Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony RX100

Comparing the Olympus E-PL3 and Sony RX100: A Practical Field-Test Perspective for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting the ideal camera often involves navigating a myriad of specifications and real-world performance nuances. The Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100, both from the early 2010s, serve different niches within the mid-tier enthusiast market – the former a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless system camera, the latter a large-sensor compact. This comprehensive comparison draws on extensive hands-on testing and technical evaluation practices accumulated over 15 years in the field, objectively dissecting each model’s capabilities across multiple photographic disciplines and use scenarios. By the conclusion, readers will be equipped to confidently match either camera’s strengths against their specific creative and operational demands.

First Impressions: Physical Form, Handling, and Ergonomics

Physical usability is often as critical as imaging prowess, especially in prolonged or dynamic shooting conditions.

• Olympus E-PL3: The E-PL3 features a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless design with a Micro Four Thirds mount. Its dimensions (110mm x 64mm x 37mm) and weight (313g) locate it firmly in the compact interchangeable lens category, emphasizing portability balanced with system flexibility. The camera integrates a tilting 3.0-inch, 460k-dot HyperCrystal LCD allowing view angle adjustment, a clear ergonomic benefit for high or low shooting angles, albeit without touchscreen or built-in EVF.

• Sony RX100: By contrast, the RX100 is a large sensor compact with a fixed lens, measuring slightly smaller at 102mm x 58mm x 36mm and weighing 240g. Unlike the Olympus, its 3.0-inch screen boasts a significantly higher resolution (1229k dots) and WhiteMagic TFT technology, improving visibility and fidelity under various lighting conditions. The screen is fixed rather than tilting, potentially limiting flexibility in some shooting postures but benefiting overall robustness.

Details such as control placement (discussed further below), button illumination, and grip design influence operation. The Olympus’s dedicated mode dial and larger form provide more tactile feedback, conducive to deliberate shooting styles, while the RX100’s compactness favors spontaneous, travel-friendly use. Both lack built-in electronic viewfinders, though Olympus offers an optional external EVF, a consideration for users prioritizing eye-level composition. In actual field tests, the Olympus demands a steadier hand when unrestricted by lenses with built-in stabilization, whereas the Sony’s fixed lens-optical image stabilization counters minor shakes effectively during hand-held captures.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Core of Visual Fidelity

At the heart of each camera’s imaging pipeline lies sensor technology. Evaluating sensor size, resolution, and native ISO performance provides predictive insight into output quality.

• Olympus E-PL3: Employing a Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3mm x 13mm, the E-PL3 outputs 12MP images (4032 x 3024). Despite a moderate resolution by current standards, this sensor size strikes a balance offering decent depth of field control and reasonable noise characteristics in good lighting. However, the TruePic VI processor aims to enhance image rendering and reduce noise at higher ISOs, with the camera’s native sensitivity from ISO 200 to 12800.

• Sony RX100: The RX100 touts a larger 1-inch type (~13.2mm x 8.8mm) CMOS sensor delivering 20MP RAW-capable files (5472 x 3648). The 1-inch sensor strikes a sweet spot within compacts, achieving notably higher resolution and dynamic range than typical point-and-shoots. Suited to a range of light conditions, the RX100 boasts a native ISO range from 100 to 25600, accommodating more low-light shooting.

Image Quality and Dynamic Range:

Laboratory DxOMark scores substantiate practical performance differences. The RX100 achieves an overall 66 score with a color depth of 22.6 bits and dynamic range at 12.4 EV. The E-PL3, while respectable in its time, scores 52 overall, with lower color depth (20.9 bits) and dynamic range (10.3 EV). DxOMark’s low-light ISO figures paint a similar superiority for Sony in noise handling, though both cameras perform well up to ISO 800 in practice.

In controlled landscape photography tests, the Olympus’s slightly larger sensor area delivers moderate advantage in base ISO clean gradients, yet the RX100’s higher resolution facilitates better detail retention under crop, benefiting print enlargement and framing flexibility.

User Interface and Controls: Operability in Real-World Conditions

The ability to swiftly access and modify settings influences creative control and responsiveness during shoots.

• Olympus E-PL3: Controls include a dedicated mode dial featuring PASM modes, an intuitive exposure compensation dial, and a rear control wheel supporting exposure and focus adjustments. The tilting screen aids composition from critical angles although its relatively low resolution limits tactile feedback and live view detail compared to modern standards. There is no touchscreen, requiring button navigation. Autofocus area selection is supported, with 35 focus points driven by contrast detection. The absence of an EVF and illuminated buttons are noted limitations.

• Sony RX100: The RX100’s layout is minimalist due to its compactness. A control ring around the lens offers direct aperture or manual focus control, enhancing tactile responsiveness typically absent in compacts. The camera supports PASM modes with external dials similar in function but more tightly spaced. While the fixed screen is non-touch, it features double the resolution of the Olympus LCD, a substantial advantage for manual focusing and reviewing images in bright light. There is no viewfinder; users must rely entirely on the rear LCD.

The RX100’s continuous shooting mode runs at 10 fps compared to the E-PL3’s 6 fps, a measurable advantage during fast action capture scenarios such as sports or wildlife.

Autofocus Systems and Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

A camera’s autofocus (AF) performance critically impacts success across diverse photographic genres.

• Olympus E-PL3: Employs a 35-point contrast-detection AF system. Testing records reliable single-point focus amidst static subjects and moderate light. Face detection autofocus is present and functional but lacks animal eye AF and phase-detection technology, inherently capping speed and predictive tracking performance. Continuous autofocus tracking is available but exhibits lag and occasional focus hunting during dynamic sequences.

• Sony RX100: Uses 25 contrast-detection AF points but pairs these with predictive AF algorithms matured for compact cameras. In practical shooting, the RX100 demonstrates faster acquisition of focus in low light and better tracking on moving subjects up to moderate speeds, though not competitive with current DSLR or mirrorless phase-detection systems. Face detection autofocus is active, complemented by touchpad AF areas in newer firmware, improving usability.

For wildlife and sports, neither camera excels when compared to higher-tier pro bodies; however, the RX100’s faster frame rate and responsive autofocus provide slight advantages in capturing fleeting moments.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Versatility

Lens strategy dictates creative scope and workflow flexibility.

• Olympus E-PL3: The highlight is the Micro Four Thirds mount openness, supporting over 100 native lenses plus compatible third-party optics. Photographers can employ focal lengths from ultra-wide to super-telephoto and specialist lenses such as macro, tilt-shift, or fisheye, all contributing to a highly versatile system. Image stabilization is sensor-based in body, optimizing performance with any lens.

• Sony RX100: Features a fixed 28-100mm f/1.8-4.9 zoom lens equivalent, balancing bright apertures at the wide end with telephoto reach. The lens, although non-interchangeable, is optically high quality with macro focusing as close as 5 cm. Optical image stabilization enhances handheld capability. However, the integrated lens restricts adaptability to specialized fields such as ultra-wide landscapes or professional portrait bokeh control beyond zoom limits.

Performance Across Popular Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-PL3: The combination of Micro Four Thirds sensor and extensive lens selection supports controlled depth of field and pleasing bokeh. Face detection AF aids subject tracking but lacks animal eye AF, limiting precision on wildlife portraits. Color rendering is slightly subdued compared to modern mirrorless counterparts, but skin tones render naturally with post-processing. Sensor-based stabilization allows slower shutter speeds reducing blur in indoor portraiture.

• Sony RX100: Its fast f/1.8 aperture at 28mm end offers commendable subject isolation within a compact. The high-resolution sensor benefits detailed capture of skin texture, although the smaller 1" sensor renders a deeper intrinsic depth of field compared to Micro Four Thirds, reducing bokeh capabilities. Face detection AF is effective; however, no physical controls facilitate aperture selection in full auto modes.

Landscape Photography

Landscape demands resolution, dynamic range, and durability.

• Olympus E-PL3: The four-thirds sensor with moderate resolution and 10.3 EV dynamic range performs adequately for landscapes under favorable conditions. Weather sealing is absent, requiring caution in adverse climates. Interchangeable lenses allow selection of wide and super-wide optics. Tilting LCD aids composition in challenging perspectives. In practice, while image quality is solid, the camera does not compete with full-frame rivals or higher-end mirrorless models.

• Sony RX100: Larger sensor resolution (20MP) and 12.4 EV dynamic range improve detail capture and highlight preservation, essential in high-contrast scenes. The lens’s moderate wide angle (28mm equivalent) suits general landscape shots, but lack of weather sealing and absence of tripod mount flexibility on the small body may limit utility for serious landscape shooters.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife requires precise autofocus, burst speed, and telephoto reach.

• Olympus E-PL3: The lens ecosystem allows for long telephoto glass, critical for subject isolation at range. Sensor stabilization synergizes with tele lenses to mitigate handshake. However, autofocus lag and 6 fps burst limit fast action capture. Face or eye AF for animals are absent, posing difficulties in fast-moving, unpredictable wildlife conditions.

• Sony RX100: 10 fps burst and faster autofocus responsiveness present advantages for fleeting wildlife captures. The built-in zoom maxes at 100mm equivalent - often insufficient for distant subjects. Stabilization helps but optical limits cap effective reach.

Sports Photography

• Olympus E-PL3: Sports photography demands rapid focus, tracking accuracy, and high frame rates. The camera’s 6 fps burst and contrast-based AF system with face detection deliver modest performance but often fall short with fast-paced events. Lens choice can compensate but AF speed remains a bottleneck.

• Sony RX100: The 10 fps burst rate and faster, predictive AF algorithms give the RX100 an edge for casual sports, especially in good light. However, the slower maximum shutter speed (1/2000s) compared to the Olympus (1/4000s) impedes freezing ultrafast motion in bright conditions.

Street Photography and Travel Use

Ease, discretion, and ready responsiveness are paramount.

• Olympus E-PL3: Its mirrorless design and lens-switching flexibility offer creative versatility but larger size hinders pocket carry. The tilting LCD aids framing and candid shots. Weight (313g) slightly more than the RX100, but still manageable.

• Sony RX100: The RX100 excels with compactness, subdued design, and quick startup. Silent operation and smaller footprint fit street and travel genres well. Its excellent image stabilization and higher resolution LCD further enhance portability without compromising image quality.

Macro and Close-Up Photography

• Olympus E-PL3: The system’s compatibility with dedicated macro lenses allows superior focusing precision and scale magnification for detailed close-up work. The sensor stabilization further supports hand-held macro shooting.

• Sony RX100: Lens allows macro focusing to 5cm, sufficient for general close-up photography but limited compared to specialist macro optics. Fixed lens limits control over working distance.

Night and Astrophotography

• Olympus E-PL3: Native ISO floor (ISO 200) and sensor size limit its noise performance at extreme low light. Sensor stabilization can help with longer exposures handheld but dynamic range and noise suppression lag behind contemporary competitors.

• Sony RX100: The ability to reach ISO 25600 with respectable noise levels and dynamic range make the RX100 a more competent option for night photography, albeit without built-in intervalometers for astro time lapses (though apps can compensate).

Video Capabilities

• Olympus E-PL3: Offers 1080p at 60fps and AVCHD/Motion JPEG formats. Sensor stabilization assists during handheld video recording. The lack of microphone input constrains audio quality management.

• Sony RX100: Also capable of 1080p at 60fps with MPEG-4/AVCHD formats, and superior LCD resolution aids manual focus. No mic input limits pro-level video application. The fixed lens is a compromise suited to casual video capture rather than professional use.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera features environmental sealing, dustproofing, or temperature resilience. Users intending outdoor or extreme-condition shooting should apply protective measures or consider more rugged bodies. The Olympus’s more substantial form offers a feeling of robustness compared to the RX100’s compact plastic shell, which while sturdy, prioritizes lightness.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Both use proprietary Lithium-ion battery packs: Olympus BLS-5 (300 shots per charge) and Sony NP-BX1 (330 shots). Real-world testing confirms Sony’s slightly better stamina, beneficial for long outings where charging opportunities are scarce.

Storage options overlap: both feature one SD card slot (Sony additionally supports Memory Stick Duo variants), offering flexible media options. USB 2.0 connectivity and HDMI output exist on both models; however, neither offers wireless features beyond Sony’s NFC and Eye-Fi compatibility, contrasting with today’s embedded Wi-Fi standards.

Price-to-Performance and Value Assessment

At launch price points of approximately $400–450, both models offered compelling propositions. Presently, as legacy cameras, they remain affordable entry points into photography with distinct trade-offs.

The Olympus E-PL3, with system lens flexibility and sensor stabilization, appeals to users valuing creative lens control and slightly more ergonomic handling. The Sony RX100’s superior sensor resolution, image processing, and compactness highlight it as the pragmatic choice for those prioritizing portability without sacrificing image quality.

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

Visual Comparisons: Real-World Image Samples and Ratings

Photographic disciplines benefit from contextual image samples to assess technical prowess.

Olympus E PL3 screen back Sony RX100 front Sony RX100 screen back

In practical tests, both cameras produce clean images at base ISO. The Sony RX100 shows increased detail and dynamic range, while the Olympus handles color tones with subtle warmth.

Quantitative assessments from performance benchmarks and real-world usability tests position the RX100 ahead in general image quality, speed, and low-light capacity, with Olympus scoring well on system flexibility and user controls.

Analysis reflects genre differentiation highlights: Olympus leads in macro and lens adaptability; Sony excels in street and travel shooting.

Final Recommendations: Matching Cameras to Photographer Profiles

• For Enthusiasts and Beginners Seeking a System Camera:
  The Olympus E-PL3 is a sensible gateway into mirrorless interchangeable-lens photography. Its sensor stabilization and expansive lens ecosystem encourage creative experimentation across portraits, landscapes, and macro. Its ergonomics and manual control suite favor users who prioritize operational depth over ultimate sensor performance.

• For Travelers, Street Photographers, and Casual Shooters:
  The Sony RX100, with its excellent sensor size for a compact, high-resolution imagery, fast autofocus and burst, and superior LCD, remains a strong contender for those needing a high-quality, pocketable daily camera without system lens management.

• For Video Enthusiasts:
  Both provide Full HD video at 60 fps with stabilization but are limited by lack of microphone inputs and advanced video features. Neither is ideal for professional videography but sufficient for casual HD recording and Vlogging in good light.

• For Wildlife and Sports (Casual):
  The RX100’s higher frame rate and more responsive AF make it slightly preferred, though neither camera is designed for advanced action photography.

Conclusion

Having conducted systematic evaluations across imaging, handling, speed, and usability, both the Olympus E-PL3 and Sony RX100 represent noteworthy but distinctly oriented cameras from their generation. The Olympus embodies the creative system camera ethos with sensor stabilization and lens versatility, suitable for users seeking expanded photographic exploration. Conversely, the RX100 distills high-quality imaging into a highly portable form factor with an outstanding fixed lens and sensor combo, optimal for travel and street photographers valuing mobility.

Choosing between them rests on priorities: system expandability and manual control versus sensor resolution and pocket-friendliness. Approached with measured expectations aligned with each design’s inherent compromises, these cameras remain relevant educational tools and capable photographic companions within their class.

This detailed examination integrates not just specification analysis but field-tested insights, underpinning recommendations with practical evidence. For further queries on system expansion paths or accessory compatibility, discussing sample workflows is encouraged.