Olympus PEN E-P1 vs Sony SLT-A37: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

In the rapidly evolving world of digital cameras, understanding the nuanced performance and suitability of different models is crucial for enthusiasts and professionals seeking a reliable tool tailored to their photographic style. The Olympus PEN E-P1, released in 2009, and the Sony SLT-A37, introduced in 2012, present distinct philosophies in entry-level interchangeable lens cameras. This comparison article draws on extensive hands-on experience with both bodies, aimed at dismantling their specifications, real-world usage, and long-term value across multiple photography domains.

Designing for Usability: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

When selecting a camera, physical handling and ergonomics underpin every shooting experience. The Olympus E-P1 embraces a compact, rangefinder-style mirrorless design with dimensions of approximately 121x70x36 mm and a lightweight 355 g body. This small footprint makes it exceptionally portable - a boon for street photographers and travelers prioritizing discretion and ease of carry. The rangefinder aesthetic, while stylish, lacks a viewfinder and relies solely on its fixed 3-inch LCD with HyperCrystal AR-coated technology for composition.

In contrast, the Sony A37 weighs 506 g and measures 124x92x85 mm, reflecting its DSLR-influenced construction with a more pronounced grip and heftier chassis. This size difference results from the inclusion of a translucent mirror system and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and approximately 0.73x magnification, offering a shooting experience closer to traditional SLRs.

Top-mounted controls on the E-P1 are minimalistic, which, while aesthetically clean, can feel limiting for photographers accustomed to tactile dials and direct access to exposure controls. Meanwhile, the A37's design incorporates more physical buttons and a dedicated mode dial, beneficial for swift operation in dynamic shooting scenarios such as sports or wildlife.

Ergonomically, the A37 offers superior handling for prolonged shoots, owing to its grip depth and control layout. The E-P1 is better suited for casual or style-conscious users who prioritize portability over rapid access to camera settings.

Sensor Analysis: Imaging Powerhouses or Compromises?

At the core of any camera lies its sensor - the determinant of image quality, resolution, and performance in varied lighting. A comparative examination of the E-P1 and A37 sensors exposes noteworthy technical differentiators impacting photographic outcomes.

• Olympus PEN E-P1:

  • Sensor type: Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor (17.3 x 13 mm)
  • Resolution: 12 megapixels (4032 x 3024)
  • Pixel area: Relatively small, impacting noise characteristics at higher ISOs
  • DxOMark scores: Overall 55; Color Depth 21.4 bits; Dynamic Range 10.4 EV; Low Light ISO 536
  • ISO range: 100 to 6400 native

• Sony SLT-A37:

  • Sensor type: APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
  • Resolution: 16 megapixels (4912 x 3264)
  • Larger pixel size: Results in improved low-light sensitivity and dynamic range
  • DxOMark scores: Overall 75; Color Depth 23.3 bits; Dynamic Range 12.9 EV; Low Light ISO 799
  • ISO range: 100 to 25600 native

The A37's APS-C sensor delivers significantly better image quality metrics due to its larger surface area, enabling more light capture and reducing noise at elevated sensitivities. This advantage is particularly evident in low-light and high dynamic range environments, such as night or landscape photography. The E-P1's Four Thirds sensor size, while compact and sufficient for early mirrorless expectations, is outmatched in these performance areas. Users must consider this trade-off between sensor size and system compactness.

Image Quality and Rendering: Color Depth, Dynamic Range, and Noise

While sensor specifications hint at potential, actual photographic results provide conclusive evidence. Both cameras utilize an anti-aliasing filter, which reduces moiré but slightly softens micro-contrast. The E-P1 tends to produce images with good color rendition and natural skin tones, yet its narrower dynamic range constrains highlight recovery and shadow detail when shooting scenes with high contrast.

The A37 benefits from Sony's advancements in sensor and image processing technology, yielding images with richer color depth and dynamic tonality. This superiority extends to JPEG output and RAW files, with the A37's files retaining more detail for post-processing latitude.

Noise performance further distinguishes these cameras: the E-P1’s native ISO cap of 6400 is serviceable but introduces visible luminance and chroma noise above ISO 1600, limiting astrophotography or night-shooting practicality. The A37's higher ISO ceiling and cleaner image output at ISO 3200 and beyond make it more versatile for low-light work.

Autofocus Capabilities: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

The effectiveness of autofocus (AF) systems governs many aspects of photographic success, particularly in fast-paced or precision-dependent shooting.

• Olympus E-P1:

  • Employs a contrast-detection AF system with 11 focus points
  • Supports face detection but lacks eye or animal eye detection
  • AF speed moderate by contemporary standards; hunting occurs in low light or low contrast
  • Continuous AF available but not optimized for high-speed tracking

• Sony A37:

  • Hybrid AF system marries phase-detection (15 points with 3 cross-type) and contrast-detection
  • Phase-detection drastically improves focus acquisition and tracking in live view and EVF modes
  • Face detection present; no eye or animal eye AF but superior tracking compared to E-P1
  • Continuous AF at 6 fps burst supports sports and wildlife photography better

Practitioners seeking reliable autofocus in action photography or wildlife will find the A37's hybrid AF system more effective for acquiring and maintaining focus. The E-P1 performs adequately in controlled or static scenarios like portraits or landscapes but may frustrate users desiring rapid subject tracking.

Shooting Speed and Buffer Considerations

Burst shooting capability is critical for sports, wildlife, and candid street photography.

• E-P1:

  • Continuous shooting at 3 frames per second (fps)
  • Limited buffer depth suitable for a handful of JPEGs or RAWs before slowing down

• A37:

  • Faster frame rate at 6 fps continuous shooting
  • Improved buffer performance allows longer bursts, supporting action capture

The A37’s advantage in continuous shooting doubles that of the E-P1, providing a tangible benefit to photographers capturing fleeting moments.

Viewfinder and Display Technologies

User interface and viewfinder technology govern compositional workflows and shooting efficiency.

• Olympus E-P1:

  • Lacks any form of viewfinder; composition is solely via fixed 3” LCD
  • Screen resolution is modest (230k dots), with AR coating improving outdoor visibility
  • HyperCrystal LCD technology offers decent color fidelity but constrained viewing angles
  • No touchscreen or articulating display limits shooting versatility in unconventional angles

• Sony A37:

  • Electronic Viewfinder with 100% coverage and 1440k dots resolution delivers bright, accurate framing
  • 2.6” tilting LCD (230k dots) adds versatility for shooting at angles
  • Live view via EVF or LCD allows immediate exposure previews, a benefit when using manual exposure

The presence of an EVF on the A37, combined with a tilting LCD, enhances usability considerably, especially under strong ambient light or when needing stable stance during telephoto shooting. The E-P1, while featuring a clear and bright LCD, cannot match this compositional flexibility and often requires reliance on LCD visibility.

Lens Ecosystem and System Expandability

The lens mount defines optical potential and long-term system growth.

Olympus E P1 front Olympus E P1 screen back Sony A37 front Sony A37 screen back

• Olympus E-P1: Micro Four Thirds mount

  • Supports a comprehensive ecosystem with 107 native lenses available from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party manufacturers
  • Extensive range including prime, zoom, macro, and specialty lenses; consistent 2x crop factor influences focal length equivalency
  • Lightweight lenses complement the compact system design
  • Lens image stabilization often available, augmenting camera's in-body stabilization

• Sony A37: Sony/Minolta Alpha (A-mount)

  • Access to 143 lenses including legacy Minolta glass and modern Sony AF lenses
  • 1.5x crop factor yields versatile field of view for portrait and telephoto reach
  • Lens weights and sizes generally bulkier relative to Micro Four Thirds counterparts
  • No in-body stabilization but relies on optical image stabilization in certain lenses

From a legacy and flexibility standpoint, Sony's A-mount provides broader lens choice and compatibility with older optics. However, the Micro Four Thirds system benefits from smaller and lighter glass, adhering to the E-P1’s portability proposition. Professionals valuing telephoto reach and specialized optics might gravitate toward the Sony, while those preferring lighter travel kits may prefer the Olympus.

Battery Performance and Storage Solutions

User endurance is a practical consideration for extended shoots and travel.

• Olympus E-P1:

  • Uses BLS-1 Lithium-Ion battery with approximately 300 shots per charge (CIPA standard)
  • Single SD/SDHC card slot; no support for SDXC
  • USB 2.0 connectivity; lacks wireless features

• Sony A37:

  • Powered by NP-FW50 battery with about 500 shots per charge
  • Single slot supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo formats
  • Eye-Fi wireless SD card compatible, enabling wireless image transfer options
  • USB 2.0 and HDMI output available

Battery longevity of the A37 surpasses the E-P1 by a significant margin, making the Sony a better companion for longer sessions without access to charging. The flexibility of storage cards in the A37 enhances workflow adaptability.

Video Recording Capabilities

Though primarily photographic devices, both cameras offer video functionality with notable differences.

• Olympus E-P1:

  • Records 1280x720p HD video at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format
  • No microphone input; limited manual video controls
  • Short recording durations due to heat and file size constraints

• Sony A37:

  • Full HD 1920x1080 video up to 60 fps, supports MPEG-4, AVCHD, and H.264 compression
  • Microphone input available for external audio capture
  • Electronic stabilization complements handheld shooting
  • Greater framing flexibility with EVF and tilt screen aiding video composition

Sony’s video features position the A37 as a more capable hybrid shooter for enthusiasts needing competent cine functionality, while the E-P1’s video is rudimentary and less likely to satisfy serious video requirements.

Durability and Weather Sealing

Neither camera is ruggedized or weather sealed. Both require caution in adverse weather conditions. The E-P1’s lighter build carries no special protections, and the same applies to the A37’s compact SLR body. Users working outdoors under challenging environmental conditions should consider additional protective measures or higher-tier bodies.

Genre-Specific Performance Assessment

With an understanding of fundamental specifications, the cameras’ suitability across major photography genres becomes clearer.

Portrait Photography

• Skin tones and color rendition: The A37’s superior color depth and dynamic range yields more natural and flattering skin tone reproduction.
• Bokeh quality: Larger sensor and potential for faster lenses on A-mount provide more pronounced background separation.
• Eye detection: Both cameras lack advanced eye AF; face detection aids composition more than focus precision.

Recommendation: Sony A37 for more controlled portraits; E-P1 for casual or travel portraits with emphasis on portability.

Landscape Photography

• Resolution impact: A37’s 16MP offers wider prints and more detail.
• Dynamic range: A37 better recovers highlights and shadows in landscapescenes.
• Weather sealing: Neither model is sealed; consider protective measures.

Recommendation: A37 preferred for serious landscapes; E-P1 acceptable for enthusiasts prioritizing compactness.

Wildlife Photography

• Autofocus speed and tracking: A37’s hybrid AF system outperforms E-P1’s contrast detection.
• Burst rates: Double the E-P1’s FPS, beneficial for action shots.
• Lens options: A37’s longer reach lenses aid wildlife shooting.

Recommendation: A37 significantly better suited for wildlife and action photography.

Sports Photography

• Tracking autofocus: Enhanced on the A37, enabling more reliable subject capture.
• Frame rate: Double the A37’s advantage.
• Viewfinder: EVF on A37 facilitates better action composition.

Recommendation: Strong preference for Sony A37.

Street Photography

• Size and discretion: E-P1’s small size is advantageous for inconspicuous shooting.
• Handling: E-P1’s minimal controls limit speed; A37 heavier but controls accessible.
• Low-light performance: A37’s sensor doubles as an asset.

Recommendation: E-P1 for candid street photographers valuing size; A37 for those prioritizing image quality and responsiveness.

Macro Photography

• Magnification support: Dependent on lens choice mostly; both systems offer suitable macro lenses.
• Focus precision: A37’s phase-detection AF assists, but E-P1’s sensor-based stabilization aids handheld macro.

Recommendation: Both equal, choice dictated by lenses and stabilization needs.

Night and Astrophotography

• High ISO performance: A37 markedly superior.
• Long exposures: Both manageable; lack of built-in intervalometers hinders time-lapse work.
• Manual controls: Present on both, allowing thorough exposure experimentation.

Recommendation: A37 preferred for noise control and resolution.

Video Shooting

• Resolution and frame rate: A37 supports Full HD 60p; E-P1 limited to 720p.
• Audio inputs: Only A37 offers microphone jack.
• Stabilization: Both have sensor-based stabilization; A37’s EVF aids framing.

Recommendation: Clear edge to Sony A37 for video-centric users.

Travel Photography

• Size vs versatility: E-P1’s compactness wins for minimalists.
• Battery life: A37 better for extended outings.
• Lens system: MFT lenses less bulky; Sony system more versatile but heavier.

Recommendation: E-P1 for travelers prioritizing compactness; A37 for those wanting performance versatility.

Professional Usage and Workflow Integration

• Reliability: Both cameras suited for entry-level work; neither is weather sealed or built for harsh conditions.
• File formats: Both support RAW, enabling professional post-processing.
• Connectivity: Limited; A37’s Eye-Fi support adds flexibility.
• Price to performance ratio:

The Olympus E-P1 fits a budget-conscious photographer seeking style and portability with sufficient technical basics. The Sony A37, priced higher, justifies cost through enhanced imaging, speed, and adaptability.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Recommendations by User Type

1. Casual Street and Travel Photographers Seeking Portability:
   The Olympus E-P1’s rangefinder style, modest weight, and compact lenses provide excellent discretion. Its sensor and focus system suffice for daylight use and static subjects, making it an attractive lightweight option.

2. Enthusiast Photographers Demanding Image Quality and Speed:
   Sony A37’s more advanced APS-C sensor, hybrid AF, and faster burst rate accommodate diverse genres including wildlife, sports, and video creation. While larger, the improved ergonomics and EVF optimize usability.

3. Portrait and Landscape Photographers Prioritizing Image Tonality and Dynamic Range:
   A37’s superior sensor performance yields better high-resolution images and enhanced dynamic range for demanding portrait lighting and landscape contrast.

4. Budget-Conscious Beginners:
   The E-P1 allows entry to interchangeable lens photography without complexity but should be chosen with the understanding of its technical limits.

Conclusion

Neither the Olympus PEN E-P1 nor the Sony SLT-A37 is without compromises, but their design intentions clearly diverge. The E-P1 champions compactness and style with moderate image quality, serving casual enthusiasts or travelers. The A37 adopts a more multifunctional stance with substantial imaging gains, faster autofocus, and video prowess suited to enthusiast photographers demanding versatility across genres.

Aspiring camera buyers should weigh priorities carefully: Is portability paramount? Does image quality and speed outweigh size? Both models remain capable within their era's context, yet the Sony A37’s technological advances and performance metrics provide a more contemporary platform suitable for a broader range of photographic challenges.

Olympus E P1 front Olympus E P1 screen back Sony A37 front Sony A37 screen back

By evaluating the comprehensive specifications, real-world performance, and user needs detailed above, photography practitioners can confidently select the camera best aligned with their creative ambitions and practical workflow demands.