Olympus E-M1 vs Sony A99

In this article, we are reviewing the Olympus E-M1 and Sony A99, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-M1 (16MP) and A99 (24MP) and the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and A99 (Full frame) feature different sensor size.

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The E-M1 was unveiled 11 months later than the A99 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 A99 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting in to a complete comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the E-M1 matches up against the A99 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Sony SLT-A99. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Sony A99 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera often, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-M1 has got external measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") and a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Sony A99 has sizing of 147mm x 111mm x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") along with a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-M1 and Sony A99 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the E-M1 compared to the A99.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 and A99 is 71 and 57 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizing only by researching specifications. The graphic underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1 and A99.

To sum up, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-M1 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony A99 will result in greater detail having an extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The fresher E-M1 should have an edge in sensor innovation.