Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony HX300

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PL8 versus Sony HX300, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the HX300 (20MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and HX300 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL8 was revealed 3 years later than the HX300 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a complete comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-PL8 scores vs the HX300 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Sony HX300 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL8 has got physical measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Sony HX300 has specifications of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") having a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL8 versus Sony HX300 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL8 vs the HX300.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL8 and HX300 is 86 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizing merely by looking at specs. The graphic underneath will help give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL8 and HX300.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL8 using its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Sony HX300 will give you extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The more modern E-PL8 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.