Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony HX80

Following is a in depth analysis of the Olympus E-PM1 and Sony HX80, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and HX80 (18MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and HX80 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM1 was launched 5 years prior to the HX80 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX80 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief summation of how the E-PM1 matches up against the HX80 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Sony HX80 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM1 has outside dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Sony HX80 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM1 and Sony HX80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Below is the front view size comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the HX80.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and HX80 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizes merely by viewing specifications. The pic here should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM1 and HX80.

Plainly, each of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PM1 because of its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Sony HX80 will result in extra detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-PM1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.