Nikon P1100 vs Sony RX10 V Vs OM System OM-1 Mk II – Smaller And Lighter Systems For Bird And Wildlife Photography

Today we are looking at three very different cameras specifically for bird and wildlife photography. Each camera is more than capable of creating great images, but they are all very different price points. We will cover the prices, basic specs and more.

With the imminent World Wide release of the Sony RX10 V (which has been releasing in limited numbers in many areas), this is a perfect time to look at three great cameras side-by-side, to see which camera is best for bird and wildlife photography (and maybe a bit more!). You can find plenty of example photos for each camera online with a quick search if you need, although often your choice of camera is not based on what you see online, as the person behind the camera is often far more important than the camera itself.

“Nikon P1100”

I have already reviewed this camera and we know how capable it is. It is by far the cheapest camera here, and one that is really gaining traction on the wildlife world. This camera covers a huge 24-3000mm focal range, which really makes it the king of reach! It uses a 1/2.3 inch sensor and weighs 3.11lb/1410g, which is smaller than many smart phone sensors! You can find the Nikon P1100 for around £900 new (and much cheaper second hand!).

“Sony RX10”

I have written a pReview of this camera, it is the newest of the cameras that we are talking about here, and also it is in the middle of the price range. Covering 24-600mm, with classic Sony camera styling, the RX10 V has all of Sony’s AI smarts that make it perfect for all types of photography, but especially for the photography we are talking about today. The RX10 uses the highly respected BSI 1″ sensor which many consider the sweet spot for smaller sensor cameras and weighs 2.4lbs/1026g. You can find the Sony RX10 V for around £2,199

“OM System OM-1 Mk II”

Coming in as the most expensive in the series, the OM-1 is also the only camera that has detachable lenses. For today’s comparison though we will be using the OM 150-600mm lens most used for this type of photography, so in real terms the camera is covering 300mm-1200mm focal length. The combined weight of this set-up is 5.85lbs/2664g. The OM-1 uses a micro four thirds sensor which is the biggest of all the sensor sizes here. You can find the OM-1 body only for around £1,999 and the OM 150-600mm lens for around £1,799.

(Note: These are highest prices I’ve seen, they can all be picked up cheaper if you shop around).

“How I compared”

It’s easy to look at specifications, and watch endless YouTube videos, but they only tell half the story, and usually in a favourable light. As always, all my advice and reviews are based on actually using the equipment by myself or alongside other photographers and using their cameras while on a workshop, group meet or one-to-one training etc.

I have used the Nikon P1100 and the OM-1 mk II extensively, the OM-1 with various lenses. Both cameras I have used in various conditions, from the darkness of a deep forest undergrowth, to sunny days. I have used the RX10 V only once (pre-release model, it is due for release in August 2026)), and in good conditions, but I used the previous model many times and I know and talk to users of the RX10 IV.

“What Is Best For What?”

This section looks at various questions that are usually asked, and answers them for you, so that it makes your decision a lot easier. I have chosen a winner for each category, and a runner-up. In some circumstances two cameras share the same spot.

Best for overall size and travel.

They are all fairly small cameras (taking into account the lenses), but not small enough to put in your pocket! The lightest camera is the Sony RX10 V, and it’s lens means it can cover your every need. The OM1 when combined with a longer reach lens takes up more size and weight, especially if you need multiple lenses for wider angles.

– Winner – Sony RX10 V

– Runner Up – Nikon P1100

Best for capturing distant wildlife.

This is where the lens comes into play. Nothing comes close to the Nikon P1100. I’ve used it to capture a dragon fly from 20 meters and it’s filled the frame, and birds of prey way out of reach of standard 1200mm (full frame equivalent) with ease. 

– Winner – Nikon P1100

– Runner Up – OM System OM1 Mk II

Best for low light. 

A lot of wildlife and bird photography can take place is dark conditions, such as early morning, evening or inclement weather. Often you’ll also be in forests or wooded areas, which means your sensor and lens needs more light for cleaner photos. 

– Winner – OM System OM-1 Mk II

– Runner Up – Sony RX10 V

Best for general autofocus.

A lot of wildlife photographers like to shoot still wildlife, such as birds in trees, or standing deer etc. The autofocus still needs to be quick and reliable to capture wildlife even in these situations, as hunting autofocus can make the difference between an epic photo and a missed opportunity. 

– Winner – OM System OM-1 Mk II & Sony RX10 V

– Runner Up – Nikon P1100

Best for birds in flight or fast action autofocus.

Can the autofocus keep up with birds in flight and fast action? The OM-1 and RX10 V are both brilliant at this, the Nikon P1100 can be very hit or miss.

– Winner – OM System OM-1 Mk II

– Runner Up – Sony RX10 V

Best for dynamic range.

Clearly, the larger the sensor, usually the better the dynamic range, it means you have the flexibility to bring back the dark shadows in your images. A blown highlight is always a blown highlight, no matter the sensor size. I accidently underexposed a couple of stops on the Nikon P1100 and could not recover the image enough so that it was useable. 

– Winner – OM System OM-1 Mk II

– Runner Up – Sony RX10 V

Best all-in-one for everyday usage.

Unlike the other answers, this can be very subjective as there are many types of photographers, but if you are also using the camera for day to day photos of family and friends, using it for travel and hiking here is my choice. 

– Winner – Sony RX10 V 

– Runner Up – OM System OM-1 Mk II 

Best value for money (cost vs results).

Everyone has a budget, when you factor in any extra additions (such as lenses in the case of the OM-1). The winner is the middle ground, although it all depends what you want from the system.

– Winner – Sony RX10 V 

– Runner Up – OM System OM-1 Mk II & Nikon P1100

Best for beginners who just want fun.

Believe it or not, not everyone who buys a camera buys one to make a career out of it, be is an enthusiast or otherwise. Some people think to themselves one day that they just like the birds in the back garden, and they will pull out the camera occasionally, and maybe even use it for family pics occasionally. 

– Winner – Nikon P1100 & Sony RX10 V 

– Runner Up – OM System OM-1 Mk II 

Best for more serious enthusiast’s.

This one would have been easy to answer a couple of years ago, but I’ve seen so many photographers leave micro four thirds for the Nikon P1100 and similar cameras, so now it’s a little more complicated! However, based on everything that needs to be most considered for serious enthusiasts there is a clear winner. 

– Winner – OM System OM-1 Mk II 

– Runner Up – Sony RX10 V & Nikon P1100

“Conclusion”

Although these cameras are very different price points, they all do the job of capturing birds and wildlife very well. Just like with any camera decision, you have to weigh up the pros and cons of each system, but most importantly, what are you going to do with the images you take? 

If you are going to do the normal things that most do these days, sharing on social media, sharing on your website, printing up to A3 prints or just looking at your images on your computer or phone, then all and any one of these cameras is perfect. They will all get you amazing results that any photographer will be proud of.

The “best for” section above should give you all the answers you need in choosing your system for birds and wildlife, and each camera is also great for general photography.

At the end of the day, I’m a strong believer that a camera chooses you, not the other way around. I strongly urge you to at least pick up and handle any camera before you buy it. If you can, give it a go before you buy it too, and it’s surprising how a camera can draw you in. 

If you want to know which one of these I would choose… Take a guess in the comments!

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My name is Mark G Adams and I run Photography By Mark G Adams. I am a professional photographer from South Wales, shooting weddings, events and portraits as well as running meets and workshops. For fun I like to shoot landscapes, wildlife and occasionally do street photography. Enjoy my website as I share my knowledge learned over decades of working and having fun in photography. Feel free to like, comment and subscribe!
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