Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony RX100

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL1 and Sony RX100, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Sony. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and RX100 (20MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and RX100 (1") posses totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was brought out 3 years earlier than the RX100 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the E-PL1 matches up vs the RX100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Sony RX100 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1 enjoys outside dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Sony RX100 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL1 and Sony RX100 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select during that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PL1 against the RX100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and RX100 is 86 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizing merely by looking at specifications. The photograph below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1 and RX100.

To sum up, both the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sony RX100 will give extra detail having its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots way more aggressively. The older E-PL1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.