• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 384.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony DSC-HX9V advantages over Olympus E-PL7

  • Less expensive
    $350 vs $600 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 8.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Olympus E-PL7 advantages over Sony DSC-HX9V

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.75 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 2.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    24 vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • Excellent optical quality; High resolution; High-resolution Panorama mode; Good video quality; Good grip; Fast autofocus.

  • Sluggish user interface and Full HD video mode; Heavy noise suppression; GPS is sometimes slow to sync.

  • Read our Sony DSC-HX9V Express Review

  • Excellent image quality for its class including very good ISO performance; Improved performance and ergonomics over the E-PL5; LCD tilts 180 degree downward for easier selfies; Upgraded 3-axis IS system.

  • No built-in flash (but a small add-on flash is included); No built-in EVF; Default colors somewhat muted; Somewhat quirky menu system.

  • Read our Olympus E-PL7 Review

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic ZS8

Sony DSC-HX9V
Panasonic ZS8
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony DSC-HX9V vs Panasonic ZS8

Olympus E-PL7
Panasonic ZS8
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic ZS8

Compared to Sony HX10V

Sony DSC-HX9V
Sony HX10V
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Sony DSC-HX9V vs Sony HX10V

Olympus E-PL7
Sony HX10V
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Sony HX10V

Compared to Sony H90

Sony DSC-HX9V
Sony H90
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Sony DSC-HX9V vs Sony H90

Olympus E-PL7
Sony H90
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Sony H90

Compared to Olympus E-PL5

Sony DSC-HX9V
Olympus E-PL5
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in GPS
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony DSC-HX9V vs Olympus E-PL5

Olympus E-PL7
Olympus E-PL5
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Fast startup
  • $329
  • 4/3

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Olympus E-PL5

Compared to Panasonic GF6

Sony DSC-HX9V
Panasonic GF6
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony DSC-HX9V vs Panasonic GF6

Olympus E-PL7
Panasonic GF6
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic GF6

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