Olympus E-520 vs Sony HX1

Below, we will be looking at the Olympus E-520 versus Sony HX1, former is a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-520 (10MP) and the HX1 (9MP) is relatively well matched but the E-520 (Four Thirds) and HX1 (1/2.4") feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-520 was brought out 8 months earlier than the HX1 so they are of a similar age. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-520 grades versus the HX1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-520 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-520 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-520 has got physical dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) and the Sony HX1 has specifications of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-520 versus Sony HX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at the time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the E-520 compared to the HX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-520 and HX1 is 68 and 67 respectively.

Normally, its hard to see the gap between sensor dimensions only by reading through a spec sheet. The pic underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-520 and HX1.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-520 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-520 will give extra detail having its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged E-520 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.