Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony HX9V

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PL3 versus Sony HX9V, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Sony. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and HX9V (16MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and HX9V (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL3 was brought out 3 months after the HX9V and they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX9V being a Compact camera.

Before going through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the E-PL3 grades against the HX9V in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Sony HX9V Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 comes with outside dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Sony HX9V has proportions of 105mm x 59mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL3 versus Sony HX9V in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL3 vs the HX9V.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and HX9V is 88 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to envision the gap between sensor sizes only by reviewing a spec sheet. The picture here might provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and HX9V.

As you can see, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL3 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Sony HX9V will deliver greater detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images far more aggressively.