• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400

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Differences

Sony RX100 VII advantages over Olympus E-M5 III

  • Slower slow-motion
    1000 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Lighter weight
    302g vs 414g
    Lighter weight
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    169 vs 26 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    77 vs 23 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Olympus E-M5 III advantages over Sony RX100 VII

  • Less expensive
    $1099 vs $1298*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.36 vs 2.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Longer video battery life
    60 vs 40 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.68x vs 0.59x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    30.0 fps vs 20.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    30.0 fps vs 20.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-M5 III

Review Excerpt

  • Improved image quality; Very good dynamic range & high ISO performance for a modern MFT sensor; Very fast AF; Excellent image stabilization; 4K video recording; Weather-sealed build quality.

  • Below average battery life; Small size can be awkward with long, heavy lenses; One SD card slot.

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic ZS100

Sony RX100 VII
Panasonic ZS100
  • $1298
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
Olympus E-M5 III
Panasonic ZS100
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Panasonic ZS200

Sony RX100 VII
Panasonic ZS200
  • $1298
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $648
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
Olympus E-M5 III
Panasonic ZS200
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $648
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Sony RX100 VI

Sony RX100 VII
Sony RX100 VI
  • $1298
  • 1 inch
  • External Mic Jack
  • $949
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Olympus E-M5 III
Sony RX100 VI
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $949
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion

Compared to Panasonic G100

Sony RX100 VII
Panasonic G100
  • $1298
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $623
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Olympus E-M5 III
Panasonic G100
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
  • $623
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Olympus E-M10 IV

Sony RX100 VII
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $1298
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $649
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
Olympus E-M5 III
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $649
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Longer video battery life
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