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Sony RX100 IV vs Olympus E-M1

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in June 2015 and September 2013. The RX100 IV is a fixed lens compact, while the E-M1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an one-inch (RX100 IV) and a Four Thirds (E-M1) sensor. The Sony has a resolution of 20 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 15.9 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Sony RX100 IV
versus
Olympus E-M1
Sony RX100 IV   Olympus E-M1
Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 Micro Four Thirds lenses
20 MP – 1" sensor 15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 125-12,800 (80 - 25,600) ISO 200-25,600
Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots) Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD – 1228k dots 3.0" LCD – 1037k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen) Tilting touchscreen
16 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
280 shots per battery charge350 shots per battery charge
102 x 58 x 41 mm, 298 g 130 x 94 x 63 mm, 497 g
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Check RX100 IV offers at
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Check E-M1 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV and the Olympus OM-D E-M1? 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

The physical size and weight of the Sony RX100 IV and the Olympus E-M1 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-M1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the RX100 IV is only available in black.

Size Sony RX100 IV vs Olympus E-M1
Compare RX100 IV versus E-M1 top
Comparison RX100 IV or E-M1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-M1 is considerably larger (107 percent) than the Sony RX100 IV. It is noteworthy in this context that the E-M1 is splash and dust-proof, while the RX100 IV does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the RX100 IV has a lens built in, whereas the E-M1 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-M1 and their specifications in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the RX100 IV gets 280 shots out of its Sony NP-BX1 battery, while the E-M1 can take 350 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLN-1 power pack. The power pack in the RX100 IV can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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.
 
Sony RX100 IV 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 298 g 280 n Jun 2015 999ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 Y Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G5 X 112 mm 76 mm 44 mm 353 g 210 n Oct 2015 799ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G7 X 103 mm 60 mm 40 mm 304 g 210 n Sep 2014 699ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 Y Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 n Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-M5 II 124 mm 85 mm 45 mm 469 g 310 Y Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-P5 122 mm 69 mm 37 mm 420 g 330 n May 2013 999ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-M5 122 mm 89 mm 43 mm 425 g 360 Y Feb 2012 1,299ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic FZ2500 138 mm 102 mm 135 mm 915 g 350 n Sep 2016 1,199 amazon.com
11.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 137 mm 99 mm 131 mm 831 g 360 n Jun 2014 899ebay.com
12.
 
Sony ZV-1 II 106 mm 60 mm 47 mm 292 g 290 n May 2023 899 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony RX100 VII 102 mm 58 mm 43 mm 302 g 260 n Jul 2019 1,199 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony RX100 VI 102 mm 58 mm 43 mm 301 g 240 n Jun 2018 1,199ebay.com
15.
 
Sony RX100 V 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 299 g 220 n Oct 2016 999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX100 III 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 290 g 320 n May 2014 799ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX100 II 102 mm 58 mm 38 mm 281 g 350 n Jun 2013 749ebay.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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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The RX100 IV was launched at a lower price than the E-M1, despite having a lens built in. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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.

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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Sony RX100 IV features an one-inch sensor and the Olympus E-M1 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-M1 is 94 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.7 and 2.0. The sensor in the RX100 IV has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-M1 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Sony RX100 IV and Olympus E-M1 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Sony RX100 IV offers a higher resolution of 20 megapixels, compared with 15.9 MP of the Olympus E-M1. 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 3.76μm for the E-M1). However, it should be noted that the RX100 IV is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 8 months) than the E-M1, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that partly offset its pixel-size disadvantage. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the E-M1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony RX100 IV implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the RX100 IV 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-M1 are 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The E-M1 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 80-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

In terms of underlying technology, the RX100 IV is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the E-M1 uses a 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.

RX100 IV versus E-M1 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar 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.
 
Sony RX100 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.659170
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
3.
 
Canon G5 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.412.347162
4.
 
Canon G7 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p23.012.755671
5.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
6.
 
Olympus PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
7.
 
Olympus E-M5 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.012.584273
8.
 
Olympus E-P5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.489572
9.
 
Olympus E-M5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i22.812.382671
10.
 
Panasonic FZ2500 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p23.012.653870
11.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.111.751764
12.
 
Sony ZV-1 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.312.996567
13.
 
Sony RX100 VII 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p21.812.441863
14.
 
Sony RX100 VI 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.112.347864
15.
 
Sony RX100 V 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.458670
16.
 
Sony RX100 III 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.412.349567
17.
 
Sony RX100 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.512.448367
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the RX100 IV provides a higher video resolution than the E-M1. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Olympus is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under review are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the E-M1 offers a slightly higher resolution than the one in the RX100 IV (2360k vs 2359k dots). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Sony RX100 IV and Olympus E-M1 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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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.
 
Sony RX100 IV2359 n3.0 / 1228 tilting n 1/2000s 16.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Olympus E-M12360 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon G5 X2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon G7 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 6.5/s Y Y
5.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
6.
 
Olympus PEN-F2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
7.
 
Olympus E-M5 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
8.
 
Olympus E-P5optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Olympus E-M51440 n3.0 / 610 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s n Y
10.
 
Panasonic FZ25002360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Panasonic FZ10002359 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Sony ZV-1 IInone n3.0 / 922 swivel Y 1/2000s 24.0/s n n
13.
 
Sony RX100 VII2359 n3.0 / 921 tilting Y 1/2000s 90.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Sony RX100 VI2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting Y 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Sony RX100 V2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Sony RX100 III1440 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony RX100 IIoptional n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The RX100 IV has one, while the E-M1 does not. While the built-in flash of the RX100 IV is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The RX100 IV has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the E-M1 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, both cameras under consideration feature an 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 Olympus E-M1 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 RX100 IV writes its imaging data to SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, while the E-M1 uses SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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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 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV and Olympus OM-D E-M1 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.
 
Sony RX100 IV-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
2.
 
Olympus E-M1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon G5 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon G7 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
5.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
6.
 
Olympus PEN-FYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Olympus E-M5 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Olympus E-P5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Olympus E-M5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic FZ2500Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
11.
 
Panasonic FZ1000Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
12.
 
Sony ZV-1 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
13.
 
Sony RX100 VII-stereo / monoY-micro2.0YYY
14.
 
Sony RX100 VI-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
15.
 
Sony RX100 V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
16.
 
Sony RX100 III-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony RX100 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
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It is notable that the E-M1 has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The RX100 IV does not feature such a mic input.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Olympus E-M1 (unlike the RX100 IV) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the RX100 IV and the E-M1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The E-M1 was replaced by the Olympus E-M1 II, while the RX100 IV was followed by the Sony RX100 IV. Further information on the features and operation of the RX100 IV and E-M1 can be found, respectively, in the Sony RX100 IV Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-M1 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Sony RX100 IV and the Olympus E-M1? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (20 vs 15.9MP) with a 14% higher linear resolution.
  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1228k vs 1037k dots).
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (16 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the E-M1 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (102x58mm vs 130x94mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the E-M1).
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 8 months after the E-M1).

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Reasons to prefer the Olympus OM-D E-M1:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.4 stops ISO advantage).
  • 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.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.74x vs 0.59x).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (350 versus 280) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2013).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the match-up finishes in a tie (14 points each). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding 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.

RX100 IV 14:14 E-M1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Sony RX100 IV and the Olympus E-M1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens 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 RX100 IV and the E-M1 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera 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.
 
Sony RX100 IV4.5/5+ +..85/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2015 999ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G5 X5/5+ +..78/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2015 799ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G7 X4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 699ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-M5 II5/5+ +4.5/581/1005/55/5 Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-P55/5+ +..78/1004.5/55/5 May 2013 999ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-M54/5+ +..80/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2012 1,299ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic FZ2500..+..82/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2016 1,199 amazon.com
11.
 
Panasonic FZ10004/5+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2014 899ebay.com
12.
 
Sony ZV-1 II4.5/5..3.5/583/1003.5/54.5/5 May 2023 899 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony RX100 VII4.5/5..4/5..4/55/5 Jul 2019 1,199 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony RX100 VI4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2018 1,199ebay.com
15.
 
Sony RX100 V4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Oct 2016 999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX100 III5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 May 2014 799ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX100 II5/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 749ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. 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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Check E-M1 offers at
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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: Sony RX100 IV vs Olympus E-M1

    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 Sony RX100 IV Olympus E-M1
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date June 2015 September 2013
    Launch Price USD 999 USD 1,399
    Sensor Specs Sony RX100 IV Olympus E-M1
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format 1" Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 13.2 x 8.8 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 116.16 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 15.9 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.7x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 20 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5472 x 3648 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 2.41 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 17.18 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 125 - 12,800 ISO 200 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 80 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor BIONZ X TruePIC VII
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 70 73
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.8 23.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.6 12.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 591 757
    Screen Specs Sony RX100 IV Olympus E-M1
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.59x 0.74x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2359k dots 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1228k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Sony RX100 IV Olympus E-M1
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/2000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 16 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/32000sYES
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium MS or SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Sony RX100 IV Olympus E-M1
    External Flash no Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
    Body Specs Sony RX100 IV Olympus E-M1
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Sony NP-BX1 Olympus BLN-1
    Battery Life (CIPA)280 shots per charge350 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 102 x 58 x 41 mm
    (4.0 x 2.3 x 1.6 in)
    130 x 94 x 63 mm
    (5.1 x 3.7 x 2.5 in)
    Camera Weight 298 g (10.5 oz) 497 g (17.5 oz)
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