Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony HX9V

Its time to look much closer at the Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony HX9V, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the HX9V (16MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and HX9V (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PM2 was released 23 months later than the HX9V which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX9V being a Compact camera.

Before going into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-PM2 scores vs the HX9V in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Sony HX9V Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM2 has external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Sony HX9V has proportions of 105mm x 59mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony HX9V in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PM2 compared to the HX9V.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and HX9V is 89 and 91 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to visualise the difference between sensor measurements merely by reading through technical specs. The graphic here should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM2 and HX9V.

As you can tell, each of the cameras provide the same resolution albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-PM2 provides the bigger sensor which should make getting bokeh less difficult. The more modern E-PM2 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.