Olympus E-M1 III vs Sony A55

In this article, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-M1 III vs Sony A55, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a large difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-M1 III (20MP) and A55 (16MP) and the E-M1 III (Four Thirds) and A55 (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The E-M1 III was released 9 years after the A55 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 III being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-M1 III grades versus the A55 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III & Sony SLT-A55. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-M1 III Gallery & Sony A55 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-M1 III enjoys outside dimensions of 134mm x 91mm x 69mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs) and the Sony A55 has sizing of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-M1 III vs Sony A55 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-M1 III vs the A55.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 III and A55 is 67 and 67 respectively.

Generally, its tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes only by researching a spec sheet. The pic underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M1 III and A55.

Clearly, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-M1 III because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Olympus E-M1 III will result in extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern E-M1 III should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.