Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony HX80: A Deep Dive Comparison for Photographers

When it comes to choosing a camera, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing options that prioritize image quality, versatility, portability, or price. Today, I’m diving into two intriguing models from differing categories that cater to distinct photographic priorities: the Olympus PEN E-PM2 - an entry-level mirrorless camera from the venerable Micro Four Thirds system, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 - a compact superzoom pocket camera designed for travel and convenience. Both offer 3-inch screens, respectable feature sets for their class, and have found favor among hobbyists, but they serve very different photographic ambitions.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the years and conducted side-by-side practical shoots and technical benchmarks, I’ll walk you through how these two hold up against each other across a range of photography genres and use cases. We’ll examine sensor and image quality, autofocus delivery, ergonomics, video features, and ultimately which one should be aimed at what kind of photographer. Ready? Let’s get started.

How They Feel and Handle: Ergonomics & Build Quality

One of the first things you notice in handling any camera is how it fits in your hands and how intuitive the controls feel. The Olympus E-PM2 is a classic rangefinder-styled mirrorless, sporting minimalist but tactile dials and a well-organized top control layout. The Sony HX80, by contrast, is a compact superzoom with a fixed lens – more about grabbing quick shots and zooming in on the go.

Looking at their physical dimensions and weights (Olympus: 110x64x34mm, 269g; Sony: 102x58x36mm, 245g), you see that the HX80 is marginally smaller and lighter - but not by a margin that would hugely impact pocketability. The Olympus offers a more substantial grip and traditional mirrorless handling experience, including customizable buttons and an optional electronic viewfinder (which, admittedly, the E-PM2 lacks built-in). The Sony has an electronic viewfinder embedded and a tilting screen, which some may prefer for eye-level shooting or selfies.

The Olympus layout allows faster manual exposure adjustments - shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation - without diving into menus, thanks to dedicated dials and buttons, which is a huge advantage for enthusiasts learning manual controls. The HX80, tuned more for casual or travel use, opts for fewer direct controls, relying mostly on automatic modes and a basic control pad.

In practical use, I found holding the Olympus a bit more comfortable over long shoots, especially with a small prime lens attached. The Sony’s compactness is a double-edged sword - it’s easy to slip into a jacket pocket but less ergonomic for long bursts or steady handholding without a textured grip.

Behind the Lens: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Sensor performance usually drives buying decisions for serious photographers, so this is a key battleground. The Olympus E-PM2 includes a Four Thirds sensor, which sits at 17.3x13mm and packs 16 megapixels. The Sony HX80 carries a smaller 1/2.3” sensor (6.17x4.55mm) with 18 megapixels.

This difference in sensor size (Olympus sensor area nearly 225 sq.mm vs Sony’s 28 sq.mm) has direct implications for image quality: bigger sensors typically yield better dynamic range, less noise at high ISO, and richer color depth.

Olympus's sensor design and processing deliver a DxOmark overall score of 72, with solid 22.7 bits color depth and 12.2 stops of dynamic range - impressive for an entry-level mirrorless, especially for retaining detail in highlights and shadows. The Sony lacks DxOmark scores (not tested), but given the sensor size and class, it naturally lags in color fidelity and dynamic range.

In real-world shooting, the Olympus E-PM2 produces files with cleaner shadows, less chromatic noise, and better highlight roll-off. This makes it more suitable for landscape, portrait, and creative work where image quality matters. The Sony HX80’s sensor is more prone to noise beyond ISO 800, but its smaller sensor allows for a highly compact body and a powerful zoom range.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Speed

Autofocus (AF) is a critical factor, especially for action, wildlife, or street photographers who want quick, reliable locking and tracking.

The Olympus E-PM2 utilizes a contrast-detection AF system with 35 focus points and face detection, capable of AF tracking and continuous AF. It does not feature phase-detection AF, which usually improves speed but wasn’t yet common in 2013 entry models.

The Sony HX80 also relies on contrast-detection AF though boosts ease of use through clever algorithms and a high-precision Bionz X processor. Interestingly, it offers continuous AF at up to 10 frames per second in burst mode, faster than the Olympus’s 8fps, but with the caveat of less precision and smaller buffer depth given its target market and sensor speed.

Both cameras provide selective and multi-area AF, but neither supports advanced animal eye autofocus, a feature common in mid to high-end cameras today.

From hands-on testing, Olympus’s AF was more deliberate but accurate, suitable for portraits and landscapes, while Sony’s was snappier but sometimes less precise, better for travel snapshots where speed beats pinpoint accuracy.

Portraits, Bokeh, and Skin Tone Reproduction

Portrait photography often separates good cameras from great ones - how skin tones render, ease of getting shallow depth of field, and face detection effectiveness all matter.

With its larger sensor and Micro Four Thirds lens lineup offering bright primes (those beloved 25mm f/1.8 or 45mm f/1.8 lenses, for example), the Olympus E-PM2 excels at delivering creamy background blur (bokeh) and flattering skin tones, especially when shooting RAW and processing with gentle gradation. Face detection is competent, locking on eyes reasonably well, but it lacks dedicated eye AF features found in newer cameras.

The Sony HX80 has a fixed 24-720mm zoom with a max aperture spanning f/3.5 – f/6.4, so creating that shallow DOF for portraits takes some digital trickery or smart background separation. Skin tones are respectable in good light, but the smaller sensor means noisier shadows and less subtle tonality at higher ISOs. Face detection is present but somewhat basic.

If portraits are a priority for you - especially with control over depth and detail - the Olympus is the clear winner.

Landscapes and Dynamic Range: Who Holds the Detail?

Landscape photographers covet dynamic range and resolution for rich colors and fine detail.

Thanks to its bigger Four Thirds sensor, the Olympus E-PM2 reproduces more highlight and shadow details even in tricky lighting, capturing nuances in tree leaves, skies, and textures. Its 16MP resolution is adequate for large prints or cropping, and the Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem includes excellent super-wide and tilt-shift offerings for creative landscape shooting.

The Olympus’s body lacks weather sealing and ruggedness, so keep that in mind if you shoot in tough conditions.

The Sony HX80, with a smaller sensor and smaller aperture control, can limit detail retention and struggle in high contrast scenes. That said, its superzoom lens gives tremendous versatility to frame far-off scenes, making it appealing for casual landscape shooters or travelers spotting wildlife or mountain vistas from a distance. However, compact zoom optics have inherent image softness at long focal lengths and are less sharp at the edges.

The HX80’s sensor size, combined with lack of RAW support, restricts post-processing freedom significantly.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Speed & Continuous Shooting

If you chase fast-moving subjects, AF speed, burst rate, and buffer depth are crucial.

The Olympus E-PM2 offers 8 fps burst with continuous AF, which is impressive for a 2013 entry-level mirrorless. Its AF tracking helps, but the contrast detection system can hesitate with erratic movement or in low light. Also, combined with the Micro Four Thirds 2x crop, your telephoto reach doubles, which helps for distant wildlife.

The Sony HX80 boasts a 10 fps burst rate, slightly faster but with smaller buffer depth and less reliable focus tracking under fast movement. It compensates with an exceptional 30x zoom (24-720mm equivalent), giving you reach without extra lenses - quite handy for wildlife or sports in casual scenarios.

Neither camera offers really fast phase-detection AF or customization options available on newer models, so serious sports shooters might want to consider alternatives. But for casual wildlife or sports, Olympus’s better image quality combined with reasonable speed wins out if you pair it with good telephoto lenses.

Street Photography and Discreet Shooting Experience

For street shooters, size, quick responsiveness, and stealth matter.

The Sony HX80’s compact size and pop-up viewfinder make it a natural everyday carry candidate, especially for those wanting an instant superzoom option. Its quiet operation and fast shutter make candid shots easier with minimal fuss.

The Olympus E-PM2, while not huge, is more overt due to its lens system and build, though still relatively compact compared to DSLR options. Its touchscreen interface, silent electronic shutter (limited to 1/4000s in Olympus's case rather than a fully silent shutter mode), and customizable controls make it appealing for photographers who prefer manual control but want to stay low-profile.

I’ve enjoyed the Olympus on long street walks where image quality and lens choice give more creative control; meanwhile, the Sony fits better in quick grab-n-go situations.

Macro Photography: Close Focus & Stabilization

If exploring small subjects fascinates you, macro capability is key.

The Olympus, with a vast Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem includes dedicated macro lenses like the Panasonic Leica 45mm Macro or Olympus 60mm Macro, offering 1:1 magnification or better and exceptional focusing precision. The camera's built-in sensor stabilization helps handheld macro shots tremendously.

The Sony HX80 has a macro mode down to 5cm, and its lens allows close-ups at the wide angle end, but it lacks the sharpness and detail fidelity macro enthusiasts demand. Stabilization is optical here, which helps, but is no substitute for the dedicated macro optics and sensor-shift found in the Olympus ecosystem.

For serious macro work, Olympus wins easily; Sony suits casual close-ups.

Night and Astrophotography Capabilities

Low-light performance hinges on sensor size, high ISO noise, and exposure options.

The Olympus E-PM2 exhibits reasonable high ISO behavior up to around ISO 3200, with noise control and retention of detail useful enough for starry skies and night street scenes. It supports manual modes and longer exposures up to 60 seconds, essential for astrophotography, although no built-in intervalometer limits timelapse automation.

The Sony HX80’s smaller sensor introduces more noise at ISO beyond 800-1600, challenging for astro photos lacking clarity and star definition. It offers shutter speeds down to 30 seconds and some manual exposure control, but limited ISO latitude and no RAW support reduce processing flexibility.

For anyone serious about night/astro shots, the Olympus’s sensor size and manual control give it a clear edge.

Video Quality and Features

Both cameras target casual video shooters but differ in specifics.

The Olympus E-PM2 shoots full HD 1080p video at 30fps, using Motion JPEG, H.264, and MPEG-4 compression. While video quality is decent for social and hobbyist use, the camera lacks modern video amenities like 4K recording, headphone/mic ports, or in-body stabilization optimized for video. The sensor-based stabilization helps smooth handheld footage somewhat.

The Sony HX80 upgrades video with full HD 1080p up to 60fps, multiple frame rate options (60p, 60i, 30p, 24p), and XAVC S codec for better compression. It has optical stabilization (OSS) that actively smooths footage, though no external microphone input limits audio capture quality. The built-in electronic viewfinder assists framing video in bright light but no touchscreen.

In terms of video, Sony’s newer firmware and advanced codec edge the Olympus out as the more versatile casual video tool.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery, and Size Matters

Travel photographers need their camera to be lightweight, versatile, and reliable.

Sony HX80’s potent 30x zoom range, compact pocket-friendly size, and built-in Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity suit the traveler who wants one camera for landscape, portrait, and wildlife without carrying extra lenses. Battery life is around 390 shots per charge, which can be enough for a day out with some spare power banks.

The Olympus E-PM2 offers interchangeable lenses (with a huge Micro Four Thirds ecosystem ready), better image quality, and in-body stabilization, but needs more planning with lens selection and weighs a bit more. Battery life is close at 360 shots, but charging options and spares are easy to source.

Personally, for travel with creative intent, I prefer the Olympus system if you don’t mind extra kit; for minimalism and zoom reach in tight spaces, Sony is superb.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

While both cameras target enthusiasts rather than professional shooters, let’s briefly consider professional needs like file formats and workflow.

The Olympus E-PM2 supports RAW file capture, enabling extensive post-processing flexibility - essential for professionals and serious amateurs. It integrates well with common editing suites like Lightroom and Capture One. Its sensor and image quality offer files that hold well under retouching.

The Sony HX80 does not support RAW - a serious limitation for pros - and outputs JPEGs primarily optimized in-camera. For quick delivery or social media, this may be acceptable, but limits professional-grade editing work.

Connectivities like HDMI on both allow tethering and external monitor use, but neither has built-in GPS or advanced wireless-driven workflows found in flagship cameras.

Storage, Battery, and Connectivity Overview

Both cameras use SD cards, with the Sony supporting Memory Stick compatibility too. The Olympus E-PM2 charges via proprietary BLS-5 batteries, while the Sony uses NP-BX1, both replaceable with spares.

Olympus features USB 2.0 connectivity and Eye-Fi card wireless support (although limited). Sony upgrades connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy image transfer - a nice modern touch that the Olympus lacks inherently.

The Verdict: Which Camera Is Right for You?

The Olympus E-PM2 and Sony HX80 serve very different needs despite overlapping use in casual photography.

Olympus E PM2 front Olympus E PM2 screen back Sony HX80 front Sony HX80 screen back

If you prioritize image quality, creative control, and lens versatility - for portraits, landscapes, detailed work, or basic video - the Olympus E-PM2 is a better investment. Its Micro Four Thirds sensor, RAW support, in-body stabilization, and classic mirrorless ergonomics put it solidly in the hands of enthusiasts aiming for long-term photographic growth.

If you want a compact, travel-friendly camera with a massive zoom range, ready for quick snaps, casual wildlife, or street photography without the fuss of switching lenses, the Sony HX80 shines. It’s simpler, faster in burst mode, and packs excellent video features for its class but sacrifices image quality and creative depth.

Budget-wise, the Olympus costs a bit more - justified by its expanded capabilities. The Sony is more affordable and can appeal to beginners or those wanting a lightweight backup camera.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Olympus E-PM2 and Sony HX80 boils down to what type of photographer you are and where your priorities lie.

• Opt for Olympus E-PM2 if you want superior image quality, interchangeable lenses, and the classic mirrorless experience with more manual control.
• Choose Sony HX80 if you desire a sleek all-in-one travel zoom compact with decent image quality and excellent zoom reach, perfect for casual photography.

No matter which you select, both cameras shine in their niches and can serve as excellent companions - just know their strengths and trade-offs before pulling the trigger.

If you want to deepen your understanding, always check for hands-on shoots and reviews matching your specific genres, and don't forget to try a hands-on session wherever possible. Your perfect camera should not only take great pictures but also feel right in your hands.

I hope this comparison gives you a clear, experience-driven picture to inform your choice! Need help picking lenses for the E-PM2 or tips on maximizing the Sony HX80’s zoom power? Just ask - I’ve got you covered.