Olympus E-420 vs Sony HX20V

Here is a extensive analysis of the Olympus E-420 versus Sony HX20V, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-420 (10MP) and HX20V (18MP) and the E-420 (Four Thirds) and HX20V (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-420 was announced 5 years earlier than the HX20V and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick overview of how the E-420 matches up versus the HX20V in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-420 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Sony HX20V Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-420 has got outside dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") accompanied by a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Sony HX20V has proportions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-420 versus Sony HX20V in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-420 vs the HX20V.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-420 and HX20V is 77 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing only by checking specifications. The photograph underneath will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-420 and HX20V.

To sum up, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-420 having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony HX20V will give you greater detail with its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older E-420 is going to be behind in sensor technology.