Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony HX5

Here is a in depth overview of the Olympus E-PL2 versus Sony HX5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the HX5 (10MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and HX5 (1/2.4") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL2 was announced 8 months later than the HX5 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the E-PL2 grades versus the HX5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL2 has got outer measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL2 versus Sony HX5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at the time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL2 compared to the HX5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and HX5 is 85 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing simply by seeing specifications. The graphic here will give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL2 and HX5.

Plainly, each of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL2 using its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field simpler and the Olympus E-PL2 will produce more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more modern E-PL2 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.