Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony WX220

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PL1 versus Sony WX220, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and WX220 (18MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and WX220 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1 was launched 4 years prior to the WX220 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony WX220 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL1 matches up vs the WX220 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX220. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Sony WX220 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1 provides external measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Sony WX220 has proportions of 92mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.9") having a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Sony WX220 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have at that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL1 and the WX220.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and WX220 is 86 and 96 respectively.

Often, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing just by going through specs. The photograph underneath may give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and WX220.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony WX220 will produce more detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The older E-PL1 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.