Olympus E-P3 vs Sony HX20V

Lets look much closer at the Olympus E-P3 versus Sony HX20V, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and HX20V (18MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and HX20V (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-P3 was released 11 months earlier than the HX20V which means that they are of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-P3 scores vs the HX20V in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Sony HX20V Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P3 offers exterior dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) and 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).

Compare the Olympus E-P3 versus Sony HX20V in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the E-P3 compared to the HX20V.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P3 and HX20V is 86 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizes simply by viewing a spec sheet. The pic below may offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P3 and HX20V.

Clearly, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-P3 due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field simpler and the Sony HX20V will result in extra detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged E-P3 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.