Olympus FE-4030 vs Sony NEX-5N

Here is a thorough overview of the Olympus FE-4030 vs Sony NEX-5N, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FE-4030 (14MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is very similar but the FE-4030 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The FE-4030 was introduced 21 months earlier than the NEX-5N making them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus FE-4030 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a short summary of how the FE-4030 grades against the NEX-5N in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus FE-4030 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The whole galleries are available at Olympus FE-4030 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus FE-4030 offers exterior measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5N has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Examine the Olympus FE-4030 vs Sony NEX-5N in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at the time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the FE-4030 against the NEX-5N.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FE-4030 and NEX-5N is 95 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to envision the gap between sensor sizing only by going over a spec sheet. The photograph below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the FE-4030 and NEX-5N.

Clearly, both the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FE-4030 with its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh tougher and the Sony NEX-5N will deliver greater detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images a bit more aggressively. The older FE-4030 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.