Olympus PEN-F vs Sony HX5

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus PEN-F versus Sony HX5, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the PEN-F (20MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the PEN-F (Four Thirds) and HX5 (1/2.4") come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The PEN-F was announced 5 years later than the HX5 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus PEN-F being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the PEN-F grades vs the HX5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN-F and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus PEN-F Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus PEN-F comes with outside dimensions of 125mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 427 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Compare the Olympus PEN-F versus Sony HX5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the PEN-F versus the HX5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the PEN-F and HX5 is 84 and 92 respectively.

Generally, its hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reading through a spec sheet. The visual here might give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the PEN-F and HX5.

As you can see, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The PEN-F having a bigger sensor will make getting bokeh easier and the Olympus PEN-F will resolve greater detail with its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern PEN-F will have a benefit in sensor innovation.