Sony A99 II vs Olympus E-M1X

Cameras
Compare Cameras
Sony A99 II vs Olympus E-M1X

35mm 861.6mm²
42.4 megapixels
ISO 100 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Sony A99 II Review.
How does it shoot? Sony A99 II in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the A99 II.
Compare Sony A99 II image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Sony A99 II conclusion.

4/3 226.2mm²
20.4 megapixels
ISO 200 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Olympus E-M1X Review.
How does it shoot? Olympus E-M1X in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the E-M1X.
Compare Olympus E-M1X image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Olympus E-M1X conclusion.

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Differences

Sony A99 II advantages over Olympus E-M1X

Larger sensor
35mm vs 4/3
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 4.51 vs 3.36 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
In-camera panoramas
Yes vs No
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
NFC
Yes vs No
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Longer video battery life
135 vs 90 minutes
Capture more video
Top deck display
Yes vs No
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
More pixels
42.4 vs 20.4 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Higher extended ISO
102400 vs 25600 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus E-M1X advantages over Sony A99 II

Lens selection
Excellent vs Good
Better lens selection gives you more options
Less expensive
$1699 vs $3198
Save money for lenses or accessories
Touchscreen
Touch vs No touch
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
High resolution composite
Yes vs No
Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
Fast startup
~0.80 vs 1.2 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
Built-in GPS
GPS vs None
Geotag your photos
Longer stills battery life
More info

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

870 vs 490 shots
Capture more photos
Newer
5 years vs 7 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
Longer exposure
60 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Faster JPEG shooting
60.7 fps vs 10.5 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
60.7 fps vs 11.1 fps
Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
Bigger RAW buffer
49 vs 25 shots
Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
Faster shutter
1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

Focus peaking
Both provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Tilt-swivel screen
Both provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Both provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Shoot 4K video
Both provide
Make sure you have a fast computer
Built-in Wi-Fi
Both provide
Share your photos wirelessly
Built-in Bluetooth
Both provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
On-sensor phase detect
Both provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
External Mic Jack
Both provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Dual card slots
Both provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Both provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
Slow-motion videos
Both provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

Internal flash
Neither provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read A99 II User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read E-M1X User Reviews

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Review Excerpt

Superb image quality at low, moderate ISOs; Improved high ISO performance; Fast continuous shooting speeds; Very impressive hybrid autofocus; High-quality 4K UHD video; Rugged camera body.
Multi-selector joystick can be awkward to use; No EVF live view at fastest burst rate; Buffer clearing is slow with no UHS-II support; 4K UHD video isn't as full-featured as E-mount counterparts.
Read our Sony A99 II Review

Terrific overall image quality for a 20MP 4/3" sensor; Very good high ISO performance this sensor size; Very impressive & improved AF performance; Extremely fast, responsive overall performance; New Intelligent Subject Detection AF feature works well; More video features; Outstanding IBIS.
Image quality not improved from (updated) E-M1 II; Faces tough competition with image quality at this price point, especially at higher ISOs; EVF feels somewhat outdated; Expensive for a Micro Four Thirds camera.
Read our Olympus E-M1X Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Sony A99 II

Canon 5DS R

$3198
35mm

Tilt-swivel screen
Focus peaking

$1729
35mm

Lens selection
Less expensive

Compare Sony A99 II vs Canon 5DS R

Olympus E-M1X

Canon 5DS R

$2133
4/3

Tilt-swivel screen
Focus peaking

$1729
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Canon 5DS R

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Sony A99 II

Canon 5D Mark IV

$3198
35mm

Focus peaking
Tilt-swivel screen

$2499
35mm

Lens selection
Bigger pixels

Compare Sony A99 II vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Olympus E-M1X

Canon 5D Mark IV

$2133
4/3

Focus peaking
Less expensive

$2499
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Compared to Panasonic GH5

Sony A99 II

Panasonic GH5

$3198
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$1348
4/3

Lens selection
Less expensive

Compare Sony A99 II vs Panasonic GH5

Olympus E-M1X

Panasonic GH5

$2133
4/3

High resolution composite
Built-in GPS

$1348
4/3

Less expensive
Slower slow-motion

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Panasonic GH5

Compared to Nikon D850

Sony A99 II

Nikon D850

$3198
35mm

Tilt-swivel screen
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$2664
35mm

Lens selection
Less expensive

Compare Sony A99 II vs Nikon D850

Olympus E-M1X

Nikon D850

$2133
4/3

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

$2664
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Nikon D850

Compared to Panasonic GH6

Sony A99 II

Panasonic GH6

$3198
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$2200
4/3

Lens selection
Slower slow-motion

Compare Sony A99 II vs Panasonic GH6

Olympus E-M1X

Panasonic GH6

$2133
4/3

Built-in GPS
Longer video battery life

$2200
4/3

Slower slow-motion
Newer

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Panasonic GH6

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