Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony HX100V

Here is a thorough assessment of the Olympus E-PL1 versus Sony HX100V, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a large difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and HX100V (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and HX100V (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was manufactured 17 months before the HX100V making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX100V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the E-PL1 grades versus the HX100V with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Sony HX100V Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1 features exterior measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Sony HX100V has proportions of 122mm x 87mm x 93mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 3.7") and a weight of 577 grams (1.27 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL1 versus Sony HX100V in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL1 and the HX100V.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and HX100V is 86 and 66 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing purely by seeing technical specs. The photograph underneath will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and HX100V.

As you can tell, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Sony HX100V will produce greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos far more aggressively. The older E-PL1 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.