Olympus E-PL5 vs Sony RX100

Lets look more closely at the Olympus E-PL5 versus Sony RX100, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the RX100 (20MP) is very close but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and RX100 (1") boast different sensor size.

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The E-PL5 was released very close to the RX100 and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL5 grades vs the RX100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Sony RX100 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 has external measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Sony RX100 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL5 versus Sony RX100 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at that moment. The following is a front view size comparison of the E-PL5 against the RX100.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and RX100 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Often, it's hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing purely by researching specs. The visual underneath will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL5 and RX100.

All in all, each of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 due to its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Sony RX100 will render greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a good deal more aggressively.