Olympus E-PL5 vs Sony HX100V

In this article, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony HX100V, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the HX100V (16MP) is pretty close but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and HX100V (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was introduced 12 months after the HX100V so they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX100V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a thorough comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-PL5 scores vs the HX100V with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Sony HX100V Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera, you should consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL5 offers physical dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Sony HX100V has dimensions of 122mm x 87mm x 93mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 3.7") with a weight of 577 grams (1.27 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony HX100V in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL5 versus the HX100V.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and HX100V is 88 and 66 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizes just by researching specs. The pic below might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and HX100V.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels albeit different sensor sizes. The E-PL5 has got the bigger sensor which will make achieving shallower depth of field simpler. The more recent E-PL5 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.