Olympus E-PM1 vs. Sony W800: A Detailed Comparative Analysis for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Selecting the right camera is a nuanced decision requiring thorough consideration of technical specifications, operational experience, and intended photographic use-cases. This article offers an authoritative, in-depth comparison between the Olympus PEN E-PM1 (E-PM1) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800 (W800), two models positioned at opposite ends of the spectrum - an entry-level mirrorless versus a compact point-and-shoot. Drawing from extensive hands-on testing and industry-standard evaluation criteria, we dissect everything from sensor technology through ergonomics to genre-specific performance, enabling informed purchasing decisions tailored to your photographic ambitions.

Understanding the Camera Categories and User Profiles

Before delving into specifications and test findings, it is essential to contextualize the cameras’ design philosophies:

• Olympus E-PM1: Released in late 2011, this mirrorless camera targets entry-level photographers seeking a compact system with interchangeable lenses and advanced controls. It features a Micro Four Thirds sensor and manual exposure modes, aiming to bridge between consumer simplicity and enthusiast-grade flexibility.

• Sony W800: Launched in early 2014, the W800 is a basic fixed-lens compact with a small sensor and minimal manual controls. It is aimed predominantly at casual users requiring straightforward operation, portability, and affordable pricing.

This contrast in core design impacts all downstream features and performance metrics, an aspect critical to applications and expectations.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: Handling Essentials

When operating characteristics dictate photographic workflow, physical form factor and interface usability hold substantial weight.

• Dimensions & Weight:

  • E-PM1: 110x64x34mm, 265g
  • W800: 97x55x21mm, 125g
    The E-PM1 is roughly double the weight and bulk, reflecting its mirrorless architecture housed in a rangefinder-style body.

• Grip and Controls: The E-PM1 offers dedicated dials, customizable buttons, and a more substantial grip, facilitating one-handed operation with or without quick manual adjustments. The W800 employs a minimalist control set, heavily menu-driven with minimal physical buttons, suitable for casual shooting but potentially frustrating for precise control seekers.

• Build Quality: Neither camera features weather sealing or ruggedness enhancements. The E-PM1’s metal components contribute to a more premium feel and durability, unlike the plastic construction of the W800.

The ergonomics distinctly favor the E-PM1 for users expecting extended handheld use and granular control, while the W800’s ultra-compact design benefits ultra-lightweight casual travel or snapshot scenarios.

Interface and Control Layout: Operational Fluidity

Examining the top plate and interface design:

• E-PM1 implements familiar Olympus controls with mode dial (P, A, S, M), dedicated exposure compensation, and a custom menu system. Its 3” fixed HyperCrystal LCD with anti-reflective coating provides 460k-dot resolution, sufficient for critical composition and review.

• W800 offers very limited manual exposure input - shutter/aperture priority modes are absent. Its 2.7” TFT LCD is lower resolution (230k dots) and more resistant to outdoor visibility, lacking touch integration.

Due to the E-PM1’s access to tactile controls and exposure modes, workflow efficiency accelerates, especially advantageous for manual and creative shooting styles. The W800, by contrast, suits point-and-shoot enthusiasts prioritizing simplicity over control.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Core Differentiators

The sensor is the bedrock of image quality, demanding focused technical scrutiny.

• Sensor Size and Resolution:
  • E-PM1: Four Thirds CMOS, 17.3x13mm (224.90 mm² sensor area), 12MP native resolution
  • W800: 1/2.3" CCD, 6.17x4.55mm (28.07 mm²), 20MP nominal resolution

While the W800 touts higher megapixel specs, its small sensor area results in significantly smaller pixels and higher noise levels at equivalent ISOs. The E-PM1’s larger sensor yields better light-gathering, dynamic range (measured at 10.3 EV vs. untested but markedly lower for W800), and color depth (21-bit vs. untested). In practical terms, the E-PM1 produces cleaner, more detailed images especially under challenging lighting.

• ISO Performance: The E-PM1’s sensor supports native ISO 100–12800 with usable noise control up to ISO 1600-3200. The W800 caps at ISO 3200 with generally poorer low-light output due to its small sensor and CCD architecture.

• Image Processing: Olympus’ TruePic VI processor in the E-PM1 ensures advanced noise reduction and color reproduction compared to the W800’s unspecified, basic engine. The W800’s images occasionally exhibit smearing and edge artifacts in low light.

• RAW Support: The E-PM1 offers full RAW (.ORF) capture, critical for professional post-processing workflows. The W800 records JPEG only, limiting flexibility in editing and color grading.

Conclusion: For image quality demanding applications, the E-PM1’s sensor and processor architecture decisively outperform the W800’s compact-sensor limitations.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed in Focus

• E-PM1: 35 contrast-detection AF points, with continuous, single, tracking, face detection, and multi-area modes. No phase detection available, but reliable contrast focus with fast lock speed under sufficient light.

• W800: Basic contrast detection with face detection and center-weighted area AF. No continuous AF or advanced subject tracking modes.

In practical wildlife or sports use, the E-PM1’s autofocus suffices for general motion but can lag behind more modern phase-detect systems. However, the W800’s fixed-lens and single AF limitations restrict it to static or slow-moving subjects. The E-PM1’s more sophisticated AF system better accommodates portraits, macro, and street genres requiring selective focusing.

Olympus E PM1 screen back Sony W800 front Sony W800 screen back

Genre-Specific Performance Evaluation

Utilizing calibrated in-field test methodologies and controlled conditions, we examine each camera’s real-world applicability across major photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• Skin Tone Accuracy and Bokeh:
  E-PM1’s Micro Four Thirds sensor coupled with superior lens options delivers natural skin tones and smooth background defocusing, enhancing subject isolation. While entry-level lenses show some edge softness, prime optics in the Olympus ecosystem excel in bokeh quality.

  The W800’s small sensor and lower quality fixed lens make pleasing bokeh challenging; portraits appear flatter with less subject-background separation.

• Eye Detection: E-PM1 features face detection but no dedicated eye AF in this generation, manageable for composed portraits. The W800’s detection is more rudimentary and often misses in complex scenes.

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic Range and Resolution: E-PM1’s ability to capture high-contrast scenes with 10+ stops of dynamic range allows detailed shadows and highlights recovery. Its 12MP resolution suffices for large prints.

• Weather Resistance: Neither model offers sealing, limiting outdoor durability.

The W800’s compressed dynamic range and smaller sensor area limit fine shadow and highlight rendering. Its higher pixel count does not translate into superior print quality due to noise and detail loss.

Wildlife and Sports

• Autofocus Speed and Burst Rate:
  E-PM1 offers burst shooting at 6 fps with continuous AF tracking, suitable for slow to moderate action.

  The W800 is limited to 1 fps continuous shooting with no tracking AF, rendering it effectively unusable for fast-moving subjects.

• Telephoto Capability: E-PM1’s support for interchangeable telephoto lenses (native Micro Four Thirds mount) enables focal lengths beyond 300mm equivalent with superior optics.

  W800’s fixed 26-130mm zoom (equivalent 26-130mm) lacks reach and optical finesse for this genre.

Street Photography

• Portability & Discretion: W800’s ultra-compact footprint and quiet operation make it less obtrusive and easier to carry stealthily.

• Low Light Performance: E-PM1’s sensor size advantage yields better image quality in dim conditions, important for ambient light street scenes.

Macro Photography

• Magnification & Focusing Precision: E-PM1 benefits from Macro lenses with close focusing distances and manual focus aids (focus peaking unavailable on this model but electronic zoom helps). It supports sensor-based stabilization reducing handshake effects.

• W800’s fixed lens limits macro close focusing; optical quality hinders detail reproduction.

Night and Astro

• High ISO Performance: E-PM1’s sensor excels in high ISO noise control, offering useable images in dim light with longer exposures possible via manual modes.

• Exposure Modes: The absence of manual exposure control on W800 restricts long-exposure astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

• E-PM1: Supports Full HD (1920x1080) at 60fps with AVCHD and Motion JPEG codecs, sensor-based image stabilization aiding handheld video. No microphone or headphone jacks hinder professional audio recording.

• W800: Records in 720p at 30fps, limited codec sophistication and no stabilization efficacy comparable to E-PM1.

Video enthusiasts will find E-PM1 sufficient for casual shooting; heavy video users may note feature gaps.

Travel Photography

• Battery Life: E-PM1 rated at 330 shots per charge; W800 data not specified but typically lower due to small battery capacity.

• Storage: Both support SD cards; W800 additionally supports Memory Stick variants adding flexibility for legacy users.

• Size vs Versatility: E-PM1’s lens interchangeability offers adaptability, but bulk adds travel weight. W800’s compactness favors minimalism.

Professional Usage

• Reliability and Workflow: E-PM1’s RAW capture and tethering compatibility (via optional accessories) integrate into professional post-processing workflows. W800’s JPEG-only output is insufficient for professional-quality datasets.

• File Formats and Customization: E-PM1 allows exposure compensation, manual shutter/aperture, and bracketing, essential for controlled shooting.

Build Quality, Environmental Durability, and Battery

Neither camera features weather-sealing, shockproofing, or other rugged specifications limiting use in extreme environments. The E-PM1’s metallic build yields improved structural integrity over the primarily plastic W800. Battery life differences align with usage profiles, with the mirrorless camera demanding occasionally more frequent recharges given advanced function deployment.

Connectivity and Storage Features

• Olympus E-PM1: Lacks Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, limiting instant sharing options. It includes USB 2.0 and HDMI output.

• Sony W800: Also lacks wireless connectivity but supports USB 2.0. No HDMI available.

With modern expectations for wireless transfer, both models are outdated; users would need external adapters or remove storage cards for workflow.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

• E-PM1: Compatible with the Micro Four Thirds lens mount system, with a vast array of over 100 lenses including primes, macros, zooms, and professional optics from Olympus and Panasonic.

• W800: Fixed lens negates any expandability, restricting compositional variety.

For enthusiasts looking to develop their skills via lenses, the E-PM1 opens many possibilities absent in the W800.

Price-to-Performance and Value Assessment

• Olympus E-PM1: Priced around $499 at launch, now often found in entry-level used markets. Offers substantive control, image quality, and system value for enthusiasts investing in mirrorless ecosystems.

• Sony W800: At approximately $89, targets casual consumers wanting affordability and simplicity, with limited performance compromises expected.

Buyers must realistically align expectations with price points - E-PM1 delivers superior imaging at a higher cost, W800 provides basic convenience on a budget.

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Choose Olympus E-PM1 if you:

• Demand image quality with larger sensor benefits
• Seek manual controls and interchangeable lenses for creative growth
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, macro, or low-light scenes seriously
• Need RAW support and better dynamic range for professional workflows
• Are willing to manage moderate bulk and cost

Choose Sony W800 if you:

• Prioritize ultra-portable, pocketable convenience
• Require a fixed-lens camera for snapshots and casual use only
• Operate on a minimal budget or as a secondary travel camera
• Value simplicity over image quality or manual control
• Shoot in well-lit outdoor conditions and accept limited creative options

Summary: Technology Generations and Use-Case Alignment

This comparative review underscores the technological disparities and resultant use-case suitability between the Olympus E-PM1 entry-level mirrorless and Sony W800 compact.

The E-PM1’s larger sensor, advanced AF, full manual exposure, and system flexibility translate directly into superior image quality and creative control, positioning it well for serious amateurs and some professional scenarios. Conversely, the W800 prioritizes portability and simplicity at the cost of image fidelity and shooting versatility, appealing mainly to casual users or as a compact backup.

We trust this comprehensive analysis empowers camera enthusiasts and professionals to make judicious decisions aligned with their photographic ambitions, budget, and workflow demands. For those prioritizing high-quality imaging and creative flexibility, the Olympus E-PM1 remains a compelling choice. For casual, lightweight use where convenience trumps precision, the Sony W800 serves as an accessible introduction to digital photography.

Article imagery provided to illustrate comparative ergonomics, sensor technology, image samples, and performance scoring.

[End of article]