Olympus E-M1 vs Sony QX30

Lets look closer at the Olympus E-M1 versus Sony QX30, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Lens-style by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the QX30 (20MP) is very well matched but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and QX30 (1/2.3") provide different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 was manufactured 10 months prior to the QX30 so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony QX30 being a Lens-style camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple summation of how the E-M1 scores against the QX30 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Sony QX30 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-M1 enjoys outside 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) whilst the Sony QX30 has specifications of 68mm x 65mm x 58mm (2.7" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-M1 versus Sony QX30 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-M1 vs the QX30.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 and QX30 is 71 and 91 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking specifications. The graphic underneath may give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1 and QX30.

Plainly, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-M1 featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh easier and the Sony QX30 will resolve more detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older E-M1 is going to be behind in sensor technology.