Olympus E-3 vs Sony HX5

Below is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-3 vs Sony HX5, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the HX5 (10MP) is relatively close but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and HX5 (1/2.4") feature different sensor dimensions.

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The E-3 was brought out 3 years prior to the HX5 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise view of how the E-3 scores against the HX5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-3 enjoys physical measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") along with a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

See the Olympus E-3 vs Sony HX5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the E-3 compared to the HX5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-3 and HX5 is 56 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to picture the contrast in sensor measurements purely by researching specs. The visual below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-3 and HX5.

All in all, both of these cameras have got the exact same megapixel count albeit different sensor measurements. The E-3 includes the bigger sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult. The older E-3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.