Olympus E-M5 II vs Sony A6300: The Detailed Mirrorless Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

When it comes to selecting your next advanced mirrorless camera, the choice can be daunting, especially when models like the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II and Sony Alpha A6300 offer compelling, yet distinctly different, feature sets. I’ve spent extensive time with both these cameras, testing them across multiple photography genres and real-world scenarios. In this in-depth comparison, I aim to cut through specs and marketing hype to reveal how these models perform where it really counts - in your hands and through your lens.

Whether you’re a portrait shooter, landscape explorer, wildlife tracker, or hybrid photo/video creator, this review will help clarify which camera better aligns with your style, budget, and creative goals.

First Impressions and Handling – Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

Before unlocking the full technical potential, the physical characteristics and interface responsiveness significantly influence your shooting experience.

The Olympus E-M5 II adopts a classic SLR-style mirrorless body, somewhat chunkier and heavier at 469g. It feels solid but remains surprisingly pocketable given its extensive weather sealing. The body dimensions (124x85x45mm) give a comfortable grip, great for extended handheld shooting sessions. The fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen is highly versatile for composing tricky angles and selfies. What I particularly appreciate about the Olympus is its thoughtfully placed buttons and dials tuned for intuitive one-handed operation - especially handy when swapping lenses or adjusting settings swiftly outdoors.

On the other hand, the Sony A6300 leans toward a more compact, rangefinder-style form factor, weighing in at 404g and slightly narrower (120x67x49mm). This is a camera designed with portability and speed in mind. Its tilting 3-inch screen, while bright, lacks touch sensitivity which feels a bit archaic in this price tier. The smaller grip may not offer as much confidence for larger lenses, but the streamlined control layout with an emphasis on fewer buttons creates a more discreet silhouette - beneficial for street and travel photographers.

Both cameras boast robust build quality, but Olympus’s weather sealing earns it points for durability in wet or dusty environments, a feature Sony matches but usually with more modest sealing claims. Ergonomics here boil down to preference: choose Olympus for a firm, DSLR-like feel and swivel screen; go Sony for lightweight stealth and a simpler, more streamlined control deck.

Sensor and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs APS-C

Turning to the heart of the camera - the sensor technology - we immediately see foundational differences that influence image characteristics profoundly.

Olympus employs a 16MP Four Thirds (17.3x13mm) MOS sensor. While it’s smaller than the Sony’s APS-C sensor (23.5x15.6mm), the E-M5 II’s TruePic VII processor works wonders with in-body 5-axis stabilization to extract maximal sharpness and color fidelity. However, smaller sensor size inherently means less light-gathering capability, impacting dynamic range and high ISO noise performance. That said, Olympus cameras often excel at color calibration, especially skin tones, thanks to their micro color filter arrays and balanced JPEG processing.

Sony’s Alpha A6300 pushes the envelope further with a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor. Larger sensor surface area equates to improved dynamic range (a notable 13.7 EV at base ISO) and greater resolution for crop-sensitive genres like wildlife or landscape photography. The BIONZ X processor, paired with advanced readout circuits, enables excellent noise control - giving you cleaner images at ISO 6400 and beyond, which I verified through extended low-light tests.

If you demand pixel-edge detail and plan to do large prints or aggressive cropping, A6300’s sensor is the clear winner. The Olympus remains competitive at base ISO and performs admirably with in-body stabilization, but the sensor size gap is a crucial consideration when image quality is paramount.

Autofocus Systems: Precision, Speed, and Reliability

Autofocus is undeniably critical, particularly for action, wildlife, and candid street photography, so let’s dive into how each camera handles focus acquisition under real conditions.

The Olympus E-M5 II features a contrast-detection autofocus system with 81 selectable points, supporting face detection and continuous tracking. While contrast-based AF can be highly accurate, it’s inherently slower than phase detection systems in fast-paced environments. Olympus’s implementation includes touch-to-focus on the articulated screen, which is convenient for video shooting and macro work.

Meanwhile, the Sony A6300 introduces a hybrid AF system combining 425 phase-detection points and 169 contrast-detection points - a cutting-edge system at its release. The broad phase-detection coverage enables lightning-fast focus lock even in low light or when tracking fast-moving subjects such as sports players or birds. From hands-on experience, continuous AF with tracking is smoother and more confident on the Sony, especially in burst mode, compared to the occasional hunting I noticed on Olympus during quick subject shifts.

Neither camera supports animal eye AF (a feature Sony would introduce later), but both include strong face detection that works reliably indoors and outdoors.

For photographers prioritizing autofocus speed and tracking accuracy in sports or wildlife, the Sony edges ahead. However, Olympus users who favor deliberate composition and slower subjects will still find the E-M5 II’s AF system competent, especially when stabilized shots reduce motion blur.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Depth: Catching the Decisive Moment

Fast burst rates are another decisive factor for action photographers. The Olympus shoots at a respectable 10 fps with focus locked on the first frame, but the buffer tends to fill relatively quickly with RAW files - limiting sustained bursts.

Sony takes a slight lead here with 11 fps continuous shooting and a much larger buffer capacity, allowing you to capture decisive moments in extended sequences without lag. Combined with the A6300’s superior AF tracking, it’s a powerhouse for sports or wildlife sequences.

For casual shooters, this differential may not matter much - but if you often photograph fast action, having those extra frames, smooth tracking, and buffer headroom makes a difference.

Build Quality and Weather-Sealing: Ready for the Elements?

Both cameras come with "environmental sealing" that protects against dust and splashes, but Olympus deserves special mention. The E-M5 II’s magnesium alloy body features comprehensive weather sealing tested under rigorous field conditions, including moderate rain and dusty trails. This robustness makes it favored by outdoor photographers who push their gear in adverse conditions without a bulky weatherproof housing.

Sony’s A6300 also provides professional-grade sealing, but it’s somewhat less extensively weatherproofed in my tests. For travel or street photographers who mostly shoot in dry or controlled environments, the difference is negligible.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Your Vision

Framing your image relies heavily on the quality of the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and rear LCD screen.

Both cameras feature 3-inch LCDs with around 1 million dots resolution, but Olympus’s screen is fully articulated with touch capabilities - a massive bonus for shooting from awkward angles or video work. The A6300’s tilting screen lacks touch, which can slow down menu navigation or focus point selection.

In the EVF department, both offer crisp 2.36 million dot OLED viewfinders with 100% frame coverage. Olympus has a slight edge in magnification (0.74x vs Sony’s 0.7x), providing a tad larger view, but the difference is subtle. The color accuracy and refresh rates felt nearly identical, making both viable for critical focusing and exposure previews.

If you value a flip-out screen and touch AF, Olympus stands out here. Whereas Sony’s straightforward tilt screen feels less versatile but remains perfectly usable.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Openness vs Specialization

The choice of native lenses can make or break your photographic journey. Olympus taps into the broad Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system, which boasts a staggering 107 native lenses from numerous third-party manufacturers. From ultra-wide fisheyes, lightweight primes, fast macros, to professional telephotos, the MFT lens ecosystem is mature, affordable, and extremely diverse.

Sony’s E-mount has about 121 lenses, many focusing on APS-C but also sharing with full-frame α lineups. The selection includes cutting-edge high-performance primes and zooms with advanced autofocus motors. However, the prices tend to skew higher than MFT glass, and the size/weight of APS-C lenses is generally more substantial.

If budget and lens variety are your priorities, Olympus reels in more affordable and compact options. If you prefer the latest lens tech with optimized APS-C optics, Sony’s ecosystem is more progressive though costlier.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Good battery endurance means shooting longer without missing moments or carrying extra packs.

Olympus uses the BLN-1 battery rated around 310 shots per charge under CIPA standards. In real-world field use with image stabilization and electronic viewfinder, expect to carry spares for longer outings.

Sony’s NP-FW50 battery performs better on paper and in my tests, delivering around 400 shots per charge, partly attributed to more efficient power management in the BIONZ X processor.

Both cameras feature a single SD card slot supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC; none offer dual card slots, so backup workflow relies on external solutions.

Video Capabilities: 1080p vs 4K and Beyond

For hybrid shooters or videographers on the move, video features often tip the scales.

The Olympus E-M5 II records Full HD (1920x1080) up to 60p with various frame rates and codecs (MPEG-4, H.264, Motion JPEG). Its in-body 5-axis stabilization makes handheld shooting smooth without gimbals. The fully articulating touchscreen is a boon for vloggers and close-up focus pulls. However, the lack of 4K support means image detail and future-proofing are limited.

Sony A6300 shoots UHD 4K (3840x2160) up to 30p - a significant leap in resolution - alongside 1080p up to 120fps for slow-motion clips. The APS-C sensor captures crisp video with excellent low-light performance. Despite lacking in-body stabilization, the A6300 supports optical steady lenses and electronic stabilization modes. External mic input enhances audio options, though no headphone jack is available.

If video is a major consideration, Sony reigns supreme on clarity, frame rate variety, and codec flexibility. Olympus offers stability and touchscreen convenience but falls short in resolution.

Genre-Specific Performance: How These Cameras Excel (and Struggle)

To help segment their performance across photography types, I compiled comprehensive testing results - you can see the cumulative genre-based scores below.

Portraits:

• Olympus E-M5 II: Its sensor and Micro Four Thirds format deliver beautiful skin tones and smooth bokeh, aided by high-quality primes in a compact form factor. Face detection works well but slightly slower AF can hinder spontaneous expressions.
• Sony A6300: Higher resolution sensor allows cropping and retouching flexibility. Fast AF gets you tack-sharp eyes every time, but skin tones can need more work in post-processing.
  Edge: Tie depending on priority (color fidelity vs resolution and AF speed).

Landscape:

• Olympus: Great dynamic range and reliability in weather sealed body, but lower resolution limits pixel-level detail.
• Sony: Superior dynamic range and resolution make the A6300 ideal for large prints and cropping.
  Edge: Sony.

Wildlife:

• Olympus: Adequate AF but limited burst and slower focusing hamper quick subjects.
• Sony: Fast burst, wide AF point coverage, and better high ISO performance enable precise capture of fleeting moments.
  Edge: Sony.

Sports:

• Similar to wildlife with Sony’s 11 fps and hybrid AF strongly favored.
• Olympus’s 10 fps solid but stalling buffer is drawback.
  Edge: Sony.

Street:

• Olympus’s discreet form factor and articulating screen win for candid work.
• Sony A6300’s compactness also ideal, though less versatile screen and louder shutter may draw attention.
  Edge: Olympus.

Macro:

• Olympus excels with in-body stabilization and touch focus.
• Sony requires stabilized lenses or rigs but benefits from resolution.
  Edge: Olympus.

Night/Astro:

• Sony’s higher dynamic range and cleaner high ISO ensure less noise and more stars in your shots.
• Olympus struggles more with noise but stabilization helps to capture longer exposures handheld.
  Edge: Sony.

Video:

• Clear advantage to Sony for 4K and slow-motion modes.
• Olympus offers better stabilization and screen articulation for vlogging.
  Edge: Sony.

Travel:

• Olympus’s weather sealing and compactness mean fewer worries on the road.
• Sony’s lighter weight and longer battery life can also be attractive.
  Edge: Tie.

Professional Work:

• Sony’s image quality and file flexibility (24MP RAW, 4K video) make it more suitable for demanding clients and workflows.
• Olympus steps up with ruggedness and ease of handling for some.
  Edge: Sony.

Real-World Image Comparison: What You Can Expect

I paired sample images from both cameras under similar lighting conditions - you can inspect both natural daylight and low-light examples below.

Olympus E M5 II front Olympus E M5 II screen back Sony A6300 front Sony A6300 screen back

You’ll notice the Sony’s higher resolution yields finer detail and cleaner shadows. Olympus renders colors with warmth and pleasing skin tone fidelity. Noise is more apparent on the Olympus at ISO 3200+, but the stabilization helps avoid blur in less-than-ideal light.

Overall Performance and Scoring Summary

Here's a comparative snapshot of overall ratings based on DXO Mark and my own hands-on evaluations covering sensor quality, AF, build, and versatility:

Sony A6300 commands a higher score, largely driven by its advanced sensor, autofocus system, and video capabilities. Olympus E-M5 II still holds up well considering its earlier launch and lower price point, offering tremendous value for photographers pursuing stabilized, versatile mirrorless performance.

Connectivity and Extras

Both cameras offer built-in Wi-Fi for quick smartphone pairing and image transfers. Sony adds NFC for easier pairing, whereas Olympus keeps it basic. Both have HDMI output for external monitors and mics, but neither includes headphone jacks, which can be a challenge for serious videographers.

USB connections top out at USB 2.0 on both models - a limitation if you want faster tethered shooting workflows.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, which camera should you buy? It boils down to your priorities:

• Choose Olympus E-M5 II if you value:

  • 5-axis in-body image stabilization that transforms handheld shooting
  • Articulated touchscreen for video and creative angles
  • Durable weather-sealed body for rugged conditions
  • Compact, lightweight Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem
  • Strong color science, especially for portraits and macro work
  • Lower price point budget (~$700)

• Choose Sony A6300 if you want:

  • Significantly higher resolution and larger APS-C sensor for critical image quality
  • Leading hybrid autofocus system with 425 phase points for high-speed tracking
  • UHD 4K video capabilities plus 1080p at 120fps
  • Faster burst shooting and deeper buffers for action and sports
  • Longer battery life for extended outings
  • Access to cutting-edge E-mount lens options
  • Willingness to invest a bit more (~$890) for future-proofing and versatility

Personal Perspective: Balancing Passion and Practicality

Having used both extensively, I gravitate toward the Sony A6300 for its sheer image quality and autofocus prowess - especially when shooting wildlife or sports. The 4K video is irreplaceable if filmmaking is part of your workflow. However, Olympus’s E-M5 II remains a brilliantly balanced camera for photographers who prioritize a compact system that won’t balk in tough weather and prize stabilization every single shot. It’s a thoughtful choice if you lean heavily into portraits, macro, or street photography.

If budget constraints are tight, the E-M5 II delivers excellent bang for your buck, but know that the Sony packs in advanced technology that will serve you longer as photography pushes into higher resolution and video demands.

I hope this detailed shootout helps you weigh these two fine mirrorless cameras with clarity. Feel free to leave questions about specific use cases - I’m always eager to dive deeper and share tests from my extensive experience testing thousands of cameras.

Happy shooting!