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Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony RX100 VII

The Olympus PEN E-PL1 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2010 and July 2019. The E-PL1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the RX100 VII is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (E-PL1) and an one-inch (RX100 VII) sensor. The Olympus has a resolution of 12.2 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 20 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Olympus E-PL1
versus
Sony RX100 VII
Olympus E-PL1   Sony RX100 VII
Mirrorless system camera Fixed lens compact camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5
12.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor 20 MP – 1" sensor
720/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 200-3,200 ISO 125-12,800 (80 - 25,600)
Viewfinder optional Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots)
2.7" LCD – 230k dots 3.0" LCD – 921k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second 90 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens-based stabilization
290 shots per battery charge260 shots per battery charge
115 x 72 x 42 mm, 334 g 102 x 58 x 43 mm, 302 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Olympus PEN E-PL1 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Olympus E-PL1 and the Sony RX100 VII is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-PL1 can be obtained in four different colors (black, blue, yellow, white), while the RX100 VII is only available in black.

Size Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony RX100 VII
Compare E-PL1 versus RX100 VII top
Comparison E-PL1 or RX100 VII rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony RX100 VII is notably smaller (29 percent) than the Olympus E-PL1. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the E-PL1 nor the RX100 VII are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the RX100 VII has a lens built in, whereas the E-PL1 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the E-PL1 and their specifications in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the E-PL1 gets 290 shots out of its Olympus BLS-1 battery, while the RX100 VII can take 260 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-BX1 power pack. The power pack in the RX100 VII can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-PL1 115 mm 72 mm 42 mm 334 g 290 n Feb 2010 599ebay.com
2.
 
Sony RX100 VII 102 mm 58 mm 43 mm 302 g 260 n Jul 2019 1,199 amazon.com
3.
 
Leica C-LUX 113 mm 67 mm 46 mm 340 g 370 n Jun 2018 1,049ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-PL9 117 mm 68 mm 39 mm 380 g 350 n Feb 2018 599ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-P3 122 mm 69 mm 34 mm 369 g 330 n Jun 2011 799ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PL2 114 mm 72 mm 42 mm 362 g 280 n Jan 2011 599ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-PL3 110 mm 64 mm 37 mm 313 g 300 n Jun 2011 599ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 n Jun 2011 499ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-620 130 mm 94 mm 60 mm 521 g 500 n Feb 2009 699ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-P1 121 mm 70 mm 36 mm 355 g 300 n Jun 2009 799ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-P2 121 mm 70 mm 36 mm 355 g 300 n Nov 2009 799ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 499ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 549ebay.com
14.
 
Sony ZV-1 105 mm 60 mm 44 mm 294 g 260 n May 2020 799ebay.com
15.
 
Sony RX100 VI 102 mm 58 mm 43 mm 301 g 240 n Jun 2018 1,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX100 V 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 299 g 220 n Oct 2016 999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX100 IV 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 298 g 280 n Jun 2015 999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Olympus E-PL1 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Sony RX100 VII an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the RX100 VII is 48 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 2.7. The sensor in the E-PL1 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the RX100 VII offers a 3:2 aspect.

Olympus E-PL1 and Sony RX100 VII sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the RX100 VII offers a higher resolution of 20 megapixels, compared with 12.2 MP of the E-PL1. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 2.41μm versus 4.29μm for the E-PL1). However, it should be noted that the RX100 VII is much more recent (by 9 years and 5 months) than the E-PL1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Sony RX100 VII implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the RX100 VII for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-PL1 are 20.2 x 15.1 inches or 51.2 x 38.4 cm for good quality, 16.1 x 12.1 inches or 41 x 30.7 cm for very good quality, and 13.4 x 10.1 inches or 34.1 x 25.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The RX100 VII has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Olympus PEN E-PL1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII are ISO 125 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-25600.

In terms of underlying technology, the E-PL1 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the RX100 VII uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

E-PL1 versus RX100 VII MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the RX100 VII has a markedly higher DXO score than the E-PL1 (overall score 9 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 0.3 bits higher color depth, 2.3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.2 stops of reduced low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Olympus E-PL1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.148754
2.
 
Sony RX100 VII 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p21.812.441863
3.
 
Leica C-LUX 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.112.348164
4.
 
Olympus E-PL9 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.112.8116274
5.
 
Olympus E-P3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.810.153651
6.
 
Olympus E-PL2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.257355
7.
 
Olympus E-PL3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.910.349952
8.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
9.
 
Olympus E-620 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024none21.310.353655
10.
 
Olympus E-P1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.453655
11.
 
Olympus E-P2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.450556
12.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
13.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
14.
 
Sony ZV-1 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.212.666966
15.
 
Sony RX100 VI 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.112.347864
16.
 
Sony RX100 V 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.458670
17.
 
Sony RX100 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.659170
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the RX100 VII provides a better video resolution than the E-PL1. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Olympus is limited to 720/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the RX100 VII has an electronic viewfinder (2359k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the E-PL1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the E-PL1 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the VF-2. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Olympus E-PL1 and Sony RX100 VII along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Olympus E-PL1optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Sony RX100 VII2359 n3.0 / 921 tilting Y 1/2000s 90.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Leica C-LUX2330 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Olympus E-PL9none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.6/s Y Y
5.
 
Olympus E-P3optional n3.0 / 614 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Olympus E-PL2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Olympus E-PL3optional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
8.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
9.
 
Olympus E-620optical n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Olympus E-P1none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n Y
11.
 
Olympus E-P2optional n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n Y
12.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
14.
 
Sony ZV-1none n3.0 / 922 swivel Y 1/2000s 24.0/s n n
15.
 
Sony RX100 VI2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting Y 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Sony RX100 V2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony RX100 IV2359 n3.0 / 1228 tilting n 1/2000s 16.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The RX100 VII has a touchscreen, while the E-PL1 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The RX100 VII has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the E-PL1 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the RX100 VII is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Sony RX100 VII has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The E-PL1 writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the RX100 VII uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The RX100 VII supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the E-PL1 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Olympus E-PL1Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Sony RX100 VII-stereo / monoY-micro2.0YYY
3.
 
Leica C-LUX-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
4.
 
Olympus E-PL9Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Olympus E-P3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
6.
 
Olympus E-PL2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Olympus E-PL3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Olympus E-PM1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Olympus E-620Y- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Olympus E-P1Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Olympus E-P2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Sony ZV-1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
15.
 
Sony RX100 VI-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
16.
 
Sony RX100 V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony RX100 IV-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
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It is notable that the E-PL1 has a hotshoe, while the RX100 VII does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

The RX100 VII is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the E-PL1 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the E-PL1 was succeeded by the Olympus E-PL2. Further information on the features and operation of the E-PL1 and RX100 VII can be found, respectively, in the Olympus E-PL1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony RX100 VII Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Olympus E-PL1 or the Sony RX100 VII – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Arguments in favor of the Olympus PEN E-PL1:

  • More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (290 versus 260) on a single battery charge.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2010).

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Advantages of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (20 vs 12.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 30%.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (9 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2.3 EV of extra DR).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 720/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (921k vs 230k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (90 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the E-PL1 necessitates an extra lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (102x58mm vs 115x72mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the E-PL1).
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Reflects 9 years and 5 months of technical progress since the E-PL1 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the RX100 VII is the clear winner of the contest (24 : 4 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

E-PL1 04:24 RX100 VII

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Olympus E-PL1 and the Sony RX100 VII place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the E-PL1 and the RX100 VII in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-PL1..86/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 599ebay.com
2.
 
Sony RX100 VII4.5/5..4/5..4/55/5 Jul 2019 1,199 amazon.com
3.
 
Leica C-LUX....3.5/5..4.5/54/5 Jun 2018 1,049ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-PL9..+....4.5/54/5 Feb 2018 599ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-P3..83/100..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 799ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PL23/583/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2011 599ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-PL33/5+ +..72/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 599ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 499ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-6203/588/100..72/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2009 699ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-P1..+..66/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2009 799ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-P23/5+..69/1004/54.5/5 Nov 2009 799ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 499ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 549ebay.com
14.
 
Sony ZV-14/5+4/585/1004/54.5/5 May 2020 799ebay.com
15.
 
Sony RX100 VI4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2018 1,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX100 V4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Oct 2016 999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX100 IV4.5/5+ +..85/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2015 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony RX100 VII

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Olympus E-PL1 Sony RX100 VII
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5
    Launch Date February 2010 July 2019
    Launch Price USD 599 USD 1,199
    Sensor Specs Olympus E-PL1 Sony RX100 VII
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor 1" Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 13.2 x 8.8 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 116.16 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 15.9 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 2.7x
    Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixels 20 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4032 x 3024 pixels 5472 x 3648 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.29 μm 2.41 μm
    Pixel Density 5.42 MP/cm2 17.18 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 720/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 3,200 ISO 125 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 80 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor Truepic V BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 54 63
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.5 21.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.1 12.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 487 418
    Screen Specs Olympus E-PL1 Sony RX100 VII
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.59x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2359k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.7inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Olympus E-PL1 Sony RX100 VII
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/2000s 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 90 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/32000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens-based stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDHC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Olympus E-PL1 Sony RX100 VII
    External Flash Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Olympus E-PL1 Sony RX100 VII
    Battery Type Olympus BLS-1 Sony NP-BX1
    Battery Life (CIPA)290 shots per charge260 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 115 x 72 x 42 mm
    (4.5 x 2.8 x 1.7 in)
    102 x 58 x 43 mm
    (4.0 x 2.3 x 1.7 in)
    Camera Weight 334 g (11.8 oz) 302 g (10.7 oz)
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