Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony W800: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing a camera is often a personal journey that blends your photographic goals, budget, and preferences. Today, I’ll walk you through a detailed comparison between two quite different cameras: the Olympus PEN E-PL2 mirrorless from 2011 and the compact Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800 from 2014. While they occupy distinct categories - an entry-level Micro Four Thirds mirrorless system and a simple point-and-shoot compact, respectively - considering them side-by-side helps clarify what you get for your money and how each performs in diverse photographic scenarios.

I’ve tested both extensively in the field, focusing on image quality, handling, autofocus, and practical application across genres - portrait to wildlife, landscapes to video - backed by technical measurements and real-world shooting experience. By the end, you’ll know which suits your needs best.

Let’s start with an overview of their physical differences.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Build Quality

The Olympus E-PL2 is a compact rangefinder-style mirrorless camera sporting a classic design, whereas the Sony W800 is a slab-style small sensor compact camera.

You can immediately see the size and heft difference - Olympus is larger and heavier (362g versus Sony’s mere 125g), reflecting their different sensor technologies and handling ambitions.

The E-PL2’s body measures 114 x 72 x 42 mm, allowing a more substantial grip and a modular feel. It feels solid in hand, with easy-to-reach buttons and a good tactile response. Meanwhile, the W800, at 97 x 55 x 21 mm, is designed to slip effortlessly into pockets - ultra-portable but lacking physical controls.

Look at the top control layout: The PEN showcases a dedicated mode dial and a shutter release surrounded by a power switch - classic Olympus ergonomics. The Sony, conversely, employs minimal physical buttons, relying heavily on automatic modes and a simplified user interface.

Build quality-wise, neither camera has weather sealing, but the Olympus’ metal alloy construction feels more durable than the mostly plastic-bodied Sony W800. If you want a camera to take serious outdoor abuse, the PEN’s build is a slight advantage.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Onto what really matters for image quality - the sensor technology.

The Olympus E-PL2 uses a Four Thirds sensor sized at 17.3 x 13 mm with 12 megapixels. Importantly, this sensor is significantly larger than the Sony’s 1/2.3” CCD sensor at 6.17 x 4.55 mm, which offers a 20-megapixel resolution.

On paper, the Sony has more megapixels; however, the considerably smaller sensor size means smaller individual pixels and consequently more noise, less dynamic range, and lower color depth - especially in low light.

Olympus offers a maximum ISO of 6400 native and features sensor-based stabilization, aiding handheld performance and image sharpness. Sony caps at ISO 3200 and relies on optical stabilization through the lens.

From practical tests, the E-PL2 outperforms the Sony W800 in image quality, with more detail retention, better colors, and especially superior low light performance. The Olympus achieves cleaner shadows and has a better dynamic range (~10.2 EV versus an unknown but noticeably lower figure on the Sony), producing images with more natural tonality in high contrast scenes.

For landscape and portrait shooters prioritizing image fidelity, the Olympus is the clear winner here.

LCD Screens and Interface: Your Direct Connection to the Image

Looking through the device interface is crucial for any photographer. The E-PL2 sports a 3.0-inch fixed HyperCrystal LCD with anti-reflective coating and 460k dots, while the Sony’s LCD is 2.7 inches with only 230k dots resolution.

The Olympus offers a brighter, clearer display, making it easier to frame shots outdoors in bright conditions. The Sony’s lower resolution screen and smaller size show more pixelation and are less useful in direct sunlight.

Neither camera features a touchscreen or articulating screen, which at their price points and release times is expected. The E-PL2, however, supports live view and has a more versatile interface with manual controls and exposure options, giving seasoned users freedom, something the Sony notably lacks.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

Autofocus is where the difference between a mirrorless system and a compact point-and-shoot becomes especially evident.

The Olympus E-PL2 utilizes contrast-detection autofocus with 11 focus points and supports face detection, continuous autofocus, and tracking capabilities. Meanwhile, the Sony W800 has a simpler AF system with unspecified focus points but offers basic center-weighted AF and face detection, albeit without continuous or tracking modes.

In practical terms, the E-PL2 locks focus faster - especially in challenging lighting - and tracks moving subjects more reliably. It also enables selective AF area choice, which is useful for macro or selective focusing needs.

Sony’s autofocus excels for casual daylight snapshots but struggles with moving targets or low contrast scenes.

Photography Disciplines: Where Does Each Camera Shine?

Now, let me break down how each camera performs across popular photography genres.

Portrait Photography

Olympus E-PL2’s Four Thirds sensor, 12MP resolution, and good color depth allow for natural skin tones and pleasing background defocus when paired with fast Micro Four Thirds lenses. Its eye-detection and face detection AF supports sharp portraiture. The sensor-based image stabilization helps reduce blur from handshake in dim lighting, preserving detail.

Sony W800, with its smaller sensor, faces challenges producing smooth bokeh and subtle tonal gradations. While face detection works, the limited aperture range (f/3.2 to f/6.4) and fixed lens limits artistic control. Portraits are fine for casual use but fall short for professional or enthusiast needs.

Landscape Photography

Image quality and resolution matter most here. Olympus’ larger sensor and 12MP resolution render landscapes with excellent detail and dynamic range, capturing skies and shadows well. However, it lacks weather sealing, so caution is necessary in harsh conditions.

Sony’s higher resolution sensor is attractive numerically but lacks dynamic range and low noise, leading to less appealing landscape images with potential color banding in skies.

Overall, Olympus takes the crown, especially when paired with quality MFT wide-angle lenses.

Wildlife Photography

For wildlife, speed and telephoto reach are key. Olympus’ contrast AF with 11 points and continuous tracking works reasonably well for slow to medium action but cannot match phase-detect systems for fast-moving animals.

The Sony W800’s 5x zoom (26-130mm equivalent) helps bring distant subjects closer, but the sluggish autofocus and slow max shutter speed (1/1500s) limit sharp images of fast wildlife. Plus, no burst shooting limits capturing action sequences.

If wildlife is your main goal, Olympus is again preferable - but neither camera is ideal for fast-paced animal photography.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, fast autofocus and higher burst rates matter. Olympus supports 3 fps continuous shooting which is modest but usable for casual sports shooting. Autofocus tracking aids capturing active athletes.

Sony only delivers 1 fps burst and lacks continuous AF, essentially relegating it to static or slow action scenes.

Olympus takes the lead for sports despite limitations, simply because the W800’s autofocus and speed are too limited.

Street Photography

Size and discretion are vital here. Sony’s compact size and light weight make it a natural street shooter’s companion, easily pocketed and subtle. Olympus is noticeably larger but still manageable.

Low-light performance favors Olympus for nighttime street shots, thanks to its sensor and stabilization. However, Sony auto modes can sometimes capture quick snapshots without fuss.

If you prioritize stealth and simplicity, Sony wins; for better quality and flexibility, Olympus is better.

Macro Photography

Olympus offers selective autofocus and sensor stabilization, aiding macro shooting with compatible MFT macro lenses. Focus accuracy is superior, making intricate close-ups possible.

Sony W800 does not support manual focus, has limited macro range, and lower precision autofocus, so macro shots tend to be average.

For macro enthusiasts, Olympus is definitely the better pick.

Night/Astro Photography

Here, sensor size and ISO performance govern success. Olympus shines with max ISO 6400 native, sensor stabilization, and full manual exposure modes allowing extended shutter times.

Sony caps at ISO 3200 and lacks manual exposure controls, limiting star or night sky capture.

Olympus wins handily for night and astro photography.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras shoot 720p HD video at 30fps - standard but now considered minimal.

Olympus uses Motion JPEG format with sensor-based stabilization, resulting in steadier footage than Sony’s optical stabilization.

Sony outputs AVI MPEG4 video but lacks HDMI connectivity or external mic jacks. Olympus features HDMI out but no mic input.

Neither is ideal for serious video, but Olympus edges ahead with more control and stabilization.

Travel Photography

Travel photography rewards versatility, size, and battery life. Sony’s tiny size and light weight are clear benefits for carry-on convenience, and support for multiple storage media is a plus.

Olympus is bulkier but offers interchangeable lenses and better image quality, plus a longer battery life (about 280 shots versus unknown on Sony).

Travelers wanting small kit with decent quality might opt for Sony; those prioritizing photographic quality should consider Olympus.

Professional Work

For professional use, file format options and reliability matter. Olympus supports RAW shooting, allowing flexible post-processing, while Sony W800 lacks RAW support entirely.

Also, Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds ecosystem offers extensive lens options and accessories; Sony is fixed lens and limited.

The Olympus E-PL2 is far better suited for professional workflows.

Technical Feature Comparison: Delving Deeper

Sample Images: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

To truly appreciate differences, check this gallery of images captured under various conditions with both cameras.

Olympus E PL2 front Olympus E PL2 screen back Sony W800 front Sony W800 screen back

Note the richer color rendition, finer detail, and cleaner shadows on Olympus shots compared to Sony’s noisier, slightly softer images. Skin tones and bokeh effects on the Olympus portraits are more natural, while Sony excels in broad daylight snapshots with high resolution detail but lacking subtlety in tonal transitions.

Overall Performance Ratings

This performance chart summarizes each camera’s capabilities, synthesizing technical tests and practical use.

The Olympus E-PL2 scores solidly across most categories - particularly image quality, handling, and versatility - while the Sony W800 scores lower due to sensor and feature limitations but benefits from portability and simplicity.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Understanding strengths in individual photography types helps match a camera to your style.

Olympus leads in portraits, landscapes, night photography, and professional use. Sony holds its own in street and casual travel photography where size and ease matter most.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• Choose the Olympus E-PL2 if:

  • You want superior image quality and a larger sensor.
  • You value interchangeable lenses and manual controls.
  • You shoot portraits, landscapes, macro, wildlife, or low light regularly.
  • You plan to shoot RAW and desire flexibility in editing.
  • You need better autofocus and video stabilization.
  • Weight and pocketability are secondary to performance.

• Choose the Sony W800 if:

  • You want ultra-compact portability and simplicity.
  • Casual snapshots in daylight are your main focus.
  • You don’t need manual controls or RAW support.
  • Budget is tight (usually under $100).
  • You prefer a ready-to-use camera with minimal setup.

Final Thoughts Based on Experience

In my field testing, the Olympus E-PL2 consistently delivered results closer to what pros and serious enthusiasts expect, with a sensor size and imaging pipeline that outclassed small-sensor compacts like the Sony W800. The latter is a fine device for beginners or as a second camera when size matters most.

If you’ve got the opportunity to handle both, note how the Olympus feels more like a precision tool, whereas the Sony feels like a lightweight casual point-and-shoot. The difference in image quality cannot be overstated - it’s the sensor size and processing that drive this.

For video, both cameras are entry-level, but Olympus’ sensor stabilization gives it a modest edge for handheld shooting.

Closing Advice

When balancing budget, size, and image quality, the Olympus E-PL2 emerges as a worthwhile investment if you can stretch to it. Its Micro Four Thirds platform provides a path to growth and creative control. The Sony W800 is best viewed as a convenient pocket camera for everyday snapshots, not a lifelong photographic companion.

Remember, photographic goals differ greatly. So, consider what matters most - Is it ultimate image quality and flexibility? Or light weight and simple operation? This guides your choice far more effectively than specs alone.

I hope this deep dive helps you make an informed decision. Happy shooting!

• Your experienced camera reviewer with over 15 years behind the lens and in the lab.