Olympus E-M5 vs Sony HX7V

Below is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus E-M5 vs Sony HX7V, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-M5 (16MP) and the HX7V (16MP) is fairly well matched but the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and HX7V (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

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The E-M5 was launched 10 months later than the HX7V and they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX7V being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief view of how the E-M5 scores vs the HX7V in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX7V. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M5 Gallery & Sony HX7V Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M5 provides outer dimensions of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Sony HX7V has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-M5 vs Sony HX7V in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the E-M5 vs the HX7V.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-M5 and HX7V is 81 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to visualise the gap between sensor measurements only by checking specs. The graphic underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M5 and HX7V.

All in all, each of the cameras offer the same exact megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The E-M5 has got the larger sensor which should make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult. The more recent E-M5 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.