Olympus E-M1 vs Sony H55

Following is a extended overview of the Olympus E-M1 and Sony H55, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the H55 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and H55 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-M1 was introduced 3 years after the H55 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony H55 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short introduction of how the E-M1 grades versus the H55 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery & Sony H55 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-M1 features exterior measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") along with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Sony H55 has specifications of 103mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-M1 and Sony H55 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the E-M1 against the H55.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1 and H55 is 71 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reading through technical specs. The image here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M1 and H55.

As you can tell, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-M1 having a larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Olympus E-M1 will give you greater detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos far more aggressively. The more recent E-M1 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.