Olympus E-PL5 vs Sony HX80

Following is a complete assessment of the Olympus E-PL5 versus Sony HX80, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the HX80 (18MP) is pretty close but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and HX80 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL5 was brought out 4 years before the HX80 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX80 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL5 matches up versus the HX80 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Sony HX80 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 comes with external dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Sony HX80 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL5 versus Sony HX80 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL5 compared to the HX80.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and HX80 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes purely by researching specifications. The picture below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and HX80.

To sum up, each of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL5 due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sony HX80 will provide you with extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged E-PL5 will be behind in sensor innovation.