Olympus E-30 vs Sony HX1

Here is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus E-30 and Sony HX1, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-30 (12MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the E-30 (Four Thirds) and HX1 (1/2.4") possess different sensor measurements.

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The E-30 was unveiled around the same time to the HX1 so they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the E-30 grades vs the HX1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-30 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-30 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-30 comes with outer measurements of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) whilst the Sony HX1 has measurements of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") and a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-30 and Sony HX1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-30 versus the HX1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-30 and HX1 is 60 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing simply by going over specs. The graphic here will give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-30 and HX1.

All in all, both cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-30 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-30 will offer more detail having an extra 3MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures much more aggressively.