Olympus E-PL5 vs Sony RX100 II

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony RX100 II, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the RX100 II (20MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and RX100 II (1") enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL5 was introduced 9 months earlier than the RX100 II so they are of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX100 II being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the E-PL5 grades versus the RX100 II with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Sony RX100 II Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL5 enjoys outer dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Sony RX100 II has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 38mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 281 grams (0.62 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony RX100 II in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL5 compared to the RX100 II.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and RX100 II is 88 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes just by reviewing specs. The image here may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and RX100 II.

All in all, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL5 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sony RX100 II will offer more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged E-PL5 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.