Olympus E-300 vs Sony NEX-5R

In this article, we are reviewing the Olympus E-300 and Sony NEX-5R, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the E-300 (8MP) and NEX-5R (16MP) and the E-300 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5R (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-300 was brought out 8 years before the NEX-5R which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-300 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick overview of how the E-300 scores vs the NEX-5R for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-300 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-300 Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera often, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-300 has outside measurements of 147mm x 85mm x 64mm (5.8" x 3.3" x 2.5") with a weight of 624 grams (1.38 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5R has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-300 and Sony NEX-5R in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-300 versus the NEX-5R.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-300 and NEX-5R is 67 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by looking through technical specs. The image underneath will provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-300 and NEX-5R.

As you can tell, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-300 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Sony NEX-5R will provide you with more detail having its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more aged E-300 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.