Olympus E-510 vs Sony NEX-5N: An In-Depth Comparison for Photographers in Search of Their Next Camera

Selecting the right camera can profoundly impact your photographic journey, whether you’re a hobbyist seeking fresh creative expression or a professional demanding reliable, high-performance gear. In this article, we meticulously compare two cameras from distinct eras and design philosophies: the Olympus E-510, a mid-2000s advanced DSLR, and the Sony Alpha NEX-5N, an early 2010s entry-level mirrorless model. Although both models debuted with similar price tags around $550, their technologies, capabilities, and use case suitability differ significantly.

Drawing upon hands-on testing experience accumulated over 15 years in the field, we evaluate the relevant specifications, core technologies, user experience, and practical output of these two cameras across an extensive range of photographic disciplines. Our goal is to provide photography enthusiasts and professionals with clear, evidence-based insights to guide their purchase decisions.

1. Design and Ergonomics: Assessing Handling in Real-World Use

The physical form factor and handling characteristics fundamentally influence shooting comfort and operational efficiency - particularly in fast-paced or long-duration scenarios.

Olympus E-510: Traditional DSLR Approach

The Olympus E-510, launched in late 2007, embodies the classic DSLR body style with dimensions measuring 136x92x68 mm and a weight of 490 g. Its mid-size SLR chassis offers a robust grip and conventional control layout. The camera employs a pentamirror optical viewfinder providing 95% frame coverage with 0.46x magnification - by today’s standards somewhat modest but typical for entry to mid-level DSLRs of that era.

Physically, the E-510’s more substantial body accommodates built-in sensor-shift image stabilization, a feature that benefits users still reliant on non-stabilized lenses. This larger form factor, while less discreet, is appreciated by photographers accustomed to traditional DSLRs needing extended grip stability.

Sony NEX-5N: Compact and Mirrorless Efficiency

In sharp contrast, the Sony NEX-5N is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera with an impressively compact footprint of 111x59x38 mm and a lightweight 269 g - almost half the weight of the Olympus. This size advantage lends itself to enhanced portability, making the NEX-5N particularly appealing for street, travel, and casual photography where discretion is valued.

The NEX-5N eschews an optical viewfinder by default, instead relying on a tilting 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD with high resolution (920k dots), supplemented by an optional electronic viewfinder (sold separately). The touchscreen capability is a significant ergonomic advancement over the fixed 2.5-inch LCD on the E-510, offering more intuitive focus control and menu navigation.

Top Control Layouts

While the E-510 features classic DSLR dials and buttons catering to manual exposure control (AP, Shutter priority, Manual), the Sony NEX-5N’s controls favor simplicity with customizable buttons but lack dedicated mode dials. Instead, the NEX relies more heavily on touchscreen UI for accessibility. This can slow down experienced manual shooters but reduces complexity for beginners.

Summary on Ergonomics

The Olympus E-510’s size provides a familiar and comfortable handling experience for traditional DSLR users prioritizing stability, while the Sony NEX-5N’s compactness and touchscreen tilt angle favor mobility and ease of use. Photographers who prioritize discreetness and travel-friendly gear will prefer the NEX-5N, whereas those valuing a classic DSLR grip may lean toward the E-510.

2. Sensor and Image Quality: Understanding the Core Imaging Capabilities

The image sensor remains the heart of any digital camera, directly affecting resolution, dynamic range, noise performance, and color fidelity. Evaluating sensor technology, size, and performance benchmarks is key to anticipating final image quality.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison

• Olympus E-510: Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3x13 mm, offering a surface area of approximately 225 mm², with a resolution of 10 megapixels (3648x2736 max image size).
• Sony NEX-5N: APS-C sensor measuring 23.4x15.6 mm, a notably larger sensor area of 365 mm² (approx. 62% larger than Four Thirds), and a higher resolution of 16 megapixels (4912x3264 max image size).

The significant sensor size advantage in the NEX-5N translates to larger photosites, which generally yield better noise characteristics and dynamic range. This aligns with DxOMark sensor test scores - the NEX-5N scores 77 overall, compared to the E-510’s 52. Further, the NEX-5N boasts superior color depth (23.6 bits vs 21.2 bits) and dynamic range (12.7 Evs vs 10.0 Evs), factors critical for retaining detail in highlights and shadows.

ISO Range and Low-Light Performance

The E-510 offers a maximum native ISO of 1600, whereas the NEX-5N extends up to a staggering 25600 (though noise at extreme ISOs is still pronounced). Measuring practical signal-to-noise ratios, the Sony maintains usable detail and controlled grain at ISO 1600 and beyond, outperforming the Olympus by a significant margin - a distinct advantage for users shooting in variable lighting or night conditions.

Image File Support and Color

Both cameras support RAW capture, essential for professional workflows that require maximum flexibility in post-processing. The Olympus uses the Four Thirds aspect ratio of 4:3, while the NEX-5N offers options for 3:2 and 16:9 cropping, providing versatility depending on compositional preference.

Anti-Aliasing Filter and Sharpness

Both cameras employ optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filters to reduce moiré artifacts, although the impact on perceived sharpness differs. The E-510’s 10 MP sensor creates images with reasonable fine detail reproduction at base ISO, but the NEX-5N’s higher resolution and larger sensor edges it ahead in resolving power and subtle tonal gradation.

3. Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed in Various Shooting Contexts

Accurate and responsive autofocus (AF) is indispensable, especially for genres like wildlife, sports, and portraiture where critical focus affects creative outcomes.

Olympus E-510: Early Phase Detection AF

The E-510 employs a phase-detection autofocus system with 3 focus points arranged centrally, including limited cross-type points (not officially specified). It supports single, continuous, and selective AF modes but lacks face or eye detection capabilities. Its AF performance is reliable in good light but tends to be slower and less adaptable in dim conditions, partly due to the absence of contrast detection or hybrid AF.

Sony NEX-5N: Contrast-Detection with Face Recognition

The NEX-5N uses a contrast-detection AF system with 25 AF points, offering finer area selection and incorporating face detection, a notable advancement not available on the E-510. Autofocus speed is brisk in bright conditions but can lag in low light compared to modern hybrid AF designs. Continuous AF works well for still subjects, but neither camera supports advanced tracking or animal eye AF.

Live View Autofocus and Manual Focus Aids

The NEX-5N benefits from real-time live view autofocus, assisted by the touchscreen for focus point selection and manual focus magnification. In contrast, the E-510, though it has live view functionality, lacks autofocus support in live view mode, requiring manual focusing - often challenging given the low-resolution screen.

4. Build Quality and Durability: Constructing Cameras for Real-World Use

The physical robustness and environmental resistance of a camera can be critical for professionals or advanced hobbyists shooting outdoors in challenging conditions.

Both the Olympus and Sony models lack environmental sealing or weatherproof features, making them unsuitable for intense or wet environments. No waterproofing, dustproofing, or shockproofing certifications apply.

The E-510’s traditional DSLR construction offers a relatively solid feel, with sturdy buttons and a metal lens mount that suits demanding situations better than the NEX-5N’s polycarbonate-based mirrorless shell, which, while portable, may feel less reassuringly robust during heavy use.

5. Display and Viewfinder Technology: Framing and Reviewing Images

A photographer’s ability to accurately frame and evaluate composition depends heavily on the viewfinder and rear-display technology.

Olympus E-510: Fixed, Small LCD and Optical Viewfinder

The E-510 sports a fixed 2.5-inch LCD screen with 230k dot resolution, modest by current and even contemporaneous standards, making fine focus verification challenging. Its pentamirror optical viewfinder offers approximately 95% coverage with low magnification.

Sony NEX-5N: Large Tilting Touchscreen and Optional EVF

The NEX-5N boasts a 3-inch 920k dot tilt-up TFT LCD with touchscreen capabilities, allowing easier composition from difficult angles, including low or high perspectives - features invaluable in street and travel photography.

While the NEX-5N lacks a built-in EVF, one can be added externally. The electronic viewfinder option provides accurate real-time exposure previews and focus confirmation, a considerable advantage over the Olympus’s optical finder in certain situations.

The E-510’s lack of touchscreen and lower screen resolution somewhat hinders intuitive use, while the NEX-5N’s interface leverages these modern features to speed workflow and empower creative framing.

6. Continuous Shooting and Buffer Performance: Capturing Fast Action

Burst mode performance is critical for sports and wildlife photography where capturing decisive moments matters.

• Olympus E-510: Offers a modest 3.0 fps continuous shooting rate.
• Sony NEX-5N: Delivers an impressive 10 fps burst mode.

The NEX-5N’s faster frame rate provides a decisive advantage for capturing action sequences or fleeting expressions, despite the relatively small buffer depth limiting prolonged bursts.

7. Specialized Genre Performance: Which Camera Excels Where?

To assist with practical purchasing decisions, we break down the cameras’ strengths and limitations within key photography genres.

Portrait Photography

• E-510: The Four Thirds sensor yields good skin tone rendering but slightly less creamy out-of-focus bokeh due to the smaller sensor size and crop factor (2.1x).
• NEX-5N: APS-C sensor allows shallower depth-of-field and better subject isolation; supports face detection AF improving eye focus accuracy, critical in portraiture.

Verdict: NEX-5N’s larger sensor and advanced AF suit portraits better.

Landscape Photography

• E-510: Decent dynamic range (10 EV) and 10 MP resolution allow for solid landscape detail, but limited sensor size restricts ultimate image quality.
• NEX-5N: Superior dynamic range (12.7 EV) and 16 MP resolution capture richer tonal gradations and detail.

Weather sealing is absent in both, impacting outdoor durability.

Verdict: NEX-5N’s sensor offers better landscapes image quality.

Wildlife Photography

• Autofocus speed and burst frame rate crucial.
• E-510: 3 AF points and 3 fps continuous shooting constrains tracking fast subjects.
• NEX-5N: 25 AF points, face detection, and 10 fps burst vastly improve capture potential.

Lens options for super-telephoto are more extensive in Sony's ecosystem as well.

Verdict: NEX-5N preferred for wildlife with faster AF and frame rate.

Sports Photography

Similar needs as wildlife: AF accuracy and burst speed.

• E-510 limitations in fps and AF coverage hamper fast action shooting.
• NEX-5N’s specs better suited despite lack of advanced tracking.

Street Photography

• Size, weight, and discreetness are key.
• NEX-5N’s small size and tilt screen promote low-profile shooting.
• E-510’s bulkier DSLR style more conspicuous.

Macro Photography

• Sensor stabilization on E-510 benefits hand-held macro shooting.
• NEX-5N lacks IBIS but lens-based stabilization in compatible lenses may compensate.
• Manual focus aids on NEX-5N’s magnified touchscreen help precision focusing.

Night and Astro Photography

• Strong high ISO performance is vital.
• NEX-5N’s expanded ISO range and lower noise deliver better night shooting.
• E-510’s ISO 1600 max and sensor age limit image usability.

Video Capabilities

• E-510 offers none.
• NEX-5N supports up to 1080p at 60 fps, leveraging AVCHD codec.

Video shooters clearly benefit from the NEX-5N’s capabilities.

Travel Photography

• Size, weight, battery life, and versatility.
• NEX-5N’s compactness and tilting touchscreen ideal for travel.
• Battery life favors NEX-5N (~460 shots vs unknown for E-510).
• More modern connectivity options (Eye-Fi card support) aid image transfer.

Professional Usage

• Both cameras lag modern professional standards (no weather sealing or advanced AF)
• E-510 files supported in RAW, but limited image quality and ISO flexibility.
• NEX-5N offers higher-quality files and more versatile workflow integration.

8. Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens availability fundamentally impacts camera value.

• Olympus E-510 uses the Four Thirds mount, offering about 45 native interchangeable lenses.
• Sony NEX-5N utilizes the Sony E mount, with access to over 120 lenses including third-party options.

Sony’s mirrorless system lens lineup far surpasses Olympus’s Four Thirds DSLR ecosystem in quantity and variety, spanning wide-angle, macro, telephoto, and specialty lenses - important for system growth.

9. Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

The NEX-5N supports a rechargeable NP-FW50 battery rated for about 460 shots per charge, suitable for extended outings. Olympus E-510 battery life is unspecified in official specs and tends to be lower with older battery technology.

Regarding storage:

• E-510 supports Compact Flash and xD Picture Cards.
• NEX-5N offers more modern SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick compatibility.

On connectivity:

• Neither camera includes Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• NEX-5N uniquely supports Eye-Fi wireless cards enabling some wireless image transfer, useful for tethered shooting or rapid sharing.

10. Price-to-Performance Value: Which Should You Choose?

Both cameras launched with comparable prices near $550, but the market availability often favors used or refurbished units now.

Olympus E-510

• Strengths: Sensor-based image stabilization, traditional DSLR handling, dependable AF in decent light.
• Limitations: Lower resolution, smaller sensor, no video, dated UI, limited continuous shooting speed.
• Ideal For: Enthusiasts transitioning from entry-level DSLRs, those valuing in-body stabilization and classic ergonomics.

Sony NEX-5N

• Strengths: Larger APS-C sensor, higher resolution, superior ISO performance, modern touchscreen, full HD video.
• Limitations: No built-in stabilization, smaller grip, no built-in EVF, autofocus less effective in low light.
• Ideal For: Travel, video content creators, street photographers, and anyone desiring modern touchscreen control within an affordable mirrorless system.

11. Conclusion and Recommendations

Olympus E 510 front Olympus E 510 screen back Sony NEX 5N front Sony NEX 5N screen back

From an exhaustive analysis encompassing sensor performance, autofocus, build ergonomics, lens ecosystem, and specialized photographic uses, the Sony NEX-5N emerges as the more versatile and technically superior camera, primarily due to its larger sensor, improved image quality, faster continuous shooting, and video capabilities.

However, the Olympus E-510 retains value for photographers who appreciate traditional DSLR feel, sensor-based image stabilization, and a robust system of Four Thirds lenses, making it a viable choice for portrait and macro users preferring a classic approach.

Who Should Buy the Olympus E-510?

• DSLR enthusiasts looking for a beginner-friendly, affordable Four Thirds system.
• Photographers who shoot predominantly in well-lit conditions and desire sensor stabilization.
• Hobbyists who favor optical viewfinders and classic ergonomics over size and touchscreen.

Who Should Choose the Sony NEX-5N?

• Ambitious hobbyists and semi-pros seeking the benefits of a larger APS-C sensor.
• Content creators needing Full HD video along with stills.
• Street and travel photographers who prioritize portability, touchscreen controls, and fast shooting speeds.
• Users wanting access to an expansive modern lens ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

While these two cameras represent significant design and technological leaps from their respective introduction dates - DSLR heritage on Olympus’s side and mirrorless innovation with Sony - their direct comparison underscores the rapid progress in sensor and user interface design over a mere four-year span.

For photographers today researching legacy or budget-friendly options, the Sony NEX-5N clearly offers more future-proofed features and imaging fidelity, particularly if video or versatility across photographic genres is important. Yet, the E-510 shines as a capable platform for those preferring DSLR tradition and sensor stabilization at a reasonable price point.

We trust this detailed comparison, grounded in substantive first-hand testing and technical scrutiny, equips you to make a confident choice aligned to your specific creative goals and shooting preferences.

Thank you for reading this comparative review. Happy shooting!