Olympus E-PL6 vs Sony HX80

Here is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-PL6 vs Sony HX80, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-PL6 (16MP) and the HX80 (18MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and HX80 (1/2.3") posses different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL6 was revealed 19 months prior to the HX80 which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX80 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple view of how the E-PL6 scores versus the HX80 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL6 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery and Sony HX80 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL6 has got outer dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Sony HX80 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL6 vs Sony HX80 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL6 versus the HX80.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL6 and HX80 is 88 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing simply by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph here will give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL6 and HX80.

As you can see, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL6 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Sony HX80 will resolve more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs way more aggressively. The older E-PL6 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.