Olympus E-M1 vs Sony QX1

On this page, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-M1 versus Sony QX1, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Lens-style by competitors Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the QX1 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and QX1 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-M1 was manufactured 10 months before the QX1 which means that they are of a similar generation. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before getting right into a in-depth comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-M1 grades against the QX1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Sony Alpha QX1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Sony QX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-M1 offers outside dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") having a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Sony QX1 has sizing of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") along with a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-M1 versus Sony QX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose during that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the E-M1 vs the QX1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 and QX1 is 71 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to see the contrast between sensor sizes merely by looking at specs. The pic here will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M1 and QX1.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-M1 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Sony QX1 will give you greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-M1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.