Olympus SP-100 vs Sony HX20V

Here, we are looking at the Olympus SP-100 and Sony HX20V, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the HX20V (18MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras offer the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SP-100 was brought out 19 months after the HX20V making them a generation away from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a simple view of how the SP-100 scores vs the HX20V in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SP-100 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SP-100 Gallery & Sony HX20V Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-100 has outer dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") having a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) whilst the Sony HX20V has dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-100 and Sony HX20V in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the SP-100 vs the HX20V.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-100 and HX20V is 63 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions only by reading through technical specs. The picture here will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-100 and HX20V.

As you can tell, both of those cameras feature the identical sensor size but different megapixels. You can anticipate the Sony HX20V to resolve greater detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The newer SP-100 provides an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.