Olympus E-M1 vs Sony RX10

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-M1 and Sony RX10, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the RX10 (20MP) is pretty comparable but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and RX10 (1") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 was revealed 4 months before the RX10 which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-M1 matches up against the RX10 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Sony RX10 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 has outer 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 RX10 has proportions of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") along with a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

See the Olympus E-M1 and Sony RX10 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have during that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-M1 and the RX10.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 and RX10 is 71 and 58 respectively.

Often, its hard to visualise the difference in sensor dimensions just by going through specs. The image below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1 and RX10.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-M1 having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Sony RX10 will produce more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively.