Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony HX400V

In this article, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PL3 and Sony HX400V, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and HX400V (20MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and HX400V (1/2.3") feature different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL3 was manufactured 3 years before the HX400V which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX400V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E-PL3 scores vs the HX400V in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Sony HX400V Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera often, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 has got external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Sony HX400V has dimensions of 130mm x 93mm x 103mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.1") with a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL3 and Sony HX400V in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL3 and the HX400V.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and HX400V is 88 and 62 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions simply by checking out a spec sheet. The pic below will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and HX400V.

As you can see, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL3 featuring a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Sony HX400V will show extra detail due to its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged E-PL3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.