Olympus E-PL1s vs Sony HX1

Below, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PL1s vs Sony HX1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and HX1 (1/2.4") possess totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1s was introduced 20 months later than the HX1 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting in to a thorough comparison, below is a brief summary of how the E-PL1s scores versus the HX1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1s has got outside dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has sizing of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL1s vs Sony HX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL1s vs the HX1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1s and HX1 is 86 and 67 respectively.

Often, its difficult to see the gap in sensor sizing merely by going through specs. The graphic here may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1s and HX1.

All in all, the two cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1s using its larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Olympus E-PL1s will produce more detail using its extra 3MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos much more aggressively. The more modern E-PL1s will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.