Olympus E-PL9 vs Sony RX100 IV: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When I first got my hands on the Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Sony RX100 IV, I knew this comparison would be a fascinating one. These cameras sit in different niches yet often compete for attention among serious hobbyists and pros looking for a high-quality travel companion, street shooter, or secondary camera. Having tested both extensively, I’m here to share my candid experience, highlight their real-world strengths and weaknesses, and help you choose the best fit for your shooting style and budget.

Let’s dive in, exploring everything from ergonomics and sensor tech to genre-specific performance and value.

Size, Design, and Handling: What Feels Right in Your Hands?

Before picture quality even comes into play, how a camera feels during use can make or break your enjoyment. Olympus and Sony both took different routes here.

The Olympus E-PL9 sports a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless body built around the familiar Micro Four Thirds system. Measuring 117×68×39mm and weighing 380g, it’s compact yet offers a good grip. The body rests well in my hands, with enough room for finger placement without feeling cramped. Its tilting touchscreen (3-inches at 1.04M dots) is intuitive and responsive, making on-the-go framing and focus selection easy.

The Sony RX100 IV is a large sensor compact, even smaller and lighter at 102×58×41mm and 298g, designed to slip effortlessly in a pocket. The fixed 24-70mm equivalent lens balances nicely with the body, though the smaller form factor means fewer physical controls. The tilting screen is marginally higher resolution (3-inches, 1.23M dots) but lacks touch functionality.

The E-PL9 features more dedicated dials and buttons (though no top LCD), catering to users who want more direct exposure control. In contrast, Sony took a minimalist approach, relying heavily on menus and a multi-selector wheel. This can frustrate shooters who like clubs for their thumbs - actual dedicated controls that don’t require diving into submenus. But if pocketability and stealth are your main games, the RX100 IV’s finesse and unobtrusiveness win out.

Verdict: If comfortable handling and physical controls matter, Olympus wins for entry-level mirrorless. For grab-and-go compactness, Sony can’t be beaten.

Sensor and Image Quality: Four Thirds Versus 1-Inch Sensor Battle

Alright, sensor talk - let’s dig deep, because this really influences image rendition and low-light performance.

The E-PL9 uses a 16MP Four Thirds (17.3x13.0mm) CMOS sensor. It’s the classic Micro Four Thirds size, around 225mm² sensor area, paired with Olympus’s TruePic VIII processor. This combination yields detailed images with natural color rendition and respectable dynamic range, especially given the sensor size. While noise performance tapers off after ISO 3200, I found ISO 6400 usable with some noise reduction.

The RX100 IV sports a 20MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2x8.8mm) coupled with Sony’s Bionz X processor. Though physically smaller at about 116mm² sensor area, the backside illumination (BSI) tech boosts sensitivity and low-light handling. Sony clocks a solid DXOmark score of 70 overall, with excellent color depth (22.9 bits) and dynamic range (12.6 EV). Low-light ISO rating extends to around 560 (standardized), giving cleaner images above equivalent ISO levels compared to Olympus.

But here’s the practical bottom line: Despite the smaller sensor, RX100 IV’s superior sensor design and faster lens push image sharpness and noise control just a notch above the Olympus. The Olympus sensor brings more versatility with interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lenses for specialized shooting but can’t quite match the Sony’s bit more refined image for base ISO shots and detail retrieval.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

For me, autofocus (AF) responsiveness is critical - I calibrate and test both phase-detection and contrast-based systems every shootout to simulate real-life scenarios (portraits, street, sports).

The E-PL9 relies purely on contrast-detection AF with 121 focus points, face detection, and touch AF features on the screen. It supports continuous AF tracking and aperture/shutter priority modes. AF speed is decent in good light, but in dim conditions or for fast-moving subjects, the system hunts a bit more noticeably. The continuous shooting speed is 8.6 fps, respectable for the class.

Sony's RX100 IV uses contrast-detection AF with 25 focus points - fewer in number than Olympus, but with a refined algorithm and notably faster response. Face detection is also present and reliable. The burst shooting hits 16 fps, a considerable advantage for action or wildlife snaps from a compact camera.

My real-world verdict: For static scenes and portraits, both do well. For capturing wildlife fluttering about or fast sports, the RX100 IV's faster burst and snappier AF edge give it a safe advantage. However, neither can truly replace flagship flagship wildlife or pro sports cameras but perform impressively well for their categories.

Display and Viewfinder: Compose with Confidence

Both camera makers have their own take on electronic viewfinders and screens.

The Olympus E-PL9 lacks a built-in EVF (electronic viewfinder), though optional external EVFs are available via the hot shoe. The 3-inch tilting touchscreen is tactile and bright with 1.04 million dots, great for composing high or low-angle shots as well as touch focusing. The friendly UI and touch interface make manual focusing and menu control smoother for beginners or casual shooters.

Conversely, the RX100 IV includes a pop-up 2.36 million-dot OLED EVF, offering 100% coverage and 0.59x magnification - excellent for composing in bright light when the rear screen visibility suffers. Its rear LCD is similarly 3-inch but lacks touch functionality, relying solely on buttons. This might irk touch lovers but does streamline the interface.

Summary: The Olympus leans on its touchscreen strength, while Sony scores with a high-res built-in electronic viewfinder - valuable for many photographers shooting outdoors under challenging lighting.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s ground these specs in real-world creative use cases - portrait, landscape, street, wildlife, macro, night photography - you name it.

Portrait Shooting: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds lens system allows you to pick from 107 lenses. This opens doors for prime lenses with wide apertures and beautiful bokeh, critical for flattering skin tones and subject isolation. The E-PL9’s sensor and TruePic VIII processor produce natural skin tones with minimal color correction needed in post. Eye detection is solid but not state-of-the-art, handler-friendly but not pro-grade.

Sony’s RX100 IV has a fixed 24-70mm equivalent F1.8-2.8 lens, which is fast enough for shallow depth of field portraits, especially at the 24mm wide end. Skin tones render slightly warmer and richer, probably thanks to sensor and image processing. Bokeh is smooth but limited compared to prime lenses on the Olympus body.

Bottom line: For dedicated portrait lovers prioritizing creamy backgrounds and diverse lenses, Olympus’s system has the upper hand. But for snappy casual portraits, Sony’s lens and sensor combo impresses in a pocketable shell.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

The Olympus sensor's larger physical size aids in dynamic range capture for landscapes, especially shooting RAW. The 16MP resolution is enough for prints up to 16x20 inches without noisy shadows or blown highlights. Weather sealing isn't present, so consider an underwater or rain case for serious outdoor use.

Sony offers 20MP resolution, enabling larger print sizes and cropping options. The 1-inch sensor is less pushing dynamic range envelope than full-frame or APS-C, but still performs admirably. I found Sony’s JPEGs retain good highlight and shadow detail with favorable in-camera processing, beneficial for travelers needing fast turnarounds without RAW post.

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, so cautious protection in rugged conditions is advised.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed, Autofocus Tracking, Burst Rate

While neither camera is specifically designed for wildlife or sports, the RX100 IV’s 16 fps continuous burst and snappy AF tracking shine here. The lens can zoom optically from 24-70mm equivalent, but for distant subjects, it’s less than ideal compared to interchangeable lens systems with super-telephoto optics.

The Olympus E-PL9’s slower 8.6 fps and contrast AF make it more of a “catch slower action” option unless paired with fast MFT telephoto lenses - these add size and expense. For casual birds or pets, it’s workable, but not a sports blur-basher.

Street Photography: Discreet and Ready

Compact size, quiet shutter, and quick responsiveness make the RX100 IV a favorite among street photographers. Its pop-up EVF and silent electronic shutter at 1/32000 sec shutter speed enable discreet shooting even in sensitive scenes.

The Olympus E-PL9's rangefinder style and tilt screen might be bulkier to carry as a street camera but still quiet and practical - especially with vintage lenses adapted for unique looks.

Macro Photography: Precision and Magnification

Neither camera excels out of the box at macro shooting, but Olympus’s extensive lens ecosystem allows specialized macro primes and adapters delivering high magnification and focusing precision. Sensor-based image stabilization provides enhanced hand-held macro shooting quality.

Sony’s RX100 IV has a respectable 5 cm close-focus distance at the wide end but limited magnification overall, better suited for casual close-ups than serious macro.

Night and Astro Photography: Low Light Handling

Sony’s 1-inch sensor with BSI technology does better at higher ISOs, enabling cleaner long exposures in low light and night sky scenarios. The electronic shutter’s max 1/32000 sec combined with built-in ND filters offers flexibility in bright conditions as well.

Olympus can push ISO up to 6400 native, 25600 boosted - but noise management worsens beyond ISO 3200 in my hands. The sensor stabilization helps reduce blur in longer exposures, but overall image quality in astro shooting is somewhat limited by sensor size and older noise reduction tech.

Video Capabilities: What About Moving Pictures?

Both cameras shoot 4K UHD video at 30p, a big plus for vloggers and multimedia creators.

Olympus uses H.264 codec and records at high bitrates (102 Mbps), but the lack of microphone or headphone jacks limits audio quality control. Good built-in stabilization aids handheld shooting. No 4K photo modes, unfortunately, means no extracting ultra-high-res stills from video.

The Sony RX100 IV supports multiple formats (MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S), 4K recording, and high frame rate slow motion at 120 fps in 720p. However, it also lacks external mic/headphone jacks. The camera’s built-in optical stabilization is a distinct plus for smooth footage.

If video is a big part of your toolkit, the Sony edges the Olympus with more versatile frame rates and slow-motion options, plus a brighter fixed lens aiding filmic shallow depth of field.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Staying Powered and Connected

Battery life is respectable for mirrorless and compact territory but varies based on usage. Olympus promises around 350 shots per charge versus Sony’s 280 shots (based on CIPA standards).

Wireless connectivity is built into both cameras. Olympus has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, enabling seamless image transfer and remote shooting via apps. Sony offers Wi-Fi with NFC for easy pairing, plus downloadable apps for interval shooting and remote control. USB 2.0 is standard on both.

Storage-wise, both use SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I cards. Sony can also accept Memory Stick Duo formats, though these are less common now. Neither has dual card slots or professional storage workflows.

Reliability, Build Quality, and Price Value

Neither the Olympus E-PL9 nor Sony RX100 IV offers weather sealing or ruggedized construction, so keep them cozy under challenging conditions.

Build quality is good for their classes: Olympus feels a tad more robust with grippy textured surfaces, while Sony’s metal compact body is sleek but sometimes slippery.

Pricing has shifted since release, but Olympus E-PL9 tends to be around $600 while Sony RX100 IV sits closer to $900 new or gently used. The price difference reflects Sony’s more advanced sensor tech, faster shooting, and video features but Olympus wins in lens system flexibility and handling.

Overall Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

Want the cold, hard facts charted? Here’s a visual summary incorporating my detailed testing in real-world scenarios.

Sony takes the lead in high-speed sports, street, and low-light performance. Olympus scores best in portraiture and flexibility for creative lens choices.

Sample Images: Side-by-Side Comparisons

To wrap things up, here’s a gallery showcasing both cameras shooting the same scenes in identical conditions - full-res RAW converted to JPEGs for fair comparison.

Olympus E PL9 front Olympus E PL9 screen back Sony RX100 IV front Sony RX100 IV screen back

You’ll spot Sony’s sharper details and cleaner shadows in low light, while Olympus’s color science and bokeh look more organic, especially on close-ups.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Buy the Olympus PEN E-PL9 if:

• You want the freedom of interchangeable lenses and a mature Micro Four Thirds ecosystem
• You prioritize ease of use with touchscreen and physical controls
• Portrait and casual creative shooting with classic styling appeal to you
• Your budget caps around $600 and you want solid value without sacrificing lens choices

Buy the Sony RX100 IV if:

• You crave ultimate pocket portability without carrying extra lenses
• Fast action, street, travel, and video versatility are top requirements
• You value a higher-resolution EVF and faster continuous shooting
• Your budget extends toward $900 for a premium compact experience

Final Verdict

I often say choosing between the Olympus E-PL9 and Sony RX100 IV boils down to your style and shooting priorities. I’ve lugged both around on hikes and city walks, tested them in studio lighting, and put them through their paces on wildlife excursions.

If you want creative flexibility, a user-friendly interface coupled with an established, affordable lens lineup, Olympus is the better buy. It feels like having a serious mirrorless rig that’s travel-friendly and fun to master.

If you want to barely notice your camera in your pocket yet get excellent image quality, lightning-fast autofocus, burst rates, and video options for street and travel photography, Sony’s compact power-packed RX100 IV is hard to beat. It’s the serious cheapskate’s dream for a small gadget that delivers pro-ish results.

Choose wisely, but you can’t really go wrong with either. Happy shooting!