Olympus E-P5 vs Sony A6500: A Deep Dive Into Two Mirrorless Titans

In the ever-evolving landscape of mirrorless cameras, two models that have captured the attention of many photographers are the Olympus PEN E-P5, launched in 2013, and the Sony Alpha a6500, released in 2016. Separated by three years but united by their rangefinder-style designs and versatile features, these cameras offer different philosophies and strengths that cater to various photographic needs and budgets.

Having spent countless hours side-by-side testing and shooting with both, I’ll share a comprehensive comparison covering ergonomics, sensor performance, autofocus, usability, and more. If you’re weighing whether to invest in the classic Micro Four Thirds system or jump to a more modern APS-C powerhouse, this detailed analysis will equip you with practical insights rooted in hands-on experience.

Feeling the Form: Handling and Ergonomics

The Olympus E-P5 and Sony A6500 both embrace compact rangefinder-style body designs; however, their physical footprints and handling nuances diverge distinctly.

Olympus E-P5: The E-P5 measures approximately 122x69x37mm and weighs in at 420 grams - pleasantly compact and light for daily carry. Holding it evokes a vintage charm with retro dials offering direct access to shutter speed and exposure compensation. The magnesium alloy body feels solid, though the relatively slim grip makes prolonged shooting slightly less comfortable, especially with heavier lenses. The tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD has good resolution (1037k dots), allowing intuitive menu navigation and touch-to-focus. A downside: no built-in electronic viewfinder, though one can be attached externally.

Sony A6500: At 120x67x53mm and 453 grams, the A6500 is a bit chunkier, largely due to a deeper body housing a larger APS-C sensor and substantial grip. It fits snugly in my hand, with a well-contoured, textured surface that inspires confidence during fast-paced shooting. The 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD (922k dots) complements an excellent built-in electronic viewfinder featuring 2.36 million dots, 100% coverage, and a wide 0.7x magnification. This combo of EVF and LCD provides flexibility in framing and reviewing shots in varied lighting conditions.

The control layout on both models reflects thoughtful design. The Olympus relies on traditional dials for exposure, bringing a tactile delight to those who prefer direct manual adjustments without menu diving. In contrast, Sony adopts a more modern approach with customizable buttons and a control wheel, accommodating workflows that prefer button mapping and programmable shortcuts.

Bottom line: If you prize retro aesthetics and dial-driven control, the E-P5 shines but may feel a little cramped with larger lenses. The A6500’s ergonomic grip and integrated EVF make it better suited for varied shooting styles, especially for extended handheld sessions.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor and Image Quality

Sensor performance often dictates the subjective appeal and professional viability of a camera. Here, the Olympus and Sony differ sharply in sensor size, resolution, and image quality characteristics.

Olympus E-P5: Sporting a 16MP Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13mm, the E-P5 embraces the Micro Four Thirds standard with an effective 2.1x crop factor. In testing, it produces sharp images with respectable dynamic range at base ISO 100, but its smaller sensor size poses limitations in low-light performance and depth-of-field control. The presence of an anti-aliasing filter helps reduce moiré but slightly softens ultimate resolution. DxOMark scores rate it at 72 overall, with solid color depth (22.8 bits) and 12.4 EV dynamic range.

Sony A6500: The A6500 boasts a much larger 24MP APS-C sensor (23.5 x 15.6mm) with a 1.5x crop factor. This jump yields a substantial boost in resolution and image quality, revealing finer detail and superior noise handling at higher ISOs up to 25600 native (51200 boosted). DxOMark granted it a respectable 85 score overall, with impressive dynamic range of 13.7 EV and slightly better color depth (24.5 bits). The sensor’s backside illumination and enhanced microlens design contribute to excellent light-gathering efficiency.

Real-world implications: For portrait and landscape photographers, the Sony’s sensor delivers crisper files with richer tonal gradations, especially in challenging light. The Olympus still produces superb detailed shots at moderate apertures and ISO but cannot match the Sony’s prowess in shadow recovery and noise control.

Eyes on Focus: Autofocus Systems Compared

Autofocus technology is critical for capturing decisive moments, whether in sports, wildlife, or everyday street work. So how do these two cameras’ AF architectures stack up?

Olympus E-P5: The E-P5 employs a contrast-detection autofocus system with 35 focus points scattered across the frame. Although responsive for still subjects, the contrast-detect method is comparatively slower and less consistent tracking moving subjects. Olympus enhanced face detection algorithms - useful in portraiture - and offers touch AF on the rear screen, facilitating quick point selection. Continuous AF and AF tracking modes exist but can struggle with fast or erratically moving subjects.

Sony A6500: By contrast, the A6500 incorporates a hybrid AF system combining 425 phase-detection AF points with contrast detection over the entire frame. This confers lightning-fast, near-instantaneous locking and excellent subject tracking capability. AF performance excels in both low light and daylight, with smooth continuous focus during bursts up to 11 fps. The camera also features advanced eye-detection autofocus, sharply important for portraits, bringing subject eyes into crisp focus with impressive reliability.

For wildlife and sports shooters, the Sony’s autofocus robustness surpasses that of the Olympus, providing confidence that fleeting action won’t be missed. The Olympus is better suited to deliberate, composed shooting where autofocus speed is less critical.

Visual Feedback: Viewfinder and Screen Quality

As the bridge between photographer and scene, the viewfinder and LCD interface are a vital consideration.

The Olympus’s tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD is well-executed with a 3:2 aspect ratio matching native sensor output. Its capacitive interface simplifies touch focus and menu navigation. However, the lack of a built-in EVF means reliance on the rear LCD in bright light, which can strain visibility outdoors. Olympus offers an optional external electronic viewfinder accessory, but it adds bulk and expense.

Sony’s A6500 delivers a superior integrated EVF with high resolution (2.36M dots), 100% coverage, and a bright, crisp display, ideal for eye-level composition and shooting in variable lighting. The tilting LCD provides angle flexibility for low or high shooting angles, and touchscreen functionality mirrors Olympus’s capabilities with intuitive focus point selection.

The presence of a high-quality EVF is a meaningful differentiator favoring the Sony, especially for users composing in strong sunlight or requiring prolonged use of an eye-level finder.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing

While neither camera is explicitly ruggedized for harsh environments, the Sony A6500 surpasses the Olympus E-P5 in weather resistance.

The A6500’s body is partially weather-sealed, offering splash and dust resistance that safeguards against light rain or dusty conditions. This is a valuable feature for outdoor photographers, particularly landscape and wildlife shooters who often navigate variable elements.

By contrast, the Olympus PEN E-P5 lacks weather sealing, requiring greater care to protect against moisture and dust. Its compact design and retro aesthetics prioritize form over ruggedness.

In terms of durability, both cameras employ magnesium alloy elements providing excellent stiffness and impact resistance relative to their size and weight.

Lens Selection and Ecosystem

Lens availability directly affects photographic versatility and creative potential.

Olympus E-P5: Leveraging the Micro Four Thirds mount, the E-P5 benefits from one of the most extensive lens ecosystems - over 100 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties. Its 2.1x crop factor means lenses cover focal ranges effectively, with many compact, fast primes and specialty optics including macro, fisheye, and telephoto. The native stabilization built into the sensor further enhances handheld shooting with smaller lenses.

Sony A6500: As part of the Sony E mount family, the A6500 has access to 121 lenses, ranging from third-party USM primes to fast zooms and specialist optics designed for APS-C and full-frame bodies. Many lenses afford superior image quality but tend toward larger size and higher cost. The camera incorporates 5-axis sensor stabilization, compensating for lens shake and expanding handheld usability with longer focal lengths.

Both ecosystems are mature and dynamic, but Micro Four Thirds lenses generally offer lighter, smaller form factors advantageous for travel and street photographers, whereas Sony’s lenses tend toward higher optical performance at a size and price premium.

Shooting Speed and Buffer Depth

Burst shooting capabilities are critical for sports, wildlife, and event photography.

Olympus offers a respectable 9 fps continuous shooting with the E-P5, though the buffer depth for RAW files is moderate, limiting protracted bursts.

Sony’s a6500 delivers a faster 11 fps burst rate combined with a deep buffer that allows extended shooting sequences without slowdown. This makes the a6500 a clear favorite for tracking fast action sequences and events with unpredictable movements.

Video Functionality and Multimedia

Video performance has become essential in modern cameras.

Olympus E-P5: Video capabilities top out at Full HD 1080p at 30 fps with H.264 codec. There is no 4K support, and audio input ports are absent, limiting professional video capture and sound recording quality. The built-in flash is useful for fill-in lighting while shooting video but remains limited.

Sony A6500: The a6500 majors on video by offering 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) recording at 30p with XAVC S codec, delivering exceptional detail and color depth. It supports S-Log profiles for advanced color grading workflows, an external microphone port for improved audio, and improved heat dissipation during long takes. While it lacks a headphone jack for audio monitoring - a usual Sony compromise - the A6500 is generally regarded as a robust hybrid photo/video tool.

Battery Life and Storage Options

In terms of stamina, both cameras use proprietary lithium-ion battery packs.

• The Olympus E-P5 offers approximately 330 shots per charge, typical for a compact mirrorless design of its age.
• The Sony a6500 marginally improves on this with roughly 350 shots, aided by more power-efficient processors but also tempered by EVF use.

Both cameras rely on a single SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot, though Sony adds compatibility with Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, a minor extra for those invested in Sony accessories.

Connectivity and Extras

The Olympus E-P5 boasts built-in wireless connectivity but lacks Bluetooth or NFC, limiting seamless mobile device integration.

The Sony a6500 provides built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth tap-and-transfer functionality, enhancing ease of image sharing, remote control, and firmware updates.

Putting It All Together: Overall Scores and Specializations

Taking into account sensor quality, autofocus, handling, lens compatibility, video, and more, here is a comparative scoring overview based on rigorous testing data.

Discipline-Specific Performance: Who Excels Where?

Portrait Photography:
The Sony’s larger sensor grants superior skin tone rendition and background separation. Eye detection AF is a big boon for critical focus. Olympus still delivers creamy bokeh via its smaller sensor combined with fast primes but lacks eye-detection precision.

Landscape Photography:
Dynamic range advantages help the Sony pull more detail from shadows and highlights. Weather sealing adds durability outdoors. Olympus offers lighter gear for hiking but compensates less at base ISO range.

Wildlife Photography:
The Sony’s rapid continuous AF, deeper buffer, and higher burst rate make it a reliable choice for chasing animals in motion. Olympus’s autofocus struggles with speed and tracking.

Sports Photography:
Similar to wildlife, the Sony’s specs align well with fast sport action. The Olympus can work for slower paced sports but is less confident in rapidly changing scenes.

Street Photography:
Olympus’s small size and discreet styling are attractive. The lens system includes many compact primes favorable for candid shooting. Sony’s EVF and faster AF give it an edge in low light and quick snaps with confidence.

Macro Photography:
Both cameras rely on lens choice here. Olympus’s body stabilization synergizes with macro lenses for handheld use. Sony’s sensor size helps in resolving minute detail.

Night and Astrophotography:
Sony’s low-light ISO performance stands out, with less noise and higher dynamic range beneficial in dark conditions. Olympus can function but is more limited by sensor size.

Video Capabilities:
Sony remains the clear winner with 4K support, advanced codecs, and microphone input versus Olympus’s basic Full HD offering.

Travel Photography:
Olympus’s compactness, weight, and versatile MFT lenses appeal to travelers valuing portability. Sony’s slightly heavier body is balanced by higher performance and better low light capture.

Professional Work:
Sony offers robust RAW support, file formats, and reliability needed for professional assignments. Olympus can serve as a secondary or creative tool rather than a primary pro camera.

Real-World Image Samples

To illustrate these points, here are side-by-side samples from both cameras:

Olympus E P5 front Olympus E P5 screen back Sony A6500 front Sony A6500 screen back

Notice the finer detail, cleaner shadows, and smoother gradations on Sony images compared to those from Olympus.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both the Olympus PEN E-P5 and Sony Alpha a6500 have earned their reputations as capable mirrorless cameras, but they serve largely different audiences and use cases.

• Choose the Olympus E-P5 if you desire a compact, stylish system with excellent lens options, sensor-based stabilization, and direct manual controls suitable for street, travel, and casual portrait work on a budget. Its limitations in autofocus speed and video may pose hurdles for more demanding applications.

• Opt for the Sony A6500 if you need a versatile, high-performance APS-C camera able to deliver excellent image quality, fast and reliable autofocus, robust video capabilities, and moderate weather resistance for professional, wildlife, sports, or hybrid shooting scenarios where speed and detail are paramount.

Understanding the technical underpinnings and practical strengths illuminated here helps you select a camera aligned with your photographic aspirations and shooting habits. If you lean toward a lightweight, elegant everyday camera, the Olympus PEN E-P5 remains a worthy contender at its price point. For a more future-proof, all-around powerhouse, the Sony a6500 justifies its premium with compelling advances born from modern sensor and AF technologies.

Ultimately, both cameras reaffirm the dynamic evolution of mirrorless systems and the diversity of photographic tools available to enthusiasts today. I hope this comparative analysis empowers you to make an informed, confident choice - after all, the best camera is always the one that inspires you to create.

Happy shooting!