• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Sony NEX-6 advantages over Olympus E-PL8

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.78 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.7 fps vs 8.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Olympus E-PL8 advantages over Sony NEX-6

  • Less expensive
    $650 vs $1000 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    8 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony NEX-6
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 16-50mm and 55-210mm Lenses
  • Kit with 16-50mm Lens
All NEX-6 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-PL8
Body Only (Black)
  • Body Only (Black)
  • Body Only (White)
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens (Black)
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens (Brown)
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens (White)
All E-PL8 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Very good image quality; More consumer-friendly control setup than NEX-7 but more advanced (actual Mode dial) than step-down models; OLED EVF and 3-inch tilting LCD monitor provide viewfinder flexibility; Fast and decisive AF on stationary subjects, and good continuous AF on normal moving subjects; Full HD 1080p video recording at up to 60p.

  • Hybrid AF system speed and accuracy still lags somewhat behind higher-end DSLRs; Wi-Fi features still rudimentary (join the club); LCD is not a touchscreen; User interface foibles.

  • Read our Sony NEX-6 Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

Sony NEX-6
Sony NEX-5N
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony NEX-6 vs Sony NEX-5N

Olympus E-PL8
Sony NEX-5N
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony NEX-5N

Compared to Sony NEX-F3

Sony NEX-6
Sony NEX-F3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony NEX-6 vs Sony NEX-F3

Olympus E-PL8
Sony NEX-F3
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony NEX-F3

Compared to Sony NEX-5R

Sony NEX-6
Sony NEX-5R
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compare Sony NEX-6 vs Sony NEX-5R

Olympus E-PL8
Sony NEX-5R
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony NEX-5R

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Sony NEX-6
Panasonic GX85
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sony NEX-6 vs Panasonic GX85

Olympus E-PL8
Panasonic GX85
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic GX85

Compared to Olympus E-PL9

Sony NEX-6
Olympus E-PL9
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony NEX-6 vs Olympus E-PL9

Olympus E-PL8
Olympus E-PL9
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Olympus E-PL9

Compare Other Cameras?