Olympus E-5 vs Sony A390

Here is a in depth assessment of the Olympus E-5 vs Sony A390, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-5 (12MP) and the A390 (14MP) is pretty similar but the E-5 (Four Thirds) and A390 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-5 was unveiled 7 months later than the A390 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summary of how the E-5 scores against the A390 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-5 Gallery and Sony A390 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-5 has outer dimensions of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) while the Sony A390 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-5 vs Sony A390 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select during that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-5 versus the A390.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-5 and A390 is 58 and 66 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing only by going over a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-5 and A390.

As you can see, both cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-5 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Sony A390 will offer you extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively. The younger E-5 will have an advantage in sensor technology.