Olympus E-P5 vs Sony A77 II: A Hands-On Comparison for Serious Photographers

Choosing between an Olympus PEN E-P5 and a Sony A77 II is less about which one is “better” and more about which camera aligns with your photographic style, needs, and budget. Having spent countless hours testing both mirrorless and DSLR cameras across genres, I found this matchup especially interesting. They come from different worlds: the compact Micro Four Thirds mirrorless realm vs the bulkier mid-level APS-C DSLR - yet both promise solid image quality and versatility.

I’ll take you through everything, from sensors and autofocus to real-world performance across portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and more. Along the way, I’ll sprinkle in some tips from my own shootouts, so you get a clear picture beyond spec sheets. Plus, we’ll look at handling, lens options, video chops - all the nitty-gritty that really influences your experience in the field.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Handling

Handling a camera for a day (or many) always tells you a lot - more than data ever could. Olympus’s E-P5 is feather-light and pocketable compared to the Sony A77 II. The PEN looks more like a classic rangefinder, with a minimalistic body that fits snugly in smaller bags. The Olympus measures a neat 122x69x37 mm and weighs just 420 g - great for travel or street photography when you want to keep a low profile.

Meanwhile, the Sony A77 II screams DSLR with its bigger, chunkier presence measuring 143x104x81 mm and weighing 647 g. It’s a club for your thumbs - hand-filling but comfortable for longer shoots, with deep grips and robust controls. If you’re used to DSLRs, the Sony will immediately feel familiar, and its top-heavy heft actually helps stabilize whichever heavy telephoto lens you mount.

Ergonomically, the Sony takes the cake with plentiful, well-placed dials and buttons, including a helpful top screen for quick info glance. The Olympus opts for a simpler control layout but adds a slick tilting touchscreen that’s responsive and intuitive - bonus points for those who like touch-to-focus or framing shots with one hand.

Verdict: If portability and style matter, E-P5 is your pick. For ergonomic control and a more traditional DSLR grip, Sony A77 II wins hands down.

Sensor Performance & Image Quality: Medium Format Efficiency vs Higher Resolution

Diving under the hood, sensor technology often dictates image quality, dynamic range, and low-light capability. Olympus’s E-P5 houses a 16MP Four Thirds sensor (17.3x13 mm), whereas the Sony A77 II boasts a much larger 24MP APS-C sensor (23.5x15.6 mm).

Why does sensor size matter? In short, larger sensors generally gather more light, offer better noise performance, and yield richer colors with wider dynamic range. This is evident in their respective DxOMark scores: Olympus scores a decent 72, while Sony impresses with 82 overall.

• Dynamic Range: Sony’s 13.4 EV easily surpasses Olympus’s 12.4 EV. Landscape and high-contrast shooters will enjoy Sony’s extra “breathing room” to pull details from shadows and highlights.
• Color Depth: Sony’s 24.4 bits vs Olympus’s 22.8 bits mean more tonal gradation, smoother skin tones, and better color rendition - great news for portrait and studio work.
• Low Light ISO: Sony’s ISO sensitivity shines with a low-light score of 1013, outperforming Olympus’s 895 by a nice margin. Practically, this translates to cleaner images at higher ISO - critical for indoor, astrophotography, or late-night shoots.

My testing notes: In controlled lab setups and real-world shoots, Sony’s images looked noticeably cleaner at ISO 3200 and above. Shadows retained detail without introducing heavy grain, while the E-P5’s images started to soften and noise crept in earlier - though forgive it, given the m4/3 smaller chip.

Resolution-wise, Sony's 6000x4000 pixel output provides more cropping flexibility or larger prints, while Olympus's 4608x3456 is plenty for common print sizes and web use.

Verdict: For image quality purists prioritizing dynamic range and low-light strength, the Sony A77 II sensor is a clear winner. The Olympus sensor holds its own but doesn't push the envelope.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking the Action

A camera’s autofocus system can make or break a shoot - especially for wildlife, sports, or kids on the move. The E-P5 utilizes a contrast-detection AF system with 35 focus points, relying on analyzing image contrast to lock focus. In contrast, the Sony A77 II uses a sophisticated hybrid AF combining phase and contrast detection with 79 focus points (15 cross-type).

From hands-on experience, this difference shows up clearly in performance:

• Sony A77 II:
  • Quick, snappy autofocus with excellent subject tracking and predictive focus.
  • Continuous AF in burst mode doesn’t miss a beat; ideal for fast sports or wildlife.
  • Effective eye-detection and face tracking more reliable.
• Olympus E-P5:
  • Autofocus is responsive but slower in fast action or low light.
  • Contrast AF inherently struggles to keep pace with moving subjects.
  • Live view touch AF offers convenience but less precision for sports.

Burst rates also complement AF speed. Sony’s 12 fps absolutely crushes Olympus’s respectable but slower 9 fps, letting you capture critical moments like bird flight or sporting sprints.

In the field: Shooting a soccer match, the Sony locked onto the players’ faces and kept them sharp through rapid movement and erratic motion. The Olympus was better suited for posed portraits or slower subjects as I had to recompose and re-focus more frequently.

Verdict: For fast action shooters - animals, sports, events - Sony A77 II’s AF system and burst speed provide a competitive advantage that’s genuinely noticeable.

Screens and Viewfinders: Framing Your Shot

Both cameras provide live view, tiltable screens, and electronic viewfinders (EVF), but implementation differs:

• The Olympus E-P5 ships with a 3” 3:2 aspect 1037k-dot touchscreen LCD, tilting upwards and downwards. It lacks a built-in EVF but supports an optional external unit.
• The Sony A77 II offers a larger 3” fully articulated screen with 1229k dots, which flips out variably - great for low or high-angle shooting. Unlike Olympus, Sony features a bright, high-res electronic viewfinder with 2359k-dot resolution and 100% coverage.

I found Sony’s EVF useful for composing in bright sunlight where LCD screens struggle. Olympus’s optional EVF attachment adds size and cost and doesn’t quite match Sony’s built-in experience.

Touchscreen functionality on Olympus is smoother for intuitive focus and menu navigation, while Sony relies on buttons and dials, which pros often prefer for precision and speed.

Verdict: Sony’s EVF and articulated screen combo is superior for most photography situations, but Olympus’s touchscreen adds a user-friendly edge for casual shooters.

Built and Weather Sealing: Ruggedness for the Field

Sony’s A77 II incorporates weather sealing (though not full waterproofing), building a robust body ready for more physically demanding conditions - virtually mandatory for outdoor sports and wildlife photographers.

The Olympus E-P5 offers no environmental sealing; it’s a delicately engineered camera that demands more care and less exposure to dust or rain.

For tough terrain or inclement weather, Sony is the safer bet.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount Compatibility

Choosing a camera is only half the story; lenses shape your creative potential.

• Olympus E-P5 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, which boasts a rich array of over 100 native lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, and others. Available lenses range from ultra-compact primes to high-performing telephotos, making the system portable and versatile.

• Sony A77 II is compatible with the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, an extensive lineage that includes many 143 lens options, covering professional Zeiss glass, Sony G-series lenses, and third-party options from Sigma and Tamron. The APS-C format also benefits from lenses designed for larger sensors, typically offering better optical quality.

Because of sensor size differences, depth of field and bokeh characteristics vary:

• Micro Four Thirds system lenses tend to have to work harder for shallow depth of field due to smaller sensor size.
• APS-C lenses, paired with larger sensors, naturally yield more subject-background separation and creamy bokeh - significant for portrait and macro shooters.

Verdict: Both systems have mature lens ecosystems. Olympus is leaner and more portable; Sony offers a broader selection of top-tier optics suited for specialized needs.

Battery Life and Storage

If you’re shooting a full day, battery life counts.

• Olympus E-P5 rates around 330 shots per charge (CIPA), fairly typical for mirrorless cameras of that era. Plan to swap batteries or carry spares if you shoot extensively.
• Sony A77 II, as a DSLR-based system, extends to 480 shots per charge, giving you more freedom before hunting the charger.

Storage-wise, both depend primarily on SD cards, but Sony adds compatibility with Memory Stick Pro formats - handy if you already have those cards lying around.

Connectivity and Extras

Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi but lack Bluetooth. Sony packs NFC for effortless pairing with compatible devices, while Olympus does not.

For video, the Sony supports better video standards with 1080p at 60fps, multiple codecs (AVCHD, MPEG-4, XAVC S), and a microphone input - a big plus if you want quality sound recording alongside video.

Olympus offers 1080p at 30fps with H.264 but no external mic jack, limiting videographers a bit.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portrait shooters care deeply about skin rendering, autofocus precision on the eyes, and background separation.

• Sony’s larger sensor and wealth of medium-telephoto lenses give it an edge in creamy, flattering bokeh and sharp eye detection.
• Olympus relies on in-body 5-axis image stabilization to keep shots sharp hand-held, which helps but can’t fully bridge the sensor size gap.
• Both cameras shoot in RAW for flexibility in skin tone tweaks.

In practical terms: portraits taken with Sony appear more “3D,” with richer colors and shallower depth of field. Olympus images tend to have slightly softer background blur, which some may prefer in certain contexts but don't expect ultra-creamy effect.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Sealing

Sony’s wider dynamic range supports deeper shadow recovery, crucial in high-contrast scenes - say a sunlit mountain against a dark forest.

I also appreciated the A77 II’s weather sealing when shooting alpine and coastal conditions, whereas the Olympus had to stay under shelter or risk damage.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Frame Rates Put to the Test

Sony’s higher burst rate and advanced AF shine. Tracking flying birds or runners felt smooth and accurate, capturing sharp frames consistently.

Olympus manages fine for occasional action shots but won’t match Sony for sustained fast shooting or tricky focus subjects.

Street and Travel Photography: Size, Stealth, and Battery Tradeoffs

Here Olympus’s light body and tilting touchscreen make it a joy for candid, low-profile shooting - no intimidating DSLR bulk.

Battery life is a quandary for travel: Sony lasts longer but requires the heftier package; Olympus is easier to carry but demands battery swaps mid-day.

Macro and Night Photography: Stabilization and High ISO

Olympus’s in-body stabilization (5-axis) is a standout for handheld macro or night scenes, often eliminating the need for a tripod.

Sony’s high ISO performance is top-notch but lacks IBIS, so requires steady hands or support for long exposures.

Video Capabilities: Which shoots better video?

Sony clearly targets hybrid shooters with professional video tools: Full HD at 60 fps, mic input, and multiple codecs.

Olympus is more basic in this arena, fine for casual HD clips but not the best choice for serious videography.

Professional Use, Reliability, and Workflow

The Sony A77 II integrates well with pro workflows, supporting tethered shooting, multiple RAW formats, and dual card slot options (with adapters).

Olympus’s smaller system leans more towards enthusiasts than pros with demanding output needs.

Summary Scorecard and Recommendations

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Suits You?

Choose the Olympus PEN E-P5 if:

• You want a compact, lightweight camera that’s easy to carry everywhere.
• Your primary focus is casual to enthusiast photography: portraits, travel, street.
• You appreciate user-friendly touch interfaces and value in-body stabilization.
• You’re budget-conscious but still want good image quality and solid features.
• Video is a nice bonus, but not a priority.

Choose the Sony A77 II if:

• You need a robust, weather-sealed camera ready for demanding outdoor and pro shoots.
• Your focus includes fast action, wildlife, sports, and need for high burst rates.
• You want superior image quality, dynamic range, and low light performance.
• Video is important and you require microphone input and advanced recording options.
• You’re investing in a comprehensive lens ecosystem with professional-grade glass.

Closing Anecdote

I once took both cameras to a wedding shoot with unpredictable weather, fast-moving kids, and dimly lit venues. The Sony’s fast AF and 12fps helped me nail critical moments, while the Olympus was a discreet sidekick for artistically framed portraits and street shots outside. Both produced lovely images, but the Sony gave me flexibility and confidence in more challenging conditions.

Ultimately, the Olympus E-P5 is a joyful, capable tool for those who value mobility and creativity. The Sony A77 II feels like a powerhouse with pro chops, demanding you trade size for versatility and speed.

Hopefully, this deep dive paints a clear picture to help you pick the perfect camera that fits your style and budget. Happy shooting!

Olympus E P5 front Olympus E P5 screen back Sony A77 II front Sony A77 II screen back