Olympus E-PL9 vs Sony RX100 V

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL9 versus Sony RX100 V, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the RX100 V (20MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and RX100 V (1") posses different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL9 was released 17 months after the RX100 V which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX100 V being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short summary of how the E-PL9 matches up against the RX100 V for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Sony RX100 V Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL9 comes with outside measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") along with a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 V has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") and a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL9 versus Sony RX100 V in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PL9 against the RX100 V.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and RX100 V is 85 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes just by going through specs. The picture below will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL9 and RX100 V.

All in all, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL9 because of its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Sony RX100 V will produce more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more recent E-PL9 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.