Olympus E-PL9 vs Sony HX20V

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL9 versus Sony HX20V, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the HX20V (18MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and HX20V (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL9 was launched 5 years later than the HX20V and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera.

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the E-PL9 grades versus the HX20V for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Sony HX20V Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL9 has got outside measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") along with a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) while the Sony HX20V has specifications of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL9 versus Sony HX20V in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PL9 and the HX20V.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and HX20V is 85 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to see the difference between sensor measurements just by reading specifications. The photograph here will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL9 and HX20V.

To sum up, both of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL9 due to its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Sony HX20V will offer you extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The younger E-PL9 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.