Olympus SP-100 vs Sony RX100 VA

The following is a complete analysis of the Olympus SP-100 vs Sony RX100 VA, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the RX100 VA (20MP) is fairly well matched but the SP-100 (1/2.3") and RX100 VA (1") provide different sensor measurements.

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The SP-100 was brought out 5 years before the RX100 VA which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a short summation of how the SP-100 grades against the RX100 VA with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A). The entire galleries are available at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Sony RX100 VA Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-100 provides external dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") accompanied by a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 VA has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") and a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SP-100 vs Sony RX100 VA in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the SP-100 against the RX100 VA.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-100 and RX100 VA is 63 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reading through specs. The picture below should offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-100 and RX100 VA.

All in all, both the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SP-100 due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Sony RX100 VA will give you greater detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged SP-100 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.