• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony A65 advantages over Olympus E-M1 II

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.95 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 20.4 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Olympus E-M1 II advantages over Sony A65

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Fast startup
    ~0.80 vs 2.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,312 vs 717 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    8 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.6 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Both provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality; Very good dynamic range & high ISO performance; Fantastic C-AF performance; Incredible burst rates, even with RAW; 4K UHD & Cinema 4K (DCI) video; Clean HDMI; Dual SD card slots.

  • Expensive; Menus still confusing; UHS-II support only on one card slot; No optical low-pass filter means greater risk of moire; No built-in flash.

  • Read our Olympus E-M1 II Review

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm X-T2

Sony A65
Fujifilm X-T2
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony A65 vs Fujifilm X-T2

Olympus E-M1 II
Fujifilm X-T2
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1 II vs Fujifilm X-T2

Compared to Nikon D3200

Sony A65
Nikon D3200
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $477
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony A65 vs Nikon D3200

Olympus E-M1 II
Nikon D3200
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $477
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-M1 II vs Nikon D3200

Compared to Nikon D5200

Sony A65
Nikon D5200
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony A65 vs Nikon D5200

Olympus E-M1 II
Nikon D5200
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-M1 II vs Nikon D5200

Compared to Sony A58

Sony A65
Sony A58
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony A65 vs Sony A58

Olympus E-M1 II
Sony A58
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1 II vs Sony A58

Compared to Panasonic G7

Sony A65
Panasonic G7
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony A65 vs Panasonic G7

Olympus E-M1 II
Panasonic G7
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic G7

Compare Other Cameras?