Olympus E-5 vs Sony HX100V

Below, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-5 and Sony HX100V, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the E-5 (12MP) and HX100V (16MP) and the E-5 (Four Thirds) and HX100V (1/2.3") use different sensor sizes.

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The E-5 was unveiled 8 months earlier than the HX100V which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX100V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go through a in depth comparison, below is a simple overview of how the E-5 scores versus the HX100V with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-5 Gallery and Sony HX100V Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-5 features physical dimensions of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) while the Sony HX100V has dimensions of 122mm x 87mm x 93mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 577 grams (1.27 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-5 and Sony HX100V in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the E-5 vs the HX100V.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-5 and HX100V is 58 and 66 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions only by reading a spec sheet. The image below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-5 and HX100V.

As you can see, both the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-5 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh less difficult and the Sony HX100V will offer greater detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged E-5 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.