Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony HX30V

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL3 and Sony HX30V, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and HX30V (18MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and HX30V (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizing.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The E-PL3 was revealed 5 months before the HX30V which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before going into a full comparison, here is a short highlight of how the E-PL3 matches up vs the HX30V in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 features exterior measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Sony HX30V has proportions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL3 and Sony HX30V in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at the time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the HX30V.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and HX30V is 88 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to see the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading through specifications. The graphic below should offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and HX30V.

Plainly, both cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL3 having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Sony HX30V will give more detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively.