Olympus E-M10 II vs Sony H200: A Deep-Dive Into Two Distinct Cameras for Different Photographers

When it comes to choosing the right camera, the sheer variety of models out there - from mirrorless systems to superzoom bridge cameras - can be overwhelming. Today, we’ll dissect two very different offerings: the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II, a compact mirrorless camera with Micro Four Thirds (MFT) pedigree, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200, a bridge superzoom with an enormous zoom range, but a small sensor. Both cameras cater to photographers on a budget but in very different ways. Having tested both extensively, I’ll guide you through real-world performance, technical nuances, and which one suits particular photographic needs best.

Let’s get started.

Getting a Grip: Handling and Ergonomics Up Close

Picking up a camera is a tactile experience just as much as a visual one. The Olympus E-M10 II follows the SLR-style mirrorless form factor. Its aluminum-magnesium alloy body weighs just 390 grams and measures 120x83x47mm - a petite powerhouse. In contrast, the Sony H200 stretches out more in depth (87mm), older bridge-style ergonomics weighing a heftier 530 grams, reflecting its massive fixed lens.

Holding the E-M10 II feels solid and reassuring. The grip is sculpted thoughtfully, allowing comfortable handling for extended shooting sessions. Controls are intuitively placed, facilitating quick exposure adjustments - a boon in outdoor or event photography.

Sony’s H200, by comparison, feels chunkier in the hand and lacks the refined control layout of the Olympus. Its rubberized grip helps, but the large zoom lens adds front-end heft, making one-handed operation more cumbersome. This design nods toward convenience over precision, which is telling for its target audience.

If you prefer a compact system that feels like a serious photographic tool in your hands, Olympus wins ergonomically. But if reach and zoom versatility trump pocketability, Sony makes sense.

The Eye of the Camera: Sensor Size and Image Quality Fundamentals

Arguably, sensor size is the backbone of image quality potential. The Olympus utilizes a Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, making it significantly larger than Sony’s 1/2.3 inch CCD sensor at just 6.17 x 4.55 mm.

Why does this matter? Larger sensors gather more light, improving dynamic range, low-light sensitivity, and noise performance. The E-M10 II’s sensor captures 16 megapixels, balancing resolution with noise control effectively. The Sony’s sensor, although boasting 20 megapixels, is subject to smaller pixel size limitations, which typically increases noise at higher ISO levels and reduces dynamic range.

Technical measurements reflect this:

• Olympus E-M10 II: DXO Overall Score ~73; Color Depth 23.1 bits; Dynamic Range 12.5 EV; Low Light ISO ~842 (acceptable noise control)
• Sony H200: Not tested by DXO, but the small sensor and CCD technology predict limited dynamic range and noisy high-ISO images.

In practice, this means the Olympus delivers cleaner images with richer color gradations and better shadow and highlight detail than the Sony, especially as light conditions deteriorate.

For photographers prioritizing image quality - portraits with pleasing skin tones or landscapes with subtle tonal transitions - the E-M10 II’s sensor is a clear winner. Sony’s sensor suits casual shooting or subjects where ultimate quality isn’t mission-critical.

Screen and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

Both cameras offer a 3-inch rear LCD screen, but the implementation differs significantly.

Olympus equips the E-M10 II with a 1040k-dot tilting touchscreen, supporting intuitive touch focus and menu navigation. Tilting angles allow creative framing - very handy for low-angle macros or high over-the-head landscape shots.

The Sony H200 sticks to a fixed 460k-dot non-touch LCD with ClearPhoto technology. The screen suffices for framing and reviewing images but lacks flexibility and fine resolution, which can be a limitation in bright outdoor conditions.

Sony’s bridge design forgoes any electronic viewfinder entirely, making it tough to shoot in strong sunlight. The Olympus, however, boasts a bright 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and 0.62x magnification. This is a huge advantage for precise composition and fast autofocus acquisition, especially in challenging lighting or fast action scenarios.

If live view and tactile interaction are priorities, Olympus again scores higher with a versatile screen and EVF combo.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Catching the Perfect Moment

Let’s talk autofocus - the cornerstone of capturing decisive moments.

The Olympus E-M10 II relies on contrast-detection autofocus enhanced by 81 focus points and face detection, including eye detection AF - a feature that aids portrait photographers in locking focus on eyes with impressive speed and accuracy. Continuous autofocus ensures tracking moving subjects, suitable for wildlife and sports photography at entry-level.

The Sony H200, limited by fixed lens and smaller sensor tech, uses contrast-detect AF with unspecified focus points, no touch AF, and only basic tracking capabilities. It can still achieve decent results in bright, stationary subjects but struggles with fast or erratic motion.

Both can shoot up to 8 frames per second continuous burst rates, but buffer depth and AF tracking endurance favor the Olympus. Its shutter speed range spans from 60 to 1/4000s, accommodating a variety of lighting and motion freeze scenarios, whereas the Sony’s shutter maxes out at 1/1500s, limiting freezing very fast action.

For sports or wildlife photographers seeking fast, reliable tracking, the Olympus E-M10 II’s system is more robust, though still modest by professional standards.

The Lens Ecosystem: Glass Shapes the Image More Than Anything Else

One of Olympus E-M10 II’s biggest strengths is its compatibility with the Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem - a mature system with over 100 lenses ranging from affordable primes to professional zooms, including excellent fast-aperture options and macro lenses.

Sony H200’s fixed lens system offers a massive 24-633mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range - ideal for all-in-one versatility, from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife. However, it suffers from a slow variable aperture (f/3.1-5.9), limiting background separation and low-light capability at telephoto lengths.

For photographers passionate about creative control through specialized lenses, manual focusing, or upgrading glass over time, Olympus is the clear pick. Sony’s all-in-one design suits those wanting simplicity and enormous zoom reach without swapping lenses.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

The Olympus E-M10 II has a metal body with weather sealing features in its siblings but not fully sealed here. It feels durable, lighter-weight yet solid - good for travel and moderate outdoor use.

Sony’s H200, made mostly from plastic with a fixed lens, is less rugged, reflecting its cheaper price point and target of casual users.

Neither camera offers extensive weather or shockproofing, so cautious use outdoors is advised.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Olympus E-M10 II uses a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery rated for approximately 320 shots per charge (CIPA), which is average but manageable for an enthusiast’s day outing. Sony H200 relies on four AA batteries, which is convenient for quick replacements but generally less economical and heavier to carry spares.

Both accept SD card storage, but Sony adds compatibility with Memory Stick formats, which are niche nowadays.

From my experience, Olympus’s rechargeable battery is more practical for frequent shooters who can charge overnight. Sony’s AA approach can be a fallback in remote shooting or travel when power outlets are scarce.

Video Features: Moving Pictures at a Glance

Video has become critical for many photographers.

Olympus E-M10 II shoots full HD 1080p at 60/30/24p with stereo sound (built-in mic), and supports image stabilization on sensor for steady footage.

Sony H200 maxes out at 720p HD video at 30fps, no stereo audio input, and no stabilization beyond optical in lens assembly.

For casual video, Sony may suffice, but Olympus’s better resolution, stabilization, and codec give more creative freedom and higher production value.

Special Features and Connectivity

Olympus includes built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling remote control and instant image sharing via mobile apps - a significant convenience for travelers and social media enthusiasts.

Sony H200 lacks wireless options, so image transfer requires wired USB or card removal.

Olympus also features focus bracketing for macro and landscape photographers seeking extended depth of field stacking, which Sony does not.

Photographic Discipline Breakdown: Who Should Choose Which?

Now, let’s synthesize these strengths and weaknesses for popular photography genres.

Portrait Photography

The Olympus E-M10 II’s larger sensor, superior autofocus with eye detection, and ability to mount fast lenses give it a clear advantage for pleasing skin tones and creamy bokeh. Sony’s fixed slow aperture lens and small sensor will struggle to isolate subjects convincingly.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution favor Olympus, with its 16MP Four Thirds sensor capturing more detail and tonal nuances. Weather sealing is lacking on both but Olympus’s screen and EVF provide better framing tools on challenging hikes.

Wildlife Photography

Sony’s massive 26.4x zoom at 633mm grants reach far beyond standard zooms, but autofocus lag and small sensor noise hamper quality. Olympus offers faster AF and more flexible lenses but limited native telephoto reach without bulky lenses. For distant wildlife, Sony wins on reach, Olympus on image quality.

Sports Photography

The E-M10 II’s faster shutter, continuous AF and burst shooting make it more adept at action capture, though semi-pro or professional shooters may outgrow its capabilities quickly. Sony struggles with exposure control and AF precision.

Street Photography

Olympus’s compact size, discrete appearance, quick AF, and tilting screen fit street shooters better. Sony’s bulk and fixed lens are cumbersome here.

Macro Photography

Focus bracketing and 5-axis stabilization in Olympus allow for precise macro results. Sony’s longer minimum focus distance and no focus bracketing limit potential.

Night / Astrophotography

Olympus’s higher max ISO and larger sensor produce cleaner images under low light. Sony’s noise is more pronounced even at ISO 3200.

Video Capabilities

Olympus offers full HD 60p with stabilization and Wi-Fi streaming options; Sony remains stuck at 720p 30fps.

Travel Photography

Olympus balances size, weight, and image quality well for travel. Sony, with heavier fixed lens and AA batteries, is less friendly for long treks.

Professional Workflows

Olympus shoots RAW, supports advanced exposure modes, and integrates well with professional editing workflows. Sony lacks RAW and offers basic exposure controls.

Pricing and Value: Which Camera Offers More Bang for Your Buck?

At approximately $499 new for Olympus E-M10 II and $249.99 for Sony H200, the price gap is significant. The higher cost of Olympus reflects advanced technology, versatile system, and better overall performance.

For entry-level photographers wanting a serious, upgradeable platform, Olympus justifies the investment easily. Sony appeals more to point-and-shoot users needing all-in-one zoom for casual snaps.

Summing It All Up: Final Scores and Recommendations

Let’s look at the overall performance and genre-specific scores to wrap up.

Olympus E-M10 II scores markedly higher across almost every category, with clear advantages in image quality, autofocus, handling, and video.

Sony H200 shines mainly in zoom reach and simplicity.

The Verdict: What Should You Buy?

If image quality, system flexibility, and photographic control matter to you (portraiture, landscapes, street, macro, video), the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II is the better buy. It’s a genuine mirrorless camera with serious capabilities for entry-level to intermediate enthusiasts. The Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem ensures you can grow as a photographer.

If your priority is super-telephoto reach in a single affordable package for casual travel or wildlife snapshots, and you’re willing to compromise on image quality and features, Sony H200 is a reasonable budget choice. Its all-in-one zoom lens is impressive for the price but at the cost of detail and control.

Choosing between these two is less about which is “better” in absolute terms but about aligning the camera’s strengths with your style and expectations. The E-M10 II is an authentic camera system; the H200 a convenient zoom solution.

Hopefully, this detailed breakdown helps you navigate the decision with confidence, knowing exactly what each machine brings to your photography journey.

Happy shooting!

Appendix: Image Gallery from Both Cameras

For a direct look at what these cameras can deliver, here are some comparative sample images captured in various lighting conditions and subject genres.

Olympus E M10 II front Olympus E M10 II screen back Sony H200 front Sony H200 screen back