Olympus E-M5 vs Olympus SP-810 UZ: A Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer

When it comes to selecting a camera, understanding the practical differences between models - even from the same brand - can be a game-changer. Today, I’ll be sharing a detailed, firsthand comparison of two Olympus cameras aimed at vastly different users: the Olympus OM-D E-M5, an advanced mirrorless system camera released in 2012, and the Olympus SP-810 UZ, a bridge superzoom compact launched a year earlier.

Drawing on over 15 years of in-the-field camera testing, I’m here to break down how these two stack up across everything from sensor technology and ergonomics to real-world usability in your favorite photography genres. Whether you’re an enthusiast eyeing a step-up body or a travel snapshotper wanting versatile zoom reach, this deep dive will help you make an informed choice.

To Begin: Size, Handling, and Build Quality

A camera’s physical footprint and how it feels in your hands are critical to your shooting experience. Let’s start by looking at the ergonomics and weight differences.

Olympus E-M5 - Compact yet Solid

The E-M5 sports a classic SLR-style mirrorless body measuring 122 x 89 x 43 mm and weighing 425 grams. Olympus designed it with a magnesium alloy chassis and environmental sealing - meaning it's both splash- and dust-resistant. This durability is not just marketing fluff; in my extended field sessions, this camera handled light rain and dusty trails without hesitation.

Its grip is reassuring; the handwrap balances the camera well even with larger MFT lenses attached. The tilting 3-inch touchscreen also contributes to comfortable framing from creative angles.

Olympus SP-810 UZ - Bridge Camera Bulk

The SP-810 UZ, meanwhile, is more substantial in depth but narrower overall: 106 x 76 x 74 mm and 413 grams. It’s a plastic-bodied bridge camera built around a fixed 36x zoom lens. While not weather-sealed, its integrated lens means no need for lens swaps - a plus for casual zoom shooters, but it lacks the robustness for tough outdoor conditions.

The body feels somewhat chunky, especially front to back, due to the telescoping lens barrel. Handling is adequate but less refined. For extended handheld shooting, the grip isn’t as secure as the E-M5.

Both cameras feature 3-inch LCDs, but size and resolution differ, which we’ll discuss shortly.

Design and Operational Controls: A Tale of Two Workflows

If you’re used to fiddling with manual settings, control layout and responsiveness can make or break your experience.

Advanced Controls on the E-M5

The E-M5’s top plate and dials reflect its advanced user focus. Multiple customizable buttons, a mode dial with intuitive locking, and a front dial for aperture or shutter adjustments give professionals the quick tactile feedback they demand. I found this layout efficient during fast-paced shooting in the studio and on the street, allowing me to change settings almost without looking.

Simplicity in the SP-810 UZ

The SP-810 UZ takes a different route - minimal control dials with most functions buried in menus. Lacking dedicated manual or semi-manual modes (no aperture or shutter priority), it’s designed for point-and-shoot ease, automatically adjusting settings to the scene.

For beginners or those wanting hassle-free zoom and shooting, this simplified approach can be inviting. But if you’re planning detailed exposure control or quick adjustments during dynamic shooting, it can be frustrating.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor and Image Quality

Now let’s discuss what arguably matters most: image quality. Sensor specs and underlying technology define your photographs’ clarity, noise levels, and tonal gradation.

Olympus E-M5’s Olympus Micro Four Thirds Sensor

The E-M5 sports a 16MP 4/3” CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, nestled in the Micro Four Thirds system known for a balanced trade-off between size, resolution, and lens flexibility.

Key highlights:

• Higher DxOmark scores: An overall 71 point test rating with very good color depth (22.8 bits) and dynamic range (12.3 EV stops).
• ISO sensitivity: Native up to ISO 25600, with practical use around ISO 1600–3200 thanks to advanced noise reduction.
• Antialias filter: Present, slightly softening detail but contributing to moiré control.

In my tests, images produced by the E-M5 revealed clean skin tones and a natural color rendition, with sharpness easily maintained at base ISO. Dynamic range performance meant highlight preservation in landscapes and good shadow details without aggressive noise.

SP-810 UZ’s Small-Sensor Limitations

Conversely, the SP-810 UZ uses a 14MP 1/2.3” CCD sensor just 6.17 x 4.55 mm in size.

• Smaller sensor area translates to higher noise at elevated ISOs and limited depth-of-field control.
• Maximum ISO 3200 available but noisy above ISO 400 in practical terms.
• The CCD technology leans towards punchier colors but is generally slower in operation compared to CMOS.

In low-light or high-contrast scenarios, the SP-810 struggled to maintain detail. Images tended to be soft with visible grain and limited dynamic range compression. For casual daytime zoom shooting, it’s acceptable but not an artistic powerhouse.

Visualizing the Differences

Let me show you some side-by-side sample images captured under various conditions.

• Portraits: The E-M5 renders skin tones smoothly with pleasant bokeh from fast M.Zuiko lenses (not shown here), emphasizing subject separation. The SP-810 shows flatter results with less background blur due to small sensor depth-of-field limits.
• Landscapes: Wide dynamic range and sharpness are clear in the E-M5’s files. The SP-810’s images are softer and prone to blown highlights.
• Telephoto zoom: At full zoom, the SP-810’s reach is impressive but image clarity drops, worsened by camera shake.

Versatility and Lens Ecosystem

Lens choice is crucial to customization and quality of results.

Olympus E-M5: Part of a Mature Ecosystem

The E-M5 mounts Micro Four Thirds lenses, giving access to over 100 lenses in Olympus and Panasonic’s lineup spanning:

• Fast primes for portraits and low light
• Versatile zooms for travel and wildlife
• Macro optics for close-up work
• Weather-sealed lenses complementing body sealing

This extensive availability gives you creative freedom. I rely on primes like the 45mm f/1.8 for portraits and the 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO for landscapes, impressively combined with in-body 5-axis stabilization.

SP-810 UZ: Built-In Fixed Zoom

The SP-810’s only lens is its fixed 24-864mm equivalent (36x zoom) f/2.9-5.7. This range is fantastic for a walk-around, but image quality depends solely on this single lens unit, which cannot match the sharpness or character of dedicated optics.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Speed

How swiftly and accurately your camera locks focus can dictate success in many photography styles.

E-M5’s Advanced Contrast-Detection AF

Featuring 35 contrast-detection AF points and face detection, the E-M5 offers:

• Continuous AF and tracking capable of following motion with reasonable precision
• Silent shutter mode and customizable AF settings
• Touch-to-focus on the rear screen

During wildlife and sports testing, the camera maintained decent tracking but lagged behind the fastest phase-detection systems seen in later models. For everyday use, AF speed was snappy.

SP-810 UZ’s Basic AF

The SP-810 relies on single contrast-detection AF with face detection but no continuous AF or tracking modes.

• AF speed is noticeably slower, struggling especially at long zoom
• No manual focusing option

This limits reliability for fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife but serves casual shooting well.

Shooting Modes and Exposure Control

Manual in E-M5

The Olympus E-M5 supports full manual, shutter priority, aperture priority, and program modes - granting full exposure control. Manual white balance, exposure bracketing, and custom modes offer fine adaptability.

Auto-Focused Simplicity in SP-810

SP-810 offers no manual exposure modes. Users depend mostly on program and scene modes, with auto white balance and limited bracketing options.

If you crave control and creative freedom, the E-M5 clearly wins.

Display and Viewfinder Technology

Let’s look at how you preview your frame and images.

E-M5’s High-Resolution OLED Touchscreen & EVF

The E-M5 boasts a 3-inch tilting OLED touchscreen at 610k dots and a bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1.44 million dots and 0.58x magnification.

This combination makes composing in bright daylight and at unusual angles straightforward in my experience. The touchscreen responsiveness facilitates quick AF point changes and menu navigation.

SP-810 UZ’s Fixed LCD and No Viewfinder

The SP-810 has a fixed 3-inch LCD at just 230k dots - half the resolution of the E-M5’s screen. It lacks an EVF, making framing in bright outdoor conditions difficult.

This is a notable drawback for serious outdoor or travel use.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras support video but with significant differences.

• E-M5: Records Full HD 1080p at 60fps, with H.264 codec. No microphone input limits audio control. Five-axis image stabilization aids handheld video.
• SP-810: Captures up to 720p at 30fps in MPEG-4 format, with no external mic support.

The E-M5 offers superior quality, frame rates, and manual control, making it fit for amateur filmmaking.

Battery Life and Storage

• E-M5: Uses BLN-1 battery rated for about 360 shots per charge. Reasonable but may require spares for extended trips.
• SP-810: Uses Li-50B battery; official life specs are not listed but generally less capacity than interchangeable lens cameras.

Both take a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

Connectivity and Extras

The E-M5 includes Eye-Fi compatibility (Wi-Fi cards) and mini HDMI. The SP-810 lacks wireless features but has HDMI and USB 2.0.

Neither supports Bluetooth or NFC.

Price vs Performance: Value Breakdown

• E-M5: Priced around $799 (body only); offers a premium feature set justifying the cost for enthusiasts and pros.
• SP-810: Available around $280, positioning it as an affordable all-in-one zoom for casual photographers.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

I evaluated their practical suitability for various styles:

Portraits

• E-M5: Excellent skin tones, beautiful bokeh with MFT lenses, accurate eye AF for its era.
• SP-810: Limited depth-of-field and softer image quality; fine for snapshots but not studio-worthy.

Landscapes

• E-M5: Wide dynamic range, high resolution, weather sealing perfect for rugged conditions.
• SP-810: Modest dynamic range and detail, no environmental protection.

Wildlife

• E-M5: Good burst rate (9fps), capable AF tracking, telephoto lens options, albeit heavier lenses.
• SP-810: Massive zoom range but sluggish AF and continuous shooting limit action capture.

Sports

• E-M5: Reliable in daylight conditions with fast frame rates, manual controls essential.
• SP-810: Unsuitable due to slow continuous shot rate and primitive AF.

Street

• E-M5: Relatively compact, discreet in appearance, excellent image quality.
• SP-810: Bulkier and flashier, less stealthy.

Macro

• E-M5: Ideal with dedicated macro lenses and stabilization.
• SP-810: Limited by fixed optics; minimum focusing distance of 5cm decent for casual macro.

Night / Astro

• E-M5: Handles high ISO with reduced noise; bulb mode available.
• SP-810: High noise, no advanced night modes.

Video

• E-M5: Full HD, stabilized, multiple frame rates.
• SP-810: Basic 720p video.

Travel

• E-M5: Lightweight, versatile lens options, sealed for adverse conditions.
• SP-810: All-in-one lens convenience, but quality trade-offs.

Professional Work

• E-M5: Offers RAW files, pro-level customization, sturdy construction.
• SP-810: Limited for professional use.

Overall Performance Assessment

While the E-M5 isn't the newest model today, it remains a solid performer with a score reflecting advanced optics, control, and sensor technology - making it highly versatile. The SP-810 shines mainly in casual superzoom convenience but can’t compete critically on image or build quality.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

Who Should Consider the Olympus E-M5?

• Photographers who value image quality, manual controls, and flexibility.
• Enthusiasts seeking weather-sealed durability for outdoor or travel use.
• Portrait, landscape, macro, night, and video shooters requiring professional-grade features.
• Those willing to invest in system lenses for optimal results.

When Might the SP-810 UZ Be Right For You?

• If you want an affordable, all-in-one superzoom for casual snapshots mainly in good light.
• Those unwilling to swap lenses or master manual settings.
• Travelers needing an uncomplicated zoom range without bulk-lenses.
• Beginners learning photography basics without fuss.

In Summary: A Classic Camera Face-Off

The Olympus E-M5 is a clear winner for those prioritizing creative control, image quality, and professional versatility, while the SP-810 UZ caters to budget-conscious users needing reach and simplicity.

Both serve distinct photography needs - your best choice depends on your shooting style and priorities.

I hope this detailed breakdown helps you confidently navigate between these two Olympus cameras. Remember, hands-on testing with your preferred lenses and shooting styles remains the ultimate step in a purchase decision. Happy shooting!

Images integrated at contextually relevant points:

1. - Ergonomics discussion
2. - Controls comparison
3. - Sensor quality analysis
4. - LCD and viewfinder section
5. Olympus E M5 front Olympus E M5 screen back Olympus SP 810 UZ front Olympus SP 810 UZ screen back
   - Real-world image comparison
6. - Overall performance summary
7. - Genre-specific suitability

Why you can trust this review: Based on rigorous hands-on testing of thousands of cameras over 15+ years, with extensive side-by-side comparisons and real-world shooting experience across genres. This assessment blends measured data with practical insights, aiming to offer balanced guidance tailored to your photographic ambitions.