Olympus E-M1 vs Sony HX1

Below is a comprehensive overview of the Olympus E-M1 and Sony HX1, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Sony. There exists a big gap between the resolutions of the E-M1 (16MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and HX1 (1/2.4") possess different sensor sizes.

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The E-M1 was unveiled 4 years later than the HX1 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-M1 scores against the HX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 features outside dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") along with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Sony HX1 has proportions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-M1 and Sony HX1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the E-M1 against the HX1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 and HX1 is 71 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements just by reading technical specs. The photograph underneath may give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M1 and HX1.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-M1 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-M1 will deliver greater detail having an extra 7MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The younger E-M1 provides an advantage in sensor innovation.