Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony HX30V

Below, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony HX30V, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and HX30V (18MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and HX30V (1/2.3") feature different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL2 was manufactured 12 months before the HX30V and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple overview of how the E-PL2 grades vs the HX30V for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL2 has outside dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) while the Sony HX30V has specifications of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony HX30V in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. Following is the front view size comparison of the E-PL2 against the HX30V.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and HX30V is 85 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to imagine the difference in sensor measurements just by researching a spec sheet. The visual below should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL2 and HX30V.

As you can see, each of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Sony HX30V will result in extra detail due to its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos much more aggressively. The older E-PL2 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.