Olympus PEN-F vs Sony RX10 IV: A Hands-On Comparison for Discerning Photographers

When I first got my hands on the Olympus PEN-F and then later the Sony RX10 IV, I sensed immediately that these two cameras, though different in form and intent, both offered unique appeals for photographers who want more than just “point and shoot.” But which one suits your photographic ambitions? Having tested both extensively in studio setups, fast-paced wildlife shoots, low-light conditions, and everything in between, I’m here to unpack their core differences with a pragmatic lens.

Before diving into pixel counts or zoom ranges, let’s start with the basics: how these cameras feel and operate in your hands.

Handling and Ergonomics: Charm vs Substance

The Olympus PEN-F wears its retro, rangefinder-style design proudly, compact and elegant with its brushed metal body. Measuring 125 x 72 x 37 mm and weighing just 427g, it’s a lean contender that literally invites you to cinch it close when out on the street or travel. The fully articulated 3” touchscreen enhances versatility – perfect for low or high-angle shooting. The 81-point contrast-detect autofocus system paired with sensor-based 5-axis stabilization provides subtle yet effective assistance.

By contrast, the Sony RX10 IV is a beastier SLR-like superzoom bridge camera, tipping the scales at 1095g and measuring 133 x 94 x 145 mm. It definitely commands a presence. With a robust grip and extensive mode dials and buttons up top, it feels more like a DSLR shooter’s daily driver. Its tilting 3” screen works well for video and composition flexibility, but the size and weight mean it demands a dedicated camera bag or strap setup. This model is also weather-sealed, providing peace of mind shooting in challenging environments, unlike the Olympus PEN-F, which lacks environmental sealing.

If you prefer a more pocketable, elegant tool that feels like a street and portrait specialist, the PEN-F wins hands down. But if your style is broader, emphasizing robustness and extensive zoom, the RX10 IV clearly suits that profile.

Sensor and Image Quality – Small Format, Big Detail?

Both cameras offer 20-megapixel resolution but differ fundamentally in sensor design and size, which hugely impacts image quality and creative possibilities.

The PEN-F houses a Four Thirds 17.3 x 13 mm CMOS sensor with an anti-aliasing filter. The sensor area measures about 225 mm², nearly double that of typical 1-inch sensors. The TruePic VII processor balances noise reduction and fine detail preservation well, a boon especially when coupled with the camera’s native ISO range of 200–25,600, extended down to 80 for expanded flexibility.

The RX10 IV sports a 1-inch type BSI CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm (~116 mm² area) that benefits from backside illumination for improved low light performance. It shares a similar 20MP count but with maximum native ISO of 12,800 - boosted up to 25,600.

From my wall-to-wall lab tests using ISO charts, dynamic range targets, and direct pixel peeping, the PEN-F pulls ahead in color depth and dynamic range due to its larger sensor. It scores a 74 on DxOMark’s overall rating, a respectable mark in a category dominated by APS-C and full-frame sensors. The RX10 IV’s sensor wasn’t DxOMark tested, but anecdotal testing confirms it delivers sharp images with pleasing colors, though it can exhibit more noise at higher ISO settings.

The Olympus excels in scenarios where you want fine gradients, accurate skin tones, and resilience in shadows - portrait and landscape photographers will feel this immediately. The Sony’s strength lies in versatility and practical balance: the smaller sensor sacrifices a bit of tonal nuance to gain greater zoom reach and still maintain surprisingly high image fidelity.

Autofocus Performance: Precision vs Tracking Speed

Autofocus systems can make or break your experience, especially for wildlife, sports, or street photography where decisive focus is critical.

The PEN-F’s contrast-detect AF with 81 focus points does well in single-shot and face-detection modes but struggles in continuous tracking. Olympus’s TruePic VII processor offers some predictive tracking, yet the camera can hunt slightly in low light or rapid subject movement.

In contrast, the RX10 IV features a highly sophisticated hybrid AF system with 315 phase-detect points alongside contrast detection, offering lightning-fast acquisition and smooth, reliable tracking. The camera shoots bursts at 24 fps with continuous autofocus - that’s simply sensational for wildlife and sports shooters seeking tight focus on erratic subjects like birds or athletes.

It also has eye AF for humans and animals, something Olympus lacks entirely on the PEN-F. This feature alone can sway portraits and wildlife photographers toward Sony if sharp focus-on-the-eyes is a priority.

Image Stabilization and Shutter Capabilities

While both include stabilization, their approaches differ:

• The PEN-F uses sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization, which helps reduce camera shake effectively, especially for macros and general handheld use.

• The RX10 IV incorporates optical image stabilization within its lens system, combined with electronic stabilization options. Sony’s built-in system provides up to 4.5 stops of compensation, which is excellent given the extensive zoom range.

Regarding shutter speed, PEN-F boasts a max mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000 and an electronic shutter up to an astounding 1/16,000 sec, enabling excellent action freezes even in bright light. The RX10 IV’s max mechanical shutter hits 1/2000 sec, with electronic shutter capping at 1/32,000 sec - great for slower-moving subjects or situations demanding silent shooting.

LCDs and Viewfinders: Clarity and Usability

Both have high-resolution electronic viewfinders and 3-inch LCDs with touchscreen functionality.

The PEN-F offers a 2.36M-dot EVF with 0.62x magnification and 100% coverage. The fully articulated LCD with 1.04M dots is a huge benefit for creative angles - especially important for macro and street photographers using angles outside the typical eye line.

The RX10 IV’s EVF resolution is almost identical at 2.36M dots but offers a slightly higher magnification at 0.7x, giving a more immersive viewfinder experience for critical focusing outdoors. The tilting 3-inch screen with 1.44M dots favors vertical tilts but lacks complete articulation.

If you prefer full articulation for vlogging or low-angle shots, PEN-F edges out. For traditional eye-level shooting, especially with extensive zoom, Sony’s EVF magnification is a plus.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility: Interchangeable vs Superzoom

The Olympus PEN-F mounts to Micro Four Thirds lenses, a system supported by over 100 native lenses (varying from wide-angle primes to long telephotos, macro, and specialty optics).

Versatility here is immense: Whether you want a fast f/1.2 portrait lens or a rugged weather-sealed zoom, the ecosystem covers all bases.

Conversely, the RX10 IV sports a fixed 24-600mm (equiv.) zoom with an impressively bright f/2.4-4.0 aperture range. This is a rare offering: ultra-telephoto reach combined with a fast aperture bordering on pro-level optics.

If you crave convenience without lens swapping while shooting everything from detailed landscapes up close to distant wildlife, the RX10 IV’s lens is hard to beat. But if you prefer the creative freedom of swappable lenses and the benefits of specialty primes, the PEN-F will serve you better.

Video Performance: Which Shoots Better Footage?

Video is an increasingly important factor, so here’s what I found shooting both cameras side-by-side.

The PEN-F is capable of full HD 1080p recording up to 60 fps but lacks 4K video capability, which increasingly limits its appeal for professional-level shooters who require highest native resolutions. Audio inputs are absent (no mic or headphone jacks), reducing flexibility for advanced audio setups.

In contrast, the RX10 IV provides colorful, crisp 4K video at 30fps with full pixel readout and no pixel binning - a rare feature in bridge cameras. It also supports slower-motion 1080p recordings up to 60fps and includes microphone and headphone jacks for serious audio monitoring.

Stabilization during video recording is strong on both but enhanced by Sony’s optical image stabilization paired with electronic compensation.

For hybrid shooters or videographers, the RX10 IV comes across as a far more robust and future-proof option.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Staying Powered and Connected

Battery life is solid on both cameras but naturally differs with usage patterns.

• The PEN-F’s BLN-1 battery yields roughly 330 shots per charge, which leans towards moderate endurance, especially if using Wi-Fi wireless connectivity actively.

• Sony’s NP-FW50 battery extends to around 400 shots, benefiting users who shoot bursts or longer continuous video sessions.

Both cameras offer built-in Wi-Fi, though Sony adds Bluetooth and NFC for streamlined pairing - helpful for on-the-go image transfer and remote control.

Storage-wise, PEN-F relies on a single SD card slot supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. The RX10 IV supports SD cards as well as Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick media, giving some additional flexibility based on user preferences.

Durability and Weather Sealing: Is Your Camera Ready for Adventure?

Here, Sony’s RX10 IV clearly stands out. It features a weather-sealed body designed to resist dust and moisture, along with enhanced build integrity suited for outdoor enthusiasts exposed to varied conditions.

Olympus PEN-F, lovingly styled but not sealed, requires more careful handling in inclement weather or dusty environments.

This difference is critical: if you’re shooting landscapes, wildlife, or sports outdoors, often in challenging environments, the RX10 IV’s ruggedness becomes a huge selling point.

Burst Shooting and Sports Performance: Freeze the Action

The RX10 IV blows the PEN-F out of the water with a rapid-fire 24 fps continuous burst with autofocus tracking, an absolutely stellar rate for a non-DSLR. This is critical for sports, wildlife, or any fast-action shooting where every millisecond counts.

The PEN-F caps at 10 fps, which is respectable but can leave the camera behind when chasing birds in flight or peak sports moments.

Given this, professional sports shooters or wildlife enthusiasts who need decisive focus and continuous shooting speed will find Sony an easier solution.

Price-to-Performance: Getting the Most Out of Your Budget

Consider pricing as of this writing: the PEN-F retails around $1000, while the RX10 IV is positioned at $1700.

You’re paying a premium for the Sony’s superzoom versatility, 4K video, ruggedness, and lightning-fast continuous AF. However, Olympus offers more affordable entry into a high-quality interchangeable lens system and superb image quality with classic styling.

My take is this: If you want a high-performance rangefinder-style mirrorless with exceptional color and a refined shooting experience, PEN-F delivers great value. But if your photography demands versatility, high-speed shooting, and advanced video features, the RX10 IV’s extra investment pays off handsomely.

Deep Dive into Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

To make sense of these specs in practical scenarios, I tested both cameras extensively across ten key photography types, rating each in critical categories:

• Portraits: PEN-F’s larger sensor and nuanced colors give it the edge for flattering skin tones and smooth bokeh. However, the RX10 IV’s animal eye AF and fast AF tracking help in live-action pet portraits or children’s candid moments.

• Landscapes: Here PEN-F’s dynamic range and optional wide primes win out for fine detail and tonality, but RX10 IV’s weather sealing and focal range favor travel landscape photographers who want widest framing flexibility in the field.

• Wildlife: RX10 IV’s autofocus speed, long-reach zoom, and burst rate make it the undisputed champion.

• Sports: Again, RX10 IV’s tracking and frame rates dominate.

• Street: PEN-F’s stealthy size and quiet operation make it a street photographer’s dream.

• Macro: Sensor stabilization and interchangeable lenses give PEN-F macro an advantage, though RX10 IV’s close focus (3cm) lens delivers surprising results at telephoto lengths.

• Night/Astro: PEN-F’s better low-light ISO performance aids astrophotography; RX10 IV struggles slightly in extreme darkness due to smaller sensor.

• Video: RX10 IV’s 4K capability wins hands down.

• Travel: RX10 IV’s zoom lens means lens changes aren’t necessary, but PEN-F wins for portability.

• Professional Work: Workflow-wise, interchangeable lenses and proven file formats make PEN-F a flexible studio and editorial choice, whereas RX10 IV suits a specialized pro niche emphasizing speed and video.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Buy?

Choosing between the Olympus PEN-F and Sony RX10 IV ultimately boils down to your photographic priorities.

• Opt for the Olympus PEN-F if you value:

  • Classic style with modern mirrorless convenience
  • Interchangeable lens flexibility
  • Superior color fidelity and dynamic range
  • Lightweight, compact form suited for street, travel, and portraiture
  • Sensor-based image stabilization for stable handheld shooting
  • Moderate video needs satisfied by Full HD

• Go for the Sony RX10 IV if you need:

  • An all-in-one, no-lens-changing superzoom from 24-600mm
  • Lightning-fast autofocus and 24fps burst rate for wildlife and sports
  • 4K video with professional audio input/output options
  • Weather-sealed camera built for adverse shooting conditions
  • Robust battery life, advanced connectivity including Bluetooth/NFC
  • A camera that can handle nearly any photographic discipline straight out of the box

(See finer detail comparison in sample crops embedded above.)

Have I missed something? If you want me to drill down on raw file tweaking for specific creative intents or compare handling with third-party lenses, drop a comment or check my detailed video reviews.

The Olympus PEN-F remains a vintage beauty with a modern heart, whereas the Sony RX10 IV is the Swiss Army knife for photographers who want speed, power, and reach - all encapsulated in a hefty but capable package.

Whichever side you lean towards, both cameras offer top-tier image quality and innovation for their class. My advice? Match the camera’s strengths to how you shoot - not just what looks good on spec sheets.

Happy shooting!