Olympus E-M5 vs Sony RX100 VA

Following is a extended analysis of the Olympus E-M5 versus Sony RX100 VA, former is a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-M5 (16MP) and the RX100 VA (20MP) is very comparable but the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and RX100 VA (1") offer totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-M5 was released 7 years prior to the RX100 VA which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple view of how the E-M5 scores vs the RX100 VA with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A). The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M5 Gallery & Sony RX100 VA Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M5 features physical measurements of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 VA has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-M5 versus Sony RX100 VA in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-M5 and the RX100 VA.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-M5 and RX100 VA is 81 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizes just by going through a spec sheet. The image below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M5 and RX100 VA.

Clearly, each of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-M5 because of its larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Sony RX100 VA will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-M5 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.