Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony HX7V

On this page, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL8 and Sony HX7V, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the HX7V (16MP) is pretty similar but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and HX7V (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL8 was launched 5 years after the HX7V which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX7V being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the E-PL8 scores vs the HX7V in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX7V. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Sony HX7V Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL8 features external measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Sony HX7V has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL8 and Sony HX7V in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL8 vs the HX7V.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL8 and HX7V is 86 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to see the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by reviewing technical specs. The picture underneath will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL8 and HX7V.

As you have seen, both the cameras provide the same megapixels albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PL8 comes with the bigger sensor which should make obtaining bokeh less difficult. The younger E-PL8 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.