Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony HX50V

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony HX50V, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Sony. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and HX50V (20MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and HX50V (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL3 was introduced 19 months prior to the HX50V which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX50V being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short overview of how the E-PL3 scores vs the HX50V with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Sony HX50V Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 comes with outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Sony HX50V has measurements of 108mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 272 grams (0.60 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony HX50V in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL3 vs the HX50V.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and HX50V is 88 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to see the gap in sensor measurements just by going through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and HX50V.

As you can see, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL3 with its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Sony HX50V will show more detail using its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older E-PL3 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.