Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony RX100 V

Here is a extensive analysis of the Olympus E-PM1 versus Sony RX100 V, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and RX100 V (20MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and RX100 V (1") offer different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM1 was announced 5 years prior to the RX100 V and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX100 V being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple summation of how the E-PM1 grades against the RX100 V in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Sony RX100 V Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM1 has got outside 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) and the Sony RX100 V has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") having a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM1 versus Sony RX100 V in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the RX100 V.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and RX100 V is 89 and 89 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing purely by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and RX100 V.

As you can see, both of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sony RX100 V will render greater detail with its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The older E-PM1 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.