Olympus 1 vs Sony HX7V

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Olympus 1 and Sony HX7V, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There exists a substantial gap among the sensor resolutions of the 1 (12MP) and HX7V (16MP) and the 1 (1/1.7") and HX7V (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The 1 was launched 2 years after the HX7V which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX7V being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summation of how the 1 grades versus the HX7V in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX7V. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus 1 Gallery & Sony HX7V Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera often, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 1 provides outer measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") and a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Sony HX7V has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Check the Olympus 1 and Sony HX7V in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the 1 against the HX7V.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 and HX7V is 79 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes purely by looking through a spec sheet. The image below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 and HX7V.

Clearly, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The 1 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Sony HX7V will result in more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more modern 1 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.