Olympus E-M1 vs Sony NEX-5R

Its time to examine more closely at the Olympus E-M1 vs Sony NEX-5R, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is relatively similar but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5R (APS-C) use different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 was manufactured 15 months after the NEX-5R which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the E-M1 grades vs the NEX-5R with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-M1 has got exterior dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5R has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-M1 vs Sony NEX-5R in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-M1 vs the NEX-5R.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 and NEX-5R is 71 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions simply by going over technical specs. The image underneath should give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M1 and NEX-5R.

As you have seen, both of those cameras offer the same exact resolution albeit different sensor dimensions. The E-M1 uses the tinier sensor which is going to make getting bokeh more challenging. The fresher E-M1 provides an edge in sensor technology.