Olympus PEN E-P5 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W620: A Detailed Comparison for Photographers in 2024

Choosing between the Olympus PEN E-P5 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W620 takes us on a fascinating journey through two distinct classes of cameras. Released within a year of each other - Olympus in late 2013 and Sony in early 2012 - they target very different users and photography needs. As someone who has evaluated thousands of cameras across genres and price points, I’m excited to unpack their real-world performance, technical capabilities, and best use cases to guide you toward the ideal choice.

Let’s break down these two cameras - one a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless system camera and the other a compact point-and-shoot - and see how they stack up across size, image quality, handling, autofocus, video, and more.

Size and Ergonomics: Mirrorless vs Compact Convenience

First impressions matter, and when you pick up the Olympus E-P5 and Sony W620 side by side, size and feel immediately set them apart.

The Olympus E-P5 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless with robust build dimensions (122 × 69 × 37 mm) and a solid weight of 420g. It features a classic retro-modern design that feels substantial but not bulky in hand. The slightly larger grip profile improves handling, especially if you pair it with Olympus’ excellent Micro Four Thirds lenses. In my hands, its solid metal body instills confidence and ease for prolonged shoots.

In contrast, the Sony W620 is an ultra-portable compact (98 × 56 × 20 mm) weighing just 116g. It slips effortlessly into a pocket - a benefit for spontaneous travel or casual shooting when carrying a dedicated camera is impractical. However, the trade-off is reduced manual control and smaller physical buttons, which can be fiddly if you like tactile feedback.

Both have their appeal: the E-P5 shines in ergonomics for creative control, while the W620’s pocketability is hard to beat if you always want something in hand.

Top Controls and User Interface: Hands-On Experience

Digging deeper into usability, the control layouts reflect each camera’s intended audience.

The E-P5 boasts dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and a customizable control lever - a photographer’s toolkit at your fingertips. Its top plate clarity and illuminated buttons (though limited) help in dim conditions. The tactile feedback here is satisfying, and after some practical testing, I found switching between manual, aperture, and shutter priority modes quick and intuitive.

Conversely, the Sony W620 relies heavily on an automatic shooting philosophy. It lacks manual exposure modes altogether, with a single dial and minimal buttons. No touchscreen or flip-out screen either. While the simplicity suits casual users or beginners, enthusiasts will find this limiting, especially for street or artistic photography where control over depth of field or shutter speed is crucial.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

There’s no beating around the bush when it comes to image quality - sensor size, type, and processing play leading roles.

The Olympus E-P5 is equipped with a 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm (sensor area ~225mm²), which is substantially larger than the Sony W620’s tiny 14MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, ~28mm²). This nearly eightfold difference in sensor area directly translates to improved dynamic range, color depth, and noise control.

DxOMark rates the E-P5 with a respectable overall score of 72, highlighting excellent color depth (22.8 bits) and dynamic range (12.4 EV stops). Low-light performance tops out around ISO 895 for clean results, which is solid for a 2013-era Micro Four Thirds.

The Sony W620 doesn’t have DxOMark scores - no surprise given its budget compact class - but with the 1/2.3" sensor technology, you’ll find higher noise levels at ISO 800 or above, compressed dynamic range, and less nuanced color gradations. Its CCD sensor isn’t optimized for low light, making it best suited for daylight shots. Maximum ISO tops at 3200, but usable images rarely surpass ISO 800.

In real-world testing, the E-P5 delivers finely detailed files with excellent highlight retention - ideal for professional portraiture and landscapes - while the W620 produces softer images that suffice for casual snapshots.

LCD Screen and Live View Experience

How you frame and review your images is essential, especially in mirrorless and compact cameras.

The Olympus E-P5 features a 3-inch tilting, capacitive touchscreen LCD with 1,037k-dot resolution, providing sharp, vibrant previews and flexible angles for shooting at odd perspectives. Touch AF and menu navigation enhance speed during shoots. My personal workflow benefits from this tilting screen for low-angle street shots or macro work.

The Sony W620’s fixed 2.7-inch Clear Photo TFT LCD has a modest 230k-dot resolution. It’s bright enough outdoors but lacks touch responsiveness and articulation. Framing can be a bit rigid, and while the live view is available, the absence of touchscreen AF slows focus adjustments.

If a viewfinder is critical, neither camera includes a built-in EVF, although Olympus offers optional electronic viewfinders for their PEN series - a popular accessory among enthusiasts.

Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

For capturing fleeting moments or fast action, autofocus capabilities cannot be overlooked.

The Olympus E-P5 uses a contrast-detection AF system with 35 focus points and face detection, offering several AF modes including single, continuous, tracking, and selective AF. Although it lacks phase-detection pixels, the proprietary TruePic VI processor excellently balances speed and accuracy. In my use, it locks focus reliably in good light and sustains tracking for moving subjects in wildlife and sports scenarios - a key practical advantage.

The Sony W620 relies on contrast-detection AF with limited area coverage and does not support continuous AF or manual focus. Face detection is present but rudimentary. AF speed is slow compared to mirrorless or DSLR systems, and focusing hunting in low contrast or low light is more frequent. Continuous shooting caps at 1 fps, so there’s little room for action or wildlife photography.

If autofocus performance matters to you beyond casual snapshots, the Olympus is the clear winner.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

Nothing defines a camera system more than the quality and variety of lenses.

Using the Micro Four Thirds mount, the Olympus E-P5 taps into a rich ecosystem boasting 107 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party manufacturers. This includes fast primes for portraits, ultra-wide lenses for landscapes, telephoto zooms for wildlife, and dedicated macro optics. The versatility is extraordinary. I particularly appreciate Olympus’s acclaimed 5-axis sensor stabilization working in tandem with optical/image stabilization in lenses for tack-sharp shots handheld.

By contrast, the Sony W620 sports a fixed 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens with an aperture range of f/3.2–6.5. It covers typical everyday focal lengths but can’t be swapped out or upgraded. Its slow aperture limits depth of field control for artistic effects and low-light gathering. Macro focus is decent at 5cm but not outstanding.

For those wanting freedom to experiment or specialise, the Olympus is vastly superior.

Continuous Shooting, Shutter Speeds, and Burst Rates

Action photographers take note: frame rate and shutter capabilities can make or break your shots.

Olympus E-P5 offers burst shooting at 9 fps using the mechanical shutter, with shutter speed range from 1/60 sec to 1/8000 sec including shutter priority and manual exposure modes. Unfortunately, it lacks an electronic silent shutter mode that is common in newer models, but for 2013, the responsiveness is excellent.

The Sony W620 supports only 1 fps continuous shooting, which eliminates serious sports or wildlife applications. Its shutter speed is limited to a max of 1/1600 sec and minimum of 2 sec, making long exposures less flexible.

For dynamic shooting, the E-P5 is again the stronger tool.

Video Capabilities in Everyday Use

While photography is the primary concern here, today’s cameras need to be video-capable as well.

Olympus E-P5 records Full HD 1920x1080 video at 30p, using efficient H.264 compression. Although there’s no microphone or headphone jacks, its sensor stabilization helps handheld movie shooting by smoothing jittery footage. The tilting screen aids video composing creatively.

Sony W620 can only capture HD 1280x720 video at 30fps, outputting Motion JPEG files - which are larger and less efficient than H.264. No external mic input and weaker stabilization again limits video quality.

Neither camera will satisfy a serious videographer but the E-P5 provides a more versatile entry-level video experience.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

If you’re on the go or traveling, how long your camera lasts is critical.

The Olympus E-P5 offers approximately 330 shots per charge using the standard battery - typical for mirrorless types with larger sensors. While not spectacular, carrying a spare battery is prudent for longer outings.

Sony W620’s battery gets about 220 shots per charge, which is modest but acceptable given the smaller sensor and LCD.

Both support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the Sony also uniquely accepts Memory Stick formats and microSD cards, granting some flexible storage options if you have varied media on hand.

Wireless Features and Connectivity

In an increasingly connected world, built-in wireless is a natural expectation.

Olympus E-P5 includes built-in Wi-Fi (no Bluetooth or NFC), allowing image sharing and remote control via Olympus’s app. USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs are present for tethered shooting and external monitoring.

Sony W620 offers “Eye-Fi Connected” capability, meaning it can wirelessly transfer images from compatible Eye-Fi memory cards but lacks built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - a dated setup by modern standards. USB 2.0 is available but no HDMI output limits external display options.

If wireless convenience matters to you, the E-P5 beats the W620 easily.

Durability and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers serious weather sealing, crushproof, or freezeproof construction. The Olympus E-P5’s metal body does impart a durability edge over the plastic-bodied Sony W620, but both require caution in harsh environments.

Price-to-Performance Analysis: What You Get for Your Money

Looking at current prices - roughly $389 for the Olympus E-P5 and about $102 for the Sony W620 (used or discounted) - you are paying a premium for Micro Four Thirds mirrorless performance versus basic compact simplicity.

The E-P5’s feature set justifies its price for enthusiasts or pros needing creative control, superior image quality, and system expandability. The Sony W620’s ultra-low cost and point-and-shoot ease appeal to budget buyers or absolute beginners wanting something better than a smartphone but without fuss.

It’s important to buy with realistic expectations: the Sony is a casual camera; the Olympus is an entry-level professional tool.

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres

The true test is matching camera capabilities to your photography passions. Below is a broad evaluation supported by my hands-on experience and point-based assessments.

Olympus E P5 front Olympus E P5 screen back Sony W620 front Sony W620 screen back

Portrait Photography

The Olympus E-P5 shines here with its 16MP chip, face detection AF, and excellent color reproduction allowing natural skin tones. Its sensor combined with fast primes creates beautiful bokeh and sharp subject isolation. Eye detection isn’t available but face AF is reliable.

Sony W620’s small sensor and slow lens aperture limit bokeh and fine detail. Casual snapshots are fine but professional or artistic portraiture is challenging.

Landscape Photography

E-P5’s wide dynamic range and resolution capture rich detail in shadows and highlights. Combined with weather lens options, it’s excellent for landscape enthusiasts.

Sony W620’s compressed dynamic range and limited ISO tuning means landscapes appear flat and less nuanced.

Wildlife Photography

E-P5 offers fast AF tracking, 9 fps burst, and telephoto lens compatibility ideal for discreet wildlife shots. The camera performs admirably in good lighting.

W620’s autofocus and 1 fps burst cannot keep pace with moving animals.

Sports Photography

E-P5’s continuous AF and high shutter speeds help freeze action; 9 fps continuous shooting allows capturing peak moments.

Sony W620 unsuitable due to slow AF and frame rate.

Street Photography

Both models offer quiet operation and compactness (W620 more so). E-P5’s manual control and tilting screen aid creative compositions; W620 is a go-to for sneaker-pocket candid shots but compromises control.

Macro Photography

E-P5 triumphs thanks to interchangeable macro lenses and 5-axis stabilization.

Sony W620 offers fixed-lens macro capability with minimum focus of 5cm, but detail and quality are limited.

Night/Astro Photography

E-P5’s higher ISO range and imaging quality allow usable night shots; long exposures possible with manual controls.

W620 struggles in low light due to sensor size and slow lens.

Video Recording

As noted, E-P5 provides Full HD with image stabilization; W620 limited to HD 720p without stabilization.

Travel Photography

E-P5 offers great versatility with multiple lenses and moderate size; Sony W620 prized for pocketability and simplicity but at the cost of image quality.

Professional Work

E-P5’s RAW support, manual controls, and build quality are fit for professional work requiring file flexibility and reliability.

Sony W620 doesn’t support RAW or manual modes, so it falls short here.

The Final Word: Which Should You Choose?

If you’re reading this, chances are you value photographic control, image quality, and creative flexibility. The Olympus PEN E-P5 clearly holds the upper hand for enthusiasts and professionals who want a serious camera budget around $400. It offers superior image quality, faster and more accurate autofocus, a broad lens selection, and manual exposure control - all key factors in delivering consistently excellent results across disciplines.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W620, while a superbly compact and inexpensive snapshot camera, suits casual users prioritizing size and ease of use over image quality and versatility. If you want a simple camera for family events, travel snapshots, or beginners needing point and shoot functionality, it does the job.

Personal Takeaways and Recommendations

• Want a creative Micro Four Thirds system with pro features, RAW files, and advanced controls? Olympus E-P5 is your better pick. It’s compact but powerful, with an excellent lens eco-system.
• Need a budget-friendly, pocketable camera for travel, quick snaps, or as a beginner’s first camera? Sony W620 is a no-brainer.
• Portraits, landscape, wildlife, and professional workflow-friendly camera? Olympus dominates here.
• Casual snapshots, street photography on the fly without fuss? Sony wins in portability but lags in performance.
• Video hobbyist wanting decent Full HD with stabilization? Olympus E-P5.
• Sports/action shooters needing fast burst and reliable AF tracking? Olympus E-P5 makes the cut.

In my experience, the Olympus PEN E-P5 remains a compelling option for photographers serious about image quality and control without breaking the bank. The Sony W620 belongs in a different league but can be a trusty pocket companion.

After all, cameras are tools to express your vision - the more capable your tool, the more creative your possibilities.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you find your perfect photographic partner.

Happy shooting!