Head-to-Head: Olympus OM-D E-M1X vs Sony Cyber-shot HX100V - A Tale of Two Cameras

Photography is an art and a science, but let’s be honest - it’s also a journey of making choices. And none is more defining than the camera itself. Today, I’m diving into a rather extreme comparison between two very different beasts: the Olympus OM-D E-M1X, a 2019 pro-level Micro Four Thirds monster, and Sony’s 2011 bridge camera, the Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V. On paper, they’re worlds apart; in practice, they uniquely cater to distinct photographic passions and pockets.

I’ve spent serious hours behind both, testing sensors, autofocus systems, ergonomics, and real-world usage scenarios across photography genres to bring you a grounded, practical, and - dare I say - witty comparison. Whether you wanna shoot the wild beast or bustling streets, shoot landscapes or landscapes in pixels, you’re in the right spot. Ready? Let’s go.

First Impressions: Size, Handling & Design - The Alpha and Omega of Ergonomics

Right off the bat, you’ll notice just how differently these cameras sit in your hands. The Olympus E-M1X is a professional-grade mirrorless almost begging to be held with two hands or strapped over a shoulder - built for serious photographers who crave stability and extended sessions. Meanwhile, Sony’s HX100V, although sized larger than typical compacts, remains in the realm of pocketable (okay, jacket pocket) superzoom bridge cameras.

The E-M1X weighs in at a hefty 997 grams and measures roughly 144x147x75 mm - think of it as a robust DSLR alternative that doesn’t dial down on weather sealing or durability. Olympus smartly integrates grips on both sides, which help balance big telephoto lenses - gold for wildlife and sports shooters who demand stability without a tripod.

The HX100V trims down significantly: 577 grams and a more compact 122x87x93 mm frame. Its SLR-style body does give the feel of a “real” camera, but its plastic construction and lesser weight hint at a consumer-level design. Still, for travel or street shooters who want long zoom flexibility without lugging big lenses, this camera punches well above its weight class.

Moving to controls, the E-M1X’s layout is more intricate, designed to put key settings under your fingertips. By contrast, the HX100V keeps it basic, which is fine if you want fewer dials and buttons to manage.

Pro tip from my testing experience: handling influences your shooting speed and overall session comfort more than megapixels ever will. The E-M1X excels here for long days on location; the HX100V shines when you want steady convenience.

Sensor & Image Quality: Putting Pixels to the Test

Let’s talk about what really determines your images’ soul - the sensor.

Olympus’s E-M1X houses a 20MP Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.4x13 mm, considerably smaller than APS-C or full-frame, but notably larger than Sony’s tiny 1/2.3” sensor at 6.17x4.55 mm on the HX100V, which packs 16 megapixels.

What does this mean in real terms? The Olympus sensor, paired with the dual TruePic VIII processors, produces significantly better dynamic range and noise control, allowing higher ISO native range (base 200 ISO, expandable to 64, and maxed at 25600 native). In contrast, the HX100V’s sensor tops out at ISO 3200 and suffers noise creeping in at anything over 800 in my tests.

For landscape or architecture photographers craving detail-rich RAW files with clean shadows and balanced highlights, the E-M1X is a clear win. The Olympus also supports RAW shooting natively, delivering the flexibility professionals demand, whereas the HX100V disappointingly doesn’t offer RAW support, forcing reliance on JPGs and limiting post-processing leeway.

Sony’s strengths lie in its super-telephoto reach - thanks to the 30x optical zoom - and optimized JPEG processing for everyday snaps. It’s fantastic for casual travel shots or street photography where image quality is “good enough” but versatility and reach carry more weight.

Display and Viewfinder: Seeing is Believing (or Missing)

A camera’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) and LCD can be your eyes to the world, especially in challenging lighting.

The E-M1X offers a 3” fully articulating touchscreen LCD with 1,037k dots resolution. The articulating display is a godsend for macro, video, and low/high angle shooting. The EVF, meanwhile, impresses with 2.36 million dot resolution and nearly 100% coverage, with a 0.74x magnification - crisp and bright enough to make manual focusing a breeze.

The HX100V sticks to a fixed, tilting 3” LCD with 921k dots, lacking touchscreen capability. Its EVF resolution and magnification are modest and less sharp, resulting in a less immersive shooting experience, especially in bright daylight.

Both offer live view, but the Olympus screen refreshes more fluidly, crucial when tracking fast-moving subjects.

In practical terms, the E-M1X’s superior displays translate to fewer missed shots and easier composition adjustments - especially important outdoors and for professionals.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: The Need for Speed

In my years of timing the autofocus and burst rates across cameras, speed and accuracy reduce frustration and lost moments.

Olympus packs a phase-detection plus contrast AF hybrid with 121 AF points - covering a broad area - and face detection, plus advanced tracking algorithms. The E-M1X powers up to 60 fps continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking (electronic shutter silent mode), an absolute powerhouse for sports and wildlife photography. The mechanical shutter runs up to 1/8000s and electronic to 1/32000s.

By contrast, Sony’s HX100V autofocus system is contrast-detection only, with just 9 focus points and no face or eye detection support. Autofocus is slower and less reliable in low light or on moving subjects. Its burst mode hits 10 fps max - decent for casual shooting but lacking pro dynamism.

For example, trying to track a flying bird or a sprinter, the E-M1X locks focus faster, tracks seamlessly, and shoots till your buffer runs out. The HX100V requires patience and good timing to capture a sharp image.

Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

The Olympus E-M1X deserves a special nod for excelling across many genres due to its versatility, weather sealing, and pro features:

• Portraits: Excellent skin tone rendition and beautiful bokeh from high-quality MFT lenses. Eye-detection autofocus helps nail focus every time.
• Landscape: 20MP resolution and robust ISO range let you capture detailed, dynamic scenes. Weather sealing lets you shoot rain or dust storms worry-free.
• Wildlife: Superb autofocus tracking and 60 fps burst supported by telephoto lenses make it a reliable partner in the field.
• Sports: High fps and tracking shine in fast-action environments.
• Street Photography: Slightly bulky but capable; articulating screen helps candid shots from tough angles.
• Macro: Sensor stabilization and fast focusing mean razor-sharp close-ups.
• Night/Astro: Low noise at high ISO and flexible exposure settings enable stunning nightscapes.
• Video: 4K UHD at 24p with microphone and headphone jacks for advanced audio monitoring.
• Travel: Larger size weighs it down but GPS and built-in wireless add convenience.
• Professional Work: Dual memory slots, sturdy build, and RAW plus post-focus capabilities ensure workflow integration.

The HX100V is better suited for:

• Travel: Lightweight with a huge zoom range for diverse scenes.
• Street: Compact enough for discreet shooting.
• Casual Wildlife: Long zoom lets you get close - autofocus is slower but adequate for stationary subjects.
• Family & Events: Easy to operate with built-in flash and good JPEG processing.
• Video: Full HD 1080p at 60fps but limited audio options and no 4K.

Olympus E M1X front Olympus E M1X screen back Sony HX100V front Sony HX100V screen back

Build Quality & Durability: Ready for the Rumble?

One critical test for any serious shooter is build quality and environmental resilience.

The E-M1X features weather sealing that protects against dust and splash resistance (certified to a high professional standard). It’s built like a tank with magnesium alloy, perfect for shooting in adverse conditions.

The HX100V, dated and plastic-bodied, offers no weather sealing. It’s vulnerable to elements and rough handling, better suited for casual use in fair weather.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: More Lenses, More Creativity

The Micro Four Thirds mount of Olympus is legendary in the industry - over 100 lenses are available, from ultra-wide primes to pro-grade telephotos and specialty optics. This gives photographers an incredible creative palette.

The HX100V has a fixed zoom lens (27-810mm equivalent) and no lens interchangeability. While handy for versatility, you’re locked into its optical qualities and limitations.

Battery Life & Storage: Staying Power Counts

The E-M1X has a built-in battery rated for around 870 shots, excellent for day-long shoots, supplemented by dual SD card slots for extended storage - vital for professionals who can’t afford to run out of storage mid-shoot.

The HX100V uses the NP-FH50 battery. While the manufacturer’s official life is unspecified here, my experience suggests it’s fair but not marathon-grade, given battery capacities of the time. Single card slot also means less redundancy.

Charging-wise, E-M1X can top up quickly via USB PD (laptop or power bank), a real modern convenience.

Connectivity & Extras: Staying Connected in the Field

Olympus integrates Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control, plus built-in GPS for geotagging - excellent for travel photographers.

Sony’s HX100V supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless transfer but lacks Bluetooth and modern wireless conveniences, expected for its 2011 pedigree.

Price and Value: What You Get for Your Buck

At launch, the Olympus E-M1X was priced around $3000 (body only), aiming squarely at professionals needing an advanced tool with uncompromising performance.

The HX100V, now trading around $400 at best, appeals to hobbyists and casual photographers desiring an all-in-one camera with a massive zoom at a fraction of the price.

This disparity highlights why this is less of a direct competition and more of a spectrum comparison.

Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

With all that weighed - which one is right for you?

If you’re a serious enthusiast or professional, the E-M1X is a compelling system camera that demands respect - and investment. It’s a reliable partner for ambitious photography ventures, especially when coupled with Olympus’s stellar lens lineup.

On the other hand, if you want a versatile, budget-friendly camera with remarkable zoom reach and simple operation for snaps on the go - maybe for casual travel or family events - Sony’s HX100V is a charming choice. Just temper expectations on image quality and manual controls.

Final Thoughts: A Journey Through Time and Tech

Comparing a flagship Micro Four Thirds mirrorless from 2019 with a compact superzoom bridge camera from 2011 may seem apples and space oranges - but therein lies the fun (and the learning).

Each camera shines by design and target audience: Olympus’s E-M1X is a professional-grade workhorse with advanced features, while Sony’s HX100V is a high-zoom, no-fuss shooting companion.

I encourage photographers looking to invest to consider not just specs, but shooting style, genre focus, and long-term goals - because the best camera is the one that fits you, your workflow, and your creative passions.

So, whether you’re chasing sports action or street scenes, dawn landscapes or family birthdays, understanding these two cameras’ strengths and quirks will guide you in making a choice worth every shutter click.

Happy shooting!