Olympus E-PL9 vs Sony HX1

Lets examine more in depth at the Olympus E-PL9 vs Sony HX1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the E-PL9 (16MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and HX1 (1/2.4") enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL9 was unveiled 8 years after the HX1 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the E-PL9 grades versus the HX1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL9 has got outer measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Sony HX1 has specifications of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL9 vs Sony HX1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL9 against the HX1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and HX1 is 85 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to picture the gap in sensor sizes purely by seeing a spec sheet. The image underneath will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL9 and HX1.

As you can see, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PL9 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-PL9 will provide more detail having an extra 7MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively. The more recent E-PL9 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.