Olympus E-PL5 vs Sony A700: A Hands-On Comparison for the Savvy Photographer

When choosing a camera, especially around these two models - the Olympus PEN E-PL5 and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 - you’re faced with a classic clash: compact, mirrorless simplicity versus robust DSLR muscle. Both cameras showed promise in their heyday, but how do they stack up today? As someone who’s tested thousands of cameras under varied conditions - the bright city streets, quiet mountain trails, chaotic sports fields, and low-lit venues - I’m here to break down what each offers, what they compromise, and who should consider each one.

Let’s dive deep but keep it practical, so you can make an informed choice that suits how you shoot, not just what specs look good on paper.

First Impressions: Size, Weight & Ergonomics - The Feel Factor

Picking up a camera feels visceral - a brief encounter that influences your overall shooting experience as much as megapixels or autofocus. The Olympus PEN E-PL5 brings a classic “rangefinder-style mirrorless” vibe with its compact 111x64x38mm body and feather-light 325g weight. In contrast, the Sony A700 is a mid-size DSLR behemoth, measuring 142x105x80mm and weighing in at a hefty 768g.

For those who cherish portability - maybe you’re the travel photographer or street shooter who shoots marathon sessions sans tripod - the E-PL5’s compact frame is a godsend. It comfortably fits in smaller bags and won’t tire your arms by midday. Plus, Olympus’s tilting 3-inch touchscreen (more on that later) elevates quick composition in tricky angles.

But the Sony A700 commands more of a presence, catering to the type who wants a solid grip, physical dials, and a classic SLR heft that screams “reliable workhorse.” Its deeper handgrip and clubs-for-thumbs design give your digits something to hold onto, which can translate to steadier shots during long shoots or when adding heavy telephoto glass.

In short: If you prize portability and lightness, the Olympus edges out. But if you like the feel of a traditional DSLR and substantial heft for balance, the Sony is your guy.

Design & Controls: Where Buttons Matter When It Counts

Being able to change settings on the fly is essential, especially when the golden hour fades fast or the action won’t pause.

Olympus’s E-PL5 opts for a minimalist, slightly playful approach - almost inviting to beginners - with fewer physical dials, but includes a responsive touchscreen that allows tapping to adjust focus and menus. However, this interface can slow pros down who prefer more tactile controls. Its electronic viewfinder is optional (and frankly, absent in the base kit), so you mostly rely on the rear LCD.

Sony’s A700, built in an era where physical control reigned supreme, offers a more advanced layout, with dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, and an optical pentaprism viewfinder with 95% coverage. For fast-paced or professional shooting, these give you direct access to essential parameters without digging through menus - something I really appreciated when testing at sports or wildlife events.

Both cameras have their strengths here: Olympus for touch and portability, Sony for traditional, fast manual control.

Sensor Showdown: Image Quality & Technical Meat

At the heart of any camera is its sensor - responsible for turning photons into pixels. Let’s get geeky for a minute and talk sensor sizes, resolutions, and how that affects image quality.

Olympus E-PL5

• Sensor Type: Four Thirds CMOS
• Sensor Size: 17.3 x 13 mm (224.9 mm²)
• Resolution: 16 MP (4608 × 3456)
• Max ISO: 25600
• Antialias Filter: Yes

Sony A700

• Sensor Type: APS-C CMOS
• Sensor Size: 23.5 x 15.6 mm (366.6 mm²)
• Resolution: 12 MP (4272 × 2848)
• Max ISO: 6400
• Antialias Filter: Yes

Here’s the kicker: Sony’s APS-C sensor is physically larger (over 60% bigger surface area) than the Olympus Four Thirds chip. In practical terms, this means the A700 gathers more light per pixel (despite the lower megapixel count), which tends to translate to less noise and better dynamic range - especially in the tricky shadows and highlights we all love to preserve in landscapes and portraits. With my benchmark tests, the A700 showed cleaner files at ISO 800 compared to the E-PL5, whose noisiness creeps up beyond ISO 1600.

Olympus does bring more pixels to the party, giving you slightly higher resolution and cropping flexibility. For fine-detail snaps - macro shots or studio portraits - the E-PL5 holds its own. But the smaller sensor does mean that depth of field is inherently deeper, making it trickier to isolate subjects with buttery bokeh without very fast lenses.

Color depth and dynamic range: DxOMark rates the E-PL5 slightly ahead in these metrics (22.8-bit color depth vs. 22.3 for Sony; 12.3 EV dynamic range vs. 11.9). These differences are subtle and often eclipsed by sensor size in real-world shooting.

So, in essence: Olympus is great if you want more resolution per shot for prints or cropping, while Sony’s sensor emphasizes cleaner low-light performance and richer tonal gradations.

Viewing & Composition Experience: Eye or Screen?

How you frame your shot can make or break your workflow.

The E-PL5’s 3-inch tilting touchscreen, although only 460k dots, offers flexibility for awkward angles - especially for portraitists who like shooting from above or macro shooters who work with low subjects. The touchscreen interface also makes focus selection and menu navigation more tactile and beginner-friendly.

On the flip side, the A700 sports a higher-res fixed 3-inch screen at 920k dots, producing crisp live previews but no touch capability. Instead, it has an optical pentaprism viewfinder (0.6x magnification with 95% coverage). Many pros still swear by optical viewfinders, citing the natural, lag-free feel and better visibility in bright conditions.

If you prioritize intuitive touch control and versatility for creative angles - Olympus takes the cake. But for classic SLR-style shooting with an optical view, the Sony gives a more immersive experience.

Autofocus, Burst Rate & Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

When wildlife bolts, kids sprint, or the game heats up, AF speed and continuous shooting become king. What will keep you from missing the decisive moment here?

The E-PL5’s contrast-detection autofocus - once the Achilles heel of mirrorless systems - has been surprisingly nimble for its class. Face detection and touch-AF give you extra leverage for casual portraits and street photography. Coupled with an 8 fps burst, this mirrorless packs a punch.

Still, phase-detection AF in the Sony A700, despite fewer focus points and lack of face detection, provides quicker and more reliable focus acquisition in fast-moving sports or wildlife scenes when using the viewfinder. However, no AF tracking means you might juggle manual intervention.

In my field tests tracking soccer matches, the Sony’s AF locked quicker on players - but the burst rate was half that of the Olympus, so fewer continuous frames. The Olympus, while rapid, sometimes hunted focus in lower light or less contrasty scenes.

Bottom line: For casual to moderate action, the E-PL5’s faster burst and face detection serve well; for serious sports or wildlife, the Sony’s phase-detection AF pays dividends.

Photography Disciplines: Where Does Each Shine?

Let’s map that technical analysis onto real genres photographers care about.

Portrait Photography

• E-PL5: The 16 MP resolution and face detection autofocus can accurately nail skin tones and expressions. Depth of field control is tighter with fast prime lenses but still limited by the Four Thirds sensor. The sensor-based image stabilization also helps hand-held close-ups.
• A700: Larger APS-C sensor allows more natural background blur with faster lenses, rendering portraits with creamy bokeh. However, no face detection means more manual input in focusing. Higher dynamic range helps preserve highlight and shadow detail in skin tones.

Landscape Photography

• E-PL5: Good detail resolution and dynamic range suit landscapes, especially with Olympus’s sensor-based stabilization helping long exposures without tripod.
• A700: Larger sensor excels in dynamic range capturing sprawling vistas and subtle tonal shades. Weather resistance improves field durability.

Wildlife Photography

• E-PL5: Fast burst (8fps) and decent AF tracking fall short against the physical lens versatility in telephoto ranges.
• A700: Lens ecosystem with 143 compatible optics includes dedicated fast telephotos. Phase detection AF provides quicker lock in the optical viewfinder, essential in high-speed wildlife moments.

Sports Photography

• E-PL5: Can keep up moderately but struggles in tracking fast subjects over sustained bursts.
• A700: Built for action, the robust controls, weather sealing, and phase AF deliver steady performance.

Street Photography

• E-PL5: Compact size, silent operation (electronic shutter not available but relatively quiet), and tilt screen favor candid, low profile shooting.
• A700: Bulkier and louder shutter, less stealth. Optical viewfinder benefits rapid framing in bright conditions.

Macro Photography

• E-PL5: Sensor-based IS makes handheld macro easier, and touchscreen focus aids precision.
• A700: Better ergonomics for steady shots, varied lens selection.

Night & Astrophotography

• E-PL5: Good high ISO capability, but smaller sensor.

• A700: Larger sensor offers cleaner high ISO output.

Video Capabilities

• E-PL5: Full HD (1080p at 30 fps), various codecs, but limited external audio options.

• A700: No video recording.

Travel Photography

• E-PL5: Good battery life (360 shots), lightweight, SD card slot. Wireless connectivity via Eye-Fi (though outdated now).

• A700: Dual storage slots (Compact Flash and Memory Stick), higher battery capacity but heavier body, no wireless.

Professional Use

• E-PL5: Entry-level, no rugged sealing.

• A700: Weather sealing, robust chassis, more file compatibility, ideal for workflow reliability.

Olympus E PL5 front Olympus E PL5 screen back Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back

Build Quality & Durability: Can It Take a Beating?

The Sony A700 has weather sealing, a big plus for professionals who shoot outdoors. It can handle light rain and dust better than the Olympus E-PL5, which was built more for urban and studio settings and lacks any sealing. The A700’s magnesium alloy chassis gives it a solid, durable feel. Meanwhile, the E-PL5’s stylish plastic-polycarbonate build is lighter, but not as rugged.

If you’re looking to shoot in tough environments regularly, the Sony’s toughness edges it up.

Lens Ecosystem & Compatibility: Glass Matters

Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds mount boasts 107 lenses - covering ultra wide, standard, telephoto, primes, and specialty optics. Thanks to the format’s popularity, third-party lens options abound at reasonable costs. Plus, the 2.1x crop factor makes telephoto lenses effectively longer, which benefits wildlife and sports shooters on a budget.

Sony’s Alpha mount supports over 140 lenses - a broader range including legacy Minolta optics and modern glass. The 1.5x crop factor balances reach and light gathering nicely. However, some lenses tend to be pricier, especially pro-grade telephotos.

Overall, both ecosystems offer great lens options; your choice largely depends on preferred focal lengths and budget.

Battery Life & Storage: Getting Off the Grid

Olympus offers up to 360 shots on a charge - impressive for a mirrorless of its era - with a single SD slot. Sony’s A700 uses the NP-FM500H battery, which is larger and offers around 500 shots per charge, plus two storage slots (CF + Memory Stick). The dual slots favor backup and extended shooting.

For travel or event shooters, Sony’s battery longevity and backup storage might be decisive.

Connectivity & Extras

Olympus E-PL5 was one of the first to integrate Eye-Fi card support, enabling some wireless image transfers - neat but now antiquated. Sony’s A700 lacks any wireless features. Neither offers Bluetooth, NFC, or Wi-Fi, limiting modern remote shooting or file sharing convenience.

Price and Value: What Will It Cost You?

Pricing-wise, Olympus E-PL5 launched around $400, appealing to entry-level mirrorless buyers. Sony A700 debuted near $1000, targeting advanced amateurs and semi-pros. Today, used markets reflect this with the E-PL5 being more affordable but also more limited.

If budget is tight but you want an all-round performer with modern usability, the Olympus delivers fantastic bang for your buck. If you’re after durability, sensor size, and a classic DSLR feel and can stretch your wallet, the Sony is more futureproof.

Performance by Photography Genre: Data-Driven Insights

Breaking down scores from testing across disciplines, you get a clearer picture:

These results confirm our prior impressions:

• Olympus shines in street and travel (portability, touchscreen)
• Sony leads in landscapes, wildlife, sports, and professional reliability

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose What?

Here’s my no-nonsense takeaway based on hands-on shooting and testing experience:

Choose the Olympus E-PL5 if you:

• Want a compact, lightweight camera to carry everywhere
• Shoot primarily portraits, street, travel, or casual video
• Value a tilting touchscreen for artistic angles
• Have a limited budget but want great image quality
• Prefer silent or discreet shooting in urban environments

The E-PL5 is an excellent gateway into interchangeable lens photography with a capable sensor and user-friendly interface. It’s less intimidating and offers modern conveniences that beginners and enthusiasts will appreciate.

Choose the Sony A700 if you:

• Need a rugged body with weather sealing for outdoor/pro use
• Prioritize sensor size and image quality, especially in low light
• Shoot fast action, sports, or wildlife requiring reliable phase detection AF
• Prefer the tactile feel and direct controls of a DSLR
• Desire a broader, professional lens selection and dual memory card slots

While heavier and bulkier, the A700 provides strengths in durability and technical performance that serve demanding scenarios.

A Few Parting Shots

To wrap up, these are two cameras born in different philosophies - lightweight mirrorless fun vs. traditional DSLR craftsmanship. Both still have merits worth considering depending on your photographic style, environment, and pocketbook.

I encourage you to handle both if possible, run some test shots, and think beyond pixels. After all, the best camera is the one that gets used and inspires your creativity every time.

Happy shooting!

[Article Images Recap]

• 
• 
• 
• 
• Olympus E PL5 front Olympus E PL5 screen back Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back