Olympus PEN E-PL6 vs Sony RX100: A Hands-On Comparison from a Seasoned Pro's Perspective

When narrowing down a camera for serious enthusiasts or professionals looking for a versatile, affordable backup, I often get asked about the Olympus PEN E-PL6 and the Sony RX100. Both cameras launched around the same era, targeting different but overlapping segments in compact and mirrorless systems. Having spent extensive time testing these models in various environments and for diverse photographic disciplines, I’m excited to share a detailed, experience-driven comparison that addresses how each performs in the real world - from technical prowess to practical usability.

Throughout this article, I’ll break down core aspects of these two cameras - sensor and image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, lens flexibility, video capabilities, and more. I’ll incorporate illustrative images to help visualize key differences and give you concrete takeaways for your own shooting style and budget.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design

Picking up a camera is where the tactile connection begins, and here, the Olympus PEN E-PL6 and Sony RX100 immediately reveal their design philosophies.

The E-PL6 is an entry-level mirrorless with a classic rangefinder-style body, while the RX100 is a large-sensor compact offering a pocket-friendly form. To visually map these differences:

I found the Olympus offers a grippier, sturdier feel in hand thanks to its slightly larger size and dedicated grip. Its 111×64×38 mm dimensions compared to the RX100's 102×58×36 mm make it noticeably chunkier but more comfortable for longer shoots. The RX100’s ultra-compact build excels for portability - it slides into a coat pocket or purse effortlessly, perfect for street or travel shooters prioritizing convenience.

Looking at the top, the control layouts underscore these roles:

The E-PL6 sports traditional dials and buttons for exposure compensation, drive modes, and exposure modes, catering to users who prefer quick, tactile access to adjust settings instinctively. In contrast, the RX100’s controls are minimalistic yet intuitive, focusing on simplicity but still offering manual exposure control for enthusiasts comfortable with more menu navigating or flexible custom buttons.

In summary, if your priority is ergonomic comfort and direct control, especially for extended sessions, the Olympus PEN E-PL6 stands out. For ultra-portability without sacrificing too much capability, the Sony RX100 remains a compelling option.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Sensor technology defines image potential. The E-PL6 uses a Four Thirds 16MP CMOS sensor measuring 17.3×13 mm, while the RX100 packs a larger 1-inch 20MP CMOS sensor at 13.2×8.8 mm.

Here’s how they compare visually:

The Four Thirds sensor area sits around 225 mm², nearly double that of the 116 mm² sensor in the RX100. Despite this, the RX100 edges out slightly in pixel count (20MP vs 16MP), packing more pixels into a smaller sensor. This results in finer resolution but can mean more noise and less dynamic range compared to the Olympus sensor.

In real use, I noticed the E-PL6 yielding richer color nuances, especially in skin tones, due to its larger sensor and TruePic VI processor’s natural color rendering. Its anti-aliasing filter helps reduce moiré in textured scenes but slightly softens micro-details.

The RX100’s sensor excels in resolution and sharpness, capturing fine details crisply, making it ideal for landscape and macro work where detail resolution is paramount. However, in low light or high-ISO conditions, the E-PL6’s larger sensor area provides cleaner images with less noise and better shadow retention.

Dynamic range differences become apparent in challenging scenes with high contrast (e.g., sunsets, interiors with window light). The Olympus’s sensor handles highlights with a bit more grace, retaining texture in bright areas.

This sensor performance leads to the following practical takeaway:

• For portrait enthusiasts valuing skin tone accuracy and smoother gradations, the Olympus E-PL6 is probably more pleasing.
• For landscape and detailed macro applications demanding maximum resolution, the Sony RX100 holds slight advantage.

Autofocus: Precision Meets Speed

Autofocus (AF) performance is pivotal, especially when shooting wildlife, sports, or unpredictable moments.

The E-PL6 employs a contrast-detection autofocus with 35 focus points and face detection. The RX100 also relies on contrast detection but with 25 AF points, including center weighted focus and eye detection.

In my side-by-side real-world tests:

• Speed: The RX100’s AF is noticeably snappier, locking focus rapidly even in decent low light. This reduces hunt time when capturing fleeting street scenes or quick portraits.
• Tracking: Both cameras support continuous AF and tracking modes, but the E-PL6’s tracking tends to lag in fast-paced sports or wildlife scenarios. The RX100 handles continuous focusing more reliably, better suited for subjects in motion.
• Face detection: Each camera offers face detection, but Olympus lacks animal eye AF, and neither camera has phase-detection autofocus - limiting predictive capabilities seen in newer cameras.

For macro photography, both systems deliver acceptable precision, but the Olympus benefits from the broader lens selection for close focusing.

Bottom line: if autofocus speed and tracking for action are crucial, Sony RX100 edges ahead. For casual shooting with deliberate focusing, Olympus E-PL6 is capable and responsive enough.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

This is where the mirrorless system reveals its strengths.

The Olympus PEN E-PL6’s Micro Four Thirds mount grants access to over 100 lenses spanning primes, zooms, macros, and specialty optics from Olympus and third parties. This ecosystem richness is a standout for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Conversely, the RX100 features a fixed 28-100mm equivalent zoom lens with a bright f/1.8-4.9 aperture range, which covers most general photography needs. The lens quality is excellent for a compact camera, offering good sharpness and minimal distortion.

However, the inability to swap lenses limits optical flexibility:

• Want ultra-wide landscapes? You’re out of luck with the RX100 but have options on the E-PL6.
• Need a dedicated telephoto for wildlife? Olympus’s lens lineup has several superb options; the RX100’s zoom reaches only moderate telephoto range.
• For macro, Olympus has dedicated macro lenses that outperform the RX100’s limited close focusing.

If you cherish creative control through optics, the E-PL6’s system offers longer-term value and versatility. If simplicity and small size are paramount, the RX100 delivers a compact all-in-one solution with decent reach.

Viewing Experience: Screens and Viewfinders

Shooting comfort often hinges on how well the camera shows your subject.

Both cameras offer a 3” LCD screen, but:

• The E-PL6’s tilting touchscreen (460k dots) is a boon for composing at odd angles - perfect for creative low-angle portraits, street shots, or selfies (it supports selfie mode).
• The RX100 has a fixed screen but sports a sharply detailed 1229k-dot WhiteMagic TFT LCD, delivering vivid preview images even in bright daylight.
• Neither camera includes a built-in electronic viewfinder, an important consideration for those who prefer eye-level framing.

The E-PL6’s touchscreen aids intuitive focusing and menu navigation, a bigger help for beginners or anyone shooting on the go.

If you want a flexible screen for creative framing and user-friendly touch controls, Olympus wins. For sharper screen detail and clarity under sunlight, the RX100’s LCD shines.

Speed and Continuous Shooting

Action photographers value frame rates and buffer depth.

• The E-PL6 offers 8 FPS continuous shooting.
• The RX100 pushes to 10 FPS.

While neither can compete with professional sports cameras, this speed difference can be felt when capturing fast sequences in sports or wildlife photography. In practice, the RX100’s quicker continuous shutter gives it a slight edge for capturing decisive moments.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Photography

Both cameras deliver Full HD (1920x1080) video recording, but there are subtle oscillations:

• E-PL6 records at 30fps max, using MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG formats.
• RX100 supports 1080p at 60fps, also offering AVCHD and MPEG-4 codecs.

The smoother 60fps on the RX100 translates to more fluid motion and better slow-motion potential in post-production. The RX100 also includes optical image stabilization on the lens - advantageous for handheld video.

Neither camera supports 4K, earphone/mic ports, or advanced video aids, indicating their L-shaped focus is primarily stills with casual video.

For casual video, the RX100 is more appealing for vloggers or users wanting smoother footage. The E-PL6’s video circuit is serviceable but more limited.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Both the Olympus and Sony models are designed as consumer-level devices without weather sealing or ruggedized construction. Neither is waterproof, dustproof, or shockproof.

The E-PL6 feels more robust due to its mirrorless architecture and body materials, while the RX100’s compact build prioritizes size over ruggedness.

If you frequently shoot outdoors in variable weather or demanding conditions, both require aftermarket protection, but I place marginally better durability confidence in the Olympus chassis.

Battery Life and Storage

Looking at endurance:

• The Olympus E-PL6 offers approx. 360 shots per charge.
• The Sony RX100 delivers about 330 shots.

Both rely on proprietary rechargeable batteries and have a single SD card slot (RX100 additionally supports Memory Stick formats).

Neither excels at marathon shooting sessions; packing spare batteries is wise. The Olympus battery model is BLS-5, the RX100 uses NP-BX1.

Interestingly, the E-PL6 supports Eye-Fi card connectivity, as does the RX100, but the RX features NFC for quicker wireless pairing, a minor convenience advantage.

Value Analysis: Pricing and Who They Suit

At launch and in the used market, pricing often dictates who these cameras attract. The Olympus E-PL6 generally retails (or is found used) at a lower price point (~$300), while the RX100 is more expensive (~$450+ used).

Their value depends on user priorities:

• The E-PL6, with its interchangeable lenses, larger Four Thirds sensor, tilting touchscreen, and classic control layout, best serves hobbyists committed to system expansion.
• The RX100 is the top pick for enthusiasts craving a pocketable “carry everywhere” camera packing a surprisingly powerful sensor and lens for its size.

How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

Different genres stress camera features in unique ways. Here’s an overview supported by practical testing and genre-specific criteria:

Olympus E PL6 front Olympus E PL6 screen back Sony RX100 front Sony RX100 screen back

For a more quantified perspective:

And detailed genre breakdown:

Bringing It All Together: Which Camera Is Right For You?

After extensive usage, shooting thousands of frames, and comparing these cameras side-by-side, my take boils down to:

• Choose the Olympus PEN E-PL6 if:

  • You want a mirrorless system with room to grow your lens collection.
  • You appreciate tactile controls and a versatile tilting touchscreen.
  • You prioritize portrait and low-light image quality.
  • You shoot stationary or moderately active subjects regularly.
  • You prefer classic rangefinder ergonomics and don’t mind carrying a slightly larger body.

• Choose the Sony RX100 if:

  • You seek a powerful, pocketable camera, ready at a moment’s notice.
  • Fast autofocus and burst performance matter for action or street photography.
  • You value maximum resolution and sharpness for landscapes or macros with minimal gear.
  • You want smooth Full HD 60fps video in a one-piece package.
  • Battery life is a minor concern compared to portability.

Closing Thoughts and Practical Tips from My Testing Routine

In my own workflow, I often pair these cameras with complementary roles: Olympus E-PL6 mainly for studio portraits and deliberate shooting, RX100 as a daily carry for travel and street reportage. Both deliver impressive image quality for their generation and price.

A few practical pointers:

• Use Olympus’s in-body stabilization fully to hand-hold slower shutter speeds.
• For the RX100, shoot RAW to maximize post-processing flexibility due to contrast-detection AF’s occasional mislocks.
• Consider adding an electronic viewfinder accessory to the E-PL6 for more comfortable long sessions.
• If shooting video, pair RX100 with a steady tripod and external mic for best results despite lacking dedicated ports.

Both remain worthwhile investments even years after launch, demonstrating the continuing relevance of thoughtful, well-engineered camera design.

Thank you for joining me on this deep dive! I’m confident this comparison helps you make a well-informed choice that fits your photographic ambitions and lifestyle. Happy shooting!