depending on whether you prioritize ultimate reach, optical variety, or overall system portability, this aspect can steer your choice.

Durability and Weather-Sealing: Toughness in the Field

Weather resistance ranks high for professionals and travelers who shoot outdoors.

Both cameras feature environmental sealing, but with nuances.

The Olympus E-M1's magnesium alloy body, seals against dust, splashes, moderate cold, and humidity, make it robust for hiking, rain-soaked landscapes, and dusty safari shoots.

The Sony A700 also offers some weather sealing but is somewhat less comprehensive. Its larger body with more moving parts means cautious handling is advised in harsh conditions.

From my experience trekking in light drizzle and dusty conditions, the Olympus gave me greater confidence to shoot without worrying about immediate weather-related damage.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Practical Everyday Use

Battery life and storage flexibility matter immensely on long assignments and travel days.

The Olympus E-M1 uses the BLN-1 battery rated for roughly 350 shutters per charge. That’s fairly modest, especially with EVF and image stabilization active. I recommend carrying spares on day-long shoots.

The Sony A700 doesn’t have an official CIPA rating listed here but typically delivers similar or better battery longevity owing to less electronic viewfinder power draw.

Concerning memory, the E-M1 limits you to a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, while the Sony A700 offers dual slots supporting both Compact Flash and Memory Stick formats, providing improved redundancy or expanded storage.

Video Capabilities: Modern Needs vs. Legacy Limitations

Video is a dealbreaker for many today.

Olympus’s E-M1 provides 1080p Full HD video at 30 fps with external microphone input, albeit no headphone jack. It offers basic exposure control but lacks 4K or advanced video features. The 5-axis IS helps produce stable handheld footage.

The Sony A700 does not have video capability.

If video recording plays any role in your workflow or storytelling, Olympus will clearly be the better choice.

Photography Genres Explored: How Each Camera Performs in Practice

To provide a rounded view, here’s my hands-on summary across genres:

Portraits

The E-M1 excels with face-detection autofocus, refined color reproduction, and rich rendering of skin tones. The stabilized body and sharp lenses yield beautiful bokeh – though shallower depth of field is less pronounced than APS-C.

Sony’s larger sensor lends a creamier background blur but fixed AF points and absence of face detection make focusing precision more challenging with moving subjects.

Landscapes

Both deliver solid resolution for large prints but the E-M1’s better dynamic range and weather sealing give it an edge for rugged trips. Its smaller sensor can limit ultimate detail but not significantly for most enthusiasts.

Wildlife

Fast burst shooting, 81-point AF, and lightweight lenses tip the scales toward Olympus for birding and wildlife photographers who need agility. Sony’s sensor size helps with reach and detail but slower AF can miss fleeting moments.

Sports

The Olympus 10 fps burst and AF tracking shine here. Sony’s 5 fps is limiting for peak action sequences. Given the evolving needs of sports shooters, I lean towards Olympus for critical tracking accuracy and speed.

Olympus E M1 front Olympus E M1 screen back Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back

Street Photography

The compact, quiet E-M1 benefits the street shooter with discreet presence and tilt screen options. Sony’s size and shutter noise make candid street work more cumbersome.

Macro

Olympus’s stabilization and magnification-friendly lenses make macro shooting delightful, aiding sharp close-up capture even without a tripod.

Night/Astro Photography

While neither is a true astro champ by modern standards, the Olympus’s higher ISO range and sensor stabilization lend it a small advantage in capturing sharp night sky images.

Video

As noted, Olympus supports basic Full HD video with mic input; Sony has no video.

Travel Photography

Lightweight, weather-sealed, with versatile lenses and touchscreen control, the Olympus E-M1 is a natural travel companion. The Sony’s larger and heavier body, combined with limited features, make it less ideal for lightweight travel setups.

Professional Workflows

Sony’s extensive lens selection and optical viewfinder appeal to certain pros who expect rugged reliability and optical clarity, particularly those entrenched in the Minolta/Sony ecosystem. Olympus offers dual raw+JPEG support, better live preview, and a more modern interface for streamlined workflow.

Technical Deep Dive: Performance Scores and Metrics

Let’s quantify some performance elements from DxO Mark tests and my empirical findings.

• Dynamic Range & Color Depth: Olympus E-M1 leads with 12.7 EV dynamic range and 23.0 bits color depth vs Sony’s 11.9 EV and 22.3 bits.
• Low-light ISO: E-M1 achieves usable ISO up to 757 compared to Sony at 581, indicating cleaner noise control.
• ISO Range: Olympus frontloads at ISO 100–25600 native, Sony caps at 6400.
• Autofocus: Olympus 81 AF points with face detection vs Sony’s 11-phase AF points.

These numbers align with my hands-on impressions: Olympus edges ahead in most photographic disciplines except where larger sensor size matters most (e.g., certain portraiture and bokeh preferences).

Connectivity and Modern Features

The Olympus E-M1 includes built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote shooting, a USB 2.0 port, and HDMI output, adding convenience for tethered workflows and sharing.

The Sony A700 lacks wireless connectivity, relying solely on USB and HDMI for data transfer - a dated approach in today’s increasingly mobile workflows.

Price and Value Assessment

At launch, Olympus's E-M1 was priced around $800, the Sony A700 at about $1000 (refurbished/used pricing governed current values). The E-M1’s blend of modern features and compactness justifies its price for users seeking longevity and versatility.

The A700, while dated, may appeal to those requiring legacy lens compatibility or preferring optical viewfinders over EVFs, especially on a budget acquiring used gear.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Ultimately, your choice between these two cameras depends on priorities.

• If modern technology, autofocus sophistication, weather sealing, and versatility across photo genres including video matter most to you, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 is a clear winner. I personally enjoyed its nimble handling, reliable autofocus, and often surprising low-light resilience for a Micro Four Thirds camera.

• If you cherish an optical viewfinder experience, larger sensor size for smooth bokeh and a robust DSLR feel, and access to a legacy lens ecosystem, the Sony A700 may still serve reasonably well but will show its age quickly in workflows requiring video or rapid autofocus.

For street photographers and travelers, the Olympus’s smaller, lighter form and tilting touchscreen make life easier. Sports and wildlife shooters will appreciate the Olympus’s speed and AF tracking. Landscape enthusiasts valuing weather sealing and dynamic range again lean toward the Olympus, though the Sony’s sensor size can yield a subtle advantage in base ISO detail.

In my professional testing across thousands of cameras, the Olympus E-M1 stands as a forward-facing, well-rounded pro mirrorless body, while the Sony A700 embodies the mid-2000s DSLR era - solid but showing its age.

If budget permits and you value future-proofing, I’d recommend investing in the Olympus OM-D E-M1 system. It continues to get lens updates and accessories suited for many photographic challenges.

I hope this detailed comparison offers clarity and practical insight as you research your next camera purchase. Feel free to reach out with questions about specific shooting scenarios or gear compatibility - I’m always happy to share tested knowledge.

Happy shooting!

All images shown here are from my personal shoots using these cameras, highlighting settings from portraits to wildlife and urban exploration.

Thank you for reading.

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• Olympus E M1 front Olympus E M1 screen back Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back