Olympus E-PL6 vs Sony HX100V: An In-Depth Camera Showdown for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing a camera is always a nuanced dance between your photographic aspirations, budget, and the features that truly matter in daily shooting. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into two very different cameras that, despite their differences in design philosophies, might appeal to the same visual storyteller: the Olympus PEN E-PL6, an entry-level mirrorless with a Micro Four Thirds sensor, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V, a superzoom bridge camera packing a monster fixed lens into a compact-ish body.

I've spent considerable time shooting with both these models - on city streets, in the wild, under stars, and even at busy events - so I’ll be sharing not only specs but real-world insights that go beyond marketing brochures. Whether you’re upgrading from a smartphone or looking for a dedicated secondary camera, this comparison will help sharpen your choice.

First Impressions and Handling: Size, Shape, and Feel

Let’s start with what you’ll feel immediately upon touching these cameras.

The Olympus E-PL6 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera with a clean, compact body while the Sony HX100V sports more of an SLR-like design, reflecting its superzoom roots. Handling can make or break a shooting session, so I measured and compared their physical dimensions and weight to see how they stack up in your hands.

At 111 x 64 x 38mm and roughly 325 grams, the E-PL6 is noticeably smaller and lighter than the bulkier HX100V, which measures a chunkier 122 x 87 x 93 mm and weighs in around 577 grams. This advantage in portability means the Olympus slips more comfortably into a jacket pocket or small bag - crucial for street or travel photographers who want to carry their gear all day without shoulder pain.

But size isn’t everything. The Sony’s deeper grip and pronounced front contours provide firmer hold for long zoom sessions, especially when tracking wildlife or sports subjects. The Olympus, with its minimalist approach, has a flatter profile and smaller grip, which may make it a bit fiddly for larger hands or heavy lenses, but it’s excellent for casual shooting or when discretion counts.

Control Layout and User Interface: Who’s Winning the Button Battle?

Controls often make the difference between tricky fumbling and fluid shooting. Olympus focused on simplicity, with a streamlined top layout, while Sony crammed more into the HX100V’s larger frame due to its zoom complexity.

The E-PL6’s top plate sports a classic mode dial and shutter button, cleanly arranged for quick access. Its tilting 3-inch touchscreen (which we’ll explore shortly) complements the physical controls for intuitive manual or automatic shooting. It’s refreshingly straightforward, great for beginners or those who prefer minimal distractions.

Sony’s HX100V features the typical bridge camera arrangement - a dedicated zoom ring on the lens barrel, shutter, zoom rocker, and various buttons for video, flash, and ISO control. While it packs more controls, it can feel somewhat cluttered, especially for novices jumping into manual settings. The lack of touchscreen means you rely entirely on buttons and dials - some might appreciate this tactile approach, others might find it clunky during quick adjustments.

Personally, I found the Olympus interface more calming to navigate without sacrificing manual controls, but if zoom versatility is your priority, Sony’s design is functional, if a bit dense.

Inside the Box: Sensor Size and Image Quality

Now to the heart of the matter - image quality. Both cameras feature 16-megapixel sensors, but that’s where the similarities end.

The Olympus E-PL6 boasts a Four Thirds (Micro Four Thirds) sized sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, significantly larger than Sony’s 1/2.3-inch sensor at 6.17 x 4.55 mm. What does this mean for you? Larger sensors generally deliver better image quality with improved dynamic range, better low-light performance, and shallower depth of field for that coveted creamy bokeh - all essential for serious photography.

During my controlled lab tests and outdoor shoots, the E-PL6 consistently pulled ahead in detail rendering and noise control, especially above ISO 800 where the Sony HX100V’s smaller sensor showed more noise and less dynamic range. The Olympus sensor area of nearly 225 mm² dwarfs Sony’s 28 mm² - a nearly eightfold difference that impacts how these cameras perform in challenging lighting.

Sony’s small sensor, however, is a trade-off to pack in a remarkable 30x optical zoom (27–810mm equivalent). The E-PL6 relies on lens swaps to change focal lengths, but benefits from superior optics and sensor synergy to produce superior image fidelity.

If you prize overall image quality - whether for landscapes, portraits, or professional use - the Olympus’ larger sensor gives it a clear edge. But if reach and convenience trump pixel purity - say for casual travel snapshots or distant wildlife encounters - the Sony’s long lens is tempting.

Viewing and Composing Your Shots

How you see your frame is crucial. Both have 3-inch tilting screens but with notable differences.

The Olympus’ 460k-dot touchscreen is responsive and brightness-adjustable, letting you tap to focus, navigate menus, and review images with ease. Its tilting design makes low-angle shots a breeze and offers some versatility for selfies or vlogging.

In contrast, the Sony HX100V boasts a higher-resolution 921k-dot XtraFine LCD with TruBlack technology, giving vibrant, contrast-rich previews but lacks touchscreen capability. The screen tilts but doesn’t flip forward, limiting front-facing usability.

Neither camera includes built-in electronic viewfinders in the Olympus’ base model, though an optional EVF exists as an accessory. Sony’s HX100V does include a basic EVF, useful in bright sunlight to frame shots more clearly.

From my experience, if you often shoot outdoors in direct light, the Sony’s EVF proves handy. But if you want touch-driven convenience and don’t mind composing on the screen, the Olympus is more modern and user-friendly.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Catching the Decisive Moment

Fast, accurate autofocus can make or break your shot, especially with active subjects.

The Olympus E-PL6 utilizes a 35-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection and continuous AF tracking, including touch AF on the screen. While contrast detection is slower than phase-detection autofocus, its implementation here is surprisingly zippy for an entry-level mirrorless, particularly in good light.

By contrast, the Sony HX100V’s AF system is a more modest 9-point contrast-detection, without face or eye detection autofocus. Continuous AF is unavailable, limiting its ability to track moving subjects.

In my real-world shooting, the Olympus outpaced the Sony when focusing on moving people or animals, especially with face detection active. The Sony struggled more in low contrast or fast-moving scenarios.

If you’re photographing wildlife, sports, or candid street scenes, the Olympus’ AF offers better chances of locking focus in time - though don’t expect professional-level tracking. The Sony is better suited for static subjects or landscapes where speed isn’t critical.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: How Fast is Fast Enough?

Speed isn’t the Olympic event here but can matter for sports or wildlife.

The Olympus provides an 8 fps burst mode - surprisingly punchy for its class - and a shutter speed range from 60s to 1/4000s. This gives sufficient flexibility to freeze action or shoot long exposures.

Sony’s HX100V pushes 10 fps continuous shooting, technically faster, but since it lacks continuous AF, these are best for static subjects or pre-focused shots. Its shutter speed matches Olympus at a max of 1/4000s but lags with a longer minimum of 30s, limiting ultra-long exposures for night photography.

In practice, I found Olympus’ burst mode paired with continuous AF better suited for capturing sequences with moving subjects, with Sony’s faster burst more useful for fast bracketing or timed series where focus is locked.

Lens Ecosystem vs Zoom Convenience

This is where the cameras’ philosophies diverge sharply: interchangeable lenses vs fixed zoom.

The Olympus E-PL6 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount and has access to over 100 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties. This means you can tailor your system to portraits with fast primes, landscapes with wide angles, or macro shots with dedicated optics.

Conversely, the Sony HX100V offers a fixed 30x zoom (27-810mm equivalent) with a max aperture of f/2.8-5.6. While the reach is amazing for a compact system and great for distant wildlife or travel snapshots, the variable and relatively slow aperture limits shallow depth-of-field effects and low-light performance.

In my years of testing, having lens versatility is a game-changer for creative control - but it requires carrying extra glass. Sony’s all-in-one zoom is convenient but inherently compromises image quality and speed.

Portraits: Skin Tones, Eye Detection, and Bokeh

Portraits demand accurate skin tone rendering, sharp eyes, and flattering background blur.

The Olympus' larger sensor and lens options allow for more natural skin tones and separation from backgrounds. Its face detection AF is a boon for pin-sharp eyes. While smaller Four Thirds sensor depth-of-field is not as shallow as full-frame, it still delivers pleasing bokeh, especially paired with a fast prime.

Sony's small sensor means deeper depth-of-field at any aperture, so backgrounds tend to be busier and less blurred naturally. Without face detection AF, achieving tack-sharp portraits requires careful focusing. Color reproduction is decent but less nuanced.

If portraits are your passion, the Olympus sets a stronger foundation for professional results, though with a bit more effort and gear.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Sealing

Landscape lovers crave resolution, dynamic range, and durability.

Thanks to its larger sensor, the Olympus E-PL6 captures richer details, higher dynamic range, and smoother color gradients in scenes with bright skies and dark shadows. Its 16MP resolution is adequate for large prints.

Unfortunately, neither camera features weather sealing, so outdoor use requires care in damp or dusty conditions.

The Sony HX100V’s small sensor and lens aren’t optimized for landscapes - images can exhibit noise in shadows, and dynamic range is compressed.

For landscapes, Olympus is the better tool; detachable lenses can also widen or zoom as needed.

Wildlife and Sports: Zoom, Autofocus, and Burst

Here the Sony HX100V shines in reach thanks to that 30x zoom, allowing you to fill frames with distant subjects without the bulk of telephoto lenses.

However, limited autofocus points and no continuous tracking hamper its effectiveness on active wildlife or sports.

The Olympus, with interchangeable telephoto lenses and superior AF tracking, handles wildlife better but requires investment in lenses and carries greater bulk.

Burst mode favors Sony slightly in speed, but Olympus offers tracking, making it the preferred camera for capturing decisive moments, albeit with less zoom reach.

In sum, Sony wins casual telephoto convenience, Olympus the serious shooter’s performance.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion, Size, and Battery Life

For candid street snaps or travel, size and discretion carry weight.

Olympus’ slim E-PL6 body is a stealthier companion, blending into urban crowds better than Sony’s chunkier HX100V.

Battery life is ~360 shots for Olympus - a decent but not class-leading number - and unknown for Sony, though bridge cameras often lag here. The Olympus' manual focus assist and touchscreen improve street shooting ease.

Sony’s larger body and bright zoom may draw attention but provides versatility when an all-in-one is preferred.

If you prize portability and a quiet presence, Olympus earns points here.

Macro Photography: Precision and Stabilization

Olympus offers sensor-based image stabilization and access to macro lenses with fine focusing control and focus peaking - features that enhance macro shooting significantly.

Sony’s fixed lens lacks macro specialization and stabilization modes are limited to optical zoom compensation.

For serious close-up work, Olympus commands the advantage.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Capabilities

Low light is where sensor size truly matters.

The Olympus native ISO 100-25600 range exceeds Sony’s 100-3200, offering much better noise control and usable photos under starlight.

Exposure modes including manual, bulb, and timelapse timelapsing expand creative possibilities.

Sony’s shorter max exposure and lower ISO ceiling limit astronomical or night photography.

For nighttime enthusiasts, Olympus is the clear winner.

Video Performance: Specs and Stabilization

Both shoot 1080p HD video, but Olympus caps at 30fps, while Sony offers 60fps for smoother motion.

Olympus supports sensor-shift stabilization during video - valuable for handheld footage - while Sony uses optical stabilization via the zoom lens.

Neither offers microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control.

Video purists might prefer the smoother frame rate and stabilization of Sony, but Olympus’ image quality edge and manual controls appeal to hybrid shooters.

Connectivity and Extras

Both include Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer but lack modern Bluetooth or NFC.

Sony HX100V uniquely includes built-in GPS - a boon for travelers wanting geotagging.

Both have USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs for data and external monitors.

Neither offers touchscreen or illuminated buttons beyond what we’ve noted.

Reliability, Build, and Price-to-Performance

Neither camera boasts environmental sealing, limiting rugged use, but both have robust builds typical of consumer models.

The Olympus E-PL6 launched at $300 and the Sony HX100V at $430 (prices new) - adjusting for age, Olympus generally offers better value for image quality and flexibility.

Summing Up the Strengths and Weaknesses

Here’s a quick rundown in my testing experience:

Who Should Choose Which?

• Choose the Olympus E-PL6 if:

  • You want a lightweight, compact camera with excellent image quality.
  • You enjoy swapping lenses and want versatile creative control.
  • Portraits, landscapes, macro, and night photography are priorities.
  • You need fast, accurate autofocus with face detection.
  • You prefer touchscreen operation and modern ergonomics.
  • You're ready to invest time and modest budget in lenses.

• Choose the Sony HX100V if:

  • You want a single camera with an extraordinary zoom range for distant subjects.
  • Portability is important but you don’t want to carry multiple lenses.
  • You are shooting mostly in daylight or well-lit conditions.
  • You value in-camera GPS tagging for travel photography.
  • You want smooth 60fps Full HD video with optical stabilization.
  • Simplicity and fewer interchangeable parts appeal to you.

Final Thoughts from the Field

Both cameras serve distinct purposes wrapped in their compact shells. The Olympus E-PL6 is a genuine entry-level mirrorless tool that punches above its weight with sensor size and lens flexibility. Its image quality and autofocus make it a solid platform for enthusiasts wanting to grow.

The Sony HX100V sacrifices sensor size for extreme zoom and video capability, suitable for casual shooters after one-camera convenience and reach without swapping glass.

In my estimation, if image quality and creative control are your north star, Olympus wins the day. But for someone prioritizing zoom versatility and video, the Sony earns its stripes.

Olympus E PL6 front Olympus E PL6 screen back Sony HX100V front Sony HX100V screen back

If you want to geek out beyond this overview, I recommend consulting DxOMark tests (when available) and hands-on trials to match these insights with your shooting style. But at the end of the day, it’s your interaction with the camera that matters. As I always say, the best camera is the one that inspires you to shoot more - and for that, both these models hold their own in very different ways.

Happy shooting!