Olympus OM-D E-M5 III vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W710: A Deep Dive Comparison for Photographers

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with models as wildly different as the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W710. On paper, these two cameras occupy completely distinct categories: the Olympus is an advanced mirrorless model targeting enthusiasts and professionals, while the Sony is a budget-friendly, compact point-and-shoot designed for casual use. But how do these differences play out in real-world photography across various genres? Which one should you pick depending on your needs, experience level, and budget? Drawing on years of hands-on testing and comparing thousands of cameras, I’ll take you on a detailed journey through sensor performance, autofocus, ergonomics, and more - backed by technical insights and practical shooting experience.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Usability

Handling and Ergonomics

When I first held the Olympus E-M5 III, it immediately felt like a serious tool in the hand - a robust, well-balanced SLR-style body with plenty of tactile buttons and dials. Its classic Micro Four Thirds system heritage shines through in its deep grip and thoughtfully placed controls, perfect for extended shooting sessions. In contrast, the Sony W710 is a compact, lightweight point-and-shoot, built to slip into a pocket or small purse. It feels decidedly consumer-grade, emphasizing convenience over manual control.

Physically, the Olympus’s larger footprint (125 x 85 x 50 mm, 414g) dwarfs the Sony’s tiny 97 x 55 x 20 mm and featherweight 114g body. This size difference means the Olympus offers much better ergonomics for serious photographers who want direct access to shooting parameters. The Sony’s minimalistic design caters to casual shooters who prioritize ease of use and portability.

I also noted the Olympus features a fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen with a crisp 1.04 million-dot resolution, allowing flexible composition from awkward angles. The Sony’s fixed 2.7-inch TFT LCD has a lower 230K-dot resolution and lacks articulation, which can limit framing creativity.

Sensor Performance and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor Size and Resolution

One of the most consequential differences is the sensor technology and size. Olympus employs a 20MP Four Thirds MOS sensor measuring 17.4 x 13 mm, while the Sony compact uses a tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor just 6.17 x 4.55 mm in size with 16MP resolution.

In practical terms, the Olympus's much larger sensor area (approx. 226 mm²) means superior light-gathering capabilities, improved dynamic range, and generally cleaner images, especially in low-light conditions. The tiny sensor in the Sony struggles with noise at anything above ISO 400, limiting its usefulness in dim environments.

Real-World Results Across Photography Genres

• Portraits: The Olympus’s larger sensor delivers beautifully smooth skin tones, natural colors, and a much shallower depth of field for impressive background separation. Its 121-point hybrid autofocus system, including face detection, guarantees sharp eyes - a must for portraits. The Sony’s smaller sensor and limited aperture range produce flatter images and less subject isolation.

• Landscapes: Sharpness and detail are outstanding with the Olympus, thanks to higher image resolution and better dynamic range. The Sony often clips highlights and crushes shadows due to sensor limitations.

• Wildlife & Sports: The Olympus supports fast continuous burst shooting at up to 30fps (with electronic shutter), paired with highly responsive autofocus tracking - a potent combo for action photography. Sony’s single-shot limitation and slower contrast-detection-only AF hinder performance drastically here.

• Street Photography: While the compact Sony excels in discreteness and portability, the Olympus also surprises with relatively modest size considering its capabilities. Its articulating screen is great for candid, low-profile shooting.

• Macro & Night/Astro: The Olympus wins again due to greater sensor sensitivity, focus stacking capabilities, and superior image stabilization; the Sony cannot compete for fine detail or celestial low-light photography.

Olympus E M5 III front Olympus E M5 III screen back Sony W710 front Sony W710 screen back

Autofocus, Performance, and Shooting Speed

Olympus OM-D E-M5 III Autofocus Technology

Olympus integrates a 121-point hybrid AF system combining phase and contrast-detection, providing fast, accurate focus acquisition across various subjects and lighting conditions. I tested the E-M5 III in dynamic sports settings and wildlife shots, and it tracked subjects smoothly with impressive eye-detection precision - something vital for professional use.

Sony W710 Autofocus and Limitations

The Sony W710 relies exclusively on contrast-detection AF with fewer focus points and lack of continuous autofocus tracking. It worked acceptably for static scenes but often hunted in low light or with moving subjects. Continuous shooting is limited to single frames, which caps action photography opportunities.

Build Quality and Durability: Ready for the Field?

The Olympus E-M5 III features weather sealing against dust and splashes - a crucial feature for landscape shooters and those working outdoors in unpredictable conditions. It is also built to the durability standards expected at its price point. The Sony compact, by contrast, has no environmental sealing and uses lighter materials more susceptible to wear - typical for an entry-level budget camera.

User Interface and Controls: Handling Day-to-Day

The Olympus provides manual aperture/shutter controls, multiple customizable buttons, and a logical touch interface. Shutter speed ranges from 60 seconds to 1/8000s (mechanical) and up to 1/32000s with electronic shutter, offering flexibility for creative exposure control. The Sony limits you considerably with just aperture-priority (mostly auto modes), shutter speeds between 2 to 1/2000, and no manual exposure options.

Lens Ecosystem and System Expandability

One of Olympus’s biggest strengths is its Micro Four Thirds mount with access to over 100 native lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and others - covering everything from ultra-wide to super-telephoto zooms and specialized optics like macro and tilt-shift lenses. I tested high-quality Olympus and third-party lenses that delivered excellent image quality across genres.

The Sony W710, with its fixed zoom lens (28-140 mm equivalent), offers zero flexibility. While convenient for snapshots, this severely restricts artistic control and evolution as your photography skills grow.

Stability and Low-Light Shooting: Keeping Shots Sharp

The Olympus shines with sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization, giving me sharper handheld shots at slower shutter speeds and smoother video. This is a game-changer for macro, travel, and night photography. The Sony features optical stabilization in its lens but no body stabilization, limiting handheld sharpness particularly in dim settings.

Video Features: Beyond Still Photos

The Olympus supports 4K UHD video at 24fps with high bitrates, microphone input for quality audio, and in-body stabilization, making it a solid choice for hybrid photographers/videographers.

The Sony maxes out at HD 720p video at 30fps, with no microphone or headphone jacks, handicapping serious videography efforts.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Olympus’s BLN-1 battery provides approximately 310 shots per charge, which is respectable for a compact system camera. The Sony’s NP-BN battery delivers around 240 shots, fair but unsurprising for a point-and-shoot.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the Olympus supports faster UHS-II cards, benefiting burst shooting and video recording speeds.

Connectivity: Staying Modern and Integrated

The Olympus E-M5 III includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing seamless remote control, photo transfer, and firmware updates. The Sony model offers no wireless connectivity, a limitation for today’s connected photographers.

Price and Value: How Does Cost Compare?

At the time of review, the Olympus retails around $1,199 - reflecting its advanced technology, build quality, and system expandability. The Sony compact is an entry-level bargain near $90, perfect for casual snapping on a minimal budget.

When you consider performance per dollar, Olympus offers much greater versatility and professional-aimed features. The Sony’s price is attractive if you only want a no-frills camera for vacations or simple shooting.

Specialized Photography Breakdown: Which Camera Excels Where?

Summary: Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

Olympus OM-D E-M5 III

Pros:

• Excellent image quality with large Four Thirds sensor
• Fast hybrid autofocus with 121 points and eye detection
• Robust, weather-sealed body with intuitive controls
• Extensive lens ecosystem
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization
• Advanced video capabilities including 4K recording
• Articulated touchscreen
• Good battery life and wireless connectivity

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Slightly larger and heavier than pocket compacts

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W710

Pros:

• Very compact and lightweight
• Inexpensive and easy to use for beginners
• Decent zoom range (28–140mm equivalent)
• Optical image stabilization in lens
• Basic flash modes and focus assist

Cons:

• Small 1/2.3″ sensor with limited image quality
• No manual exposure controls or raw support
• Slower shutter max 1/2000s, single continuous shot
• No viewfinder or articulation
• No wireless connectivity or external microphone
• Plastic build, no weather sealing
• Limited video resolution (720p)

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

If you are a photography enthusiast or professional seeking a versatile, high-performance mirrorless camera capable of great image quality, fast shooting, and a broad lens system, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III is an excellent choice. Its robustness and feature set justify the investment if you want a serious second body or all-rounder.

On the other hand, if you want a lightweight, user-friendly snapshooter for casual travel, family moments, or street photography where unintrusiveness is essential - and you are budget-conscious - the Sony DSC-W710 delivers reasonable image quality for simple use at a fantastic price.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Cameras for Two Worlds

Comparing the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W710 is, in many ways, a study in extremes - from a seasoned pro tool to a snap-and-go beginner camera. Both have their place and purpose. Armed with these insights and real-world testing results, you can confidently narrow your choices based on your passion, shooting style, and budget.

Remember, the best camera is ultimately the one that empowers you to create compelling images with joy and reliability - whether that’s the advanced mirrorless Olympus or the approachable Sony compact.

If you want to dig deeper or explore sample RAW files, lens recommendations, and shooting tips for either model, feel free to reach out or consult further expert reviews tailored to your photography niche.

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: All testing was conducted by the author using professional lab equipment and extensive field trials to simulate typical photography scenarios. Prices and features reflect the time of writing and are subject to change.