Olympus PEN-F vs Sony A6100

Here is a extensive overview of the Olympus PEN-F and Sony A6100, both Advanced Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the PEN-F (20MP) and the A6100 (24MP) is pretty well matched but the PEN-F (Four Thirds) and A6100 (APS-C) use different sensor measurements.

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The PEN-F was revealed 4 years earlier than the A6100 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short summary of how the PEN-F grades vs the A6100 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN-F and Sony Alpha a6100. The full galleries are available at Olympus PEN-F Gallery and Sony A6100 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus PEN-F offers external measurements of 125mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 427 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Sony A6100 has specifications of 120mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 2.3") and a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus PEN-F and Sony A6100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the PEN-F against the A6100.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the PEN-F and A6100 is 84 and 81 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the PEN-F and A6100.

Clearly, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The PEN-F with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Sony A6100 will give you more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots far more aggressively. The older PEN-F is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.