Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony RX1

Here is a in depth analysis of the Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony RX1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and RX1 (Full frame) boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PM1 was brought out 15 months before the RX1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the E-PM1 scores versus the RX1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM1 comes with exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Sony RX1 has measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") along with a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony RX1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. The following is a front view size comparison of the E-PM1 versus the RX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and RX1 is 89 and 79 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizing only by reading through specifications. The graphic below may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and RX1.

Plainly, both cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony RX1 will resolve greater detail having its extra 12MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older E-PM1 is going to be behind in sensor technology.