• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400

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Differences

Sony RX100 II advantages over Olympus E-M5 III

  • 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
    281g vs 414g
    Lighter weight
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Olympus E-M5 III advantages over Sony RX100 II

  • 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.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.36 vs 2.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • 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
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    7 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • 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 9.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    26 vs 13 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    30.0 fps vs 4.9 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    23 vs 13 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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 Sony RX100 II

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-M5 III

Review Excerpt

  • New, 20.2MP, 1-inch type, backside illuminated (BSI) image sensor produces superb image quality, with particular improvements in low light and high ISO; 3-inch tilting rear LCD screen handy for composing shots from difficult angles; Fast all-around performer with quick autofocus and virtually no shutter lag; New, multi-interface hotshoe for adding a strobe or optional electronic viewfinder; Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC.

  • Bigger and heavier than previous model; More expensive than previous model; Reduced burst performance when shooting RAW files; Somewhat confusing menu structure and control layout; Wi-Fi features can be difficult to set up.

  • 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 Sony RX100

Sony RX100 II
Sony RX100
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $1095
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster RAW shooting
Olympus E-M5 III
Sony RX100
  • $824
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1095
  • 1 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash

Compared to Sony RX100 III

Sony RX100 II
Sony RX100 III
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Hot shoe
  • $748
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Fast startup
Olympus E-M5 III
Sony RX100 III
  • $824
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $748
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Sony RX100 IV

Sony RX100 II
Sony RX100 IV
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $898
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video
Olympus E-M5 III
Sony RX100 IV
  • $824
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $898
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Canon G7X Mark II

Sony RX100 II
Canon G7X Mark II
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $614
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Integrated ND filter
Olympus E-M5 III
Canon G7X Mark II
  • $824
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $614
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compared to Panasonic G100

Sony RX100 II
Panasonic G100
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • NFC
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
Olympus E-M5 III
Panasonic G100
  • $824
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
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