Olympus E-M1X vs Sony A68: A Definitive Comparison for Dedicated Photographers and Enthusiasts

When faced with the choice between the Olympus OM-D E-M1X and the Sony SLT-A68, photographers stand at an intriguing crossroads of technology evolution and market positioning. Released four years apart - Olympus’s flagship Micro Four Thirds mirrorless system camera introduced in early 2019 and Sony’s entry-level DSLR from late 2015 - these two cameras serve markedly different user needs and philosophies. Yet, it’s their technical specifications, real-world performance, and ergonomic designs that warrant a detailed, hands-on comparison.

Having tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years in professional photographic equipment evaluation, this article aims to deliver a meticulous, transparent, and practical comparison, dissecting performance across multiple photography genres and use cases while emphasizing tangible user benefits.

Size, Handling, and Control Layout: Ergonomics That Impact the Experience

Ergonomics can often dictate usage comfort and shooting efficiency, especially for extended shoots or professional outings. The Olympus E-M1X stands out with its robust, SLR-style mirrorless form factor specifically aimed at professional use, featuring a dual grip design that caters to vertical and horizontal shooting with equal confidence. The Sony A68, conversely, offers a more compact DSLR body designed with casual and enthusiast photographers in mind, emphasizing portability.

• Olympus E-M1X measures 144 x 147 x 75 mm and weighs approximately 997 g (battery and card included), delivering reassuring heft and balance especially when paired with heavy telephoto lenses or multipurpose zooms.
• Sony A68 is smaller and lighter at 143 x 104 x 81 mm and 610 g, benefiting street photographers and travel enthusiasts prioritizing discretion and lightness.

Furthermore, the top control layout and button distribution reflect their target demographics:

• The Olympus E-M1X features an extensive array of customizable buttons, dual card slots, a top LCD for shooting info, and dedicated dials to swiftly change settings without diving into menus, facilitating rapid adjustments critical in demanding environments like wildlife or sports photography.
• The Sony A68, designed as an entry-level DSLR, has a simpler top panel with fewer external controls, making it approachable for beginners but potentially slower for advanced photographers managing complex shooting parameters.

In terms of grip comfort, the deep vertical grip on the E-M1X notably reduces fatigue in vertical framing and adds physical stability. The Sony’s grip is less pronounced but effective for smaller lenses.

Sensor and Image Quality: Balancing Resolution, Size, and Processing

Sensor technology underpins any camera’s photographic capability. Here, we see a contrast between Olympus’s Four Thirds sensor and Sony’s larger APS-C sensor, each with implications in resolution, dynamic range, and low-light performance.

• The Olympus E-M1X utilizes a 20.4 MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.4 x 13.0 mm sensor area approximately 226.2 mm²), paired with dual TruePic VIII image processors that offer enhanced speed and noise reduction.
• The Sony A68 sports a 24 MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm, ~366.6 mm² area), benefitting from a larger capture area that traditionally offers better noise performance and shallower depth of field potential.

In practical testing, the Olympus excels with highly effective in-body 5-axis image stabilization and delivers excellent sharpness suitable for print sizes up to A3, especially when combined with Olympus’s renowned M.Zuiko lenses. The smaller sensor size and 4:3 aspect ratio, however, mean images exhibit a higher depth of field at comparable apertures, influencing portrait and selective focus styling.

The Sony A68, despite its older generation Bionz X processor and lack of in-body stabilization, benefits from the larger sensor’s dynamic range and lower noise at mid-range ISOs (100-800). Portraits show smoother skin tones with somewhat creamier bokeh backgrounds due to the wider APS-C sensor and compatibility with higher aperture lenses. The trade-off is bulkier lenses and absence of sensor-shift stabilization.

ISO performance confirms this:

• Olympus E-M1X native ISO ranges from 200 to 25,600 with extended capability down to ISO 64, performing well until ISO 3200 with mild noise.
• Sony A68 ranges from ISO 100 to 25,600, with cleaner images particularly noticeable at ISO 1600 and above, albeit in a camera that is now somewhat dated relative to newer APS-C models.

Both cameras support RAW file capture allowing extensive post-processing flexibility.

Display and Viewfinder: Vital for Composition and Review

A camera’s viewfinder and LCD screen greatly affect usability, especially in challenging light or fast-action scenarios.

• The Olympus E-M1X boasts a 3-inch fully articulated touchscreen LCD with 1.037 million dots resolution, making it usable from nearly any angle - a boon for low-angle macro or high-angle street shots - and supports intuitive touch AF selection.
• The Sony A68 offers a smaller 2.7-inch tilting screen with only 461,000 pixels and no touch input, somewhat limiting focus point selection speed and composition flexibility.

Regarding electronic viewfinders (EVFs):

• The Olympus E-M1X incorporates a high-resolution 2.36 million dot OLED EVF covering 100% frame with 0.74x magnification - consistent with professional mirrorless standards - providing detailed, lag-free viewing even under dim conditions.
• The Sony A68 utilizes an EVF with 1.44 million dots and 0.57x magnification, acceptable in daylight but less detailed and comfortable during extended shooting.

For photographers who rely heavily on manual focusing or wish precise critical sharpness confirmation (macro, landscapes), Olympus’s EVF and articulating screen setup give it a clear advantage.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in Diverse Shooting Conditions

Accuracy, speed, and reliability of autofocus (AF) systems can make or break photo opportunities - especially in wildlife or sports environments.

The Olympus E-M1X’s 121 AF points and advanced algorithms provide extremely reliable continuous AF in both phase and contrast modes, including excellent subject tracking and face detection with customizability for moving targets. Its AF system particularly shines in burst mode (up to 60 fps electronic shutter shooting, or 18 fps mechanical), enabling sports or wildlife photographers to capture critical moments reliably.

The Sony A68’s 79 point AF system remains solid for entry-level sports and wildlife but is noticeably slower and less consistent in continuous tracking compared to the Olympus flagship. The maximum continuous shooting speed of 8 fps is suitable for casual action but not professional pace. Its AF system, launched in 2015, lacks the refinements of more recent mirrorless counterparts.

This superiority in AF performance gives the Olympus E-M1X the edge for users who demand rapid, accurate focusing under challenging conditions.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Shooting Anywhere

For photographers who venture outdoors in unpredictable climates, build quality and sealing are paramount.

• The Olympus E-M1X is engineered as a professional-grade system camera with extensive weather sealing: dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof to -10°C. Its magnesium alloy frame and robust construction provide peace of mind for travel and wilderness shoots.
• The Sony A68 does not feature environmental sealing and relies on less rugged materials. Its compact DSLR-style body is suited to controlled environments or casual use but less ideal for heavy-duty fieldwork.

This distinction heavily influences camera longevity and reliability for enthusiasts who shoot landscapes, wildlife, and sports outdoors across variable conditions.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

A camera’s system lens options greatly enhance creative potential and future investment security.

• The Olympus E-M1X, using Micro Four Thirds mount, enjoys access to 107 native lenses - ranging from ultra-compact primes to professional telephoto zooms - including stabilized lenses that complement the camera’s IBIS for superior vibration control.
• The Sony A68, anchored in the Sony/Minolta AF mount, supports a selection of 143 lenses across Sony’s DSLR lineup, as well as legacy Minolta glass via adapters. While the lens choice is broad, newer, high-quality native lenses have shifted toward Sony’s E-mount mirrorless line.

Lens experiences:

• Olympus’s smaller sensor supports smaller, more lightweight lenses, lending to system portability.
• Sony’s APS-C lenses tend to be larger but deliver shallower depth of field and greater flexibility for wide aperture glass.

Battery Life and Storage Solutions

Efficient power management affects shooting endurance in field and travel situations.

• The Olympus E-M1X includes a built-in battery with approx. 870 shots per charge (CIPA rating). Built-in USB Power Delivery charging allows flexibility with external power banks or laptops - an important feature for prolonged sessions and timelapse shooting.
• The Sony A68 uses a removable NP-FM500H pack rated at roughly 510 shots per charge, typical for DSLRs but significantly less convenient than USB charging. Battery swaps can be carried out but add weight and carry burden.

Storage-wise, Olympus offers dual memory card slots for overflow or backup, crucial for professional workflows, whereas the Sony A68 has a single slot compatible with SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards.

Connectivity and Handling Modern Workflow

Wireless and wired interfaces contribute to on-location efficiency and post-processing integration.

• The Olympus E-M1X includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for remote control and file transfer, as well as GPS for automatic location metadata embedding - especially useful for travel or outdoor photographers.
• The Sony A68 supports Eye-Fi wireless cards but lacks native Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS, reflecting its pre-smartphone integration era.

Physical connections:

• Olympus supports USB-PD charging and HDMI output, microphone, and headphone ports for video creators.
• Sony includes HDMI and microphone inputs but lacks headphone support.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

For hybrid shooters combining stills and video, specs and performance are distinct.

The Olympus camera markedly outperforms the Sony model with cinema-grade 4K 24p video recording at 237 Mbps and superior stabilization, catering well to vloggers and professional video shooters. The headphone jack addition aids audio monitoring, a critical feature missing from the Sony A68.

Sony’s video capabilities suffice for casual HD filming but lack the refinement demanded by pros or content creators pursuing quality video workflows.

Genre-Specific Performance: Which Camera Excels Where?

Breaking down their strengths genre by genre helps align with your specific photographic pursuits.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-M1X delivers respectable portraits but can struggle to match the Sony A68’s APS-C sensor in achieving shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh. However, face detection autofocus, effective eye-level focusing, and color science produce accurate skin tones.
• Sony A68, with larger sensor and higher resolution, excels in creamy bokeh and subtle tonal gradations expediting flattering portraits.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus’s extensive weather sealing, built-in stabilization for tripod use, and excellent dynamic range (albeit confined by smaller sensor) support landscapes well. The 4:3 aspect ratio offers additional vertical framing potential.
• Sony’s larger sensor and higher resolution contribute superior dynamic range and detail capture but lack the ruggedness for challenging environments.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Olympus’s burst rate (up to 60 fps electronic shutter), advanced AF tracking, and weather sealing clearly position it as a superior tool for demanding action photography.
• Sony’s modest 8 fps burst speed and simpler AF make it suitable for casual wildlife enthusiasts but less for professionals.

Street Photography

• Sony’s smaller size, lighter weight, and discreet body suit street photographers who prioritize mobility.
• Olympus, while heavier, offers silent electronic shutter modes but is bulkier for inconspicuous shooting.

Macro Photography

• Olympus’s articulating screen and 5-axis IBIS improve macro framing and focus precision.
• Sony lacks focus bracketing or stacking common in Olympus but has access to suitable lenses.

Night and Astro Photography

• The Sony A68’s larger sensor and cleaner noise performance extends feasible ISO range under very low light.
• Olympus’s IBIS counteracts camera shake enabling longer exposures handheld.

Travel Photography

• Sony’s lightness, simpler controls, and decent battery life favor travelers.
• Olympus’s ruggedness, GPS, articulated screen, and battery life also support travel but demand larger carrying capacity.

Professional Workflows

• Olympus’s dual card slots, extensive customization, advanced file formats and tethering options facilitate reliability for pros.
• Sony A68 is less suited for professional studio use, lacking features like dual cards or tethering.

Olympus E M1X front Olympus E M1X screen back Sony A68 front Sony A68 screen back

In-Depth Technical Scores and User Recommendations

An overall performance synthesis based on practical testing metrics and real-world shooting reveals:

These scores illustrate the Olympus E-M1X’s leadership in autofocus, burst speed, durability, and professional-grade video, whereas the Sony A68 scores well on sensor quality and optics availability considering its entry-level positioning.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• Choose the Olympus OM-D E-M1X if you:

  • Need a rugged, weather-sealed professional mirrorless camera with outstanding autofocus and burst speed for wildlife, sports, or event photography.
  • Require industry-leading image stabilization and advanced video functionality (4K, audio monitoring).
  • Desire extensive customization, dual card slots, built-in GPS, and flexibility with high-performance micro four-thirds lenses.
  • Prioritize shooting versatility over camera size and weight.

• Choose the Sony SLT-A68 if you:

  • Are a beginner or enthusiast seeking a solid APS-C DSLR with excellent image quality for portraits, general photography, and casual video.
  • Prefer a lighter camera with simpler controls for travel, street, or everyday use.
  • Are budget-conscious, accepting some limitations in AF speed, video specs, and weather sealing.
  • Want access to a wide lens selection within Sony’s legacy Alpha DSLR ecosystem.

Summary

While both the Olympus E-M1X and Sony A68 present compelling attributes, they cater to fundamentally different user bases. The Olympus E-M1X stands as a professional, fully-featured mirrorless camera excelling in performance, durability, and hybrid video-stills workflows, albeit at a premium price and size. The Sony A68 remains an accessible, capable DSLR well-suited for enthusiasts venturing into the hobby with a focus on sensor image quality and straightforward handling.

Examining their features holistically provides clarity in aligning choice not just with specs but with shooting style, subject matter, and operational priorities - a decision profoundly shaped by the photographer’s unique requirements and aspirations.

By sharing this detailed analysis grounded in extensive practical experience, I aim to empower your camera purchase choice with concise, evidence-backed insights rather than promotional hyperbole. Always consider hands-on trials where possible to experience firsthand how these cameras complement your creative vision.