Olympus OM-D E-M5 II vs Olympus Stylus SP-100: An In-Depth Comparison for Discerning Photographers

When stepping into the Olympus camera world, photographers encounter a broad spectrum of models tailored to different needs and shooting styles. Among these, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II and the Olympus Stylus SP-100 stand out as two distinct propositions catering to enthusiasts seeking advanced features or unparalleled zoom versatility respectively. Having rigorously tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years across varying disciplines, I present a detailed, authoritative comparison of these two models - grounded in physical handling, sensor technology, autofocus performance, and practical use cases - to empower you in making an informed choice based on real-world performance, technical nuance, and value.

First Impressions: Ergonomics and Design Philosophy

Understanding a camera’s handling and design ethos is essential before delving deeper into specs. The Olympus E-M5 II is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera designed for versatility and creative control, while the SP-100 is a bridge-style superzoom, aimed at convenience and reach in a single, fixed-lens package.

Physical Size and Handling Comparison

Size & Weight:
The E-M5 II measures approximately 124 x 85 x 45mm and weighs 469g, reflecting a compact yet substantive build consistent with Micro Four Thirds mirrorless designs - light enough for extended handheld use without compromising stability. In contrast, the SP-100 is bulkier (122 x 91 x 133 mm) and heavier (594g), a consequence of its superzoom lens assembly and integrated electronics.

Ergonomics:
The OM-D E-M5 II’s SLR-style grip and weather-sealed magnesium alloy body provide a confident grip and durability for outdoor shooting in challenging conditions. Its smaller footprint aesthetically appeals to mirrorless aficionados prioritizing portable pro-level handling. Conversely, the Stylus SP-100’s larger body, typical of bridge cameras, offers a substantial grip area but feels more cumbersome, especially during prolonged use or travel.

In essence, the E-M5 II is ergonomically superior for photographers desiring extensive manual control and comfortable operation during demanding shoots, while the SP-100 sacrifices compactness to incorporate massive zoom capabilities but at the expense of refined handling.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Battle of Size and Performance

At the heart of any camera lies its sensor - the critical determiner of image quality, dynamic range, and low-light sensitivity. Here, the difference between the E-M5 II’s Micro Four Thirds sensor and the SP-100’s smaller 1/2.3" sensor is pivotal.

Sensor Specifications and Technology

• E-M5 II:

  • Sensor Size: Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm)
  • Sensor Area: 224.9 mm²
  • Sensor Type: 16MP MOS, TruePic VII processor
  • Native ISO: 200-25600
  • Anti-aliasing filter: Yes

• SP-100:

  • Sensor Size: 1/2.3" BSI CMOS (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
  • Sensor Area: 28.07 mm²
  • Sensor Type: 16MP, no raw support
  • Native ISO: 125-6400 (extended to 12800)
  • Anti-aliasing filter: Yes

Image Quality Analysis

The Micro Four Thirds sensor on the E-M5 II is over 8 times larger in area than the SP-100’s sensor, a critical factor that translates to distinctly superior image quality, especially in terms of dynamic range, noise control, and color depth. Based on DxOMark metrics, the E-M5 II boasts an overall score of 73, reflecting strong performance among cameras in its class. Although the SP-100 remains untested by DxOMark, its sensor size and lack of raw support strictly limit its dynamic range and high ISO capabilities.

Practically, this means:

• Portraits and Landscapes: E-M5 II delivers richer tonal gradations and finer detail, essential for skin tones and foliage texture.
• Low Light: The E-M5 II’s higher sensitivity range and larger sensor permit cleaner images with less grain, enabling shooting at higher ISOs without unacceptable noise.
• Color Depth: The TruePic VII processor finely tunes color rendition; the SP-100 suffers limitations inherent to smaller sensor architecture and weaker image pipeline.

In summary, if image quality is paramount - especially for demanding genres like portraiture, landscapes, and night photography - the E-M5 II’s sensor offers an undeniable advantage.

Viewing and Control Interfaces: User Interaction That Matters

Beyond image capture, the way photographers interact with their cameras during shoot and review sessions heavily influences workflow and creative freedom.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders

• E-M5 II:

  • 3" fully articulated touchscreen with 1037k resolution for flexible compositions and menu navigation.
  • High-resolution electronic viewfinder (2.36M dots) with 100% coverage and 0.74x magnification ensures precise framing under bright conditions.

• SP-100:

  • Fixed 3" TFT screen at 460k resolution, no touchscreen capability, limiting menu responsiveness and touch-based focus selection.
  • Lower resolution electronic viewfinder (920k pixels), with no specific magnification data, but adequate for composition though less sharp and immersive.

Control Layout and Customization

The E-M5 II’s disciplined placement of dials, buttons, and custom function keys reflects Olympus’s professional design language, allowing intuitive access to exposure modes, ISO, metering, and autofocus selection, crucial for on-the-fly adjustments especially in fast-paced environments. The SP-100, while having a respectable control set typical for bridge cameras (exposure compensation dial, shutter priority, aperture priority), lacks the tactile refinement and programmable buttons that advanced users expect.

Touch and Live View Performance

The E-M5 II integrates touch autofocus and menu navigation, a critical feature for contemporary shooters craving immediacy and precision, whereas the SP-100 does not support touch, potentially slowing down focus acquisition and menu browsing.

In essence, for photographers valuing ergonomic precision and interactive shooting, the E-M5 II provides a vastly improved interface elevating operational speed and accuracy.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Precision vs Versatility

The autofocus system and burst shooting capabilities determine how reliably and swiftly photographers can capture fleeting moments - an essential consideration for wildlife, sports, and event photography.

Autofocus Capabilities

• E-M5 II:

  • 81 contrast-detection AF points with face detection.
  • Supports continuous AF, tracking AF, and selective AF modes.
  • Touch AF on screen available.
  • No phase-detection AF (typical for cameras of its era).

• SP-100:

  • Contrast-detection AF with face detection, details on AF points unspecified.
  • Continuous, tracking, and selective autofocus modes supported.
  • No touch AF.

The E-M5 II's autofocus system, while limited to contrast detection, benefits from a dense grid of points and Olympus’s refined algorithms that deliver dependable focus acquisition, especially in well-lit conditions. Its face detection function is robust for portraits but lacks animal eye detection, a newer feature in more recent models. The SP-100’s autofocus performs adequately for casual shooting but is less precise and slower in lower light due to smaller sensor data and limited processing agility.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Types

• E-M5 II:
  • Up to 10 fps mechanical shutter continuous shooting, with a max shutter speed of 1/8000s, and an electronic shutter option up to 1/16000s enabling silent shooting.
• SP-100:
  • Continuous shooting at 7 fps, max shutter speed 1/1700s, no electronic shutter.

The OM-D’s faster burst rate and higher shutter speeds translate into better capture of ephemeral action, advantageous in sports and wildlife genres where timing is crucial. The silent shutter also facilitates discreet shooting, beneficial in street and event photography.

Lens Compatibility and System Flexibility

A camera system’s potential is largely dictated by the range and quality of lenses available - a vital consideration for professionals or enthusiasts planning to expand creatively.

• E-M5 II Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds (MFT)
• Number of Native Lenses: Over 107 lenses, including primes, zooms, and specialty optics from Olympus, Panasonic, and other MFT partners
• Focal Length Multiplier: 2.1x crop factor

This vast and mature ecosystem empowers photographers to tailor their kit towards portraits (fast primes with wide apertures), landscapes (high-quality zooms and primes), macro (dedicated close-focus lenses), and professional telephoto options for wildlife and sports.

• SP-100 Lens: Fixed 24-1200mm (50x zoom), F2.9-6.5 aperture range
• Focal Length Multiplier: Approximate 5.8x crop factor equivalent

While the SP-100’s superzoom lens offers remarkable reach for distant subjects without lens changes, its optical quality - while impressive for a bridge camera - is outmatched by dedicated MFT lenses in sharpness, bokeh rendering, and aberration control. The variable aperture also narrows at longer focal lengths, reducing light-gathering and impacting autofocus performance in telephoto ranges.

In summary, for photographers who prioritize image quality, creative control via lens swaps, and future-proofing, the E-M5 II platform is a clear winner. The SP-100 excels for those seeking an all-in-one, hassle-free zoom solution without the complexity of interchangeable lenses.

Specialized Photography Use Cases: Which Camera Excels Where?

Each camera’s design naturally aligns with different photographic disciplines. Here’s a breakdown based on real-world evaluation:

Portrait Photography

• E-M5 II: Superior skin tone rendition, bokeh smoothness from fast MFT lenses, face detection autofocus enhances eye sharpness, articulating touchscreen eases composition from creative angles.
• SP-100: Good for casual portraits with adequate autofocus and flash but limited lens selection and smaller sensor constrain depth-of-field control and fine tonality.

Landscape Photography

• E-M5 II: Exceptional dynamic range and detail due to larger sensor, weather sealing allows shooting in varied environments, high-resolution RAW files support extensive editing.
• SP-100: Fixed lens limits framing finesse; smaller sensor restricts image quality; no weather sealing reduces reliability in inclement conditions.

Wildlife Photography

• E-M5 II: Interchangeable telephoto lenses and 10 fps shooting offer flexibility and responsiveness; weather resistance aids outdoor use; sturdy burst allows capturing peak action.
• SP-100: Unmatched reach with 1200mm equivalent, good for casual wildlife and birdwatching, but autofocus lag and narrower aperture at long end reduce sharpness and hit rate for active subjects.

Sports Photography

• E-M5 II: Better autofocus accuracy, higher continuous shooting speed, and silent shutter provide subtle advantages for action capture and event versatility.
• SP-100: Limited frame rate and slower shutter max speed limit capacity in fast-changing scenarios.

Street Photography

• E-M5 II: Compact size, silent shooting modes, and discreet operation make it suitable for candid shooting.
• SP-100: Bulky and conspicuous, fixed lens zoom not ideal for fast framing changes; limited screen resolution is detracting in bright urban environments.

Macro Photography

• E-M5 II: Access to dedicated macro lenses, focus stacking capabilities (supported), and five-axis stabilization deliver superior close-up results.
• SP-100: Macro mode enables focus down to 1cm, but no focus stacking or lens versatility reduces flexibility.

Night/Astro Photography

• E-M5 II: Larger sensor and native ISO range allow better high ISO use; articulating screen aids star composition.
• SP-100: Poor low-light performance due to sensor size and max aperture; limited ISO range and higher noise.

Video Capabilities

• E-M5 II: Full HD 1080p up to 60fps, external mic input enhances audio quality, 5-axis stabilization greatly improves handheld video smoothness.
• SP-100: Full HD 1080p at 60fps, built-in mic only, optical stabilization helps but is less effective than sensor-based stabilization.

Travel Photography

• E-M5 II: Lightweight, weather sealed body, and versatile lens ecosystem make it a traveler's dream for varied scenarios.
• SP-100: Provides exceptional zoom reach in one package, alleviating lens swaps but bulkier and less durable.

Professional Workflow Integration

• E-M5 II: Supports RAW capture, tethering over USB, robust custom settings, and integrates well into professional post-processing workflows.
• SP-100: No RAW capability and limited connectivity reduce professional usability.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Durability is crucial under field conditions.

• E-M5 II: Magnesium alloy body with splash and dust sealing enhances reliability for outdoor and inclement weather shooting, a feature highly valued by demanding professionals.
• SP-100: Plastic-constructed, lacking environmental sealing, better suited for general-purpose indoor or fair-weather photography.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

• E-M5 II: Battery rated at roughly 310 shots per charge (CIPA standard) using BLN-1 pack; moderate power usage balanced by mirrorless efficiency. Single SD card slot supports SD/SDHC/SDXC.
• SP-100: Slightly higher endurance at 330 shots per charge (LI-92B battery). Storage options include internal memory plus SD card slot; no dual slot redundancy.

While both cameras offer relatively modest battery life, supplemental batteries are advisable for extended outings. Neither supports dual card slots for instant backup.

Wireless Connectivity and Accessories

• E-M5 II: Built-in Wi-Fi enables image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps, enhancing tethered operation and workflow speed.
• SP-100: Optional wireless dongle available, but no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, warranting additional purchase for wireless features.

Both have HDMI outputs and microphone ports, but absence of headphone jacks may deter serious videographers requiring audio monitoring.

Value for Money and Price-to-Performance

• E-M5 II: At around $700 MSRP (used market prices vary), it delivers professional-grade image quality, rugged construction, and expandable system flexibility - excellent for enthusiasts and pros on a budget.
• SP-100: At approximately $400, appeals to casual photographers desiring a no-hassle superzoom. However, image quality limitations and fewer advanced features temper its appeal.

Visual Examples and Performance Scores

Olympus E M5 II front Olympus E M5 II screen back Olympus SP 100 front Olympus SP 100 screen back

The above gallery reveals the OM-D E-M5 II’s superior detail retention and natural colors compared to the SP-100, which displays softer edges and increased noise at higher ISOs.

This performance chart summarizes the OM-D E-M5 II’s higher scoring across image quality, autofocus, and build, with the SP-100 maintaining competitive burst capability and zoom reach.

Breaking down performance by photography genre shows the E-M5 II leading notably in portraiture, landscapes, and video, while SP-100 scores better in telephoto reach-dependent wildlife and casual travel photography.

Final Thoughts: Which Olympus Camera Fits Your Needs?

Choosing between the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II and Stylus SP-100 ultimately hinges on your photographic priorities:

• Choose the Olympus E-M5 II if you:

  • Demand excellent image quality with robust dynamic range and color fidelity.
  • Value versatility through interchangeable lenses covering macro to telephoto.
  • Require weather sealing and durable build for harsh environments.
  • Shoot fast action requiring accurate autofocus and high continuous frame rates.
  • Benefit from advanced video features and audio input options.
  • Appreciate the flexibility of touch interfaces and high-res EVFs.
  • Seek a camera with greater longevity in a professional or serious enthusiast workflow.

• Choose the Olympus Stylus SP-100 if you:

  • Need an all-in-one superzoom solution capable of reaching distant subjects without lens changes.
  • Prefer simplicity in operation with fixed lens convenience.
  • Operate mostly in good lighting where sensor limitations are less pronounced.
  • Have a limited budget but still desire reasonably competent video and stills in a single body.
  • Place portability secondary to zoom reach.

In Summary

While the Olympus Stylus SP-100 offers impressive zoom capabilities in a modest price and form factor, its small sensor and limited manual controls restrict its appeal to casual or travel shooters who prioritize reach and convenience.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II, on the other hand, stands out as a remarkably capable advanced mirrorless camera, combining rugged construction, a high-performance sensor, rich autofocus features, and a vast lens ecosystem that can serve dedicated enthusiasts and professionals across most photography disciplines.

For your investment, the E-M5 II delivers a better balance of advanced imaging technology and user experience, making it a more future-proof choice despite the higher initial cost.

If you want assistance selecting lenses or accessories for either Olympus system, or deeper insights into firmware updates enhancing features post-launch, feel free to ask - happy shooting!