Olympus E-5 vs Sony NEX-5N: An In-Depth Camera Showdown for Photography Lovers

When Olympus threw the E-5 on the scene in early 2011, it felt like the Swiss Army knife for DSLR enthusiasts - solid build, weather sealing, and a sensor designed for pros who demanded reliability without breaking the bank. Just months later, Sony aggressively disrupted the market with the NEX-5N, a sleek mirrorless sensation packing an APS-C sensor in a compact, light body aimed squarely at entry-level and enthusiast shooters craving portability without sacrificing image quality.

After spending countless hours behind the viewfinder and wrangling hundreds of test shots with both these models, I'm excited to share a comprehensive rundown of how these two cameras stack up in the real world - beyond spec sheets and marketing spiel. Whether you're a seasoned pro itching for rugged versatility or a creative explorer dabbling in different genres, this comparison aims to shed light on the strengths and trade-offs of each.

Let’s dive deep, shall we?

First Impressions: Body, Size, and Ergonomics

At first glance, the Olympus E-5 and Sony NEX-5N couldn’t be more different beasts. The E-5 is a mid-size DSLR that feels reassuringly substantial in your hands, all metal and rubber grip, engineered for durability and weather resistance. Meanwhile, the NEX-5N is a markedly lean, rangefinder-style mirrorless marvel that slots easily into a jacket pocket or sling bag.

Olympus’s DSLR heft - 800g with a solid 143 x 117 x 75 mm footprint - is the kind of camera that whispers confidence to any seasoned shooter. That body heft translates into steady framing when shooting handheld, especially with long lenses or in rough weather. It’s a camera that begs to be handled like a tool built for action, not just snapshots.

Sony’s NEX-5N, tipping the scales at a mere 269g and measuring 111 x 59 x 38 mm, feels almost toy-like alongside the E-5 but charmingly nimble - ideal for urban explorers or travelers who prefer minimal gear. The smaller grip means it won’t instill the same confidence for rapid shooting or heavy lenses, but it wins hands down on portability.

Overall, if you prize rugged reliability and tactile controls, Olympus has you covered; if ease of carry and subtle street stealth are your thing, the Sony’s lightweight charm will appeal.

Controls and Interface: Mastery or Minimalism?

Controls wisdom often separates the wheat from the chaff for DSLR versus mirrorless. Olympus leans into proven ergonomics with an extensive top control layout, dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and mode selection - lending itself beautifully to quick manual adjustments.

The E-5’s top plate sports an illuminated LCD, multiple physical buttons, and a traditional pentaprism optical viewfinder offering 100% coverage. Those buttons aren’t just for show; they’re key for working gloves or adrenaline-fueled moments when fiddling with menus is a no-go. It’s a system crafted for shooters who want direct, tactile feedback.

Sony’s NEX-5N, meanwhile, opts for sleek minimalism. With a modest button count and a menu system designed primarily around touchscreen interaction (the NEX-5N’s screen is touch-enabled), Sony prioritizes ease of entry for beginners and light travel use. This makes it less intimidating but means you’ll be menu-diving more than Olympus shooters in the heat of the moment.

If you’re coming from a traditional DSLR background, Olympus’s control layout will feel like an old friend, while the NEX-5N’s clean interface requires acclimatization but pays dividends in compactness.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Olympus’s E-5 packs a Four Thirds 12MP CMOS sensor (17.3 x 13 mm) with a focal length multiplier of 2.1x, while Sony’s NEX-5N debuts a larger APS-C 16MP CMOS sensor (23.4 x 15.6 mm) at a more modest 1.5x crop factor.

From a raw pixel count perspective, Sony pulls ahead comfortably - 16MP vs. 12MP - and with a notably larger sensor surface area (365 mm² vs. 225 mm²), the NEX-5N enjoys a fundamental physical advantage in light gathering. This translates to better dynamic range and lower noise at higher ISOs, as corroborated by DxO's impressive scores:

• Olympus E-5: DxO overall score 56, color depth 21.6 bits, dynamic range 10.5 EV, low light ISO 519
• Sony NEX-5N: DxO overall score 77, color depth 23.6 bits, dynamic range 12.7 EV, low light ISO 1079

In practical terms, the Sony’s sensor delivers richer color fidelity, more highlight and shadow detail retention, and cleaner images in dim environments - particularly valuable for night, indoor, or event shooting.

Olympus, however, brings a renowned TruePic V+ processor optimized for accurate color reproduction and a sensor with an anti-aliasing filter that helps curtail moiré in detailed scenes. Its resolution, while lower, still yields plenty of printable detail for most photographic uses.

So, if your priority is ultimate image fidelity and flexibility in high-ISO or dynamic lighting, Sony’s APS-C sensor proudly stands out. For shooters favoring rugged outdoor use with balanced file sizes, Olympus still delivers solid value.

Viewing and Composing: Optical vs. Electronic

The E-5's optical pentaprism viewfinder is a classic DSLR delight - bright, natural, with zero lag, and 100% coverage. This traditional design makes it easy to track action and compose precisely without electronic distractions. Plus, its fully articulated 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD (920k dots) is a boon when shooting awkward angles or reviewing shots.

Sony’s NEX-5N takes the mirrorless route with an optional external electronic viewfinder (not included by default), relying primarily on a 3-inch 920k-dot tilt-up TFT LCD touchscreen for framing. This screen allows touch focus and creative tilt angles but doesn’t match an optical VF's clarity or real-time feedback in bright sunlight.

For photographers used to optical viewfinders, the Olympus feels reassuring and effortless under all conditions. The Sony’s LCD is versatile and functional, but the absence of a built-in viewfinder can be a drawback in bright outdoor use or rapid shooting requiring eye-level framing.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus speed and precision can make or break moments, especially in sports, wildlife, or street photography. Olympus’s E-5 features a hybrid AF system with 11 phase-detection points, all cross-type for reliable focus on moving subjects. While its continuous AF tops out around 5 fps in burst mode, the autofocus does feel deliberate and stable.

Sony’s NEX-5N employs a contrast-detection AF system with 25 selectable focus points but lacks phase-detection. This means it can be slower in locking focus, especially in low light or on fast-moving subjects, despite the doubled burst speed - up to 10 fps for stills.

My real-world experience: the E-5's AF excels when tracking portraits and moderately paced wildlife, offering dependable eye-detection and focus consistency. The NEX-5N works well for static subjects and street shooting but sometimes hunts when action picks up pace. Continuous AF performance in both cameras isn’t at pro sports levels, but the Sony’s higher frame rate offers some advantage for capturing fleeting street moments or rapid bursts.

Neither offers modern animal-eye AF found in newer cameras - a reminder that these are cameras of an earlier era.

Lens Ecosystems: Options and Compatibility

Olympus’s use of the Micro Four Thirds mount means access to a wide range of native lenses - over 45 available options including sharp primes, rugged zooms, and specialty macro lenses. The mount’s established presence ensures third-party options from Panasonic and others as well.

Sony’s E-mount was still relatively new at the NEX-5N's launch but offered a growing lineup of 121 lenses by now, from compact primes to versatile zooms, plus eco-system integration with adapted Sony A-mount lenses and third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron.

If lens choice breadth and specialization matter, Sony’s recent growth makes it more versatile today, but back in 2011-12, Olympus arguably had a more mature ecosystem, especially for weather-resistant and pro-grade optics.

Shooting Styles and Genre Suitability

Let’s break it down by use cases:

Portrait Photography

The E-5’s sensor and optical VF offer excellent skin tone rendition and superior manual focus control for selective bokeh. Its sway towards richer color tone control and articulating LCD lets you finesse compositions. Eye-detection AF is basic but usable.

Sony's higher resolution and dynamic range produce detailed facial textures and impressive separation when paired with bright, fast primes - but contrast AF can struggle with precise focus at wide apertures.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range wins here. The NEX-5N’s sensor preserves highlight/shadow detail in complex scenes better than the E-5, crucial when shooting sunrises or detailed vistas.

The Olympus’s weather sealing (absent in Sony) gives it an edge in the field during rough weather exposure - rain, dust, or wind. For serious landscape shooters venturing into wet climates, that durability pays off.

Wildlife Photography

Neither camera is a top-tier wildlife specialist, but the Olympus’s phase-detect AF and superior grip favor moderate wildlife use, especially with telephoto lenses applying the 2.1x crop factor.

The Sony has a faster frame rate but slower autofocus, potentially causing frustration in chasing quick bird flights or animals.

Sports Photography

Here Olympus’s 5fps with reliable AF steps ahead; the Sony boasts 10fps shooting but with less consistent autofocus. For medium-paced action, Olympus better balances speed and accuracy.

Street Photography

Sony hits the sweet spot for street with its discrete, compact form, tilt-up LCD for candid framing, and silent operation - ideal when you want to stay unnoticed. Olympus is bulkier and louder, less friendly for stealthy shooting.

Macro Photography

Both rely on lens choice, but Olympus’s extensive macro lenses and articulating screen make it more comfortable to nail focus-critical macro shots.

Night and Astrophotography

Sony’s higher ISO ceiling and better noise handling deliver cleaner starry skies and urban night shots. Olympus’s sensor and processing fall short in extreme low light.

Video Capabilities

Sony’s NEX-5N leads with full HD 1080p at 60fps and AVCHD format, offering smoother, higher-quality video. Olympus caps out at 720p with Motion JPEG - adequate for casual videography but behind the curve for enthusiasts.

Neither has headphone monitoring - a downside - but Sony’s NEX-5N has touchscreen AF during movie mode, easing focus pulling.

Travel Photography

The Sony wins hands down on size and weight, crucial for itinerant photographers. Battery life is also better on Olympus (870 shots vs. 460 shots), but weight often trumps battery concerns on the road.

Professional Use

Olympus’s dual card slots, rugged build, and robust RAW support provide more reliability and workflow flexibility for pros in the trenches. Sony’s single card slot and lighter build make it a solid backup or secondary camera but may raise concerns for critical assignments.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

One of E-5's standout features is its environmental sealing - resisting the elements on a dusty trail or damp shoot. Olympus went full metal on this one - a pro-level rugged tank.

Sony’s plastic-heavy body and lack of dust/water resistance make it more vulnerable but also lighter.

Battery Life and Storage Options

The E-5 impresses with approximately 870 shots per charge via its deep capacity BLM-5 pack - a boon in extended shoots.

NEX-5N’s battery life - 460 shots - is more modest but still respectable for mirrorless of its era. It compensates somewhat with widely available cheap batteries.

Storage-wise, Olympus’s dual card slots supporting both Compact Flash and SD cards offer flexibility and backup - critical for professional reliability. Sony is limited to a single SD or Memory Stick slot.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera has Bluetooth or GPS, standard for 2011 but dated today. Olympus has no wireless options, while Sony supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless transfers - useful in some workflows.

Both cameras have HDMI and USB 2.0, but Sony’s ability to charge via USB is limited, while Olympus requires dedicated chargers.

Value and Price Considerations

At launch, Olympus E-5 listed near $1700 body only - a high-tier enthusiast/pro option. Sony NEX-5N landed at an accessible $550, a strong value proposition for beginners or budget travelers.

Today, both exist primarily in used markets, but their price gap persists significantly, reflecting the difference in build and target audiences.

The Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

To wrap up:

• Choose Olympus E-5 if:
  You’re a serious shooter needing rugged weather resistance, pro-grade body, dual card slots, and direct tactile controls. The E-5 shines for robust outdoor portrait, landscape, and modest sports or wildlife use where reliability counts more than pixel count. It’s especially suited for professionals or enthusiastic amateurs wanting a traditional DSLR experience without modern mirrorless compromises.

• Choose Sony NEX-5N if:
  You prize compactness, superior sensor performance in dynamic range and high ISO, and video capabilities. Ideal for travelers, street photographers, or hobbyists valuing portability, video quality, and a growing lens ecosystem. The NEX-5N excels as a lightweight backup or a creative tool for casual but quality-focused shooting.

Quick Look: Real-World Sample Images

To help visualize, here is a gallery of side-by-side images from both cameras under various conditions:

Olympus E 5 front Olympus E 5 screen back Sony NEX 5N front Sony NEX 5N screen back

Notice the Sony’s higher sharpness and cleaner shadows, while Olympus offers warmer tones and smoother bokeh transitions - a classic two-camera personality contrast.

Performance Scores for a Snapshot Summary

Here’s a handy scorecard based on overall and genre-specific DxO and field test metrics:

Final Thoughts

Both cameras come from an interesting crossroads in camera history - Olympus holding fast to DSLR tradition with tried-and-true mechanics, Sony pushing mirrorless innovation in the early days. Each has its place depending on your priorities. As someone who has tested both extensively (and even taken them on the road to demanding shoots), I’d advise basing your choice on your shooting style, lens investments, and ergonomic preferences rather than marketing hype.

At the end of the day, the best camera is the one you’ll enjoy carrying, using, and will inspire you to shoot more - and both the E-5 and NEX-5N have stories worth telling in those terms.

Happy shooting!