• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Sony A99 advantages over Olympus E-M1X

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.97 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 20.4 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus E-M1X advantages over Sony A99

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • 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 Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 870 vs 500 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    6 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.83x vs 0.71x
    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
    60.7 fps vs 5.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    49 vs 17 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    60.7 fps vs 5.9 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    49 vs 18 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Both provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • Built-in GPS
    Both provide
    Geotag your photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Terrific overall image quality for a 20MP 4/3" sensor; Very good high ISO performance this sensor size; Very impressive & improved AF performance; Extremely fast, responsive overall performance; New Intelligent Subject Detection AF feature works well; More video features; Outstanding IBIS.

  • Image quality not improved from (updated) E-M1 II; Faces tough competition with image quality at this price point, especially at higher ISOs; EVF feels somewhat outdated; Expensive for a Micro Four Thirds camera.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D800

Sony A99
Nikon D800
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Olympus E-M1X
Nikon D800
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony A99
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Olympus E-M1X
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D800E

Sony A99
Nikon D800E
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Olympus E-M1X
Nikon D800E
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic GH5

Sony A99
Panasonic GH5
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
Olympus E-M1X
Panasonic GH5
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion

Compared to Panasonic GH6

Sony A99
Panasonic GH6
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Olympus E-M1X
Panasonic GH6
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer video battery life
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Newer
Compare Other Cameras?