Olympus E-520 vs Sony WX5

Here, we will be looking at the Olympus E-520 versus Sony WX5, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-520 (10MP) and the WX5 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-520 (Four Thirds) and WX5 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizing.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The E-520 was released 22 months before the WX5 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony WX5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-520 matches up versus the WX5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-520 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-520 Gallery and Sony WX5 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-520 comes with outer dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) and the Sony WX5 has measurements of 92mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-520 versus Sony WX5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have during that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-520 compared to the WX5.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-520 and WX5 is 68 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizing purely by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-520 and WX5.

As you can see, each of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-520 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sony WX5 will give you more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older E-520 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.