Olympus E-PL5 vs Sony RX1

Here, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-PL5 versus Sony RX1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and RX1 (Full frame) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was manufactured 5 months prior to the RX1 so they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a concise summation of how the E-PL5 grades against the RX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Sony RX1 Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 enjoys external measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Sony RX1 has measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") and a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL5 versus Sony RX1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL5 versus the RX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and RX1 is 88 and 79 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to see the difference in sensor dimensions merely by going through specs. The picture below may give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL5 and RX1.

All in all, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL5 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony RX1 will produce extra detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively.