Olympus SP-100 vs Sony RX100 V

Its time to examine more closely at the Olympus SP-100 versus Sony RX100 V, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the RX100 V (20MP) is relatively similar but the SP-100 (1/2.3") and RX100 V (1") feature totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SP-100 was launched 3 years earlier than the RX100 V which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony RX100 V being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a concise summation of how the SP-100 matches up vs the RX100 V in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Sony RX100 V Gallery.

If you are planning to travel with your camera, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-100 comes with outer measurements of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") and a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 V has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") and a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-100 versus Sony RX100 V in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the SP-100 and the RX100 V.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-100 and RX100 V is 63 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The image underneath will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-100 and RX100 V.

Clearly, both the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SP-100 featuring a tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Sony RX100 V will deliver extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged SP-100 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.