Olympus E-P1 vs Sony HX80

Let's look much closer at the Olympus E-P1 versus Sony HX80, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and HX80 (18MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and HX80 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

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The E-P1 was launched 7 years prior to the HX80 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX80 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the E-P1 scores against the HX80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Sony HX80 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P1 has exterior dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Sony HX80 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P1 versus Sony HX80 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the E-P1 and the HX80.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P1 and HX80 is 86 and 91 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to imagine the gap in sensor sizing only by going through technical specs. The visual below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P1 and HX80.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-P1 because of its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Sony HX80 will produce more detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos far more aggressively. The older E-P1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.