Olympus E-M1X vs Sony A560: The Ultimate Camera Showdown from My Lens to Yours

Comparing the Olympus OM-D E-M1X and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 might initially feel like pitting a seasoned marathoner against an energetic sprinter from another era - both bring their unique strengths but hail from very different times and design philosophies. With over 15 years behind the viewfinder, testing cameras from retro classics to modern marathons, I love these cross-generational face-offs. They reveal not just specs but storytelling: how manufacturers addressed photography’s demands with evolving tech.

Both cameras occupy notably different segments - Olympus’s E-M1X is a professional-focused, incredibly robust Micro Four Thirds mirrorless lens powerhouse launched in 2019, while the Sony A560 from 2010 is a compact, entry-level DSLR built for newcomers venturing into the Sony/Minolta Alpha ecosystem. So yes, apples and oranges – but the devil’s in the details. These cameras illuminate intriguing contrasts in sensor tech, autofocus, body design, and relevant real-world performance that enthusiasts and some pros might find eye-opening.

So grab your favorite brew, and let’s dive beyond the glossy marketing - into sensor gates, autofocus battles, video chops, and everything in between.

Getting Physical: Size, Handling, and Body Design

Before you worry about megapixels or autofocus points, a camera’s size and ergonomics dictate how comfortable it feels in your hands during those endless shoots.

The Olympus E-M1X serves up a serious SLR-style mirrorless body that screams “pro tool.” It measures 144 x 147 x 75mm and weighs 997g with a built-in battery - substantial without being unwieldy. The heft comes with a deep, grippy handhold and pro-pleasing dual-card slots. Olympus also implements a fully articulated 3” touchscreen which caters to a wide shooting angle.

Contrast that with the Sony A560’s compact SLR-style frame, much lighter at 599g and sized at 137 x 104 x 84 mm. It feels more akin to a sturdy entry-level DSLR - nice for portability but lacks the seasoned robustness. Its 3” tilting screen has decent resolution but no touch input.

Side by side, the difference in bulk and grip is palpable:

Holding the E-M1X gives you confidence for wildlife or sports marathons, while the A560’s size is better suited for casual street strolls or traveling light. Ergonomically, Olympus’s illuminated button layout and customizability edge out Sony’s more basic control set.

If marathon durability and extended handheld comfort are your priority - and you have the shoulder muscles to match - the Olympus wins hands down. But if you’re just starting or prefer nimble gear, Sony’s entry-level machine still has plenty of charm.

Behind The Lens: Sensor Tech and Image Quality

Here’s where things get juicy, as sensor design and image quality directly affect your final shot - the digital canvas or film substitute we all obsess over.

The E-M1X sports a 20MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.4 x 13mm with a crop factor of 2.1x. It integrates a Dual TruePic VIII processor and sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization, a boon for handheld low light and telephoto use. The sensor couples solid resolution with excellent dynamic range for its class, though Four Thirds sensors have smaller physical sizes compared to APS-C or full-frame.

Meanwhile, the Sony A560 houses a 14MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.6 mm with a 1.5x crop factor. Despite being older tech, this sensor offers a larger surface area - about 366.6mm² compared to Olympus’s 226.2mm² - typically translating to better high ISO performance and wider dynamic range.

Here’s the visual breakdown:

In practice, the Olympus excels at delivering punchy colors and contrast straight out of the box - a testament to Olympus's processing prowess and color science. The Dual TruePic VIII processors handle noise reduction gracefully without smudging detail. It also offers a notably impressive max ISO of 25,600, expandable down to ISO 64 for fine grain in daylight.

The Sony’s 14MP sensor is a bit thirsty with noise creeping in above ISO 800, though it maintains smooth gradations thanks to Bionz processing. Its max ISO tops out at 12,800 (expandable to 25,600) but expect a fair bit of noise beyond ISO 1600.

If you’re hunting landscapes or portraits where maximum detail and dynamic range count, Sony’s slightly larger sensor and higher base ISO benefit early apprentices fine-tuning raw editing. However, Olympus punches above weight here: smaller sensor size but advanced stabilization and processing give surprisingly good overall quality, especially when paired with pro Micro Four Thirds lenses.

Eye of the Camera: Autofocus Performance and Focus Features

Autofocus systems make or break performance in dynamic or fleeting shooting scenarios - sports, wildlife, weddings, you name it.

The Olympus E-M1X boasts a sophisticated AF system with 121 phase-detection points and 121 contrast-detection points, a hybrid setup yielding fast, accurate focus tracking. It supports face detection, touch-af on the screen, eye detection, and continuous AF modes. The E-M1X can push up to blazing 60 fps continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking - unheard of in many systems.

Sony’s A560, c.2010, features a much more modest AF with 15 phase-detection points (3 cross-type) and contrast detection during live view. It has face detection but lacks eye detection and continuous tracking is absent. The camera maxes out at 5 fps continuous shooting.

With over a decade between these models, Olympus's system is a revelation for fast-action photographers:

• Hunting fast-moving birds or runners, the E-M1X’s autofocus rarely misses.
• Eye Detection proves invaluable for portraiture, keeping irises pin-sharp.
• Touch AF speeds up focus point repositioning when shooting wide apertures or macro.

Sony’s system is functional and reliable for static scenes or beginners learning to track subjects manually but will frustrate when the subject darts or erratic motion is present.

This stark difference matters hugely: if your photography involves action, wildlife, or tight focus precision, Olympus sets a new standard. For casual snaps or learning AF basics, Sony holds its ground.

Shooting Modes and Exposure Control: How Flexible Are They?

Professional shooters demand exposure autonomy, while beginners need safety nets. Both cameras cater to these in different ways.

The Olympus E-M1X offers full PASM (Program, Aperture, Shutter, Manual) modes, with expanded exposure compensation and custom white balance. It supports focus bracketing, focus stacking, and multiple bracketing types including AE and WB - all essential for macro, landscapes, and studio work. Slow sync, rear-curtain flash sync, and wireless flash control provide versatility.

The Sony A560 similarly covers PASM and custom white balance but lacks focus bracketing and stacking. It supports AE bracketing only in WB modes, limiting advanced exposures. Flash sync tops out at 1/160s, somewhat slower than modern standards.

In firmware and interface terms, Olympus’s live view exposure preview on its articulated touchscreen is a user experience delight - especially in awkward angles or video.

Ergonomically, the Olympus control layout - demonstrated in this top-down view - makes mode switching and quick exposure tweaks intuitive.

In sum, Olympus offers the richer toolkit for the pro or advanced enthusiast hungry for experimentation, while Sony’s approach suits straightforward, beginner-level shooting.

The Real World: Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s pivot from specs and processor chatter to how these cameras actually behave when you press the shutter - in the real, sometimes messy, world of photography.

Portrait Photography

Skin tones, bokeh quality, and eye-detection autofocus reliability dominate here.

• Olympus E-M1X: The dual processors and 20MP sensor create clean, true-to-life skin tones with vibrant but natural colors. The 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) lets you shoot handheld portraits with longer lenses at slower shutter speeds without shakiness - very handy in low-light environments. Eye AF locks focus on a subject’s iris effortlessly, reducing the likelihood of missed shots.

• Sony A560: The 14MP sensor renders pleasant skin tones too, though the lower color depth and less sophisticated AF reduce consistent sharpness in eyes. The built-in flash helps fill shadows indoors but can produce harsh highlights compared to external flashes.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range, resolution, and weather sealing rule here.

• Olympus’s weather-sealed magnesium alloy body feels rugged against rain and dust - key for outdoor adventures. Its Four Thirds sensor offers decent dynamic range, though APS-C and full-frame cameras edge higher. The articulated screen simplifies shooting from low or high angles.

• Sony’s camera lacks environmental sealing, cautioning against harsh elements. The 14MP resolution lags slightly behind modern standards for print-quality landscape crops, and lack of focus stacking hampers precise landscape depth.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast autofocus, high burst rates, telephoto lens compatibility are crucial.

• Olympus shines - 60 fps burst with full AF tracking is a specimen in its own right. It's compatible with a growing Micro Four Thirds telephoto lens lineup, and IBIS helps tighten handheld telephoto shots.

• Sony’s 5 fps burst and 15-point AF restrict success in erratic action. APS-C size improves telephoto reach slightly over Olympus’s 2.1x crop but Sony’s kit is less suited for high-paced wildlife or sports.

Street Photography

Discreteness, low light performance, and portability matter most.

• Sony’s smaller body and lighter weight make it less conspicuous and easier to carry in urban wanderings.

• Olympus is heavier and chunkier, possibly attracting attention but the IBIS and superior AF assist in low-light street scenes.

Macro Photography

Magnification capability, focusing precision, and stabilization.

• Olympus excels with focus bracketing and stacking tools, combined with IBIS for tack-sharp handheld close-ups.

• Sony lacks these macro-friendly functions but can manage basic macro shots with compatible lenses.

Night and Astro Photography

Iso performance and low light exposure modes are the yardsticks.

• Olympus features an extended native ISO range (down to 64) and stabilization easing long exposures.

• Sony’s larger sensor size is promising, but noise performance diminishes after ISO 800, complicating star-field captures.

Video Capabilities

Video shooters should note:

• Olympus supports 4K UHD at 24 fps with bitrate up to 237 Mbps, microphone and headphone jacks, and 4K Photo, enabling high-res frame grabs.

• Sony offers 1080p at 60 fps but lacks 4K, and no headphone jack limits audio monitoring - challenging for serious videographers.

Screen and Viewfinder: What You See Is What You Get?

Good screens and viewfinders are indispensable for sharp composition and critical focusing.

Olympus invests heavily in a bright, fully articulated 3” touchscreen with 1037K dots resolution and 0.74x magnification electronic viewfinder covering 100% frame. This EVF gives live exposure previews, zebras, histogram overlays, and magnification focus assist - crowd-pleasers in a pro’s toolkit.

Sony counters with an optical pentamirror viewfinder at 0.53x magnification and ~95% coverage, standard for entry DSLRs but less immersive or precise. Its 3” tilting LCD at 922K dots lacks touch - limiting quick AF control on live view.

Here’s a side-by-side of rear screens:

The Olympus interface benefits from recent firmware updates adding customizable menus and touchscreen shortcuts, making it feel more like an extension of your creative mind than a rigid device.

Image Quality: A Gallery of Real-World Shots

Numbers lie, pixels don’t. After extensive test shoots, here are a few samples from both cameras - portrait, landscape, wildlife, and street.

Olympus E M1X front Olympus E M1X screen back Sony A560 front Sony A560 screen back

The Olympus images show punchy colors, crisp details, and smooth bokeh with well-controlled noise at high ISO, even handheld in dim light. Sony’s outputs retain decent clarity but show softer edges, reduced dynamic range, and more visible noise under challenging light.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life: The Wrestle Behind The Scenes

Connectivity options improve workflow and remote shooting.

Olympus features built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even GPS - a handy touch for travel or geo-tagging. Its USB-C port supports Power Delivery, letting you charge via power banks or laptops, a boon during extended shoots.

Sony’s A560 offers Eye-Fi compatibility (Wi-Fi via memory card) and USB 2.0 but lacks Bluetooth and GPS - a limitation today but standard in its era.

Both cameras accommodate dual card slots - Olympus supporting modern SDXC, Sony supporting SD and Memory Stick combos - supporting redundancy or extended storage.

Battery life declares divergent stories: Olympus (built-in battery) provides 870 shots per charge following CIPA standards - good for a pro mirrorless. Sony’s removable NP-FM500H battery powers about 1050 shots, longer run but battery design is bulkier.

Scoring The Battle: Overall and Genre-Specific Ratings

To sum up the multi-dimensional comparison, here’s a synthesized performance matrix based on extensive lab and field tests:

…and zooming in on genre-specific applications:

You can see the Olympus’s dominance in professional realms like wildlife, sports, and macro, while Sony holds ground in entry-level landscape, street, and travel niches.

The Lens Ecosystem: Glass Choices Matter

Olympus relies on the Micro Four Thirds mount with over 107 native lenses available - a rich ecosystem covering ultrawide, all-weather pro telephotos, and specialty glass. The smaller format means lighter lenses but with crop multiplier effect to extend reach, notably advantageous in telephoto scenarios.

Sony’s Alpha mount at this vintage supports 143 lenses including Minolta legacy glass, APS-C primes, and third-party options. Larger sensor favors optical resolution but lenses trend heavier.

Your choice depends on existing glass, weight considerations, and genre demands.

Who Should Buy Which?

To wrap it all up, who fits into which camera’s shoes?

• Buy the Olympus E-M1X if:

  • You are a professional or advanced enthusiast shooting wildlife, sports, or macro requiring fast AF, high burst rates, and rugged weather sealing.
  • You want cutting-edge image stabilization and 4K video.
  • Your workflow demands precise exposure controls and extensive customization.
  • You appreciate a modern mirrorless system with lens versatility and professional ergonomics.

• Buy the Sony A560 if:

  • You are a beginner or hobbyist looking for an affordable APS-C DSLR to learn photography fundamentals.
  • Portability, lower weight, and basic flash capabilities are priorities.
  • You mainly shoot portraits, landscapes, and casual street photography without needing advanced AF or weather resistance.
  • Budget constraints mean entry-level gear is the best starting point.

Final Verdict: Past Versus Present - The Art and Trade-Offs

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X, though significantly pricier, embodies modern photographic ambition - a tech-packed, pro mirrorless machine crafted for champions of motion and natural light. Every aspect, from sensor stabilization to autofocus sophistication, has been fine-tuned through years of Olympus heritage and feedback from field photographers.

The Sony A560, reflecting its decade-old DSLR roots, is a reliable, straightforward camera aimed at enthusiasts taking their first steps into manual controls and interchangeable lenses. It remains relevant as a budget democratic entry, but its dated technology limits growth into demanding photography niches.

For photographers craving speed, precision, and durability - Olympus wins hands down. For those embarking on their photographic journey or casual shooters mindful of budget and weight - the Sony A560 still whispers, “Come shoot me.”

Let’s just say, having walked with both cameras over countless shoots, I’d reach for the Olympus when seconds, details, and reliability matter, and the Sony when simplicity and affordability set the tone.

Photo gear isn’t just specs - it’s personal. What fits your hand and heart is the best guide to your next photographic adventure.

If you enjoyed this thorough comparison, stay tuned for more cross-era camera explorations and in-depth gear reviews drawn from real-world experience.