Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony HX200V

Following is a thorough overview of the Olympus E-PL3 versus Sony HX200V, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and HX200V (18MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and HX200V (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL3 was brought out 7 months before the HX200V so they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX200V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight into a full comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the E-PL3 grades against the HX200V with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Sony HX200V Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 provides 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) whilst the Sony HX200V has dimensions of 122mm x 87mm x 93mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 3.7") having a weight of 583 grams (1.29 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL3 versus Sony HX200V in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL3 and the HX200V.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and HX200V is 88 and 66 respectively.

Often, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes just by researching a spec sheet. The image below will help give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and HX200V.

As you can see, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL3 due to its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Sony HX200V will result in extra detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged E-PL3 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.