Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony HX400V

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus E-PL1 versus Sony HX400V, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and HX400V (20MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and HX400V (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1 was launched 4 years prior to the HX400V which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX400V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a short overview of how the E-PL1 grades vs the HX400V with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Sony HX400V Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera, you will need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1 features exterior dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Sony HX400V has proportions of 130mm x 93mm x 103mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.1") having a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Sony HX400V in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the HX400V.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and HX400V is 86 and 62 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizes just by checking technical specs. The picture underneath should offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1 and HX400V.

As you can tell, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Sony HX400V will resolve extra detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.