Olympus E-3 vs Sony RX1

In this article, we are comparing the Olympus E-3 vs Sony RX1, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and RX1 (Full frame) feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-3 was introduced 6 years earlier than the RX1 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-3 matches up against the RX1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Sony RX1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-3 comes with exterior measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") and a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) whilst the Sony RX1 has sizing of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") having a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-3 vs Sony RX1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-3 versus the RX1.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-3 and RX1 is 56 and 79 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizes purely by looking through specs. The image below will offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-3 and RX1.

All in all, both of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-3 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sony RX1 will render extra detail using its extra 14 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged E-3 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.