Olympus SP-610UZ vs Sony HX5

Below is a complete analysis of the Olympus SP-610UZ and Sony HX5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There exists a substantial gap among the resolutions of the SP-610UZ (14MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the SP-610UZ (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") come with different sensor sizing.

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The SP-610UZ was unveiled 7 months later than the HX5 so they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the SP-610UZ grades vs the HX5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SP-610UZ & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The full galleries are available at Olympus SP-610UZ Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SP-610UZ offers exterior measurements of 107mm x 73mm x 73mm (4.2" x 2.9" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Sony HX5 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SP-610UZ and Sony HX5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the SP-610UZ against the HX5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-610UZ and HX5 is 79 and 92 respectively.

Typically, its hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements simply by seeing technical specs. The visual below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-610UZ and HX5.

As you can tell, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SP-610UZ having a larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Olympus SP-610UZ will produce more detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos much more aggressively. The more recent SP-610UZ should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.