Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony HX20V: A Detailed Camera Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two very different models like the Olympus PEN E-PL2 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. Each caters to specific photography styles and user preferences, blending unique technologies and design philosophies. Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I’m excited to guide you through an in-depth comparison that demystifies these models. By the end of this guide, you’ll clearly know which fits your creative goals, budget, and shooting style.

Meet the Contenders: Olympus E-PL2 and Sony HX20V

Before diving into features and performance, here’s a snapshot of each camera’s core identity:

• Olympus E-PL2: An entry-level mirrorless camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor. Offers manual controls, interchangeable lenses, and sensor-based image stabilization. Released in early 2011, it targets beginners and enthusiasts who want more creative control without bulk.

• Sony HX20V: A compact superzoom bridge camera announced in mid-2012, featuring a fixed 20x zoom lens and a smaller 1/2.3” sensor. It’s designed for travelers and casual shooters seeking long reach and versatility in one pocket-friendly device.

Each camera is built around very different sensor sizes, lens systems, and control schemes. Let’s explore exactly what that means for your photography.

Physical size and ergonomics comparison – Olympus E-PL2 is larger but offers deeper controls; Sony HX20V is more compact and pocketable

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Pictures

The sensor is the foundation of any digital camera’s image quality. In this comparison, the Olympus E-PL2’s Four Thirds sensor (17.3 x 13 mm) significantly outclasses the Sony HX20V’s smaller 1/2.3” sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm).

Sensor specifications clearly show the Olympus E-PL2’s larger chip, which delivers better dynamic range and low-light performance

Here’s what that size difference means practically:

• Resolution: The Sony offers 18 MP, which on a small sensor can translate to more noise at higher ISOs, while Olympus’s 12 MP is well-matched to the sensor size, providing cleaner images.
• Dynamic Range: Olympus E-PL2 scores around 10.2 EV, meaning it captures more detail in shadows and highlights, essential for landscapes and portraits.
• Low Light ISO Performance: Olympus’s low-light score around ISO 573 indicates better noise control compared to typical compact sensors like Sony’s.

While the Sony HX20V does push ISO up to 12,800 nominally, it lacks the raw file support and sensor quality to maintain clean images at extreme sensitivities. Olympus supports raw format shooting, allowing post-processing flexibility - a huge advantage for creatives.

In brief: if image quality, color depth, and editing potential top your list, the Olympus’s sensor is the stronger foundation.

Lens Flexibility and Optical Performance

Lens choice defines what you can capture. The Olympus E-PL2 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount with over 100 native lenses available - covering every niche from prime portrait lenses with smooth bokeh to ultra-wide-angle landscapes and telephoto zooms for wildlife.

The Sony HX20V, in contrast, relies on its fixed 25–500mm equivalent zoom lens (20x zoom). While versatile for travel and casual shooting - from wide angles to distant subjects - it lacks the optical quality and flexibility of interchangeable lenses.

Olympus E-PL2 lens advantages:

• Ability to swap lenses for portraits, macro, sports, or landscapes.
• Superior optical quality with professional and third-party lenses.
• Creative depth of field control for shallow focus effects.
• Sensor-based image stabilization works with any lens.

Sony HX20V lens features:

• Long reach zoom lets you capture distant wildlife and sports with no lens change.
• Compact, integrated optics keep the camera pocketable.
• Macro focusing down to 1 cm enables close-up photography without extra lenses.

In summary, Olympus is the choice for photographers ready to invest in a lens system and explore creative techniques. Sony suits those wanting an all-in-one package with huge zoom reach.

Ergonomics and Handling: Feel and Controls on Your Shoot

Handling is key to enjoying photography, especially on long shoots. The Olympus E-PL2 presents a clear advantage in ergonomic design for serious photographers.

Top view design and control layout comparison – Olympus offers dedicated dials and buttons, whereas Sony opts for simplified controls

• The E-PL2 sports a rangefinder-style mirrorless body with thoughtfully placed buttons and dials giving quick access to shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
• It features a bright HyperCrystal LCD screen (3" at 460k dots) that’s sharp but fixed, plus the option to add an external electronic viewfinder.
• Sony HX20V has a compact, pocket-friendly shape but fewer manual controls, relying on menu systems that can slow workflow.
• Its 3" LCD boasts higher resolution (922k dots), which shines for image review.

Regarding weight, Olympus is heavier (362 g vs. 254 g) and larger, but this translates into better grip and more comfortable shooting over time.

Ergonomics takeaway: Olympus invites you to explore photography with precise manual control, while Sony prioritizes portability and simplicity.

Autofocus Systems and Speed

Autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy differentiate cameras in demanding shooting genres like wildlife and sports.

• Olympus E-PL2: Employs contrast-detection AF with 11 focus points, including face detection. Single, continuous, and tracking AF modes help in various scenarios, though speed can lag compared to newer phase-detection systems.
• Sony HX20V: Uses contrast detection with fewer focus points (9) and face detection, aimed at quick capture in point-and-shoot style. Offers continuous autofocus but no phase detection autofocus.

Continuous shooting speeds reflect this:

While Sony’s faster burst appeals to fast-paced shooting, Olympus offers better manual focus precision and customizable AF modes that serious photographers appreciate.

Image Stabilization and Flash

• Olympus uses sensor-based stabilization, effective with all lenses, reducing camera shake and enabling handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds.
• Sony HX20V employs optical lens-shift stabilization, tuned to its fixed lens.

Both have built-in flash systems. Olympus’s flash range is slightly better (10 m vs. 7.1 m). However, Olympus accepts external flashes, while Sony does not, providing more flexibility for creative lighting setups.

Video: Moving Images with Ease

Video capabilities differ markedly.

Sony’s ability to record Full HD 1080p at 60 fps with AVCHD compression offers superior quality and smoother motion - a big plus for vloggers and casual filmmakers.

Olympus’s weaker 720p resolution limits its appeal for serious video work. Neither has external audio inputs, placing both in entry-level video usability.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

• Battery life is relatively similar: Olympus rated around 280 shots, Sony slightly better at 320 shots.
• Both use a single SD card slot; Sony additionally supports Memory Stick formats.
• Connectivity is basic for Olympus (no wireless). Sony has Eye-Fi wireless card support for simple image transfer and built-in GPS for geotagging, great for travel photographers.
• Both cameras feature USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs for easy file transfer and tethered viewing.

Build Quality and Weather Proofing

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedized bodies. Both are sensitive to moisture, dust, and impact. Take protective measures outdoors.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

To bring this comparison alive, here is how each camera performs in various popular photography styles:

Portrait Photography

• Olympus: Better control over depth of field with interchangeable lenses and wider apertures. Effective face detection and creative manual exposure make it ideal for flattering skin tones and expressive portraits.
• Sony: Limited zoom lens aperture range (f/3.2-f/5.8) restricts background blur. Built-in face detection helps casual shooting but less artistic freedom.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus: Larger sensor and better dynamic range capture wide tonal gradations. The ability to use dedicated wide-angle lenses and tripod support suits landscapes.
• Sony: Higher resolution but with a small sensor that struggles in tricky light. Superzoom lens focal reach not essential for wide vistas but helps in distant details.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus: Interchangeable long telephotos provide excellent reach and quality. AF speed is adequate but not leading for fast subjects.
• Sony: 20x zoom lens gives great reach out of box. Faster burst mode helps but small sensor limits image quality for large prints.

Sports Photography

• Olympus: Manual controls and burst mode limited (3 fps). Less suited for fast action shoots.
• Sony: Faster continuous shooting (10 fps) and built-in zoom make it capable for casual sports captures.

Street Photography

• Olympus: Larger size and quieter operation (no mirror slap) suits candid shots. Ability to fit prime and pancake lenses helps discretion.
• Sony: Compact, inconspicuous, and ready for quick snaps. Limited manual controls can frustrate enthusiasts.

Macro Photography

• Olympus: With specialized lenses and sensor stabilization, achieves excellent close-ups.
• Sony: 1 cm minimum focus distance and optical stabilization enable easy point-and-shoot macro.

Night and Astro Photography

• Olympus: Larger sensor with higher native ISO and raw support excels in long exposures and low-light conditions.
• Sony: Limited long-shutter speeds and smaller sensor hamper astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

• Sony: Superior with Full HD 60p AVCHD output, stabilized video, and better LCD.
• Olympus: Basic 720p recording suitable only for casual videos.

Travel Photography

• Sony: Compact size, long zoom, GPS geo-tagging, and decent battery life make it ideal for travel.
• Olympus: Bulkier but offers higher image quality and creative flexibility, recommended if you prioritize photo quality over compactness.

LCD screen and interface comparison – Sony’s higher resolution screen appeals for video and playback; Olympus offers more manual controls on screen

Price and Value: What You Get For Your Money

• Olympus E-PL2’s current market price is generally lower or comparable in used/refurbished condition but requires additional investment in lenses.
• Sony HX20V retails for around $400 new, an attractive all-in-one superzoom for budget travelers and casual shooters.

Evaluate if you prefer an expandable system (Olympus) or a ready-out-of-the-box shooter (Sony).

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Visual Performance Examples and Scores

Olympus E PL2 front Olympus E PL2 screen back Sony HX20V front Sony HX20V screen back

Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choose Olympus E-PL2 if you:

• Value image quality and editing flexibility (raw shooting).
• Want to explore creative lenses, manual controls, and better depth of field.
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, or low-light scenes seriously.
• Prioritize photo over video quality.
• Don’t mind carrying a bigger camera and buying lenses separately.

Choose Sony HX20V if you:

• Need a lightweight, pocketable superzoom for travel or casual shooting.
• Want long zoom reach with decent image stabilization built in.
• Prefer full HD 60p video for family or vlog content.
• Seek convenience with fewer controls and no lens changes.
• Desire GPS geotagging and wireless image transfer.

Final Thoughts

Both cameras reflect excellent design philosophies from their manufacturers. The Olympus E-PL2 embodies the mirrorless system’s promise - quality, flexibility, and manual control - setting you on a creative photography path. The Sony HX20V offers remarkable convenience in a compact package, ideal for casual users who want a “grab and go” zoom solution with strong video capabilities.

We encourage you to handle both cameras if possible. Nothing beats the feel of the controls and ergonomics to know what fits your shooting style. Whichever you pick, these cameras can open new doors on your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!

For those looking to get started, exploring accessories like Micro Four Thirds prime lenses, spare batteries, or tripod mounts will enhance Olympus’s system. Sony users can check out Eye-Fi cards for instant wireless sharing and protective cases for travel. Always match your gear to your creative ambitions, and enjoy the process of mastering your camera!