Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony H20

The following is a detailed overview of the Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony H20, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the H20 (10MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and H20 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1 was launched 13 months after the H20 which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony H20 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief view of how the E-PL1 grades vs the H20 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Sony H20 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 features physical dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Sony H20 has dimensions of 107mm x 69mm x 47mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.9") and a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony H20 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the H20.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and H20 is 86 and 87 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing specs. The pic here will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1 and H20.

All in all, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-PL1 will offer you extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more recent E-PL1 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.