Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony HX1

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL3 and Sony HX1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and HX1 (1/2.4") enjoy different sensor size.

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The E-PL3 was launched 2 years later than the HX1 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-PL3 matches up vs the HX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 offers external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Sony HX1 has measurements of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL3 and Sony HX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL3 vs the HX1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and HX1 is 88 and 67 respectively.

Generally, its tough to picture the difference in sensor sizing merely by checking out technical specs. The graphic here will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and HX1.

As you have seen, each of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PL3 will provide more detail utilizing its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more modern E-PL3 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.