Olympus E-P1 vs Sony HX20V

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-P1 vs Sony HX20V, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Sony. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and HX20V (18MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and HX20V (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P1 was introduced 4 years earlier than the HX20V which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E-P1 matches up against the HX20V in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Sony HX20V Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P1 has exterior measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Sony HX20V has proportions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P1 vs Sony HX20V in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at the time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the E-P1 versus the HX20V.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and HX20V is 86 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes merely by checking out specs. The pic underneath might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P1 and HX20V.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-P1 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Sony HX20V will provide greater detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.