• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Sony QX100 advantages over Olympus E-M1

  • Lighter weight
    179g vs 497g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    20.2 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Olympus E-M1 advantages over Sony QX100

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.75 vs 2.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Exceptional rugged, weather-proof, professional build; Lightning fast contrast-detect AF, and phase-detect AF that makes Four Thirds lenses far more responsive; Tons of useful physical controls with immense customizability; Arguably the best image quality of any Micro Four Thirds camera we've tested to date; Large, sharp, high-resolution electronic viewfinder; Advanced Wi-Fi capabilities, including remote control shooting in PASM exposure modes.

  • Bigger and heavier than many other compact system cameras; Most expensive Micro Four Thirds camera on the market to date; Menu system and customization options have a steep learning curve; No optical low-pass filter means greater risk of moire; No built-in flash.

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-M5

Sony QX100
Olympus E-M5
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $900
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor
Olympus E-M1
Olympus E-M5
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Fast startup
  • $900
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Sony RX100

Sony QX100
Sony RX100
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $1074
  • 1 inch
  • Rear display
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus E-M1
Sony RX100
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $1074
  • 1 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash

Compared to Panasonic GH3

Sony QX100
Panasonic GH3
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $798
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor
Olympus E-M1
Panasonic GH3
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $798
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Nikon P330

Sony QX100
Nikon P330
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive
Olympus E-M1
Nikon P330
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Internal flash

Compared to Nikon P340

Sony QX100
Nikon P340
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $347
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive
Olympus E-M1
Nikon P340
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $347
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash
Compare Other Cameras?