Olympus E-PL9 vs Sony RX100 VA

In this article, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL9 vs Sony RX100 VA, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the RX100 VA (20MP) is relatively close but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and RX100 VA (1") feature different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL9 was revealed 5 months prior to the RX100 VA and they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the E-PL9 scores versus the RX100 VA in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A). The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Sony RX100 VA Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL9 has got physical measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) while the Sony RX100 VA has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL9 vs Sony RX100 VA in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL9 and the RX100 VA.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL9 and RX100 VA is 85 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by viewing specs. The pic underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL9 and RX100 VA.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL9 using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony RX100 VA will provide you with more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively.