Olympus E-PL9 vs Sony HX350

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL9 versus Sony HX350, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the HX350 (20MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and HX350 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL9 was manufactured 14 months after the HX350 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX350 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-PL9 matches up vs the HX350 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Sony HX350 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL9 has got external dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) while the Sony HX350 has sizing of 130mm x 93mm x 103mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.1") along with a weight of 652 grams (1.44 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL9 versus Sony HX350 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL9 vs the HX350.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL9 and HX350 is 85 and 62 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to see the difference between sensor sizes only by reading through a spec sheet. The picture below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL9 and HX350.

Clearly, each of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PL9 due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Sony HX350 will give you greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs much more aggressively. The more recent E-PL9 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.