Olympus E-5 vs Sony HX30V

In this article, we are contrasting the Olympus E-5 vs Sony HX30V, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the E-5 (12MP) and HX30V (18MP) and the E-5 (Four Thirds) and HX30V (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

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The E-5 was introduced 13 months prior to the HX30V making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short introduction of how the E-5 matches up against the HX30V when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-5 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-5 comes with exterior measurements of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) whilst the Sony HX30V has proportions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-5 vs Sony HX30V in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at the time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-5 compared to the HX30V.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-5 and HX30V is 58 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing merely by going through technical specs. The visual below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-5 and HX30V.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-5 using its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sony HX30V will show greater detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos far more aggressively. The older E-5 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.