Olympus E-M1X vs Sony HX300: A Deep Dive into Divergent Camera Worlds

When you're on the hunt for a new camera, especially something as investment-heavy as a professional or enthusiast level tool, the choices can get bewildering. Today, I’m putting two very different cameras head-to-head: the Olympus OM-D E-M1X, a true powerhouse designed for pros and serious enthusiasts, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300, a bridge camera offering incredible zoom in a compact package. At first glance, they couldn’t be more different, but both come from brands with serious photographic heritage. So how do they stack up in real-life usage, across varied photography styles and technical criteria? Let’s unpack their strengths, weaknesses, and best use scenarios.

Size and Handling: Bulk vs. Portability

Starting with what you hold in your hands and how it feels to shoot is often overlooked until you’re deep into a session. The Olympus E-M1X is an SLR-style mirrorless camera built like a tank - it’s big, rugged, and seriously ergonomic for heavy use. Weighing in at 997 grams with a physical size of 144x147x75 mm, it commands a presence.

On the flip side, the Sony HX300 weighs just 623 grams and is more compact, measuring 130x103x93 mm. Though a bridge camera, it mimics DSLR form to some extent but obviously with a smaller sensor and fewer pro-level controls.

In my hands, the Olympus feels like an extension of a professional’s arm, purpose-built for long days in the field, especially with large telephoto lenses. The HX300, meanwhile, is painless to carry around all day, perfect for travel or casual shooting trips, though it trades some ease of grip and control precision for that convenience.

Design, Controls, and Usability

Gear isn’t just about size but also how intuitively you can navigate its functions day to day. The Olympus E-M1X has a top-class control layout offering dedicated dials, buttons, and a joystick - all meticulously placed for quick adjustments under pressure.

Contrast that with the HX300’s simpler bridge-style control scheme; fewer buttons, no joystick, and more reliance on menus. Not unwieldy by any means, but noticeably less refined if you’re used to pro cameras.

What I appreciate in the E-M1X is the illuminated buttons (even if Olympus didn’t include them here) and responsive touch interface on the fully articulating 3-inch screen, giving quick access like no other. Sony’s HX300 is tilt-only and lacks touchscreen. That limits ease especially in quick shooting scenarios or video vlogging.

If you’re a photographer who thrives on tactile control and instantaneous adjustments, Olympus wins here. The HX300’s controls suit beginners or casual users better.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Perhaps the starkest difference between these cameras lies in their image sensors - arguably THE determinant of image quality under challenging conditions.

The Olympus E-M1X sports a 20.4MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.4 x 13 mm (226.2 mm²), paired with Olympus' Dual TruePic VIII processors. This gives impressive resolution at 5184 x 3888 pixels and excellent image quality with native ISO sensitivity from 200-25600, plus low ISO down to 64 for nuanced tones.

The Sony HX300’s sensor is a smaller 1/2.3" (6.16 x 4.62 mm, only 28.5 mm²), though also 20MP, and a BSI CMOS type. Maximum native ISO is 12800, but in practice, smaller sensors usually suffer more in low light and deliver less dynamic range and detail.

If you’ve followed my series of sensor tests over the years (see my video review above for lab charts), Four Thirds class sensors strike a sweet balance for professionals wanting good resolution and portability. The Olympus sensor’s larger real estate aids in cleaner images, better noise control, and superior dynamic range. That’s evident when shooting landscapes or dimly lit sports arenas.

The HX300, while decent for casual use, clearly cannot compete with a serious mirrorless system in image fidelity and noise control. Its 50x zoom compensates by delivering incredible reach, but image quality at tele converts to softness and noise.

The Screens and Viewfinders That Let You See Your World

Having a great viewfinder and screen is critical for framing and reviewing shots, especially in changing light conditions.

The E-M1X’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasts 2.36 million dots at 100% coverage and 0.74x magnification - crisp, bright, and lag-free. The 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen with 1037k dots adds versatility for high and low angle shoots or video.

Sony HX300 falls short here: its electronic viewfinder’s specs aren’t detailed by the manufacturer, and its non-touch 3-inch tilt screen comes in at 921k dots. It’s fine, but doesn’t deliver quite as sharp or fast a preview as I’d want for professional use.

In my experience, the Olympus EVF and screen combo makes long shoots easier on the eyes and supports fast workflows, adjusting beautifully to bright outdoor scenes and shade. If you’re often handheld shooting in varying positions, the flexible articulating screen is a big plus.

Real World Samples: Image Results That Matter

Numbers and specs are one thing; actual images tell the full story.

Here are gallery samples taken with both cameras under different lighting and subject types:

Olympus E M1X front Olympus E M1X screen back Sony HX300 front Sony HX300 screen back

You’ll notice the Olympus delivers superior color accuracy, tonal depth, and sharpness, especially in challenging shadows or highlights. Portrait skin tones are natural with attractive, creamy bokeh thanks to Micro Four Thirds-compatible lenses.

The HX300’s images are respectable given its sensor size but images tend to flatten out in dynamic range and struggle with noise in low-light shots. Its autofocus and zoom shine with distant subjects like wildlife but at the cost of ultimate image fidelity.

Autofocus, Speed & Shooting Performance

Fast and accurate autofocus can make or break a camera for wildlife and sports shooters.

The Olympus E-M1X is a dream here, with a sophisticated hybrid system combining phase and contrast detection across 121 points, including face and eye detection (animal eye autofocus not supported). You get up to 60 frames per second continuous shooting thanks to dual processors and an electronic shutter that goes up to 1/32,000s.

Sony HX300 has a contrast-detection-only AF with just 9 focus points and max continuous shooting rate around 10 fps. It struggles under low light and care must be taken with moving subjects.

From hands-on testing, the E-M1X tracks fast-moving birds and athletes with stability and precision unmatched in its class, making it a viable pro sports camera. The HX300 is more a casual superzoom for static shooters or travel where speed is less critical.

Durability and Build: Weather Sealing for the Harshest Conditions

If you’re paying serious money and expect to use your camera in the field, build quality and weather resistance matter.

The E-M1X is built rock-solid with magnesium alloy chassis, and it’s thoroughly weather-sealed against dust and splashes. It’s not completely waterproof or freezeproof, but it handles rain and dirt confidently.

Meanwhile, the HX300 offers no environmental sealing whatsoever. It’s best kept out of harsh weather.

In my field tests, Olympus even survived heavy rains and dusty environments without a hitch - a testament to its rugged design meant for pro use.

Lens Ecosystem & Compatibility

The lenses you can mount make a huge difference.

The E-M1X uses the Micro Four Thirds mount with over 100 native lenses available from Olympus and Panasonic, covering everything from ultra-wide to super-telephoto primes and zooms (including excellent weather-sealed optics).

The Sony HX300 has a fixed lens - a 24-1200mm (equivalent) f/2.8-6.3 zoom with optical stabilization, famed for versatility but obviously no interchangeability.

The Olympus system’s strength is its openness: you can tailor your setup precisely for portraits, macro, wildlife or video. The HX300, while flexible zoom-wise, locks you into a single lens which can be limiting.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

For long shooting days, battery life is crucial.

The Olympus E-M1X features a built-in battery rated for approximately 870 shots per charge and dual SD card slots for backup or overflow storage. It supports fast USB-C charging, including power delivery from laptops or power banks.

Sony’s HX300 battery specs are less impressive and less documented; single SD card slot, no wireless options, and relies on standard USB 2.0 for data transfer.

Wireless connectivity in E-M1X is robust: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and built-in GPS allow tethering, remote shooting, image geotagging and easy sharing. The HX300 has none of these by design.

Video Capabilities: Is Cinema in the Cards?

Videographers should know the Olympus E-M1X shoots 4K video up to 24p at 237 Mbps, with professional codecs and mic/headphone jacks on board for monitoring and input. It also supports 4K Photo mode for extracting frames from video - a nice trick for wildlife and sports shooters.

Sony HX300 maxes out at 1080p/60fps with no external mic input or headphone monitoring. While good for casual video, it lacks the pro video tools and quality of the Olympus.

Photography Styles & Usage Scenarios

Let’s map out where each camera excels based on key photographic genres.

Portraiture

E-M1X's accurate skin tone rendering, wide array of fast lenses, and face/eye detection autofocus deliver excellent portraits with creamy bokeh. HX300 can do snapshots but struggles with background separation and color subtleties.

Landscape

With higher resolution, superior dynamic range, and excellent weather sealing, the Olympus is a natural for landscapes. The articulating screen aids composition. HX300 can handle landscapes but limited by smaller sensor and zoom perspectives.

Wildlife

Olympus chambered for action with fast AF, high fps, and versatile tele lenses. HX300’s giant zoom is tempting for wildlife novices but AF speed, tracking, and image quality lag behind. You really see the difference in moving subjects.

Sports

E-M1X dominates again with pro-grade burst capabilities and AF tracking. HX300 is unsuitable for professional sports but could capture occasional sports moments.

Street Photography

HX300’s compactness and huge zoom range allow discrete shooting from distance. Olympus is bulkier but offers better image quality and weather resistance for street work in unpredictable conditions.

Macro

E-M1X’s compatibility with specialized macro lenses and focus stacking make it superior here. HX300 macro capability is limited by its fixed zoom lens and lack of focus bracketing features.

Night/Astro

Olympus sensor low noise and long exposure capabilities shine at night and astro photography. HX300’s small sensor limits detail, and no long exposure or bracketing support makes astro tough.

Video

E-M1X supports professional video workflows with 4K, high bitrates, and audio inputs; the HX300 will serve casual video shooters but falls short for more serious content creators.

Travel

If size and weight are your priorities, HX300 is easier to pack and carry, plus its zoom lends versatility. The E-M1X is bulkier but dual card slots and strong battery life cover you for extended trips needing quality.

Professional Work

The Olympus’s reliability, advanced file format support (RAW, dual processors), weatherproofing, and superior autofocus make it a true pro tool. HX300 is better suited as a casual camera or secondary backup.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value

Putting all these features and real-world performance elements into numbers, here’s a visual summary of overall camera scores based on my extensive field assessments:

Olympus E-M1X scores high on image quality, autofocus, speed, durability, and video, reflecting a professional-level tool.

Sony HX300 scores well on zoom capability and portability but falls behind in most other core areas.

How They Perform Across Photographic Genres

Breaking it down by genre shows their specialized strengths clearly:

If you want to know simply where each camera truly shines, this chart clinches the argument.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Is Right For You?

I’ve walked through their major technical specs, hands-on ergonomics, real usage results, and genre-specific performance. So, which camera do I recommend?

• Choose the Olympus OM-D E-M1X if:

  • You’re a professional or serious enthusiast wanting pro-level image quality, speed, and durability.
  • You shoot wildlife, sports, landscapes, portraiture, or any genre demanding fast autofocus and weather sealing.
  • You want a versatile system with expansive lens choices and 4K video capability.
  • Budget is less a concern, and you desire a reliable all-round workhorse.

• Choose the Sony DSC-HX300 if:

  • You’re an enthusiast or casual shooter on a budget seeking ultra-long zoom reach in one body.
  • Portability and ease of use are paramount, like travel or street photographers who want one-lens convenience.
  • You don’t need professional image files (no RAW), or extensive manual controls.
  • You want a lightweight, straightforward camera for family holidays or nature snapshots.

Both cameras have tremendous value in their niches, but they’re not directly competing. The Olympus suits serious, pro-grade needs, whereas the Sony appeals with its convenience and zoom range at an affordable price.

Some Parting Thoughts from My Experience

It’s rare I compare such disparate cameras side by side. What’s striking is that even seven years apart in release dates, each holds an interesting appeal. The Olympus E-M1X remains remarkably capable in 2024’s mirrorless market, still competing with newer systems thanks to outstanding engineering and image quality. The Sony HX300’s huge zoom, while paired with a small sensor, still offers tempting range for casual shooters.

For users who can’t carry a bag full of lenses or those on a tight budget, the HX300 is a fun and capable tool. But once you go pro, it’s hard to leave behind the Olympus E-M1X’s versatility, speed, and detail.

Ultimately, your choice boils down to what you shoot, how you work, and your budget. Whichever way you go, happy shooting!

Thank you for reading this detailed Olympus E-M1X vs Sony HX300 comparison - I’ve tested thousands of cameras and hope this gives you a clear, expert view to make the best decision.