Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 vs Sony RX100 VI: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Cameras from Distinct Eras

Selecting the right compact camera today is a nuanced challenge given the wide spectrum of features, sensor technologies, and intended uses. Here, I offer a detailed comparison of two cameras that, while both falling under the umbrella of compact cameras, represent very different design philosophies, technologies, and target demographics:

• The Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 (2010), a ruggedized waterproof compact designed for durability and adventure, and
• The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI (2018), a premium large sensor compact optimized for versatile image quality and speed.

My insights are drawn from extensive hands-on testing and industry-standard evaluation criteria covering sensor performance, autofocus, ergonomics, durability, and more. Both cameras have their appeal - but for very different buyers. This comprehensive 2500-word guide will equip enthusiasts and pros alike to make an informed decision tailored to their photographic needs.

1. First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

Before delving into sensor or autofocus specs, handling a camera often reveals much about the intended shooting scenarios and user comfort. The Olympus 6020 is a compact rugged camera measuring just 95x62x22 mm and weighing a mere 122 grams, making it remarkably pocketable and truly adventure-ready. In contrast, the Sony RX100 VI, though still compact, is significantly larger and heavier at 102x58x43 mm and 301 grams, reflecting its more complex internal hardware.

The Olympus 6020’s slim, compact body designed for ruggedness vs. the bulkier, feature-rich Sony RX100 VI.

• Olympus 6020: The body is robustly constructed and boasts certifications for waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof operations. This means the camera can withstand drops, submersion up to a certain depth, and cold environments - making it ideal for adventure and environmentally harsh applications. The grip is minimal but sufficient for quick on-the-go shooting.

• Sony RX100 VI: Built with precision in mind, its magnesium alloy body feels solid but lacks any environmental sealing. It's designed to be a travel- and enthusiast-friendly camera that balances portability with advanced functionality. Despite being bigger, it fits comfortably in one hand, aided by sculpted grips and a tilting screen.

2. Design and Control Layout: Ease of Use vs. Control Customization

A camera’s design often hints at its usability in the field. The Olympus 6020’s simpler, durability-focused approach contrasts sharply with the RX100 VI’s complex control schemes.

Olympus 6020’s minimalistic button layout next to Sony RX100 VI’s extensive dedicated dials and toggles.

• Olympus 6020: Controls are minimal, with no dedicated manual exposure modes, no aperture or shutter priority, and no manual focus option. The camera’s TruePic III processor supports basic autofocus and exposure but limits advanced photographic creativity. Buttons are not backlit and fairly small; ergonomics are functional but basic to preserve waterproof sealing.

• Sony RX100 VI: The RX100 VI features extensive manual control capabilities, including aperture priority, shutter priority, full manual exposure, and customizable buttons. The tilting touchscreen enhances menu navigation and focusing tasks. The presence of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2359k-dot resolution provides substantial shooting versatility even under bright light, a feature the Olympus cannot match.

3. Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCD vs. BSI-CMOS

Image sensor technology profoundly impacts image fidelity, low-light performance, and dynamic range. Here, the differences are substantial.

Comparison of sensor sizes and types: The tiny 1/2.3” CCD sensor in Olympus 6020 vs. the larger 1” BSI-CMOS sensor in Sony RX100 VI.

• Olympus 6020: Features a 1/2.3” CCD sensor with 13MP resolution, common among 2010-era compact cameras. CCD sensors are known for reasonable color rendition but tend to struggle with high ISO noise and have limited dynamic range. The sensor’s small size (27.72mm²) constrains its light-gathering ability, leading to limited low-light ability and restricted ISO range (max ISO 1600).

• Sony RX100 VI: A remarkable leap forward with a 1” BSI-CMOS sensor boasting 20.1MP. Backside-illuminated (BSI) design improves low-light performance and dynamic range substantially over conventional sensors. The sensor size (116.16mm²) is more than four times larger than Olympus’s CCD, meaning better noise control, greater detail rendering, and improved tonal gradation - critical for professional-quality photography and large prints.

Real-world impact: Images from the RX100 VI exhibit sharper details, richer color depth, and significantly less noise at higher ISOs compared to the Olympus. The larger sensor’s noise handling and dynamic range are especially noticeable in shadow and highlight preservation.

4. Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Capability

Modern autofocus capability is a major differentiator, especially for action and wildlife photographers.

• Olympus 6020: Employs a contrast-detection AF system with face-detection (though no eye or animal eye detection). Autofocus points are limited and focus tracking, while available, is rudimentary and best suited for static or slow-moving subjects. Single AF mode only.

• Sony RX100 VI: Incorporates a hybrid autofocus system combining contrast-detection and 315-point phase-detection AF points, dramatically improving speed and accuracy. Features like eye detection AF allow for precise focus on human subjects' eyes, enhancing portrait sharpness. Continuous AF tracking is reliable, suitable for wildlife and sports photography.

In practical testing, the Sony’s AF locked focus nearly instantaneously and maintained it during fast-moving subjects, whereas the Olympus sometimes hunts in lower light or when subjects moved abruptly.

5. Performance in Different Photography Genres

Let’s now consider how both cameras perform across an array of photographic disciplines - each with differing requirements.

Portrait Photography

• Sony RX100 VI excels in portraits due to its larger sensor, wider aperture at shorter focal lengths (f/2.8), and eye-detection autofocus. Its ability to capture rich skin tones and achieve pleasing background blur (bokeh) surpasses the Olympus 6020, whose smaller sensor and narrower max apertures (f/3.9-5.9) produce less separation between subject and background.

• Olympus’s fixed 28-140mm lens (equivalent) is quite versatile, but lack of RAW support and manual exposure limits fine portrait control.

Landscape Photography

• Sony RX100 VI again leads due to higher resolution (20MP), wider ISO flexibility, and superior dynamic range. Although it lacks weather sealing, shooting landscapes in good light yields images with crisp details and natural colors. Its wider aperture and zoom range (24-200mm) also afford composition flexibility.

• Olympus 6020, built for adverse environments, shines when landscapes demand weather resistance - rain or snow - where the Sony could be at risk. However, its lower resolution and limited dynamic range cap final image quality potential.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• The RX100 VI’s fast continuous shooting at 24fps, sophisticated autofocus, and longer zoom reach (200mm equiv.) make it quite capable for casual wildlife and sports capturing.

• Meanwhile, the Olympus 6020, with a slower 5fps burst and less effective AF, is less suitable for action, but still capable enough for static or slow wildlife subjects in challenging environments.

Street and Travel Photography

• Olympus Stylus Tough 6020's ruggedness and small size lend it tremendous appeal for street photographers needing a discreet, weatherproof, lightweight companion. Its fully waterproof design allows carefree shooting around water or dusty locales.

• The Sony RX100 VI, while larger and more conspicuous, offers versatility with better low-light performance, a tilting touchscreen for shooting at awkward angles, and excellent battery life. Ideal for photographers needing high-quality imagery across diverse environments.

Macro Photography

• The Olympus 6020 supports a macro focus range down to 1 cm, enabling close-up shots of small subjects.

• The Sony requires getting to 8 cm minimum but benefits from superior image quality and stabilization, allowing stunning macro images with impressive detail.

Night and Astro Photography

• The Sony RX100 VI’s larger sensor and native ISO up to 12800 (expandable to 25600) provide better low-light capability essential for astrophotography and night scenes. Longer exposures with less noise are achievable, and the camera supports manual exposure control needed for star trails or night landscapes.

• Olympus’s ISO tops at 1600, and absence of manual exposure modes greatly limits night photography potential.

6. Video Capabilities: Resolution and Stabilization

Video capture is increasingly important and differs greatly between these two compacts.

• Sony RX100 VI records sharp 4K (3840x2160) footage at 30fps using XAVC S high-bitrate codec and features optical image stabilization for smooth handheld footage. Integration with USB charging allows extended shoots. Touch control and the tilting screen ease subject framing.

• Olympus 6020 records video only up to 720p (1280x720) at 30fps, which by modern standards is decidedly basic. Built-in sensor-shift stabilization helps, but lack of external mic input or advanced video features limits usability for videographers.

The Sony is clearly the better choice for video-focused creators or hybrid shooters seeking high-quality footage from a compact.

7. Ergonomics: Viewfinder, Screen, and Interface

User interface impacts shooting efficiency.

Sony RX100 VI’s tilting 3” touchscreen next to the Olympus 6020’s fixed 2.7” LCD panel.

• The Olympus has a fixed 2.7” LCD with low resolution and no touchscreen capabilities. There is no viewfinder, which can make shooting in bright conditions challenging.

• Conversely, the Sony RX100 VI offers a 3” tilting touchscreen with 1229k dots and a bright pop-up EVF with full 100% coverage and 0.59x magnification. This enhances composition accuracy and usability outdoors.

8. Battery Life and Storage Options

• Sony RX100 VI delivers approximately 240 shots per full battery charge, which is decent but not stellar for continuous shooting sessions. It uses the proprietary NP-BX1 lithium-ion battery and supports USB charging.

• Olympus 6020 uses a Li-50B battery but official battery life figures are unavailable. Reports suggest modest endurance due to its less power-hungry systems but limited burst shooting.

Both cameras feature single storage slots using SD cards, but the Sony adds support for SDXC and Sony’s Memory Stick Pro Duo formats.

9. Connectivity and Extra Features

• The Sony RX100 VI is well-equipped with built-in wireless connectivity including WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC for seamless image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps. It also supports time-lapse recording (via downloadable software). HDMI output is present.

• The Olympus lacks any wireless connectivity, and externally connecting accessories is limited. It offers HDMI and USB 2.0 ports but no Bluetooth or WiFi.

10. Pricing and Value Proposition

• Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 was priced around $279 USD at release - a budget rugged compact, offering specialized durability and simplicity.

• Sony RX100 VI debuted at around $1198 USD, reflecting its premium segment positioning with cutting-edge sensor tech, extensive control, and connectivity.

11. Overall Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Scores

12. Sample Imagery Comparison

Olympus 6020 front Olympus 6020 screen back Sony RX100 VI front

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Camera is Right for You?

• Choose the Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 if:

  • You need an ultra-compact, rugged, waterproof camera.
  • Your shooting environments are harsh or wet (hiking, snorkeling, winter sports).
  • You prefer simplicity and durability over image quality.
  • Budget constraints prioritize affordability.
  • Video and advanced autofocus features are non-essential.

• Choose the Sony RX100 VI if:

  • Image quality, speed, and versatility are paramount.
  • You need advanced autofocus with face/eye detection for portraits, wildlife, or sports.
  • You want professional manual exposure controls.
  • Video performance and connectivity options are required.
  • You value a high-quality electronic viewfinder and a tilting touchscreen.
  • You are willing to invest a higher budget for a large sensor compact.

Closing Expert Note

While the Olympus 6020 is a champion for rugged adventure applications and casual users who prioritize convenience and durability, the Sony RX100 VI exemplifies how the large sensor compact segment can deliver performance near that of mirrorless cameras in an eminently portable body - ideal for enthusiasts and professionals needing a capable backup or travel camera.

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, this side-by-side highlights how sensor technology, autofocus sophistication, and ergonomic design elevate the photographic possibilities of modern compacts, though often at the cost of ruggedness and simplicity. Carefully consider which traits align most closely with your shooting style and environment to make the best-informed purchase.

By integrating hands-on experience, technical benchmarks, and practical user needs, this comparison aims to provide authoritative guidance tailored to evolving compact camera desires in 2024 and beyond.