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Olympus E-M5 II vs Sony A380

Portability
80
Imaging
53
Features
84
Overall
65
Olympus OM-D E-M5 II front
 
Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 front
Portability
68
Imaging
53
Features
54
Overall
53

Olympus E-M5 II vs Sony A380 Key Specs

Olympus E-M5 II
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 200 - 25600
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 469g - 124 x 85 x 45mm
  • Released February 2015
  • Old Model is Olympus E-M5
  • Successor is Olympus E-M5 III
Sony A380
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 2.7" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • No Video
  • Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
  • 519g - 128 x 97 x 71mm
  • Launched August 2009
  • Superseded the Sony A350
  • Refreshed by Sony A390
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A380: A Hands-On Comparative Review for Photography Enthusiasts

When considering a new camera purchase amid the sea of options, it’s crucial to analyze not just specs on paper but real-world performance and usability. Today, I’m putting two cameras from slightly different eras and categories head to head - the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II, an advanced Micro Four Thirds mirrorless from 2015, and the entry-level DSLR powerhouse from 2009, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380.

Both appeal to enthusiasts but with diverging approaches: Olympus leans compact, highly stabilized, and versatile, while Sony focuses on optical clarity and classic DSLR handling. Drawing on my extensive testing experience, I’ll walk you through technical details, how they fare across key photography genres, and who ultimately should consider each. Along the way, you’ll see sample images, performance charts, and nuanced insights that only come from hands-on, side-by-side testing.

Let’s dig in.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling Dynamics

Before we zoom into specs, size and handling drastically shape your shooting experience. The Olympus E-M5 II sports a Micro Four Thirds, SLR-style mirrorless body, while the Sony A380 is a bulkier traditional APS-C DSLR with a pentamirror viewfinder.

Check out the physical size comparison:

Olympus E-M5 II vs Sony A380 size comparison

The Olympus is noticeably more compact and lighter at 469g versus Sony’s 519g - not a huge gap, but Olympus’s slimmer depth (45 mm versus 71 mm) makes it easier to pocket or travel with. The E-M5 II carries that familiar Mercedes steering-wheel dial layout, ideal for users who want quick button access without fumbling through menus.

View the control layout from above:

Olympus E-M5 II vs Sony A380 top view buttons comparison

The Sony’s control scheme is more traditional DSLR - greater heft, more pronounced handgrip, and a smaller, non-touch tilting screen. The Olympus, by contrast, features a fully articulated touchscreen that's a definite plus for vloggers and macro shooters alike.

Ergonomically, if you often shoot handheld for long stretches or travel light, the Olympus holds an edge here. Conversely, traditionalists who value optical viewfinder clarity and a robust DSLR grip might lean Sony.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: The Heart of It

Next, sensor specs and resulting image quality - always paramount. Interestingly, the Olympus employs a Four Thirds 16MP MOS sensor (17.3x13mm), whereas the Sony has a larger APS-C 14MP CCD sensor (23.6x15.8mm). Here’s the sensor size comparison:

Olympus E-M5 II vs Sony A380 sensor size comparison

The Sony’s larger sensor physically captures more light, a critical factor especially in lower light or when aiming for shallower depth of field. However, the Olympus uses a newer MOS chip with improved noise handling and higher max ISO (25600 vs 3200 native for the Sony).

In real-world shooting, Olympus images exhibited cleaner high-ISO performance and better dynamic range - measured at 12.4 EV vs Sony’s 11.8 EV per DxOMark results. This translates into crisper shadows and highlight detail in landscape or event photography with challenging lighting.

Color depth (23.0-bit for Olympus vs 22.6-bit Sony) and resolution are comparable; Olympus produces 4608x3456 pixel images against Sony’s 4592x3056. The Olympus’s anti-alias filter, meanwhile, smooths some fine detail but reduces moiré in complex textures, useful for architectural shots.

Sample image gallery to get a tangible feel:

Here, you can see Olympus's punchier colors and cleaner noise at ISO 1600, while Sony offers a slightly warmer tone and more natural bokeh thanks to APS-C sensor characteristics.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

Autofocus defines your ability to capture that decisive moment, especially in wildlife, sports, or street photography. Olympus boasts an 81-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection and continuous AF, but no phase detection pixels. Sony relies on a classic 9-point phase-detection AF with selective area modes but no continuous tracking AF, and no face detection.

In hands-on testing, Olympus’s AF was snappier and more accurate in Live View thanks to upgraded TruePic VII processing, though slower in dark or low-contrast scenes. Its face detection worked reliably, a boon for portrait and street shooters. Sony’s phase-detection offered quicker initial focus lock but occasionally hunted on Live View or high ISO settings.

Burst rate-wise, Olympus delivers 10 FPS mechanical shutter continuous shooting, noticeably faster than Sony’s 3 FPS. For fast action or bird-in-flight, Olympus's continuous AF and buffer make it the better tool.

Build Quality and Environmental Resilience

Olympus’s weather-sealed magnesium alloy body resists dust and splash, terrific for landscape or outdoor journalistic use. Sony lacks sealing and feels more plastic-heavy, which is expected given its earlier entry-level DSLR status.

Neither are shockproof or freezeproof, but Olympus’s sealing gives it a serious advantage in rugged conditions.

Ergonomics and User Interface: Touch and Feel

Olympus’s fully articulated 3" 1.03M-dot touchscreen versus Sony’s 2.7" 230k-dot tilting display clearly tips in favor of Olympus for compositional flexibility and intuitive menu navigation.

Olympus E-M5 II vs Sony A380 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

The touchscreen makes quick AF point selection accessible on Olympus, a feature notably missing on Sony’s less responsive interface. For video shooters and macro photographers, the flip-out LCD is invaluable.

Olympus’s electronic viewfinder boasts a sharp, color-rich 2.36M-dot panel, covering 100% frame while Sony has an optical pentamirror with 95% coverage and lower magnification (0.49x vs 0.74x). The EVF advantage means accurate exposure preview, which I found a massive workflow booster.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Sony Alpha A380 uses the Sony/Minolta A-mount, which still has a decent catalog of glass including many affordable third-party options. Olympic’s Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem is larger and more modern, with 107 native lenses offering compact primes, macro, zooms, and exotic specialty optics.

The Olympus mount's 2.1x crop factor versus Sony’s 1.5x means focal length equivalence differs - portrait shooters wanting shallow depth of field need to compensate by choosing brighter lenses on Olympus.

Personally, I value Olympus’s lens diversity for travel and macro, while Sony users benefit from slightly longer reach and traditional DSLR optics.

Battery Life and Storage

Sony's battery life is better on paper, rated for 500 shots versus Olympus’s 310. That extra endurance supports longer event shoots without carrying spares, though mirrorless advantages (like silent mode) balance usage.

Both have one memory card slot, but Sony uniquely supports Memory Stick Pro Duo alongside SD/SDHC - uncommon nowadays but worth noting for users with legacy media.

Connectivity and Video Features

Olympus includes built-in Wi-Fi for easy remote control and photo transfer, lacking on Sony. Both provide microphone ports, but only Olympus supports 1080p video at 60 fps, helpful for smooth slow motion or vlogging.

Sony offers no video recording capabilities - being a DSLR finalized just before video integration became standard.

Olympus’s in-camera 5-axis image stabilization stands out here, delivering noticeably sharper video and stabilized macro shots compared to Sony’s basic sensor-based shake reduction.

Performance by Photography Genre

To put things into actionable perspective, let’s break down strengths by genre - with support of detailed photographic scoring:

  • Portraits: Olympus shines with superior face detection, bokeh control through lens choices, and fine skin tone rendering. Sony’s optical viewfinder and APS-C sensor give more natural depth but slower AF makes Olympus friendlier for spontaneous portraiture.
  • Landscapes: EVF preview and articulation help Olympus, dynamic range slightly edges it; weather sealing also a factor. Sony’s larger sensor gets a nod for resolution, but frame coverage and live histogram perks favor Olympus.
  • Wildlife and Sports: Olympus’s faster burst, better continuous AF, and light weight offer practical benefits. Sony’s 3 FPS limits fast action capture, and no AF tracking is a shortfall.
  • Street Photography: Olympus’s compact size, silent shutter, and articulating screen create a stealthier rig than bulkier Sony, who also misses silent shooting entirely.
  • Macro: Olympus takes the crown - stabilization, touchscreen focusing, and lens availability specifically for close focus.
  • Night and Astrophotography: Clean ISO handling and long exposure bracketing in Olympus deliver superior results.
  • Video: Olympus is the clear winner, with full HD recording, mic input, and 5-axis stabilization.
  • Travel: Size, weight, battery, and versatility favor Olympus for travelers who shift between genres.
  • Professional Use: Sony’s robust build and classic DSLR feel appeal to some, but Olympus’s features and lens adaptability make it a true pro contender at high ISO and challenging light.

Comparing Overall Performance and Value

Based on DxOMark overall camera scores, the Olympus earns a higher mark of 73 compared to Sony’s 67.

Given Olympus’s 2015 launch against Sony’s 2009 model, technology evolution matters, but Olympus deserves credit for squeezing modern features into a compact package.

In practice, Olympus sits at a competitive price point (~$700) that outshines Sony’s approximate $900 street value, especially when factoring advanced features like sensor stabilization and touchscreen.

Summing Up: Which One Fits Your Needs?

If you want an all-around, travel-friendly, video-capable camera with modern AF and stabilization, Olympus OM-D E-M5 II is a clear recommendation. It suits enthusiasts who juggle genres - from portraits, landscapes, macro, to low-light video - with ease and grace.

On the flip side, Sony A380 may appeal if you’re aiming for an affordable DSLR experience with optical viewfinder simplicity, longer battery life, and a solid lens mount, and don’t mind lacking video or newer AF tech.

Here’s a quick decision guide:

  • Choose Olympus if: You value image stabilization, compact size, sharp EVF, fast AF, video, and weather resistance. Ideal for street, travel, macro, and video creators.
  • Choose Sony if: You prefer DSLR ergonomics, optical viewfinder, and mostly shoot still photography in controlled environments.

Final Thoughts

After testing both extensively, I’m impressed by how much Olympus E-M5 II delivers technologically despite its age, outperforming Sony A380 in many practical shooting scenarios. Sony’s A380 remains a rock-solid camera with classic DSLR charm, but Olympus feels like a more adaptable and future-proof choice for most enthusiasts today.

You’ll find both capable of excellent imagery, but your workflow, genres, and handling preferences will sway the final pick. I encourage you to handle both firsthand if possible, choosing the one whose feel and interface invite you to grab and create more.

Happy shooting, wherever your photography journey takes you.

For detailed hands-on video reviews demonstrating autofocus speed, sample image comparisons, and more, check my YouTube channel.

Olympus E-M5 II vs Sony A380 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus E-M5 II and Sony A380
 Olympus OM-D E-M5 IISony Alpha DSLR-A380
General Information
Make Olympus Sony
Model Olympus OM-D E-M5 II Sony Alpha DSLR-A380
Type Advanced Mirrorless Entry-Level DSLR
Released 2015-02-06 2009-08-24
Physical type SLR-style mirrorless Compact SLR
Sensor Information
Processor Chip TruePic VII Bionz
Sensor type MOS CCD
Sensor size Four Thirds APS-C
Sensor measurements 17.3 x 13mm 23.6 x 15.8mm
Sensor area 224.9mm² 372.9mm²
Sensor resolution 16MP 14MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 3:2 and 16:9
Maximum resolution 4608 x 3456 4592 x 3056
Maximum native ISO 25600 3200
Lowest native ISO 200 100
RAW photos
Lowest boosted ISO 100 -
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Number of focus points 81 9
Lens
Lens mounting type Micro Four Thirds Sony/Minolta Alpha
Total lenses 107 143
Focal length multiplier 2.1 1.5
Screen
Type of display Fully Articulated Tilting
Display diagonal 3" 2.7"
Resolution of display 1,037 thousand dots 230 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder resolution 2,360 thousand dots -
Viewfinder coverage 100% 95%
Viewfinder magnification 0.74x 0.49x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 60 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum shutter speed 1/8000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Maximum quiet shutter speed 1/16000 seconds -
Continuous shooting rate 10.0fps 3.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range no built-in flash 10.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash modes Auto, redeye, fill, off, redeye slow sync, slow sync, 2nd-curtain slow sync, manual Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Wireless
External flash
AEB
WB bracketing
Maximum flash synchronize 1/250 seconds 1/160 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p), 640 x 480 (30p) -
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 None
Video format MPEG-4, H.264, Motion JPEG -
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 469g (1.03 lb) 519g (1.14 lb)
Physical dimensions 124 x 85 x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") 128 x 97 x 71mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.8")
DXO scores
DXO All around score 73 67
DXO Color Depth score 23.0 22.6
DXO Dynamic range score 12.4 11.8
DXO Low light score 896 614
Other
Battery life 310 photos 500 photos
Form of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model BLN-1 NP-FH50
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo
Card slots Single Single
Retail cost $699 $899