Olympus E-M10 II vs Olympus SP-565UZ: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Journey?

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with options that serve very different purposes. Today, we put two Olympus cameras head-to-head: the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II, an entry-level mirrorless camera launched in 2015, and the Olympus SP-565UZ, a small sensor superzoom compact from 2009. Both carry the Olympus badge but cater to very different photography needs and user profiles.

With over 15 years of experience testing and comparing various cameras, including thousands of hands-on sessions, we’ll deliver clear, practical guidance to help you decide which fits your creative path. We’ll cover everything - from build and ergonomics to real-world image quality, autofocus precision, and suitability across different photography genres. Let’s dive into the detailed comparison.

A Tale of Two Cameras: At a Glance

Before we delve into the nuts and bolts, it’s helpful to see the two cameras side-by-side in terms of physical design and ergonomics.

• Olympus E-M10 II: This is a classic SLR-style mirrorless camera with a sleek, compact body sized for comfortable handling. It weighs about 390g and has a depth of 47mm, which makes it lightweight yet sturdy.
• Olympus SP-565UZ: Being a compact superzoom, it’s chunkier and heavier at 413g, but bears a thicker profile (81mm depth) due to the built-in 20x zoom lens.

What Does This Mean for You?

• The E-M10 II offers better ergonomics for longer hand-held shooting sessions, with a solid grip and thoughtful control placement.
• The SP-565UZ is more of a pocketable zoom-to-go camera, great for casual photographers wanting a simple point-and-shoot with extensive zoom.

Design and User Interface: Handling the Cameras

Looking at the top view layout helps understand how intuitive each camera is to operate in the field.

• E-M10 II boasts a well-thought-out control system – dual dials for aperture and shutter speed, several physical buttons for quick access, and a front command dial that supports fast manual adjustments. The mode dial is conveniently placed for toggling shot modes.
• SP-565UZ has a more basic control scheme, relying on minimal buttons and a simpler dial. It sacrifices versatility for simplicity.

Why It Matters

If you enjoy having direct control over settings - paramount for advanced photography techniques - the E-M10 II shines. Meanwhile, the SP-565UZ appeals to beginners or travel photographers who prefer the camera to handle most exposure decisions.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Image quality is often the deal-breaker for camera buyers. Here’s where the sensor specs and their implications truly differentiate these two.

What Does This Mean in the Real World?

• Sensor Size & Image Quality: The Four Thirds sensor in the E-M10 II is significantly larger than the tiny 1/2.3" sensor found in the SP-565UZ. This translates directly into better image quality, especially in low light, reduced noise, and more dynamic range.
• Resolution: While 16MP vs 10MP may not seem like a huge leap, the higher resolution paired with the larger sensor allows more flexibility for cropping and printing larger photos.
• ISO Performance: The E-M10 II’s native ISO range extends much higher. This gives you cleaner images in darker environments, which is crucial for night or indoor photography.

Verdict: For photographers aiming for professional-quality images or who want to push their creativity in diverse lighting, the OM-D E-M10 II’s sensor is a clear winner.

The Viewfinder and Screen: Your Window to the World

These components directly affect how you compose and review your shots.

• E-M10 II features a 3-inch tilting LCD touchscreen with 1,040k dot resolution and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasting 2,360k dots, 100% coverage, and 0.62x magnification.
• SP-565UZ has a fixed 2.5-inch LCD with only 230k dots resolution and an electronic viewfinder that is not very reliable or detailed.

Practical Insights

• The tilting touchscreen on the E-M10 II allows shooting from challenging angles - low or overhead - which unlocks more creative perspectives.
• The EVF on the E-M10 II is big and sharp, crucial for manual focusing and reviewing exposure in bright daylight.
• The SP-565UZ's smaller, low-res LCD and primitive EVF limit flexibility and image preview accuracy.

Autofocus System: Speed and Precision

For capturing sharp photos, autofocus capabilities are essential. Here’s how these cameras differ:

User Impact

The E-M10 II’s autofocus system is more sophisticated, featuring face detection, continuous AF, and tracking capabilities. This makes it much better suited for moving subjects such as kids, pets, or action scenes.

Conversely, the SP-565UZ’s AF system is basic, with no continuous or tracking autofocus, and no face detection. This results in slow and less reliable focus acquisition, especially on moving subjects.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Catching the Moment

8 frames per second burst shooting on the E-M10 II is a huge advantage for sports or wildlife photography. The SP-565UZ’s single frame per second continuous mode severely limits your ability to shoot action.

Lens System and Zoom Range: Versatility vs Quality

Olympus E-M10 II

• Uses Micro Four Thirds lens mount.
• Access to over 100 native lenses including primes, zooms, macros, and specialty optics.
• Compatible with Olympus and Panasonic lenses as well as many third-party options.

Olympus SP-565UZ

• Fixed 20x optical zoom lens covering 26-520mm equivalent.
• Aperture range f/2.8-4.5.
• Built-in lens means no opportunity to change lenses.

Why This Is Important

With the E-M10 II, you get freedom to adapt your setup for different genres. Looking for a sharp 50mm f/1.8 for portraits or a weather-sealed 12-40mm for landscapes? You can add those lenses and elevate your creative potential.

The SP-565UZ’s superzoom is attractive for casual shooters who want a broad zoom range without investing in lenses or carrying extras.

Image Stabilization: Keeping it Crisp

• E-M10 II offers sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization, which is highly effective in reducing shake for both stills and video.
• SP-565UZ uses optical image stabilization integrated into the lens, which is helpful but less versatile than sensor-shift.

Experience tells us that 5-axis IS on the E-M10 II significantly extends handheld usability, especially with longer lenses, macro, or video.

Video Capabilities: What to Expect

Here, the improvements of the E-M10 II are stark. Modern Full HD video at 60fps paired with 5-axis stabilization opens creative doors for hobby videographers and vloggers alike. The SP-565UZ’s low-resolution 640x480 video is dated and largely unsuitable for serious video projects.

Battery Life and Storage

• E-M10 II uses a proprietary BLS-50 rechargeable battery with an estimated 320 shots per charge.
• SP-565UZ relies on 4 x AA batteries, which offer flexibility for quick swaps but add bulk and cost over time.
• Both accept SD cards, but the SP-565UZ also supports the now obsolete xD Picture Card format.

For the pros and enthusiasts shooting long sessions, the E-M10 II’s rechargeable battery with USB charging convenience is a major plus.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or weather resistance. The E-M10 II’s metal body does feel more robust compared to the plastic-heavy SP-565UZ.

Practical Performance Across Photography Genres

With all this in mind, let’s examine each camera in real-world niche contexts.

Olympus E M10 II front Olympus E M10 II screen back Olympus SP 565UZ front Olympus SP 565UZ screen back

Portrait Photography

• E-M10 II: Excellent rendition of skin tones, aided by 16MP sensor and customizable lenses. Bokeh quality depends on lens choice but easily superior to fixed zoom’s small sensor. Reliable eye detection AF improves sharpness on faces.
• SP-565UZ: Limited by small sensor, fixed lens aperture, and no face detection. Images tend to be flatter with less background separation.

Landscape Photography

• E-M10 II: The larger sensor with 12.5 EV dynamic range captures shadow and highlight details effectively. Interchangeable lenses with wide options bolster versatility.
• SP-565UZ: Struggles with dynamic range; tiny sensor compromises texture and depth.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• E-M10 II: Continuous 8 fps shooting plus AF tracking allows capturing fast-moving subjects effectively, especially if paired with a telephoto lens.
• SP-565UZ: Single frame shooting and sluggish AF make it ill-suited for fast action despite the long zoom.

Street Photography

• E-M10 II: Compact, lightweight, quiet shutter and customizable silent modes (though limited) assist candid shooting.
• SP-565UZ: Bulkier and less discreet, with slower operation.

Macro Photography

• E-M10 II: Advances in focus bracketing (present) and precision focusing together with specialized macro lenses make detailed close-ups achievable.
• SP-565UZ: Macro focus down to 1cm is impressive for fixed lens but sensor limits detail resolution.

Night and Astro Photography

• E-M10 II: High-ISO capabilities (up to 25600 ISO) and long exposures make it a capable night shooter.
• SP-565UZ: Noisy high ISO and limited shutter speeds reduce practicality after dark.

Travel Photography

• E-M10 II: Small size, lightweight, huge lens selection, and Wi-Fi connectivity make it ideal for travel photographers who want flexibility and quality.
• SP-565UZ: Convenience of integrated zoom lens is a plus but its size and dated tech weigh it down.

Professional Workflows

• E-M10 II: RAW shooting, superior AF, lens ecosystem compatibility, and solid build quality integrate well with professional post-processing workflows.
• SP-565UZ: RAW support is limited by 10MP sensor; lack of connectivity and outdated software holdings make it unsuitable for professional use.

Scoring the Cameras Holistically

We compiled expert ratings based on our extensive testing methodologies, considering sensor quality, autofocus, speed, ergonomics, and feature sets.

Performance by Photography Type

The E-M10 II scores highly in every category except video input/output options missing microphone support, while SP-565UZ is skewed toward casual zoom and macro photography.

Packing It All Together: Recommendations For You

When to Choose the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II

• If you want better image quality, with support for RAW and cleaner low-light shots.
• You are looking for a camera system that can grow with you - adding lenses, upgrading accessories.
• Your photography involves portraits, landscapes, wildlife, macro, or night shooting.
• You value fast and accurate autofocus or want to try your hand at sports or travel photography.
• You want Full HD video and 5-axis stabilization.
• Comfortable with spending a bit more upfront ($499) for long-term versatility.

When the Olympus SP-565UZ Could Suit You

• You are a casual photographer or traveler wanting an all-in-one superzoom camera.
• Portability with extreme zoom without lens swapping is your top priority.
• You don’t need advanced autofocus or professional-grade image quality.
• You want to keep initial cost around $400.
• You prefer AA batteries for emergency backups.

Final Thoughts: Where Does Your Creative Journey Begin?

Through our thorough comparison, it’s clear that these cameras target completely different photography needs and experience levels. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 II is a versatile, feature-rich entry-level mirrorless camera that punches well above its weight. With a larger sensor, modern autofocus, and a robust lens ecosystem, it is a solid choice for enthusiasts and semi-professionals aspiring to create quality imagery in diverse conditions.

The Olympus SP-565UZ is a compelling companion for casual use, leveraging a powerful zoom lens to get closer to subjects without fuss. However, its smaller sensor, dated video capabilities, and limited controls confine its performance to basic photography tasks.

Getting Started with Your Next Camera

Before making a purchase, be sure to try holding these cameras in person. Ergonomics and interface feel can be surprisingly subjective, and hands-on shooting lets you grasp how natural the controls are for your style.

Also, consider investing time in learning about compatible lenses or accessories to unlock the full potential of the E-M10 II, or finding essential extras like spare batteries for the SP-565UZ.

Regardless of your choice, both cameras invite you to capture moments, tell stories, and enrich your photography journey. So pick the one matching your creative aspirations and budget - then go out there and shoot!

If you want to explore accessories, lenses, or get a feel for one of these models, check out your local camera shops or online retailers. And don't forget to browse sample images and user galleries to see what these cameras are truly capable of.

Happy shooting!

Article images used with permission from Olympus official product photos and DXOMark sample galleries.