Olympus E-M10 II vs Olympus 6020

Exploring Two Different Worlds: Olympus E-M10 II vs Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 – Which Suits Your Photography Style?

Diving into the Olympus lineup, today I’m comparing two markedly different models: the mirrorless Olympus OM-D E-M10 II, announced in 2015 and aimed at entry-level enthusiasts, and the rugged Olympus Stylus Tough 6020, a compact waterproof camera from 2010 designed for adventurous shooters. Both have their unique appeal, but it’s fascinating how their designs and capabilities align - or clash - with different photographic needs. I’ve tested each extensively, and in this article, I’ll walk you through their physical designs, sensor tech, autofocus, and suitability across key photography genres, backed by my experience and hands-on evaluations.

Let’s begin by sizing them up - literally.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size Matters When You Shoot All Day

Looking at physical dimensions first, the Olympus E-M10 II sports a classic SLR-style mirrorless body measuring 120 x 83 x 47 mm, weighing 390 grams. The Tough 6020, in contrast, is a compact waterproof model at 95 x 62 x 22 mm, tipping the scales at a mere 122 grams. This size difference isn’t just about pocketability but direct usability in different contexts.

The E-M10 II feels substantial yet well-balanced with its pronounced grip and strategically positioned dials, giving you confidence during longer shoots or when swapping lenses in the field. The Tough 6020’s ultra-compact form and flat profile make it ultra-portable and unobtrusive, perfect for casual shooters or extreme outdoor scenarios where bulk is a liability.

The E-M10 II’s body is authentically resolute in your hands, crafted for comfort and extended use. Meanwhile, the 6020 offers a reassuring grip coating but, truth be told, lacks the intuitive physical controls that advanced shooters crave. So if you want a camera that feels like an extension of your hand, the mirrorless E-M10 II takes it, no contest.

Design and Controls Tale: Intuitive or Minimalist?

From a top-down view, the controllers reveal the philosophies driving these cameras.

The E-M10 II boasts a rich array: two dials for aperture and shutter, dedicated ISO button, mode dial, and a customizable function button - all thoughtfully laid out for quick, tactile access. This design speaks to seasoned photographers who like to tweak settings on the fly without diving into menus. It’s classic Olympus ergonomics: clean, efficient, and responsive.

By contrast, the Tough 6020’s control layout is minimalistic. A few buttons handle power, zoom, shutter, and flash with no mode dial or customizable buttons - reflecting its waterproof compact nature. It nudges you toward auto modes and point-and-shoot simplicity. Not a bad thing, if that’s your game, but don’t expect manual exposure fiddling here.

For me, the E-M10 II’s control scheme streamlines creativity, while the 6020 is more of a ‘grab and shoot’ tool for spontaneous moments.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor size and resolution directly impact image fidelity, dynamic range, and low-light handling - key factors for serious photographers. Olympus embraces its Micro Four Thirds system (17.3 x 13 mm sensor) in the E-M10 II, offering a 16MP resolution with a sensor area around 225 mm².

The Tough 6020, meanwhile, uses a much smaller 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm), packing 13MP on roughly 27.7 mm². That’s a significant size gap - about eight times surface area difference!

In practical terms, the E-M10 II delivers richer detail, better dynamic range (12.5 stops per DxOMark), and superior noise control at elevated ISOs (native max ISO 25600 vs. 1600 max for the 6020). Olympus’ TruePic VII image processor further enhances colors and noise reduction on the E-M10 II, while the Tough 6020’s older TruePic III chipset limits image quality.

You’ll notice crisper files, more nuanced skin tones, and finer shadows with the E-M10 II - especially in challenging lighting. The Tough’s sensor size constraint renders images soft with visible noise beyond ISO 400, better suited for snapshots than professional prints.

LCD and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

Both cameras incorporate live view LCDs, but their size and usability diverge.

The E-M10 II sports a generous 3-inch tilting touchscreen at 1,040k dots resolution, vastly enhancing composition flexibility, especially at odd angles. Touch focus and menu navigation are smooth and responsive, which is a huge boon during street or macro photography.

In contrast, the Tough 6020’s fixed 2.7-inch screen with only 230k dots is a relic by today’s standards - visible but a bit grainy and less versatile. There’s no touchscreen capability, so menu surfing feels clunkier.

Most importantly, the E-M10 II includes a bright 2.36M dot electronic viewfinder covering 100% frame, with 0.62x magnification - ideal for outdoor shooting under bright conditions when LCD glare is problematic. The Tough 6020 lacks any viewfinder, meaning you’re reliant on the LCD, which can hamper framing precision in sunlight.

Autofocus Performance: Fast and Flexible vs. Basic Contrast Detection

Autofocus tech is a cornerstone of modern shooting, and here the gap is apparent.

The E-M10 II features an 81-point contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection and continuous AF tracking. In real-world shooting, this translates into swift, accurate focus acquisition during portraits, wildlife, and sports. Although it lacks phase-detection autofocus, Olympus’ well-tuned contrast system surprises with its reliability - even in dimmer scenes.

The Tough 6020 utilizes a single-point contrast detection AF that’s slower and less precise. It’s functional for everyday snaps but struggles to track moving subjects or nail focus for close-up macro shots consistently.

For portrait or action shooters needing responsive AF, the E-M10 II is the clear choice here.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility: The Micro Four Thirds Advantage

One of the E-M10 II’s biggest strengths is the robust Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lens system. With 107 native MFT lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties, you can select anything from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, primes to fast apertures - for portraits, macro, landscapes, or wildlife. The lens mount allows full manual control too, satisfying tinkerers and professionals alike.

The Tough 6020, a fixed lens camera, packs a 28-140mm equivalent f/3.9-5.9 zoom, which is decent for casual use but no match for interchangeable optics. The lack of control over aperture or focal length beyond this range is a limitation for creative work.

If you value system growth and adaptability, the E-M10 II’s lens ecosystem wins hands down.

Burst Shooting and Sports/Action Capabilities

Action photographers will appreciate the E-M10 II’s 8 fps continuous shooting with autofocus tracking. While not the fastest in its class, it suffices for casual sports and wildlife sequences. Contrast AF means tracking fast-moving subjects can sometimes lag behind high-end phase-detect systems but remains acceptable.

The Tough 6020 maxes out at 5 fps burst without AF tracking, less suited for dynamic scenes.

Sturdiness, Weather Sealing, and Outdoor Use

Outdoor durability swings decisively towards the Tough 6020, specifically designed to withstand harsh environments: waterproof to 10 meters, shockproof from 2-meter drops, and freezeproof to −10°C. Its rugged build excels for adventurers, underwater photographers, and extreme weather conditions.

The E-M10 II offers no weather sealing and must be handled carefully around moisture or dust. While magnesium alloy construction lends a premium feel, it’s not built for rugged abuse.

So if you shoot expedition-style or frequently in wet or dusty conditions, the 6020’s toughness is invaluable.

Battery Life and Portability for Travel and Street Photography

The Olympus E-M10 II’s 320-shot battery life is reasonable for a mirrorless, with quick USB charging convenience. Its larger body and lens ensemble, though, add to travel weight - something to factor if you’re hopping cities or shooting street photography all day.

The Tough 6020’s tiny frame and lighter battery (detailed life undocumented but generally lower capacity) make it ideal for casual travel or street photography where discretion and minimalism matter.

Video Performance: Does the E-M10 II Hold Up Better?

Video shooters will find the E-M10 II offers 1080p up to 60p with Olympus’ proprietary 5-axis in-body stabilization improving handheld footage. Unfortunately, no microphone or headphone ports limit audio monitoring options, but it’s a serviceable setup for vlogging or casual video.

The Tough 6020 maxes at 720p video, lacking image stabilization or audio input/output ports. It’s fine for simple videos but won’t satisfy more demanding filmmakers.

Image Samples: Seeing Is Believing

Here’s a gallery of sample images from both cameras illustrating the gaps in image quality and versatility.

Olympus E M10 II front Olympus E M10 II screen back Olympus 6020 front Olympus 6020 screen back

Notice how the E-M10 II’s shots exhibit richer color, sharper detail, and cleaner noise handling. The Tough 6020’s pictures are softer with visible noise, especially under lower light. The latter is good for snapshots or social sharing but won’t hold up for serious print or editorial use.

Overall Performance Scores: An Analytical Snapshot

To sum up technical metrics and testing outcomes, I’ve compiled their review scores.

The E-M10 II scores notably higher on color depth, dynamic range, and low-light ISO. The Tough 6020 remains untested on some platforms due to age and niche market.

Specialized Genre Scores: Which Camera Excels Where?

Breaking down performance by photography genre reinforces their divergent target uses.

Portrait, landscapes, macro, and video heavily favor the E-M10 II. However, for action sports, wildlife, or street photography in adverse conditions, each camera shows its strengths and weaknesses.

Bottom Line: Which Olympus Camera Should You Choose?

If you’re a hobbyist or enthusiast seeking a versatile, high-quality imaging system you can grow over time, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II provides outstanding value. Its better sensor, autofocus, manual controls, and lens variety make it ideal for portraits, landscapes, macro, and even light wildlife or sports shooting. The tilting touchscreen and EVF add contemporary convenience.

Conversely, if your photography lifestyle demands durability and easy portability, especially to wet, dusty, or rugged environments - think hiking, snorkeling, or winter sports - the Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 is a surprisingly capable little warrior. It’s an affordable, tough companion that, while limited in image quality and control, shines in adventurous scenarios where reliability is paramount.

Final Recommendations by User Type

• Enthusiastic beginners and hobbyists: Olympus E-M10 II for all-round creative growth and quality.
• Travel and street photographers wanting compactness: The Tough 6020, but be mindful of image quality trade-offs.
• Outdoor adventure and underwater photography: Olympus Tough 6020, for its waterproof and shockproof resilience.
• Portrait and landscape aficionados: E-M10 II with vast lens options for crisp, professional-grade results.
• Video content creators on a budget: E-M10 II, thanks to superior 1080p video and IBIS.
• Sports and wildlife shooters: E-M10 II, although neither camera is top-tier for aggressive action tracking. For serious sports, consider faster AF cameras.

It’s fascinating to compare an entry-level mirrorless beast to a decade-old waterproof compact. Each fulfills vastly different photographic ambitions. I hope my detailed review helps you match one of these Olympus gems to your own creative journey - whether it’s capturing serene landscapes, wild adventures, or everyday moments.

Happy shooting!