Olympus E-M1 vs Sony QX100

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-M1 vs Sony QX100, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Lens-style by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the QX100 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and QX100 (1") use totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-M1 was revealed 2 months later than the QX100 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony QX100 being a Lens-style camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E-M1 matches up vs the QX100 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Sony QX100 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M1 features external 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 QX100 has measurements of 63mm x 63mm x 56mm (2.5" x 2.5" x 2.2") accompanied by a weight of 179 grams (0.39 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-M1 vs Sony QX100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the E-M1 and the QX100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 and QX100 is 71 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to envision the difference between sensor measurements purely by reading through a spec sheet. The visual here may provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M1 and QX100.

As you can see, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-M1 using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Sony QX100 will give you greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively.