Olympus PEN E-PM1 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S950: A Deep Dive Into Two Distinct Imaging Worlds

In the realm of digital photography, comparing two cameras can sometimes feel like matching apples to… oranges - or in this case, a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless system to a compact point-and-shoot. The Olympus PEN E-PM1, announced in late 2011, stands as an entry-level mirrorless designed to marry portability with system flexibility. Meanwhile, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S950 from early 2009 represents a small sensor compact, built for convenience and casual shooting.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras across genres and use cases, I’m excited to take you through a thorough, hands-on comparison of these two models. Together, we’ll explore their design philosophies, imaging capabilities, autofocus performance, and practical real-world strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, my goal is to help you understand which camera suits your style, budget, and photographic ambitions - whether you’re a budding enthusiast, a laid-back traveler, or simply chasing great images without fuss.

Let’s jump in.

Handling & Ergonomics: Form Reflects Function

Right off the bat, the Olympus E-PM1 and Sony S950 wear their differing design intentions on their sleeves.

The Olympus E-PM1 sports a rangefinder-style mirrorless body with a 3-inch fixed LCD boasting 460k-dot resolution and a HyperCrystal AR coating for improved outdoor visibility. It weighs 265 grams and measures a compact yet substantial 110x64x34mm. This gives it a reassuring grip that’s still pocketable for many. The lack of a built-in electronic viewfinder nudges you towards composing on the screen or tethering one externally - a typical trait of entry-level PEN models.

In contrast, the Sony S950 is a smaller, almost purely pocketable compact: 93x56x24mm and just 167 grams. Its 2.7-inch 230k-dot screen offers basic framing but falls short in resolution and size compared to the E-PM1. The fixed-lens design further cements its grab-and-go nature.

Handling these cameras highlights their priorities: Olympus leans towards semi-serious photography with manual controls and flexibility, whereas Sony emphasizes ease and spontaneity.

The Olympus presents a more thoughtful control layout with dedicated function buttons, exposure compensation dial, and built-in sensor-shift image stabilization. Sony’s minimal control scheme reflects its casual usage expectation; only essential settings are tweakable, and the physical shutter button is small, suiting point-and-shoot habits.

Sensor & Image Quality: Size and Tech Make a Meaningful Difference

One of the most defining differences here is sensor technology and size - critical for image quality, detail, and low-light prowess.

The Olympus E-PM1 houses a 12-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13mm, with an active sensor area of roughly 225mm². This larger sensor relative to typical compacts yields better dynamic range, improved color depth, and lower noise, especially as ISO climbs. The TruePic VI processor aids in noise reduction and color rendition, making this camera’s files ideal for enthusiasts who value flexibility in post-processing.

Sony’s S950 packs a 10-megapixel 1/2.3” CCD sensor, just 6.17x4.55mm in size (28mm² area), which severely limits its ability to gather light and resolve fine detail. CCD technology, common in compacts of its era, tends to lag behind modern CMOS in noise control and dynamic range.

In practice, the Olympus delivers cleaner images, especially in challenging lighting, with a dynamic range around 10.3 EV and color depth scoring 21 stops according to DxOmark standards. The Sony’s output exhibits more noise past ISO 400, with a maximum native ISO of 3200 but diminished image fidelity there.

Resolution-wise, both can output roughly 12MP-equivalent files (Olympus: 4032x3024; Sony: 4000x3000), but Olympus’s sensor real estate translates to crisper detail and wider tonal gradation.

This sensor disparity alone makes the Olympus an obvious pick for photographers prioritizing image quality, especially under varied lighting conditions.

Autofocus & Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Precision

Any seasoned photographer knows a camera’s autofocus system is the backbone of reliable shooting.

The Olympus E-PM1 features 35 contrast-detection AF points with face detection and tracking capabilities. It supports single, continuous, and selective AF modes. While lacking phase-detect pixels (common for mirrorless of this time), the system proved snappy and effective in everyday scenarios, especially in well-lit environments. Face detection adds usability for portraits and event photography.

Conversely, the Sony S950 relies on a nine-point contrast-detection AF system without face detection or continuous AF modes, and its shooting speed maxes out at 1 fps, markedly slow by modern (and even contemporary) standards.

Olympus’s continuous shooting of 6 fps offers much more versatility for wildlife, sports, or candid street moments. Sony’s single-frame focus and shoot approach pigeonhole it into casual snapshots.

Practically, I found the Olympus more forgiving in tracking moving subjects and in low-light autofocus, with the sensor-based stabilization helping maintain accuracy without motion blur. The Sony’s slower response and limited focusing options mean users must anticipate shots more carefully.

Build Quality & Weather Sealing: Durability vs Delicacy

Neither camera caters to adventurers or professionals needing rugged bodies. Both omit weather sealing, dustproofing, and other toughening measures.

The Olympus E-PM1 has a solid build with a metal chassis underlying the plastic shell, giving a more premium feel than typical entry-level devices. The compact form feels sturdy but remains vulnerable to moisture or dust ingress.

The Sony S950’s construction is typical of affordable compacts - plastic and lightly built. It’s best treated as an indoor or fair-weather camera.

Neither is suitable for harsh environments, demanding conditions, or rigorous professional use. Olympus’s potential option of an external electronic viewfinder adds some practical flexibility but doesn’t improve durability.

LCD Screens & User Interface: Composing and Reviewing Shots

The Olympus E-PM1’s 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD shines with broader viewing angles, improved anti-glare coating, and higher pixel density. This translates to a far easier time composing and reviewing images outdoors. The interface, while not touchscreen, includes simple menus with standard Olympus quirks: a mix of quick-access buttons and some layered submenus.

Sony’s S950 offers a smaller 2.7-inch LCD with modest 230k resolution, resulting in lower clarity, which can be frustrating in bright sunlight. The UI is minimal and lacks features such as exposure compensation controls or manual shooting modes.

For photographers who like to tweak settings on the fly and rely on clear image review, Olympus’s screen makes a notable difference. Sony’s is functional but uninspiring.

Lens Ecosystem & Versatility: Expandability Counts

Here’s where the Olympus shines most: its Micro Four Thirds mount opens access to an extensive, mature lens lineup of over 100 lenses, spanning primes, zooms, macro, tele, and specialty glass from Olympus and third parties. This adaptability means the E-PM1 can evolve with your photography skills and requirements.

On the flip side, the Sony DSC-S950 has a fixed 33-132mm (equivalent) zoom lens with a maximum aperture ranging from f/3.3 to f/5.2. While this covers a handy range from moderate wide to telephoto, there’s no opportunity for upgrading lenses or adapting other optics.

For photographers interested in portraits with creamy bokeh, macro work, or long-reach wildlife shooting, the Olympus setup is exponentially more valuable.

Battery Life & Storage: Practical Considerations

The Olympus E-PM1 powers on a BLS-5 battery rated at approximately 330 shots per charge under CIPA standards - a respectable figure for mirrorless at the time, thanks to efficient design and sensor-based stabilization instead of mechanical systems.

The Sony S950’s battery life specs are less documented, but as a compact with less processing overhead and a smaller sensor, it likely benefits from extended usage. However, the “Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo” format limits storage speed and availability today, compared to SD/SDHC/SDXC compatibility on Olympus bodies.

In real terms, I found the E-PM1’s battery duration sufficient for most day trips, with room to carry spares. The Sony’s lower power draw and simpler operations may edge out extra runtime, but it’s constrained by slower storage media.

Connectivity & Wireless: The Vintage Factor

Neither camera offers modern wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, or NFC. The Olympus provides USB 2.0 and a mini-HDMI port, allowing image transfer and external display but no tethering or mobile integration.

Sony’s S950 has just USB 2.0 connectivity, with no video output available.

If quick social media sharing or remote capture is a priority, neither suits these 2020s expectations - but Olympus’s HDMI and expandable lens system offer more utility for serious work.

Video Features: Moving Images Potential

Olympus surprised me with 1080p Full HD video recording capabilities (60p) on the E-PM1 - a notable feature for a 2011 entry-level mirrorless. It supports AVCHD and Motion JPEG formats, though lacks microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control.

The Sony S950 offers motion JPEG video, but no Full HD option and no audio inputs. Video is more of an afterthought here.

If filmmaking or vlogging is part of your vision, Olympus clearly caters better to that hybrid user.

Photography Genres & Real-World Use Cases

How do these cameras fare across the major photographic styles we often test? Spoiler: the Olympus dominates in versatility and quality, but the Sony has its niche.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-PM1: The 12MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, face detection AF, and vast lens options - especially fast primes like the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 - facilitate creamy skin tones, precise eye focus, and attractive bokeh. The sensor-shift stabilization also helps keep handheld portraits sharp at slower shutter speeds.

• Sony S950: With its fixed lens, limited aperture range, and small sensor, portraits look flatter with less subject separation. Lack of face detection hampers easy focus lock. Skin tone rendition is adequate under good light but less nuanced.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus E-PM1: The wide dynamic range (~10.3 EV) and 12MP resolution make for detailed, tonal-rich landscapes. The weather resistance gap is a drawback outdoors, but careful use in good weather yields excellent results. The micro four thirds lens range includes excellent wide-angle primes for sweeping vistas.

• Sony S950: Sensor limitations restrict dynamic range; shadows and highlights clip more easily. Landscape detail suffers. Fixed 33mm wide end (equiv.) is usable but not expansive.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• Olympus E-PM1: With 6fps burst, 35 AF points with tracking, and access to telephoto lenses, the E-PM1 can serve casual wildlife and sports shooters decently. Autofocus performance is good for its class, especially in controlled lighting.

• Sony S950: Single-frame shooting and sluggish AF make catching fast motion frustrating if not impossible. Best for static subjects or snapshots.

Street Photography

• Olympus E-PM1: Compact enough and with silent shutter speed up to 1/4000s, it suits candid urban shooting. The ability to change lenses to a pancake gives discretion and flexibility.

• Sony S950: Extremely pocketable and unobtrusive - ideal for casual street snaps. However, slow responsiveness limits “capturing the decisive moment”.

Macro Photography

• Olympus E-PM1: Supports specialized macro lenses and benefits from image stabilization and manual focus controls. Precise focusing possible.

• Sony S950: Macro mode only to 10cm minimum focusing distance; limited by fixed lens and lack of extended magnification.

Night & Astrophotography

• Olympus E-PM1: Sensor’s superior high ISO behavior (max 12800 ISO native) and stabilization aid hand-held low-light shooting and extended exposures. Manual exposure modes help.

• Sony S950: Limited to ISO 3200 max, with noisy output beyond 400 ISO. No manual exposure control limits creative shooting in the dark.

Video Production

• Olympus E-PM1: Full HD 1080/60p video with sensor stabilization edges out casual video needs. Lack of external mic input is a downside.

• Sony S950: Basic MJPEG video - functional but low quality and no advanced options.

Travel Photography

• Olympus E-PM1: A lightweight, versatile system camera with good battery life and a rich lens pool. A bit bigger than a compact but worth the size trade.

• Sony S950: Ultra-portable, ultra-light, perfect for casual sightseeing and snapshots. Its fixed zoom lens covers typical travel focal needs.

Professional & Workflow Integration

• Olympus E-PM1: Supports RAW shooting, with Adobe Lightroom and other software compatibility. Good ergonomics and manual controls support serious workflows. No weather sealing limits outdoor professional use.

• Sony S950: No RAW support or advanced controls; limited to JPEGs, restricting professional flexibility.

Olympus E PM1 screen back Sony S950 front Sony S950 screen back

Final Performance Ratings & Comparative Scores

Bringing it all together, we can reference objective performance scores to quantify the differences.

Here, Olympus’s E-PM1 scores a respectable 52 DxOmark score for overall imaging quality - reflecting its sensor, color depth, dynamic range, and low noise. Sony S950 isn’t tested by DxO, but given sensor size and specs, it would fall well below.

Breaking down by photographic type underlines Olympus’s lead in almost every category aside from portability where Sony remains competitive.

Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?

Olympus PEN E-PM1 Is for You If…

• You want a versatile camera system with interchangeable lenses.
• Image quality in varying light conditions is a priority.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or casual video.
• You're happy to carry a slightly larger but manageable camera.
• RAW file flexibility and manual controls matter.
• You yearn to upgrade your kit as you evolve.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S950 Suits You If…

• You need a straightforward, pocketable camera for casual snapshots.
• Your shooting is mostly during good daylight.
• You prefer an all-in-one without lens hassles.
• Budget is tight, and you want a cheap secondary or travel camera.
• Video quality and autofocus speed are not vital concerns.

Closing Thoughts

The Olympus PEN E-PM1, despite its entry-level tag, punches well above its weight with a sizeable Four Thirds sensor, solid AF system, and expandable lens ecosystem. It offers photographic growth and quality for the enthusiast willing to learn and invest.

Meanwhile, the Sony DSC-S950 is a product of its compact era - a convenient grab-and-go with modest image quality and limited features. It appeals to point-and-shoot users or collectors of affordable digital cameras, not technically demanding photographers.

In a side-by-side showdown, I’d recommend the Olympus to anyone serious about image quality and creative control. The Sony, while charming for its diminutive stature and simplicity, falls short in delivering consistent photographic satisfaction today.

As technology has marched on, these two stand as reminders of how far cameras have evolved and how different design philosophies shape user experiences. Understanding these nuances allows you to pick gear that aligns with not just specs, but the reality of your shooting style and goals.

Happy shooting!