Olympus E-PL5 vs Sony HX1

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony HX1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Sony. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and HX1 (1/2.4") come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL5 was introduced 3 years later than the HX1 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-PL5 matches up against the HX1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 enjoys exterior measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Sony HX1 has measurements of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") having a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony HX1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL5 versus the HX1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and HX1 is 88 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizing just by going through technical specs. The graphic here might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL5 and HX1.

As you can tell, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PL5 will show greater detail using its extra 7 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures much more aggressively. The more modern E-PL5 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.