Olympus E-PL6 vs Sony RX100 V: A Hands-On Battle of Mirrorless and Compact Innovation

Choosing your next camera can feel like standing at a crossroads lined with options - from full-blown professional rigs to compact pocket cameras. Today, I’m unpacking a battle between two intriguing, yet quite different models from Olympus and Sony: the Olympus PEN E-PL6, an entry-level Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V, a large sensor compact packed with flagship tech. Both launched a few years back, but their specs, handling, and real-world results still hold lessons for careful buyers.

Let’s dive deep with my 15-plus years of hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras to help you make an informed decision.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Size, Style, and Handling

First things first - size matters, especially if you’re roaming city streets or lugging gear into the wild. The Olympus E-PL6 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless, while the RX100 V follows Sony’s “one-inch sensor compact” formula.

Olympus E-PL6 offers a familiar, classic design with subtle clubs for thumbs - a small comfortable grip - making it easy for newcomers and enthusiasts to acclimate. Its 111mm width isn’t bulky but still feels like you’re holding something substantial and well-built. The Sony RX100 V, on the other hand, packs a powerful 1-inch sensor into just 102mm by 58mm body - meaning it’s easily pocketable. Though smaller, the RX100 V's magnesium alloy body keeps it feeling solid; it’s a fantastic grab-and-go option if you hate the thought of lugging a DSLR-style rig.

Control Layout and User Interface: Intuition Meets Customization

Using a camera isn’t just about sensors and specs; it’s also about how your fingers dance over dials and buttons during the decisive moment.

The Olympus features a top plate with a mode dial, shutter button, and some simple control dials. Its tilting 3-inch screen (with a modest 460k-dot resolution) is touch-enabled and selfie-friendly - a boon for vloggers or those who like framing from odd angles. Sadly, it lacks a built-in viewfinder, though you can add an optional electronic finder (not included).

By contrast, the Sony RX100 V rocks an integrated high-res electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a 2.35M-dot resolution. This is a professional-grade feature usually reserved for pricier cameras and makes a huge difference in bright conditions when LCD screens wash out. The RX100’s 3-inch tilting screen jumps up to 1.2 million dots for crisp previews but does not have touchscreen functionality - something to consider if touch control is your jam.

Sensor & Image Quality: Fighting Pixels and Light With Size and Tech

When it comes to image quality, sensor size and tech matter tremendously. The Olympus E-PL6 packs a 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.3x13 mm) paired with the TruePic VI image processor, whereas the Sony RX100 V features a much newer 20MP 1-inch BSI CMOS sensor (13.2x8.8 mm) and the highly regarded Bionz X processor.

On paper, the Olympus sensor is larger in area (~225 mm² vs. ~116 mm²), but the Sony’s sensor is backside-illuminated (BSI), allowing it to pull more light from the same pixel, which helps dramatically with noise reduction and dynamic range. The RX100 V’s sensor resolution of 20MP beats the Olympus’ 16MP, and the RX100’s higher native ISO of up to 12,800 (expandable to 25,600) gives it an edge in low light.

Real-world testing confirms this: the Sony’s images retain color depth and detail better in dim conditions, as its DXO Mark scores around 70 overall with excellent dynamic range (~12.4 EV) and low light ISO (~586), while the Olympus lacks official DXO ratings but is known to trail behind in this respect.

Autofocus and Speed: Nailing the Shot When It Counts

Autofocus (AF) performance can make or break your shooting experience, especially in wildlife or sports photography where subjects refuse to pause.

The E-PL6 uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with 35 focus points, including face detection and basic tracking. It supports continuous and single AF modes.

The RX100 V, on the other hand, is packed with a sophisticated hybrid AF system combining 315 phase-detect and contrast AF points, allowing lightning-fast lock-on and tracking.

From my testing, the RX100 V’s AF is noticeably faster and more accurate, managing rapid subject changes and tracking moving targets in challenging light with remarkable consistency. The Olympus runs a bit slower and can sometimes hunt for focus, especially in low-contrast scenes.

Shooting Speed: Burst Modes and Buffer

Nothing tests a camera’s mettle like high-speed action sequences. The Olympus can shoot at 8 frames per second (fps) continuously - a respectable speed for an entry-level mirrorless.

Sony’s RX100 V, however, blazes past with 24 fps continuous shooting using silent electronic shutter mode, with full AF/AE tracking between frames. The buffer handles these bursts well before slowing down.

For sports or fast wildlife, the higher frame rate combined with superior AF gives Sony the clear upper hand.

Handling and Ergonomics Across Genres: Which Fits Your Photography Style?

Portrait Photography

Portrait shooters crave realistic skin tones, natural bokeh, and sharp eye-detection AF.

• Olympus’ Four Thirds sensor gives a decent bokeh effect but doesn’t quite blur backgrounds as effectively as larger sensors.
• The RX100 V’s shorter zoom range (24-70 mm equivalent, f/1.8-2.8 aperture) provides great background separation for portraits and produces creamy bokeh thanks to its bright lens.
• Face detection works well on both, but RX100 V’s advanced AF points improve eye tracking reliability.

Winner: Sony RX100 V for better background separation and focus accuracy.

Landscape Photography

Landscape demands high resolution and wide dynamic range to capture details from shadows to highlights.

• Olympus’s 16MP sensor delivers sharp detail but its dynamic range isn’t groundbreaking.
• Sony’s 20MP sensor and BSI technology pull ahead with better dynamic range.
• Both offer multiple aspect ratios; Olympus gives 1:1 options; Sony lacks customizable aspect ratios.

Both lack weather sealing, which could be a dealbreaker for outdoor shooters in rough conditions.

Winner: Sony RX100 V for dynamic range; Olympus could appeal for those wanting interchangeable lenses to use ultra-wide primes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Fast AF and high burst rate are crucial. The RX100 V’s 315-point hybrid AF and 24 fps burst rate dominate.
• Olympus’s 8 fps and contrast AF struggle with fast-moving subjects.
• Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds lens mount offers access to super-telephoto lenses, an advantage for telephoto reach; Sony’s fixed lens limits max focal length.

Winner: Sony for autofocus speed; Olympus for lens reach and telephoto versatility (with Micro Four Thirds lenses).

Street and Travel Photography

• Street shooters often want discretion and portability.
• Sony’s compact RX100 V fits in any pocket and is quiet in silent shutter mode - perfect for candid shots.
• Olympus is slightly larger but offers interchangeable lenses for creative flexibility.
• Battery life favors Olympus (360 shots per charge) over Sony (220 shots), important on long travel days.

Winner: Sony for portability and stealth; Olympus for battery life and lens versatility.

Macro Photography

• Olympus lacks dedicated macro modes but benefits from Micro Four Thirds lens system with many dedicated macro lenses.
• Sony RX100 V offers close focusing to 5cm but with fixed lens limitations.

Winner: Olympus for dedicated macro lens options and sensor-based image stabilization.

Night and Astro Photography

• High ISO performance counts here; Sony’s BSI sensor shines with less noise at high ISO.
• Olympus tops out at ISO 25,600 but struggles with noise.
• Olympus offers timelapse recording but less sophisticated noise reduction algorithms.

Winner: Sony RX100 V for cleaner, sharper images in the dark.

Video Capabilities

• Olympus supports Full HD 1080p at 30 fps; no 4K video.
• Sony RX100 V adds 4K UHD video at 30p with superior codecs and 100 Mbps bitrate.
• Both lack microphone and headphone ports, limiting external audio gear use.
• Olympus has no in-body stabilization mode labeled; Sony offers optical stabilization.

Winner: Sony RX100 V for video resolution, bitrate, and stabilization.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

Neither camera sports weather sealing or ruggedized bodies. If you shoot outdoors in harsh conditions, consider investing in weatherproof housings or keep the camera shielded.

Viewing Experience: LCD and EVF Differences

Sony’s integrated EVF is a game-changer in bright light, allowing you to compose shots with confidence when LCDs falter. Olympus’s lack of built-in EVF is a noticeable downside. The Olympus has a touchscreen LCD - adding a layer of convenience, for focusing and navigating menus - which Sony lacks.

Shooting Experience: Battery and Storage

• Olympus uses a BLS-5 battery lasting roughly 360 shots.
• Sony’s NP-BX1 battery records about 220 shots under similar conditions.
• Both use a single SD card slot; Sony is also compatible with Memory Stick Pro, broadening options.
• USB 2.0 connectivity is standard on both, with Sony offering built-in wireless; Olympus relies on Eye-Fi card compatibility (now somewhat outdated).

Value Assessment: Price vs. Performance

Olympus E-PL6 originally priced around $300 makes it a very budget-conscious option for beginners looking to step into interchangeable lens cameras.

Sony RX100 V, coming in around $1,000, reflects its flagship-level features: advanced AF, superior sensor, 4K video, built-in EVF, and compact convenience justify the premium for enthusiasts or pros wanting a pocket powerhouse.

Image Quality and Sample Comparisons

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

In well-lit daylight shots, the Olympus provides pleasant colors and sharp focus on static subjects, but images show slightly softer detail and noise in shadows. The Sony’s advantage emerges in low light and fast action, with crisp detail, reduced noise, and quick refocusing.

Overall Ratings and Genre Scores

Sony RX100 V leads in autofocus, burst speed, image quality, and video. Olympus E-PL6 shines for beginner-friendly ease, lens system versatility, and battery stamina.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy Olympus E-PL6 if:

• You want an affordable entry into mirrorless with interchangeable lenses.
• Battery life and touchscreen control are important.
• You prioritize a friendly interface for portraits, landscapes, and macro.
• Your budget is limited, and you want a platform to grow your lens collection.

Buy Sony RX100 V if:

• You demand cutting-edge AF performance and fast shooting for sports/wildlife.
• Portability and pocketability are paramount.
• Video in 4K with good bitrate and stabilization matters.
• You want superior image quality and low-light capability in a compact unit - even if it costs more.

My Final Verdict

Both the Olympus PEN E-PL6 and Sony RX100 V offer compelling value tailored to very different photographers. The E-PL6 is a gentle, budget-friendly gateway into creative mirrorless shooting, making it perfect for beginners or casual users who appreciate lens flexibility without breaking the bank.

The RX100 V, meanwhile, packs pro-level tech into a compact frame - its autofocus sophistication, sensor design, and 4K video make it a killer tool for serious enthusiasts who travel light but want maximum capability on tap.

If I were choosing today, I’d lean toward the Sony RX100 V for its versatility, image quality, and speed, particularly for on-the-move photography. But the E-PL6’s approachable handling and lower price make it a smart choice for newcomers or those who want to learn the ropes with interchangeable lenses.

Quick Pros & Cons Summary

Choosing between these two cameras boils down to your shooting style, budget, and priorities. Whichever you pick, both have enough character and chops to create memorable images - if their strengths match your photographic ambitions.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera be the perfect extension of your vision!