Olympus E-PL2 vs. Sony RX1: A Thorough Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When considering a camera upgrade or addition, photographers often stand at a crossroads of sensor size, system flexibility, and pure image quality. Today’s detailed comparison pits the Olympus E-PL2, a mid-2011 entry-level mirrorless Micro Four Thirds system, against the Sony RX1, a pioneering 2013 large sensor compact with a full-frame sensor and fixed lens. These two may seem apples and oranges at first glance, yet both appeal to enthusiasts who value portability alongside image quality.

Having extensively tested both cameras over the years across many genres, I’ll walk you through their physical characteristics, technical prowess, and practical use cases - complete with sample images and performance ratings - to help you make an informed choice.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Let’s start with what you’ll physically hold in your hands. The Olympus E-PL2, with its rangefinder-style mirrorless body and Micro Four Thirds lens mount, aims to balance compactness and usability for beginners stepping up from point-and-shoots or smartphones. The Sony RX1, however, embodies a philosophy of “large sensor in a compact body,” featuring a fixed 35mm f/2 lens right out of the box.

Notice the Olympus E-PL2 is marginally taller and thicker, but significantly lighter at 362 grams compared to the RX1’s 482 grams. Its design allows interchangeable lenses, which adds size if you swap primes or zooms, but the base body is slimmer. The RX1’s heft is justified by its all-metal build and full-frame internals packed into a still modest form factor.

I found the E-PL2 remarkably user-friendly to grip for smaller hands, thanks to its molded front grip and simple control layout. The RX1’s minimalist design lacks a traditional grip, which some may appreciate for street and travel stealth; however, requiring you to hold it more carefully to avoid shake.

Top-Down: Control Layout and Usability in the Field

User interface can make or break your shooting experience, especially during fast-paced outings such as sports or street photography.

The Olympus E-PL2’s top plate is intuitive, featuring dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation alongside a dedicated mode dial, which speeds access to aperture, shutter, manual, and auto modes - a nod to its enthusiast target market. Additionally, its physical buttons for ISO, white balance, and drive modes quicken workflow without diving into menus.

In contrast, the RX1 keeps things simpler with fewer direct controls, relying more on a single dial and menu system, reflecting its fixed-lens, “set and shoot” ethos. The more minimalist approach suits purists who prefer minimal distraction but may present a learning curve if you want faster manual adjustments.

For beginners, the Olympus gives more tactile feedback and quicker access, but for those who appreciate a “quiet,” unobtrusive control surface, the RX1’s setup feels elegant and deliberate.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The most significant difference pops up here - the sensor size and resulting image quality.

The E-PL2 uses a 12MP Four Thirds-sized sensor (dimensions: 17.3x13 mm), while the Sony RX1 boasts a 24MP full-frame sensor (35.8x23.8 mm). That’s nearly four times the sensor physical area.

Why does this matter? Larger sensors generally:

• Capture more light, improving low-light noise levels and dynamic range
• Offer shallower depth of field, enhancing subject isolation
• Provide higher native resolution and detail retention

From my direct comparisons under controlled studio lighting and varied outdoor scenarios, the RX1 consistently delivered cleaner shadows, more nuanced color depth (DxOMark color depth score: 25.1 vs 21.4 for the Olympus), and an impressive 14.3 stops of dynamic range. The E-PL2’s 10.2 stops is respectable for its class but can’t quite match the RX1’s performance where highlight and shadow recovery is concerned.

When shooting landscapes or portraits where maximum detail and tonal subtlety matter, the Sony's sensor truly shines. However, the Olympus sensor still produced excellent JPEGs straight out of the camera, with pleasing colors and details for casual use or social sharing.

How the Cameras Feel Through the Viewfinder and Touchpoints

Neither camera sports a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), but they have optional accessories or alternative solutions.

The Olympus E-PL2 supports an optional EVF, which expands its usability in bright conditions. The RX1 incorporates a unique optical viewfinder that can be attached, providing a hybrid shooting experience alongside its fixed lens.

Turning to the rear screen:

Both cameras use 3-inch LCDs, but the RX1’s Xtra Fine TFT screen has a much higher resolution at 1229k dots versus 460k on the E-PL2, yielding a crisper and more detailed live preview. This higher-res screen is particularly welcome during critical manual focusing or reviewing files in the field.

Neither camera has a touchscreen - this was standard for their era - so navigating menus requires buttons and dials. I found the RX1’s menus a bit more streamlined, geared to enthusiasts who prefer quick access to exposure and color settings without touchscreen distractions.

Portrait Photography: Rendering Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portrait work is all about capturing expression with beautiful tones and smooth subject isolation. Here the sensor size and lens choice make a difference.

The RX1’s full-frame sensor combined with its fast 35mm f/2 lens produces creamy bokeh and excellent separation with natural skin tones. The fixed fast prime lens is tactically ideal for environmental portraits, offering a natural perspective without distortion or compression. Eye-detection autofocus in the RX1, while somewhat dated, performed reliably in good light, capturing sharp eyes with precision.

The Olympus E-PL2 relies on Micro Four Thirds lenses, and you can select from a 107-lens ecosystem (at the time), including some fast primes like the 45mm f/1.8, which produce nice subject-background separation too, though the smaller sensor inherently limits bokeh smoothness and depth. I found the E-PL2’s face detection solid as well, but with fewer autofocus points (11 vs 25 on the RX1), autofocus tracking sometimes felt less confident in dynamic portraitshooting.

If your priority is portraits with rich tonal gradations and creamy background defocus straight from the camera, the RX1 wins hands down. The Olympus offers more flexibility in focal lengths but trades off some background blur quality.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range in the Wild

Landscape photographers prize resolution, dynamic range, and durability.

The RX1’s 24MP full-frame sensor and higher dynamic range give it a distinct edge here, capturing fine details in shadows and highlights with less noise, vital for expansive skies and textured landscapes. The wider 3:2 aspect ratio matches sensor native output, preferred by many landscape shooters.

However, Olympus’ E-PL2 with Four Thirds sensor, while lower resolution and dynamic range, allows swapping in specialized Olympus/Micro Four Thirds weather-sealed lenses (although the E-PL2 is not weather sealed itself). Also, the smaller size and weight can be advantageous during long hikes.

One limitation: Neither camera features environmental sealing or weatherproofing, which serious landscape photographers typically demand. So be prepared for protective measures against moisture and dust.

For high-fidelity landscape work where print quality or extensive post-processing flexibility is a priority, the RX1’s sensor will serve better. For casual or travel landscapes where system size and lens options matter more, the Olympus remains competitive.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Speed, Autofocus, and Burst Capability

Fast autofocus, quick burst shooting, and telephoto reach are critical here.

The Olympus E-PL2 offers 3 fps continuous shooting with 11 autofocus points, advanced face detection, and contrast-detection AF system. While decent for casual action and some wildlife, the relatively modest fps and autofocus complexity make it less suited for fast-moving subjects.

The Sony RX1 improves burst capability slightly to 5 fps but compromises by having a more limited (albeit 25-point) autofocus system and no continuous AF during burst - meaning tracking quick, erratically moving animals or athletes can be challenging. This is a tradeoff for its compactness and sensor size.

Neither camera supports extensive autofocus cross-point overlap or the latest phase-detection AF tech which excels in rapid subject tracking seen in newer models.

On telephoto performance, the Olympus system’s lens mount supports many long lenses with reach up to 600mm equivalent and image stabilization integrated into the body sensor, which benefits wildlife shooters. RX1’s fixed 35mm prime obviously can’t match that reach, requiring cropping or support lenses.

In sum: For moderate-paced wildlife or sports, the E-PL2 with tele and IS capacity is preferable; for casual sports or street action, RX1 is usable but not ideal.

Street and Travel Photography: Portability Meets Image Quality

Portability is king for street and travel photographers.

The RX1 offers full-frame quality in a compact package, exceptional for those who want stellar pixels with an unobtrusive setup. Yes, it’s heavier than the E-PL2, but its fixed lens means no lens changes or extra gear. The quiet shutter and minimal controls also aid stealth shooting. Its solid metal build feels reassuring on the street.

The Olympus E-PL2, meanwhile, is lighter but requires lens swaps for focal versatility (though kits with pancake primes can be compact). Its flip-down 3-inch screen helps for low-angle shots or discreet framing.

Battery life is comparable in the field (around 270-280 shots per charge), so both require spare batteries for travel all-day use.

Wireless connectivity: Neither offers Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but the RX1 supports Eye-Fi card integration for wireless image transfer, a nice plus for travelers who want quick sharing.

Macro, Night, and Astro Photography: Specialized Use Cases

For macro, the Olympus benefits from a broad lens ecosystem with close focusing options, and sensor-based image stabilization helps with hand-held macro shots - valuable when controls must be steady. However, the RX1’s fixed 35mm prime isn’t designed for macro distances.

Night and astro work favor sensors with high ISO performance and dynamic range. Here the RX1’s full frame shines again (DxO low light ISO 2534 vs 573 on Olympus) delivering cleaner images at 3200 ISO and above. It also supports full HD video recording with a microphone input for sound control. The E-PL2’s max video is limited to 720p and lacks mic input.

The RX1 is the preferable choice for astrophotography enthusiasts looking for image quality and low noise, though dedicated astro cameras or DSLRs with tracking mounts remain better specialized.

Video Capabilities: Recording, Stabilization, and Audio

Both cameras provide video recording, but their capabilities diverge:

• Olympus E-PL2: 720p (1280x720) at 30fps, Motion JPEG codec, no external mic input, but ironclad sensor stabilization (beneficial for handheld shooting). No HDMI live output.

• Sony RX1: Full HD 1080p up to 60fps in AVCHD and MPEG-4, external mic input for better audio recording, no image stabilization. HDMI out provides clean signal for external recorders.

If you prioritize video, the RX1’s superior resolution, framerate, and audio input give it an edge, though without stabilization it relies on lens or gimbal support.

Professional Workflow and Reliability Factors

Both cameras shoot RAW, enabling extensive post-processing flexibility. The RX1’s full-frame RAW files offer richer editing latitude, but come with larger file sizes and require a more powerful computer to handle efficiently.

Neither camera has environmental sealing or weatherproof certifications, so professional outdoor use demands care or protective housing.

Storage-wise, both accept SD cards, with the RX1 also supporting Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats. USB 2.0 connectivity limits file transfer speeds by today’s standards.

Battery life is average for their era - 280 shots on Olympus, 270 on Sony - so additional batteries are advised for longer sessions.

Sample Images and Performance Ratings

Let’s look at image samples to contextualize performance.

Olympus E PL2 front Olympus E PL2 screen back Sony RX1 front Sony RX1 screen back

Observe the richer detail and better shadow recovery on the RX1’s landscapes and portraits. The Olympus images are clean but less nuanced in challenging lighting situations.

Performance scores from DxO give a clear quantitative perspective:

Sony RX1 outclasses the Olympus E-PL2 across major metrics: sensor quality, color depth, dynamic range, and low-light ISO. The E-PL2’s strength lies in lens versatility and body size.

For a breakdown by photography genre and camera preference:

The RX1 excels in portrait, landscape, and low-light photography, while Olympus holds ground in macro, telephoto wildlife, and casual travel categories.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits Your Photography?

If you want:

• Highest image quality, full-frame tonal depth, and low-light excellence: The Sony RX1 is your choice. Ideal for portrait, landscape, astrophotography, and videographers needing quality and compactness without lens swaps.

• Lens versatility, body-lightweight design, image stabilization, and affordability: The Olympus E-PL2 shines. Best for beginners expanding their creativity with various primes and zooms, casual travel, street photography, and wildlife hobbies requiring reach.

Remember, the RX1’s higher price tag (~$2800 at launch) reflects its top-tier sensor and optics. The E-PL2 (now secondhand and budget-friendly) makes an excellent entry point to mirrorless photography with solid performance and simplicity.

So, which do I prefer? For professional-level stills and video with the utmost image fidelity in a compact form, the Sony RX1 is unbeatable - despite lacking cutting-edge autofocus or weather sealing. For an adaptable system that grows with your skills, the Olympus E-PL2 remains a faithful companion.

What matters most is your shooting style, budget, and priorities. Whichever you choose, you own a capable tool that punches above its weight in the photography world.

Ready to see both in action? Check out my detailed video review and sample galleries linked above for real-world performance demonstrations.