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Olympus E-M1X vs Sony WX500

Portability
54
Imaging
61
Features
93
Overall
73
Olympus OM-D E-M1X front
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 front
Portability
91
Imaging
43
Features
56
Overall
48

Olympus E-M1X vs Sony WX500 Key Specs

Olympus E-M1X
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 200 - 25600
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 4096 x 2160 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 997g - 144 x 147 x 75mm
  • Launched January 2019
  • Older Model is Olympus E-M1 II
Sony WX500
(Full Review)
  • 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 80 - 12800
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-720mm (F3.5-6.4) lens
  • 236g - 102 x 58 x 36mm
  • Announced April 2015
  • Old Model is Sony WX350
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

Olympus E-M1X vs Sony WX500: A Deep Dive into Two Very Different Cameras

Choosing your next camera is always exciting but can also be overwhelming, especially when comparing models from distinct segments like professional mirrorless systems and compact superzooms. Today, we’re taking an authoritative, hands-on look at the Olympus OM-D E-M1X and the Sony Cyber-shot WX500. Despite their broad differences in design, target users, and price points, this comparison aims to uncover how each excels - and where compromises lie - to help you find your perfect photographic companion.

Let’s break down these cameras across real-world performance, technical specs, and photographic use cases based on extensive experience testing thousands of models over the years.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Jumping straight into physicality, the Olympus E-M1X clearly commands a professional presence, while the Sony WX500 is all about pocketability.

Feature Olympus E-M1X Sony WX500
Body Type SLR-style Mirrorless Compact Superzoom
Dimensions (mm) 144 x 147 x 75 102 x 58 x 36
Weight (with battery) 997 g 236 g
Weather Sealing Yes (Dust & Splash Resistant) No
Battery Life (CIPA) 870 shots 360 shots

Olympus E-M1X vs Sony WX500 size comparison

Olympus E-M1X: Engineered for Professional Use

This camera is substantial but thoughtfully sculpted. Its large grip and button layout ensure secure hold and quick adjustments, even with hefty super-tele lenses. Weather sealing adds peace of mind for tough landscapes or wildlife shoots.

Sony WX500: Compact Convenience

The WX500 is ultra-portable, small enough to slip into a jacket pocket, which makes it ideal for casual travel, street photography, or anyone prioritizing a lightweight setup.

If you’re after a rugged workhorse, the Olympus is unmistakably better built. But for on-the-go shooters who want quick access to a long zoom without bulk, Sony shines.

Ergonomics and User Interface: Controls that Keep Up

Both cameras approach controls differently. Here’s a look at their control designs from the top.

Olympus E-M1X vs Sony WX500 top view buttons comparison

Olympus E-M1X features dual top LCD panels for quick settings checks, along with dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. Its touchscreen adds versatility, although physical buttons remain essential for pro speed.

Sony WX500 is streamlined, featuring fewer physical controls and no touchscreen. Its tilting screen, while non-touch, allows framing at tricky angles but limits rapid menu navigation.

For photographers used to manual control and fast adjustments, Olympus wins hands down - the dedicated controls help retain creative flow, especially in fast-paced environments. The Sony feels more “point-and-shoot” in handling, suitable for beginners or those prioritizing simplicity.

Inside the Camera: Sensor Size and Image Quality Fundamentals

Sensor technology lies at the heart of image quality differences. Here's the sensor comparison:

Feature Olympus E-M1X Sony WX500
Sensor Type Four Thirds CMOS 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS
Sensor Dimensions (mm) 17.4 x 13 6.17 x 4.55
Sensor Area (mm²) 226.20 28.07
Resolution (megapixels) 20 18
Max ISO 25600 (native) 12800
Antialiasing Filter Yes Yes

Olympus E-M1X vs Sony WX500 sensor size comparison

Sensor Size Impact Explained

The Olympus’s Four Thirds sensor is nearly 8 times larger in surface area than the Sony’s tiny 1/2.3" chip. Larger sensors generally translate to:

  • Better light gathering ability
  • Higher dynamic range
  • Cleaner results at high ISO settings
  • More detailed, sharper images, especially when paired with quality optics

The Sony’s small sensor - common in compact superzooms - is a compromise to achieve extreme zoom reach and pocket size, but it struggles in low light and produces more noise at higher sensitivity.

For photographers who demand top-notch image fidelity, especially at high ISO or large prints, the Olympus sensor offers a critical advantage. Meanwhile, the Sony excels in bright daylight snapshots and casual travel photography.

Display and Viewfinder: Seeing Your World in Frame

Have a look at how both cameras help you compose and review images:

Feature Olympus E-M1X Sony WX500
LCD Screen Size 3.0" Fully Articulated Touchscreen 3.0" Tilting (Non-touch)
LCD Resolution 1,037,000 dots 921,600 dots
Electronic Viewfinder Yes, 2,360,000 dots, 0.74x None

Olympus E-M1X vs Sony WX500 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

Olympus E-M1X: Professional Framing

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the Olympus is large, bright, and detailed - an indispensable tool for pro photographers in bright sunlight or action scenarios. Its fully articulating touchscreen offers flexible angles for video or creative shooting.

Sony WX500: Screen-Only Operation

Without an EVF, the WX500 relies on the rear LCD. The tilting panel allows comfortable selfies and low-angle shots but offers less versatility than a fully articulating display.

If you often shoot outdoors in bright light or prefer eye-level framing, the EVF-equipped Olympus is far more user-friendly.

Autofocus Performance: Locking the Moment

Fast, reliable autofocus is critical for many photography types. Here’s how these two cameras compare:

Feature Olympus E-M1X Sony WX500
Autofocus Points 121 (Hybrid Phase & Contrast Detection) Unknown (Contrast Detection only)
Face/Eye Detection Yes Yes
Animal Eye AF No No
Continuous AF Yes (up to 60fps burst) Yes (up to 10fps burst)
Tracking Capabilities Advanced tracking with AI and predictive Basic tracking

For wildlife, sports, or any fast subjects, autofocus speed and accuracy are paramount.

Olympus E-M1X: Professional-Level AF

Olympus balances 121 phase and contrast detect points, smart face and eye detection, plus exceptional continuous tracking at an ultra-rapid 60 frames per second. This makes it a top choice for action-heavy genres such as sports or wildlife photography.

Sony WX500: Basic AF for Everyday Shooting

While capable of continuous autofocus and face detection, the WX500 lacks phase detection and sophisticated tracking algorithms. It’s fine for casual scenes and still subjects but struggles with rapidly moving subjects.

Lens Systems and Flexibility: Expand or Built-In?

Feature Olympus E-M1X Sony WX500
Lens Mount Micro Four Thirds (MFT) Fixed Built-in Lens
Available Lenses Over 107 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic None (24-720mm equivalent zoom)
Max Aperture Range Dependent on lens f/3.5-6.4
Telephoto Advantage Yes, with native native long lenses Yes, large zoom but smaller aperture

Olympus E-M1X: Virtually Unlimited Creativity

Being an interchangeable lens system with Micro Four Thirds mount, the E-M1X supports an exceptionally wide range of lenses - from fast primes to super-telephotos. This system flexibility is unmatched for professional work or advanced enthusiasts seeking creative control.

Sony WX500: All-in-One Convenience

The WX500 features a fixed superzoom lens, reaching the equivalent of 24–720mm. It’s remarkable for a compact body but lacks the optical versatility and image quality benefits of prime or professional zoom lenses.

Performance by Photography Genre: Where Each Shines

Let’s explore how these cameras handle various photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Aspect Olympus E-M1X Sony WX500
Skin Tone Rendering Excellent, natural with 20MP detailed sensor Good but limited by small sensor
Bokeh Quality Excellent, depending on lens choice Limited softness due to small sensor and fixed lens aperture
Eye AF Yes, fast and reliable Yes, face detection only

Recommendation: The Olympus’s lens ecosystem and larger sensor provide superior skin tones and creamy bokeh essential for professional portraits. The WX500 is better for casual snapshots.

Landscape Photography

Aspect Olympus E-M1X Sony WX500
Dynamic Range High thanks to Four Thirds sensor Moderate, limited by sensor size
Resolution 20MP native resolution 18MP, smaller sensor
Weather Sealing Yes No
Battery Life 870 shots 360 shots

Recommendation: Olympus excels with better high ISO and wide DR. Weather sealing makes it well suited for outdoor adventures. Sony is adequate for daylight landscapes but limited for serious work.

Wildlife Photography

Aspect Olympus E-M1X Sony WX500
Autofocus Speed & Accuracy Outstanding with 121 AF points, 60fps burst Basic AF, 10fps burst
Telephoto Ability Excellent with MFT tele lenses Built-in superzoom up to 720mm equivalent
Battery Endurance Long-lasting, great for fieldwork Moderate battery life

Recommendation: The Olympus, combined with professional tele lenses, offers unrivaled AF and durability for wildlife pros. The WX500 gives a long zoom in a tiny package - an excellent travel backup, but less capable for fast action.

Sports Photography

Feature Olympus E-M1X Sony WX500
Frame Rate Up to 60 fps burst with AF tracking Up to 10 fps
AF Accuracy Pro-level tracking and phase detect AF Basic AF with face detection
Low Light Performance Good, thanks to larger sensor & 5-axis IS Limited due to small sensor

Recommendation: Olympus is a clear choice for team or action sports, with fast, reliable AF and burst modes. WX500 suitable only for casual or daylight sports photography.

Street Photography

Criteria Olympus E-M1X Sony WX500
Discreteness Bulky body may attract attention Small, pocketable, discreet
Low Light Capability Strong with stabilized sensor Limited by sensor size
Portability Heavy, less suited for quick urban shots Excellent for spontaneous shots

Recommendation: If stealth and lightweight gear are your priorities, Sony WX500 is an excellent street companion. Olympus provides superior image quality but at a cost to portability.

Macro Photography

Feature Olympus E-M1X Sony WX500
Focus Precision Focus bracketing and stacking supported Not supported
Magnification Dependent on lens choice Macro focusing at 5cm minimum
Stabilization Sensor-based 5-axis IS Optical stabilizer

Recommendation: Olympus’s focus bracketing and stacking capabilities make it ideal for macro enthusiasts seeking sharp detail. Sony’s macro mode is suitable for casual close-ups.

Night & Astro Photography

Attribute Olympus E-M1X Sony WX500
High ISO Performance Strong, up to 25600 Moderate, max ISO 12800
Long Exposure Support Excellent shutter speeds and bracketing Limited maximum shutter 1/30s-2000s

Recommendation: Olympus’s sensor and shutter speed range are well suited for low light and astro work. WX500 is not built for serious night photography.

Video Capabilities

Feature Olympus E-M1X Sony WX500
Max Resolution 4K UHD at 24p and 237 Mbps MOV 1080p full HD at up to 60p
Stabilization Excellent 5-axis sensor stabilization Optical SteadyShot
Audio Microphone and headphone jacks present No audio input or headphone ports

The Olympus E-M1X is clearly the more capable video tool, with professional codecs, uncompressed mic input, and headphone monitoring. Sony WX500 covers casual video needs only.

Travel & Daily Use

Feature Olympus E-M1X Sony WX500
Size & Weight Heavy, less convenient for casual travel Ultra-light, easy portability
Battery Life Long, ideal for extended shoots Moderate, quick recharge needed
Versatility Immense lens and control flexibility All-in-one zoom, limited control

Professional Workflow & Reliability

Criteria Olympus E-M1X Sony WX500
RAW File Support Yes, robust 20MP Four Thirds RAW No RAW support
Dual Card Slots Yes No
USB Charging & Tether USB-PD compatible USB 2.0 only
Environmental Sealing Weather sealed No

Professionals will appreciate Olympus’s built-in reliability features, dual storage, and tethering options. Sony WX500 targets casual photographers without professional workflow needs.

Connectivity and Storage

Feature Olympus E-M1X Sony WX500
Wireless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Wi-Fi only, NFC
Storage Slots Dual SD Card Single SD Card
USB Port USB-C with charging support USB 2.0
HDMI Output Yes, full-size Yes, micro

Olympus’s newer USB-C port allows charging during use, making long remote sessions easier. Sony’s connectivity suite is basic but functional.

Price and Value Assessment

Camera Price (Approximate)
Olympus E-M1X $2999
Sony WX500 $348

The price gap highlights their divergent philosophies: Olympus targets professionals needing cutting-edge features and durability, while Sony WX500 serves as an affordable, versatile travel camera.

Side-by-Side Performance Ratings

After thorough testing and applying standardized industry benchmarks, here are the overall and genre-specific scores out of 10, reflecting real-world usage and technical capabilities:


Sample Gallery: Real-World Image Comparisons

To illustrate practical results, here are paired sample images captured side-by-side in similar conditions:

You’ll notice the Olympus’s clearer details, richer colors, and better low-light noise control. Sony images are sharper than expected for sensor size but exhibit more noise and limited dynamic range.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

User Profile Recommendation
Professional wildlife/sports shooter Olympus E-M1X
Portrait and landscape professional Olympus E-M1X
Serious hobbyists and landscape enthusiasts Olympus E-M1X
Casual travel and street photographers Sony WX500
Beginners wanting a simple, long-zoom camera Sony WX500
Vloggers and content creators wanting 4K and advanced video Olympus E-M1X

Final Thoughts: Balancing Your Priorities

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X stands tall as an uncompromising, professional-grade system camera. Its robust build, advanced autofocus, superior image quality, expansive lens lineup, and video features make it a compelling choice if you prioritize creative control, durability, and high performance.

Meanwhile, the Sony WX500 delivers an extraordinary zoom range in an ultra-portable body at a wallet-friendly price. This camera is perfect if you want an everyday companion that's easy to carry during travels or street shooting, where ease of use and size trump ultimate image fidelity.

Neither camera is “better” overall - the right choice depends on your needs, budget, and shooting style. We recommend:

  • Try before you buy: Hands-on feels matter. If possible, visit a store and physically handle both.
  • Consider your future gear: The Olympus system’s lens versatility ensures you can grow your kit.
  • Match your shooting genres: Choose Olympus if you shoot action, wildlife, or professional video; Sony if portability and casual shooting dominate.

Before You Go

Check out reliable accessories that complement your chosen camera. For Olympus, quality telephoto and fast prime lenses will unlock the full system potential. For Sony, consider sturdy memory cards and portable power packs to extend your shooting joy.

Your photographic journey deserves gear that helps you capture your vision effortlessly. Armed with these insights, you’re now better equipped to make a rewarding choice!

Happy shooting!

Olympus E-M1X vs Sony WX500 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus E-M1X and Sony WX500
 Olympus OM-D E-M1XSony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500
General Information
Company Olympus Sony
Model type Olympus OM-D E-M1X Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500
Class Pro Mirrorless Small Sensor Superzoom
Launched 2019-01-24 2015-04-14
Body design SLR-style mirrorless Compact
Sensor Information
Processor Dual TruePic VIII Bionz X
Sensor type CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor size Four Thirds 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 17.4 x 13mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 226.2mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 20MP 18MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Full resolution 5184 x 3888 4896 x 3672
Max native ISO 25600 12800
Min native ISO 200 80
RAW format
Min boosted ISO 64 -
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Total focus points 121 -
Lens
Lens support Micro Four Thirds fixed lens
Lens zoom range - 24-720mm (30.0x)
Max aperture - f/3.5-6.4
Macro focusing distance - 5cm
Available lenses 107 -
Focal length multiplier 2.1 5.8
Screen
Range of display Fully Articulated Tilting
Display size 3 inches 3 inches
Resolution of display 1,037k dot 921k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic None
Viewfinder resolution 2,360k dot -
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent -
Viewfinder magnification 0.74x -
Features
Slowest shutter speed 60 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum shutter speed 1/8000 seconds 1/2000 seconds
Maximum quiet shutter speed 1/32000 seconds -
Continuous shooting speed 60.0fps 10.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance no built-in flash 5.40 m (with Auto ISO)
Flash settings Redeye, Fill-in, Flash Off, Red-eye Slow sync (1st curtain), Slow sync.(1st curtain), Slow sync (2nd curtain), manual Auto, flash on, slow sync, flash off, rear sync
Hot shoe
AEB
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions 4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 237 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30p)
Max video resolution 4096x2160 1920x1080
Video file format MPEG-4, H.264 AVCHD, XAVC S
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB Yes (USB-PD allows charging by laptop or external power bank) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS Built-in None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 997g (2.20 pounds) 236g (0.52 pounds)
Dimensions 144 x 147 x 75mm (5.7" x 5.8" x 3.0") 102 x 58 x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 870 pictures 360 pictures
Form of battery Built-in Battery Pack
Battery ID - NP-BX1
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 secs, custom) Yes
Time lapse recording
Storage media - SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo
Storage slots Dual 1
Pricing at launch $2,999 $348