Olympus E-PL6 vs. Sony A37: A Thorough Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

When evaluating cameras in the entry-level mirrorless and DSLR categories, the Olympus PEN E-PL6 and Sony SLT-A37 present intriguing choices with distinct design philosophies and feature sets. Both aimed at enthusiasts and prosumer users during their release periods, these cameras continue to offer relevant insights into sensor technologies, ergonomics, and workflow integration today. This article draws upon extensive hands-on testing, sensor measurements, and real-world shooting scenarios to guide discerning photographers toward an informed selection tailored to their technical and creative priorities.

First Impressions and Handling: Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

The physical attributes of a camera profoundly affect usability across shooting styles - whether lugging gear on travel expeditions, navigating dynamic street scenes, or enduring marathon studio sessions. Comparing dimensions and design approaches reveals each camera’s operational intent.

The Olympus E-PL6, with its compact, rangefinder-style mirrorless body measuring 111 x 64 x 38 mm and weighing a lightweight 325 g, emphasizes portability and discretion. Its smaller form factor suits photographers prioritizing travel convenience and street photography. The camera’s Micro Four Thirds mount facilitates a compact lens lineup, reducing overall system bulk further.

On the other hand, the Sony A37 is a compact DSLR-style model at 124 x 92 x 85 mm and 506 g, reflecting a more substantial grip and robust presence. Its bulk, while less portable, offers a more traditional handling experience favored during extended shoots, especially in genres demanding rapid manipulation such as sports or wildlife photography. The extended grip and button layout cater to users accustomed to DSLR ergonomics, thereby reducing fatigue despite increased weight.

Control Layout and Interface: Navigability in High-Pressure Environments

Control placement, button ergonomics, and viewfinder utility influence shooting speed and precision - elements paramount for event and action shooters.

The E-PL6 lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder (optional accessory available), relying primarily on its 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 460k-dot resolution. While touch input and tilt functions enhance compositional flexibility, the absence of an integrated EVF may challenge users who prefer eye-level framing under bright conditions. Top-plate controls are minimalistic, suitable for casual or travel-oriented shooting but may necessitate menu diving for advanced adjustments.

Conversely, the Sony A37 incorporates a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasting 1,440k-dot resolution, 100% coverage, and 0.73x magnification. This feature facilitates precise framing and focus confirmation, especially for action and wildlife photography. The camera’s more extensive physical controls - including dedicated dials for shutter and aperture priority modes and a better-developed multi-selector - support faster manual adjustments without interrupting shooting flow.

The tilting LCD (2.6 inches, 230k-dot) on the A37, though smaller and lower resolution compared to the E-PL6, complements the EVF by offering alternative shooting angles but lacks touchscreen functionality, a potential limitation for users accustomed to gesture controls.

Sensor Architecture and Image Quality: Balancing Size, Resolution, and Performance

At the core of image fidelity lies the sensor. Its size, resolution, and processing pipeline directly determine noise behavior, dynamic range, and detail rendition.

• Olympus E-PL6: Employs a Four Thirds-type CMOS sensor sized 17.3 x 13 mm (224.9 mm² sensor area) with a native resolution of 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456 pixels). The sensor is paired with the TruePic VI image processor, designed to optimize noise control and color rendition but constrained by the smaller sensor format.

• Sony A37: Utilizes an APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.6 mm (366.6 mm² sensor area), also with 16 megapixels (4912 x 3264 pixels). Though the resolution parallels the Olympus, the larger sensor surface allows bigger photosites, enabling improved dynamic range, better color depth, and higher signal-to-noise ratio - especially noticeable in low-light shooting.

Real-world testing under controlled conditions confirms these assessments:

• The Sony A37 exhibits superior noise performance across ISO 100–3200, maintaining cleaner shadows and more detailed highlights due to its more generous sensor area and robust noise-reduction algorithms. Its DxO Mark-derived metrics (overall score: 75, color depth: 23.3 bits, dynamic range: 12.9 EV, low-light ISO: 799) substantiate these findings.

• The Olympus E-PL6, lacking formal DxO testing, scores respectably in comparable in-house noise tests but shows increased chroma noise and slightly compressed dynamic range at high ISO settings (ISO 1600+). Skin tone reproduction tends toward cooler rendering, which can require color calibration for portraiture.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Precision and Reliability Under Pressure

Autofocus performance dictates suitability for action, wildlife, and fast-moving subjects. Contrasting the technologies and behavior of each system provides clarity.

• E-PL6 AF System:

  • Contrast-detection autofocus only.
  • 35 focus points with face-detection enabled.
  • AF modes include single, continuous, tracking, selective area.
  • Touch-to-focus on screen enhances targeting precision.
  • Continuous shooting rate up to 8 fps.

• Sony A37 AF System:

  • Hybrid AF combining 15 phase-detection points with contrast detection.
  • 3 cross-type phase-detection points augment accuracy.
  • Continuous servo AF effective but limited in tracking efficacy.
  • Continuous shooting at 6 fps, paired with phase-detection AF for improved responsiveness.

Hands-on evaluation reveals the Sony A37’s phase-detection sensor provides markedly faster and more reliable autofocus in good and low light, especially beneficial in sports and wildlife contexts where predictive tracking prevents focus loss on erratic subjects. The Olympus contrast-detection system, while accurate in static and portrait compositions, can suffer from slower lock times and hunting, reducing effectiveness in fast action or low-contrast scenarios.

Face detection is comparably implemented on both but lacks animal eye detection, a feature increasingly expected in contemporary systems.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Considerations

Neither camera incorporates weather sealing or ruggedized features such as dustproof, shockproof, waterproof, crushproof, or freezeproof capabilities. The Olympus’s smaller build and lighter weight detract somewhat from perceived durability, though its metal top plate offers moderate resilience. Sony’s larger DSLR-style chassis feels sturdier in hand but lacks environmental protection, limiting use in harsh outdoor conditions without additional protective gear.

Screen and Viewfinder Quality: Critical for Composition and Review

As noted earlier, the Olympus E-PL6 prioritizes a large, tilting touchscreen display (3.0” at 460k dots), facilitating intuitive live view controls, focus selection, and image review - even from challenging angles. This design appeals to travel and street photographers who benefit from flexible posture and selfie capabilities.

The Sony A37’s primary optical window is its electronic viewfinder - residing within an SLR-style eyepiece - which excels in bright daylight shooting and precise manual focus. The smaller 2.6” LCD screen (non-touch) serves as a secondary composition aid, somewhat limiting ergonomic versatility, particularly during video shooting or low-angle framing.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Maximizing Optical Potential

Lens availability and quality are pivotal when investing in a system expected to evolve with the photographer’s skill.

• E-PL6 Micro Four Thirds mount: Access to approximately 107 native lenses, including established offerings from Olympus and Panasonic, known for compact size, high optical quality, and available stabilization in select optics. The 2.1x crop factor dictates longer effective focal lengths, particularly beneficial in telephoto applications but less so for ultra-wide angle or portrait-defining bokeh.

• A37 Sony Alpha mount: Compatibility with 143 Sony/Minolta Alpha lenses spanning decades, providing an extensive catalog of primes and zooms. The 1.5x crop factor delivers a balanced field of view and quicker depth-of-field control thanks to larger aperture optics.

The Sony mount advantages manifest in better access to specialist lenses like fast primes, macro, and telephoto super-zooms, complemented by third-party manufacturers (Sigma, Tamron) offering robust support.

Battery Life and Storage: Endurance in Protracted Sessions

Battery performance directly impacts outdoor shoots, time-lapse sequences, and event photography demands.

• Olympus E-PL6: Moderate 360-shot battery life with BLS-5 battery pack. Conservatively adequate for casual travel or daily snapshots but may require supplementary batteries for intensive shoots.

• Sony A37: Extended 500-shot battery life powered by NP-FW50 battery pack. The more substantial capacity suits long-duration shooting in the field or studio without frequent battery swaps.

Both cameras incorporate a single memory card slot compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC standards. The Sony also supports Memory Stick formats, enabling versatility but adding complexity to media management.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Formats, and Usability

Videographers seeking hybrid capabilities must understand limitations inherited from these models’ production eras.

While both cameras can deliver full HD video, the Sony offers 60fps recording for smoother motion rendering, and an external microphone input, enhancing audio capture quality - a critical factor for professional video workflows. Olympus's touchscreen interfaces aid quick menu navigation during recording; however, lack of audio jacks and capped frame rates limit creative control.

Specialized Photography Genres: Performance Across Use Cases

An extensive hands-on evaluation across genres further contextualizes each camera’s strengths and shortcomings.

Olympus E PL6 front Olympus E PL6 screen back Sony A37 front Sony A37 screen back

Portrait Photography

• E-PL6: Skin tones are generally well rendered, though they may lean slightly cool in neutral lighting - correctable via in-camera white balance or post-processing. The Micro Four Thirds sensor’s smaller size restricts natural bokeh and background separation, yielding less pronounced subject isolation than the Sony. Face detection AF is reliable but slower relative to phase detection.

• A37: Larger sensor and lens selection promote creamy bokeh and natural skin tones with richer tonality. However, autofocus lacks animal eye detection and tracking continuity, requiring manual focus assistance in complex portrait settings.

Landscape Photography

• E-PL6: Its compactness and tilt screen foster creative compositions in confined outdoor spaces. Dynamic range is good but not class-leading, requiring careful exposure management to avoid clipped highlights.

• A37: Superior dynamic range and resolution yield cleaner RAW data and superior detail rendition critical for large prints. However, lack of weather sealing suggests caution in adverse environments.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• E-PL6: Higher burst rate (8 fps) benefits action capture but slower contrast-detection AF compromises subject tracking, limiting candid capture opportunities.

• A37: More accurate and faster hybrid AF, alongside higher viewfinder utility and lens reach, make it better suited for rapid subject detection and continuous shooting, despite a slightly lower frame rate (6 fps).

Street Photography

• E-PL6: Compact size, silent shutter availability, and touchscreen control make it highly inconspicuous and mobile.

• A37: Bulkier silhouette and louder mechanical shutter can draw attention; however, superior image quality may compensate for some.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras fulfill basic macro needs depending on lens choice; neither offers focus stacking or bracketing features.

Night and Astrophotography

• A37’s larger sensor better suppresses noise at high ISOs, enhancing star field capture.

• E-PL6 requires cautious exposure selection and noise reduction owing to smaller sensor limitations.

Travel Photography

• The E-PL6’s balance of light weight, compact gear footprint, and intuitive screen makes it ideal for travel shooters prioritizing mobility.

• The A37 suits those favoring image quality over portability - ideal when weight is less restrictive.

Professional Workflows

• Both support RAW capture facilitating integration with professional post-processing pipelines.

• The Sony offers better file detail and dynamic range stability for demanding assignments.

• Connectivity options are basic on both - Eye-Fi card support enables wireless image transfer, but neither includes Bluetooth or GPS.

Price and Value Proposition: Balancing Cost Against Capability

The Olympus E-PL6, priced around $300 (body only), presents a budget-friendly entry into interchangeable lens photography with solid usability for casual and enthusiast users. Its price-to-performance ratio is attractive for travel and everyday use but limits professional applications.

The Sony A37, retailing at approximately $520, commands a premium primarily for its larger sensor, EVF, better AF system, and longer battery life. For photographers requiring elevated image quality and performance in action scenarios, the higher investment is justified.

Summary and Recommendations: Choosing Your Next Camera

• Opt for the Olympus E-PL6 if: Portability, touchscreen usability, and budget-friendliness define your priorities, particularly for street, travel, and casual portrait photography.

• Choose the Sony A37 if: You demand superior image quality, a professional feel, fast autofocus, and integrated EVF support, especially if your work involves sports, wildlife, or low-light scenarios.

Both models represent quality gateways into interchangeable lens photography with strengths informed by their respective eras and sensor designs. Your choice should align with specific workflow requirements, shooting environments, and ergonomic preferences gleaned from this detailed comparison.

This analysis relies on extensive camera trials, sensor benchmarks, and real-world photographic testing protocols conducted across diverse lighting and subject matter scenarios. Each section synthesizes data and practical experience to ensure authoritative guidance for buyers investing in legacy yet capable imaging devices.