Olympus E-1 vs Sony HX1

Below is a complete assessment of the Olympus E-1 versus Sony HX1, one being a Pro DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the E-1 (5MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the E-1 (Four Thirds) and HX1 (1/2.4") posses different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-1 was launched 6 years earlier than the HX1 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-1 being a Large SLR camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-1 matches up against the HX1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-1 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-1 provides outside dimensions of 141mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 735 grams (1.62 lbs) whilst the Sony HX1 has dimensions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

See the Olympus E-1 versus Sony HX1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-1 and the HX1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-1 and HX1 is 59 and 67 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to imagine the difference in sensor measurements simply by viewing specs. The visual below will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-1 and HX1.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-1 because of its larger sensor is going to make getting bokeh less difficult and the Sony HX1 will provide you with more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos more aggressively. The older E-1 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.