Olympus E-PL1s vs Sony HX9V

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus E-PL1s and Sony HX9V, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Sony. There exists a big gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and HX9V (16MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and HX9V (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL1s was unveiled 8 months before the HX9V so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX9V being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short highlight of how the E-PL1s scores against the HX9V with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Sony HX9V Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1s provides exterior 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) while the Sony HX9V has sizing of 105mm x 59mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1s and Sony HX9V in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL1s against the HX9V.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and HX9V is 86 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing just by researching technical specs. The photograph here might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1s and HX9V.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1s with its larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony HX9V will result in greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos far more aggressively. The older E-PL1s will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.