Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony A900: A Deep Dive Into Two Distinct Photography Worlds

Choosing between two cameras can be challenging, especially when they stem from different categories and represent different eras in digital photography. Today, we’re dissecting the Olympus PEN E-PM1, an entry-level mirrorless camera released in late 2011, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A900, Sony’s advanced full-frame DSLR from 2008. Both cameras have unique qualities, and our goal is to help you understand their strengths, weaknesses, and practical use cases across photography genres, technical aspects, and real-world performance - so you can make an informed choice.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design Philosophy

Olympus E-PM1 is compact, lightweight, and designed with mirrorless convenience in mind. Its rangefinder-style body measures 110 x 64 x 34mm and weighs only 265g (battery included). The small size makes it highly portable - ideal for travel and street photography enthusiasts craving discretion and ease. However, its ergonomics and grip space are modest, which may impact handling comfort during extended shoots, especially with larger lenses.

Sony A900 contrasts sharply: as a mid-size DSLR, it measures 156 x 117 x 82 mm and weighs a hefty 895g. It’s built like a traditional professional camera, with substantial grip, balanced heft, and all-weather sealing - features prized in tough shooting environments. This solid build caters to professionals who prioritize durability and stability, especially for handheld long focal lengths or full-day sessions.

The top view reveals Sony A900’s more comprehensive control layout, sporting an LCD info panel and dedicated dials - helpful for quick adjustments - whereas the E-PM1 has a minimalist control scheme with fewer physical buttons and no top display. This aligns with Olympus targeting novice users or casual shooters easing into manual controls versus Sony’s professional-grade operational complexity.

In summary:

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Mirrored vs. Full-Frame Experience

The E-PM1 offers a 12MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor sized 17.3 x 13mm, while the A900 sports a 25MP full-frame CMOS sensor with a 36x24mm footprint. This difference in sensor size and resolution fundamentally shapes their image quality, depth of field potential, and low-light performance.

What does sensor size mean in practical terms?

• Full-frame sensors, like the Sony A900’s, capture more light per pixel, resulting in better dynamic range, higher color depth, and reduced noise at elevated ISOs. The A900’s DxO Mark scores back this up with a 79 overall rating, a 23.7-bit color depth, 12.3 EV dynamic range, and excellent low-light ISO performance at 1431.

• The Four Thirds sensor on the Olympus is physically smaller, limiting light gathering capacity, which translates to modest dynamic range (10.3 EV) and higher noise in low light (ISO low-light score 499). However, it delivers commendable color depth of 21.0 bits and reasonably sharp images at base ISO 100.

• The crop factor differences (2.1x for Olympus vs. 1x for Sony) significantly affect field of view - an important consideration when selecting lenses for portraits, wildlife, or landscapes.

Image resolution and detail

• The Sony’s 25MP sensor yields images up to 6048 x 4032 pixels - great for large prints and cropping latitude.

• Olympus’s 12MP cap (4032 x 3024 pixels) still produces sharp images suitable for prints up to 16x20 inches.

The tradeoff here is obvious: Sony’s sensor translates to higher resolution, smoother gradients, and better dynamic range, but the Olympus remains competitive for casual photography with 4/3 lenses and modern image processors.

Autofocus Systems: Precision vs. Speed

Autofocus (AF) technology is paramount across genres, from stop-action sports to delicate macro work.

The E-PM1 uses a contrast-detection AF system, typical in mirrorless cameras of its generation. It offers 35 AF points and supports face detection with continuous and tracking focus modes. In everyday shooting, this system is accurate but generally slower than phase-detect AF; lag becomes apparent in fast-action or low-contrast conditions.

The Sony A900, being a DSLR, uses a 9-point phase-detection AF system - an older but fast and reliable technology for its time. Although it lacks recent face or eye AF functionality, its larger dedicated AF sensors provide snappier focusing in good light, especially for moving subjects like sports or wildlife. However, it doesn’t support live view autofocus.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

If you often shoot outdoors, in changing weather or rugged terrain, durability is critical.

• The Sony A900 benefits from professional-grade weather sealing protecting against moisture and dust - critical for landscape photographers trekking through harsh environments or sports shooters braving exposed venues.

• The newbie friendly Olympus E-PM1, designed primarily for casual use, lacks any form of environmental sealing and has a predominantly plastic shell, increasing vulnerability to damage and environmental hazards.

This means if your passion involves nature, adventure, or professional assignments outdoors, the Sony’s rugged construction is a definite asset.

Viewing Experience: Electronic vs. Optical Viewfinder + Screen

Viewing images and composing photos is an area often overlooked by beginners but crucial for practical shooting.

• The Sony A900’s optical viewfinder offers an immediate, lag-free, bright, and accurate depiction covering 100% of the scene, which facilitates precise composition. It shines especially in bright daylight when screens can be difficult to view.

• The E-PM1’s lack of built-in electronic viewfinder means you rely fully on the rear LCD. Though this 3” screen has anti-reflective coating, its 460k resolution is modest, somewhat limiting fine detail checking and outdoor visibility.

• Screen resolution difference is stark - Sony offers double the LCD pixels, enhancing image review.

If you’re a photographer who values an immediate view and manual focus precision through an optical viewfinder, the A900 pulls ahead, but mirrorless fans preferring screen-based framing will appreciate Olympus’s innovative HyperCrystal LCD and the option to add an electronic viewfinder.

Exploring Photography Styles: Practical Performance Evaluations

How do these specs translate into real-world performance across various photography genres? We put these cameras through their paces based on our extensive hands-on experience.

Portrait Photography

• Sony A900 benefits from its larger sensor, producing richer, more natural skin tones and tighter control of depth of field for smooth bokeh. Its full-frame sensor allows for creamy background separation using fast primes.

• Sony’s phase-detect AF with center-weighted metering provides reliable focusing on faces, while the large optical viewfinder supports crisp manual focus when needed.

• Olympus E-PM1’s Four Thirds sensor captures decent portraits, but shallower depth-of-field effects are harder to achieve due to smaller sensor size. Face-detection AF helps novice portrait shooters nail focus reliably.

Summary: For professional portraits with natural skin tone rendition and bokeh, Sony A900 excels. For beginners exploring portraits with simple autofocus aids, Olympus E-PM1 is a solid starter.

Landscape Photography

• Sony A900 offers superior dynamic range and resolution needed to capture vibrant landscapes with high detail retention in shadows and highlights. Weather sealing provides peace of mind when shooting in varied outdoor conditions.

• Twin SD card slots and a robust battery extend shooting sessions - a boon when working through changing light conditions.

• Olympus E-PM1’s compact size aids portability for hiking, and its stabilization helps handheld shots, but dynamic range and resolution limitations restrict large prints or extreme tonal ranges.

Summary: Serious landscape photographers lean toward Sony A900, while casual travelers wanting light but capable gear find Olympus E-PM1 appealing.

Wildlife Photography

• Sony A900’s full-frame sensor with 5fps continuous shooting and fast phase-detect AF supports capturing wildlife action reasonably well, although its relatively slow burst rate can be limiting.

• Lens ecosystem with long telephoto Sony/Minolta Alpha lenses enhances reach.

• Olympus E-PM1 benefits from a 2.1x crop factor, effectively extending telephoto reach, and offers higher burst rates (6fps), but AF speed lags in tracking fast-moving animals.

Summary: For critical wildlife action and versatility, Sony A900 remains more suitable, especially at longer focal lengths. For beginner wildlife enthusiasts, Olympus’s size and burst rate can compensate.

Sports Photography

• The Sony A900 features superior shutter speeds (up to 1/8000s), faster AF acquisition, and better lens options for fast primes.

• Its rugged build withstands active environments.

• Olympus E-PM1’s max shutter speed is 1/4000s, and autofocus lag challenges tracking rapid movements.

Summary: Serious sports shooters gain significantly with Sony A900; casual to amateur shooters may find the E-PM1 useful for slower motion sports.

Street Photography

• Olympus E-PM1’s compactness and quiet operation make it outstanding for casual and candid street photography. The lack of loud shutter and small size help maintain discretion.

• Sony A900’s size and shutter noise make it less ideal here, though optical viewfinder aids in fast framing.

Summary: For street photographers valuing portability and subtlety, choose the Olympus E-PM1.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras lack specific macro focus stacking or bracketing features.

• Sensor stabilization on both helps handheld macro shots.

• Smaller sensors (Olympus) have greater depth of field at equivalent apertures, which can be advantageous for focus stacking beginners.

Summary: Either camera serves hobbyist macro photography, although Olympus’s compact lens availability in macro primes enhances usability.

Night and Astro Photography

• Sony A900 benefits from superior high ISO performance and longer exposure support (max 30s shutter speed), making it excellent for astrophotography.

• The Olympus E-PM1’s stronger sensor noise at high ISO and max 1/60s minimum shutter speed limits longer exposures.

Summary: For night landscapes and astro imaging, Sony A900 is the clear winner.

Video Capabilities

• Olympus E-PM1 is equipped with FullHD (1080p) video at 60fps and supports AVCHD and Motion JPEG formats, making it suitable for casual videography. However, it lacks microphone or headphone jacks.

• Sony A900 does not offer video recording capabilities.

Summary: Casual videographers should consider Olympus E-PM1.

Travel Photography

• For travel, weight, portability, and battery life are key.

• Olympus E-PM1 weighs 265g and offers 330 shots per charge - compact but modest endurance.

• Sony A900's 895g with 880 shots battery life is substantial but bulkier, better suited for serious travel photographers who prioritize image quality and weather durability.

Summary: If portability is paramount, go with Olympus E-PM1; for pro-level travel work, Sony A900 best serves the purpose.

Professional Workflow and Reliability

• Sony A900 supports dual card slots (CF + Memory Stick), RAW support with robust file sizes, and higher-end lens compatibility - critical for studio professionals and photojournalists.

• Its build and battery life aid reliability in demanding assignments.

• Olympus E-PM1’s single SD slot and entry-level build limit extensive professional use but remain adequate for hobbyists editing RAW files on the go.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

Both cameras lack modern wireless options, limiting instant sharing or remote control capabilities. Depending on your workflow, this might necessitate an external Wi-Fi adapter or tethering solution. Battery life strongly favors the Sony A900, which can more than double the Olympus’s endurance - vital for long shoots or travel.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

• Olympus E-PM1, being Micro Four Thirds, boasts a wide selection of currently supported lenses (~107 native lenses) from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties, spanning from ultra-wide to telephoto and high-quality primes. Its crop factor simplifies telephoto reach and reduces costs.

• Sony A900 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount with 143 lenses, including many legacy lenses with adapters available. The full-frame format supports pro-level glass but often at higher prices and larger size.

Choosing your lenses is critical: the Micro Four Thirds system is ideal if you want compactness, portability, and wide compatibility. The Sony’s mount better suits professionals demanding ultimate image quality and premium optics.

Performance Summary and Ratings

This table crystalizes the clear tradeoffs between the two: Olympus delivers impressive value in a compact package, while Sony offers professional-grade quality and robustness at a much higher price point.

Which Camera Fits Your Photography Journey?

To summarize, here is tailored advice depending on your needs:

Conclusion: Balancing Legacy and Innovation

Both the Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Sony Alpha DSLR A900 embody distinct design philosophies and fulfill diverse creative demands. The Olympus E-PM1 captures the spirit of a compact, approachable mirrorless camera aimed at photographers craving portability and simplicity with solid image quality. Meanwhile, the Sony A900 delivers uncompromising image quality, professional features, and robust build quality for seasoned photographers who require excellence and reliability even in challenging environments.

If you are starting out, prioritizing travel or street photography, or want to explore video, the Olympus E-PM1 presents great value and versatility. If you seek professional-grade results, want to print large, shoot professionally under harsh conditions, or need superior autofocus for action, the Sony A900 remains a powerful full-frame contender despite its age.

We encourage you to handle both cameras if possible, try out lenses, and see which system’s ergonomics and feature set inspire your photographic vision. Whatever your choice, both cameras offer rewarding photographic journeys that have served hundreds of thousands of photographers well.

Olympus E PM1 screen back Sony A900 front Sony A900 screen back

Ready to take the next step? Check out reputable dealers for used Sony A900 bodies or Olympus E-PM1 kits, explore native lenses compatible with each system, and dive into hands-on shooting sessions to feel the difference yourself. Your toolkit is an extension of your creativity, and understanding these technical nuances empowers your artistic expression.

Happy shooting!