Olympus PEN-F vs Sony QX100

Its time to look more in depth at the Olympus PEN-F and Sony QX100, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Lens-style by companies Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the PEN-F (20MP) and the QX100 (20MP) is relatively close but the PEN-F (Four Thirds) and QX100 (1") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The PEN-F was released 2 years later than the QX100 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus PEN-F being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony QX100 being a Lens-style camera.

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summary of how the PEN-F scores against the QX100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN-F and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus PEN-F Gallery and Sony QX100 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus PEN-F enjoys outside dimensions of 125mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.5") having a weight of 427 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Sony QX100 has sizing of 63mm x 63mm x 56mm (2.5" x 2.5" x 2.2") and a weight of 179 grams (0.39 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus PEN-F and Sony QX100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the PEN-F versus the QX100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the PEN-F and QX100 is 84 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizing only by viewing technical specs. The graphic here will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the PEN-F and QX100.

As you have seen, both of these cameras feature the identical megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizing. The PEN-F contains the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF easier. The newer PEN-F is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.