Olympus E-600 vs Sony NEX-5

In this article, we are evaluating the Olympus E-600 vs Sony NEX-5, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-600 (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the E-600 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5 (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

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The E-600 was announced 9 months earlier than the NEX-5 so they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-600 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summary of how the E-600 scores vs the NEX-5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-600 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-600 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-600 comes with physical measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 60mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.4") and a weight of 515 grams (1.14 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-600 vs Sony NEX-5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the E-600 against the NEX-5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-600 and NEX-5 is 71 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by seeing a spec sheet. The pic below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-600 and NEX-5.

Clearly, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-600 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Sony NEX-5 will provide extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged E-600 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.