Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony HX80

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony HX80, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the HX80 (18MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and HX80 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL8 was released 7 months later than the HX80 so they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX80 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a brief summation of how the E-PL8 scores against the HX80 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Sony HX80 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera, you should think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL8 offers exterior dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Sony HX80 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony HX80 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL8 against the HX80.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and HX80 is 86 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to imagine the difference between sensor measurements purely by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL8 and HX80.

As you can see, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL8 due to its bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh simpler and the Sony HX80 will give more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The newer E-PL8 should have an edge in sensor technology.