Olympus E-PL5 vs Sony HX20V

Below is a extensive review of the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony HX20V, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the HX20V (18MP) is pretty close but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and HX20V (1/2.3") provide different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL5 was introduced 2 months later than the HX20V and they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-PL5 grades vs the HX20V for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Sony HX20V Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 provides exterior dimensions 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 HX20V has measurements of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony HX20V in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PL5 versus the HX20V.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and HX20V is 88 and 90 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to imagine the difference in sensor measurements only by researching technical specs. The visual here should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and HX20V.

As you have seen, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL5 using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Sony HX20V will render more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs more aggressively.