Sony Cinema Line FX30 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
Sony Cinema Line FX30
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Black 2015
What Buyers Say
Sony Cinema Line FX30
The Sony FX30 is overwhelmingly praised as a top-tier cinema camera for its price, delivering superb image quality, excellent autofocus, and robust features like dual base ISO and XLR audio. Users highlight its value as a beginner-friendly yet professional-grade tool, with many noting it rivals more expensive models like the FX3. Minor criticisms include the lack of a viewfinder, a complicated menu system, and some software quirks, but these are largely overshadowed by its performance and versatility.
Pros
- Superb image quality
- Excellent autofocus
- Great value for price
- Dual base ISO
- XLR audio handle
Cons
- No viewfinder
- Complicated menu system
- Rolling shutter could be better
- No shutter angle option
- No open gate mode
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Black 2015
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II is praised for its compact size, lightweight build, excellent image stabilization, and weather sealing, making it a versatile travel companion. However, several users report reliability issues, particularly with the rotating LCD screen cable failing after extended use, and the menu system is widely criticized as confusing. While image quality and stabilization are standout features, concerns about long-term durability and a steep learning curve temper overall enthusiasm.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight body
- Excellent image stabilization
- Weather sealing
- Good image quality
- Versatile lens options
Cons
- Confusing menu system
- Rotating screen cable design flaw
- Reliability issues after 2-3 years
- Slow autofocus in continuous mode
- Poor ergonomics and grip
Scores
Specifications
| Sony Cinema Line FX30 | Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Exmor R CMOS | Live MOS |
| Size | aps-c | micro-four-thirds |
| Megapixels | 26 MP★ | 16.100000381469727 MP |
| ISO Range | 100 | 100 |
| Processor | BIONZ XR | TruePic VII |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Fast Hybrid AF (phase-detection AF / contrast-detection AF) | 81 |
| Eye AF | ✓★ | — |
| Animal AF | ✓★ | — |
| Subject Detection | ✓★ | — |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 120 fps★ | 10 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps★ | — |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K★ | 1080p |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps★ | — |
| 1080p FPS | 240 fps★ | 60 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓★ | — |
| Log Profile | ✓★ | — |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | H.264, H.265 | various codecs |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓★ | — |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 2.4M dots | 2.4M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.65 kg | 0.41 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 570 shots★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓★ | — |
| USB | USB Type-C | — |
| HDMI | HDMI Type-A | — |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Sony Cinema Line FX30
- Strong burst (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong af (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong battery (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Below average affordability (17th percentile)17th %ile
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Black 2015
- Strong build (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong stabilization (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong evf (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong af (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average sensor (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
Pricing
Sony Cinema Line FX30
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Black 2015
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 10 of 10 usage categories and 15 of 33 specs.