Olympus E-PL1s vs Sony HX20V

In this article, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL1s versus Sony HX20V, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Sony. There exists a sizable gap among the resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and HX20V (18MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and HX20V (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1s was launched 20 months prior to the HX20V which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-PL1s matches up against the HX20V when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Sony HX20V Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1s offers external measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Sony HX20V has specifications of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL1s versus Sony HX20V in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL1s vs the HX20V.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1s and HX20V is 86 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to see the gap in sensor measurements only by viewing technical specs. The graphic below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1s and HX20V.

As you have seen, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1s due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Sony HX20V will result in extra detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The older E-PL1s will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.