Olympus E-5 vs Sony NEX-3

Below is a extensive analysis of the Olympus E-5 and Sony NEX-3, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-5 (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively similar but the E-5 (Four Thirds) and NEX-3 (APS-C) have different sensor size.

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The E-5 was revealed 9 months later than the NEX-3 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-5 scores against the NEX-3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-5 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-5 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-5 has physical measurements of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has measurements of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

See the Olympus E-5 and Sony NEX-3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the E-5 versus the NEX-3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-5 and NEX-3 is 58 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to imagine the difference between sensor measurements merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual underneath will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-5 and NEX-3.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-5 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony NEX-3 will offer you extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The younger E-5 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.