Olympus PEN-F vs Sony A68: A Battle of Mirrorless Charm and DSLR Muscle

Choosing your next camera can sometimes feel like wedging two perfectly good gadgets into one box - but which one truly deserves a spot in your bag? Today, we're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison between two distinct yet intriguing contenders: the Olympus PEN-F, a refined mirrorless with retro flair and thoughtful features, and the Sony A68, a solid entry-level DSLR that packs a surprising punch. Each caters to different photographic philosophies, but both have quirks and strengths worth dissecting.

Having spent countless hours toggling between mirrorless and DSLR systems, embracing everything from ultra-telephotos to pocketable primes, I’ll take you through a practical, real-world rundown - complete with technical insights, ergonomic feels, and usability notes - from portraits to astrophotography, and beyond. Let’s get right to it.

Getting Hands-On: Size, Feel, and Ergonomics

First impressions matter. The physical interaction with a camera can dictate how instinctively you capture fleeting moments. The Olympus PEN-F embraces a compact rangefinder-style mirrorless design - slick, stylish, and designed to impress both eyes and hands.

The Sony A68, on the other hand, keeps faithful to a traditional bulky yet substantial SLR body - yes, the kind that feels reassuringly solid in your grip but can sometimes trip up your stride on the street.

Let's have a quick visual:

Looking at dimensions: the PEN-F measures a svelte 125 x 72 x 37 mm at 427g, while the A68 weighs in significantly heavier at 610g with dimensions 143 x 104 x 81 mm. Those extra millimeters and grams manifest a distinct experience. The Olympus fits nicely in smaller bags, suited for light travel and stealthier street photography. Its compact form, combined with a thoughtfully laid out control scheme rallied around a top-mounted dial, offers immediate exposure adjustments without fumbling.

Speaking of controls, the top-view layout underscores this contrast:

Here the PEN-F’s “vintage charm meets modern control” ethos is clear - metal dials for shutter speed and ISO feel crisp and precise. The A68's layout, while functional and familiar to DSLR veterans, can feel more utilitarian. There's more plastic here, larger buttons, and a top LCD panel - handy for quick lapses into shooting data, but it sacrifices some minimalistic elegance.

In practice, if you crave tactile dials and a pocket-friendly chassis, PEN-F will delight. But if you prefer a bulkier grip that feels substantial when coupling with hefty lenses and better balance for telephoto shooting, the A68's DSLR form factor has your back.

The Sensor Showdown: Size, Resolution, and Image Quality

Ah, the sensor. The heart of any digital camera, dictating detail, low-light prowess, and image character. Time for some cold, hard numbers and pixel perceptions.

The Olympus PEN-F sports a 20MP Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3x13mm, while the Sony A68 leaps ahead with a 24MP APS-C sensor at 23.5x15.6mm. The A68’s sensor area is roughly 63% larger, offering a distinct technological advantage in gathering light and dynamic range.

DXO Mark scores reflect these discrepancies clearly: A68 pulls an overall 79, with a color depth of 24.1 bits, dynamic range of 13.5 EV, and a low-light ISO score of 701. In contrast, PEN-F’s score is 74, with color depth 23.1 bits, DR 12.4 EV, but a surprisingly higher ISO low-light rating (894), likely due to different image processing trade-offs.

What does this mean practically? In landscapes and high-dynamic range scenes, the A68’s sensor allows for smoother gradations, better highlight retention, and more detail when pushing shadows. In low-light or night photography, the PEN-F’s performance gets a nod for noise control at moderately high ISO settings, though the A68 isn’t far behind.

Resolution-wise, the A68’s 24MP maxes out at 6000x4000, offering more room to crop or print large. The PEN-F's 20MP yields 5184x3888 - still plenty for most uses but a slight limitation if you’re obsessed with pixel-peeping.

Eye on the Prize: Autofocus Systems Compared

Nothing kills a decisive moment faster than a sluggish or inaccurate autofocus. Let’s see which camera brings sharper reflexes.

The Olympus PEN-F features contrast-detection autofocus only, with 81 focus points, face detection, and continuous autofocus modes. It supports touch-to-focus on its screen, making live-view shooting more intuitive.

The Sony A68, while an entry-level DSLR, boasts a hybrid AF system: 79 focus points, including 15 cross-type points, and combines phase detection for speedy locking with contrast detection for accuracy. That phase detection is a meaningful advantage where fast, predictive focusing matters - think sports or wildlife.

In real-world testing, the A68 flexes more muscle tracking moving subjects, maintaining consistent focus across bursts. Not perfect, but markedly better than the PEN-F in rapid action scenarios.

The PEN-F shines in static subjects - such as portraits or still-lifes - where contrast detection’s precision and face detection algorithm excel, especially when combined with Olympus’s in-body image stabilization to keep focus steady.

Animal eye detection? Neither camera has it - a bummer for wildlife photographers chasing critters’ twitchy gazes without manual tweaks.

Display and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shots

Modern cameras live or die by their ability to preview and review shots comfortably and accurately. Here, we dive into screens and viewfinders.

The PEN-F wins points for a fully articulated 3.0-inch touchscreen at 1037k dots. This makes framing from odd angles or taking selfies (yes, it’s selfie-friendly) a breeze. Touch AF and menu navigation feel natural after you get past the initial menu maze typical of Olympus.

The A68 offers a smaller 2.7-inch tilting screen with 461k dots and no touch functionality. It’s serviceable but feels dated and less responsive when shooting live view.

Both cameras have electronic viewfinders (EVFs), a rarity for the DSLR category - though on the A68 it is technically a “translucent mirror” SLR which delivers an EVF image rather than an optical one. The PEN-F’s OLED EVF has a resolution of 2360k dots, significantly sharper than the A68’s 1440k dot display. That means clearer previews, more detailed histograms, and better manual focusing aid on the PEN-F.

Viewfinder coverage hits 100% on both - no unpleasant surprises cropping out at the edges. However, magnification favors PEN-F’s 0.62x over the A68’s 0.57x, giving a slightly larger view.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Your camera is only as good as the lenses you can pair it with - and this is where brand allegiance and mount choice bite or bless.

The Olympus PEN-F uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, opening access to a mature and vast lineup - over 100 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties. From ultra-wide to telephoto primes, specialized macro and pancake options, this mount’s versatility suits nearly every photographer’s dream.

The Sony A68 relies on the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount (A-mount), compatible with over 140 lenses developed over decades by Sony and Minolta. While the mount is older and less popular now - given Sony’s focus on E-mount mirrorless - there remain excellent legacy and newer lenses for portraits, wildlife, and sports.

One caveat: Sony A68’s autofocus on older lenses can be less effective and sometimes noisy, so carefully vet lens choices if you’re opting for legacy glass. Olympus’s lenses tend to be silent and optimized for mirrorless operation.

Burst Speed and Shutter Specs Affecting Action Photography

Burst speed, shutter durability, and blackout-free shooting are vital for sports and wildlife photographers who need to nail split-second moments.

PEN-F offers continuous shooting at 10 fps with its mechanical shutter, boasting ultra-fast electronic shutter speeds up to 1/16000s - perfect for freezing fast motion and working under bright conditions with wide apertures. Silent shutter mode facilitates discreet shooting ideal for quiet events or street photography.

A68 clocks a respectable but slower 8 fps, max shutter speed 1/4000s mechanical only - no electronic shutter. Less flexible in bright light or high-speed freeze action but still a decent performer in its class.

In practice, PEN-F’s faster shutter and burst can outpace A68 in capturing fleeting moments, but A68’s phase-detection AF and robust DSLR build tend toward consistency in prolonged burst sequences.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Performance

A distinction crucial for any working shooter is how a camera performs in dim or challenging environments.

The PEN-F has sensor-shift 5-axis image stabilization, a huge plus that steadies shots even with non-stabilized lenses. This benefits macro, handheld landscape, and street shooters aiming to squeeze sharpness at slower shutter speeds.

The A68 lacks in-body stabilization, relying solely on lens-based IS. This means if your lens doesn’t have it, your low-light handheld shots may become blurry more often.

Regarding ISO and noise, despite PEN-F’s smaller sensor, it surprisingly holds its own at moderate ISO values thanks to Olympus’s TruePic VII processor and noise reduction algorithms. A68’s larger APS-C sensor offers improved dynamic range and color fidelity at low ISO and excels at high ISO noise control.

Video Features: Who Wins for Moving Pictures?

Video is often an afterthought for many photographers but remains a deal-breaker for some hybrid shooters.

PEN-F captures Full HD 1080p at up to 60fps with MPEG-4, H.264, and Motion JPEG formats but lacks 4K and microphone/headphone ports. Its articulated touchscreen helps with vlogging or dynamic angles, but video-centric features are basic.

A68 also maxes out at 1080p (60i/30p/24p), but impressively includes a microphone input, allowing better audio capture - a boon for creators serious about sound. Sony’s XAVC S codec format offers improved compression and image quality over MPEG-4.

Neither camera offers in-body video stabilization, so external rigs or stabilized lenses are advisable for smooth footage.

Durability, Weather Sealing, and Build Quality

For professional or adventurous shooters, ruggedness can be everything.

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or serious weatherproofing. The PEN-F, despite its robust metal construction and vintage look, is not weather-sealed. Similarly, the A68’s plastic-heavy DSLR body lacks dust and moisture protections.

If you regularly shoot in harsh environments, either would require precautions like protective covers or consider more rugged alternatives.

Battery Life & Storage: Shooting Without Stress

Shoot all day without fumbling for replacements? A valid concern.

Surprisingly, the A68 excels with 510 shots per charge, thanks in part to its DSLR-style power management and less power-hungry EVF.

The PEN-F manages a respectable 330 shots, typical of mirrorless bodies but less than DSLRs. If you’re the kind of shooter who fires off bursts or video clips extensively, a spare battery or two is advisable.

Storage-wise, both cameras share a single SD card slot, supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. The A68 uniquely supports Memory Stick Pro Duo as well - a legacy holdover, if that tickles your fancy.

Real-World Portraits, Landscapes, Wildlife, and Street Shooting Experiences

Enough tech specs - how do they translate into images?

Portraits

The Olympus PEN-F’s beautiful Micro Four Thirds primes combined with its excellent image stabilization yields creamy bokeh and accurate skin tones when paired with fast lenses. Face detection autofocus helps lock eyes with precision, although lack of animal eye AF might frustrate pet shooters.

Sony A68’s APS-C sensor provides larger pixels that deliver slightly better color depth and dynamic range, making portraits pop with natural contrast and highlight retention. Its phase-detect autofocus tracks moving subjects better, vital when photographing kids or ensembles.

Landscapes

With a modest 20MP count, PEN-F excels in diverse aspect ratios, boasting a unique 1:1 square mode for alternative compositions. Its 5-axis IBIS stabilizes shots handheld in tricky light.

But the A68’s APS-C sensor and higher resolution give a slight resolution and DR edge, capturing detailed, rich landscapes - especially when paired with renowned Sony or third-party wide-angle lenses.

Wildlife and Sports

Here, A68 takes a lead. Faster autofocus with phase detection, respectable 8 fps burst, and durable DSLR grip make it better suited for chasing fast-moving subjects.

PEN-F’s smaller sensor and slower AF are handicaps here, but its silent shutter offers stealth advantages on shy animals or quiet events.

Street Photography

PEN-F’s lean size, silent shutter, and articulated touchscreen facilitate creativity and discretion, especially in low light or crowded environments.

A68’s bulkier build can be conspicuous, though the optical EVF feel might appeal to traditionalists preferring through-the-lens viewing.

Night and Astro Photography

Both cameras can capture the stars with long exposures and manual focus.

PEN-F’s minimum ISO of 200 might limit flexibility for some astrophotographers - some prefer base ISO 100 for cleaner long exposures.

A68’s ISO 100 minimum offers more headroom, and its superior dynamic range preserves starfield contrast better. But lack of robust weather sealing requires careful handling under outdoor night conditions.

Value for Money and Final Recommendations

How does price factor into your decision? The Olympus PEN-F retails around $999, positioning as a premium advanced mirrorless offering.

The Sony A68 is a budget-friend at about $580, delivering notable performance for less than two-thirds the PEN-F's price.

So who should buy what?

• Choose the Olympus PEN-F if:

  • You prioritize portability, vintage ergonomics, and a stylish retro camera.
  • You shoot portraits, street photography, or travel frequently and want high-quality stabilization and a versatile lens lineup.
  • You appreciate a high-res viewfinder and touchscreen articulation.
  • You’re willing to pay a premium for design and mirrorless benefits.

• Choose the Sony A68 if:

  • You need a budget-friendly camera with solid image quality and higher resolution.
  • You focus on action - sports, wildlife, or fast-moving subjects - that demand responsive autofocus and burst shooting.
  • You want longer battery life, microphone input for video, and a more robust DSLR grip.
  • Legacy lens availability or upgrading from older Sony systems matters.

Visualizing Performance and Genre-Specific Strengths

To summarize the nuanced performance across genres and overall scores:

Olympus PEN F front Olympus PEN F screen back Sony A68 front Sony A68 screen back

These graphics reflect the balance: PEN-F excels in portraits and street, the A68 leads wildlife, sports, and landscapes.

Conclusion: Mirrorless Chic vs DSLR Grit

Both the Olympus PEN-F and Sony A68 bring distinct personalities and competencies to the table. As one who’s tested hundreds of cameras, I find the PEN-F’s design and stabilized shooting a joy for everyday and artistic photography. Meanwhile, the A68’s sensor size, phase-detection AF, and affordability make it a sensible choice for beginners eyeing serious, action-oriented shooting without breaking the bank.

Your choice hinges on your shooting style, lens preferences, and budget. Whether it’s the charm and agility of mirrorless or the muscle and tradition of DSLR, these two are worthy contenders in their niches.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera fit your creative spark like a glove.

If you'd like to explore further camera comparisons or get lens recommendations tailored to your style, just let me know - I’m here to help with your photographic adventures!