Olympus E-M1X vs Pentax E90

On this page, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-M1X and Pentax E90, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-M1X (20MP) and E90 (10MP) and the E-M1X (Four Thirds) and E90 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizing.

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The E-M1X was introduced 9 years after the E90 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M1X being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax E90 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a in depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the E-M1X matches up vs the E90 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1X and Pentax Optio E90. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1X Gallery and Pentax E90 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-M1X features exterior measurements of 144mm x 147mm x 75mm (5.7" x 5.8" x 3.0") having a weight of 997 grams (2.20 lbs) while the Pentax E90 has specifications of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") with a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-M1X and Pentax E90 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at the time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-M1X versus the E90.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1X and E90 is 54 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading a spec sheet. The picture here may provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1X and E90.

Clearly, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-M1X having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-M1X will offer you greater detail using its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The newer E-M1X provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.