Olympus E-M10 III vs Sony NEX-5

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-M10 III and Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-M10 III (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the E-M10 III (Four Thirds) and NEX-5 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-M10 III was released 7 years after the NEX-5 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M10 III being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the E-M10 III matches up against the NEX-5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M10 III Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M10 III has exterior measurements of 122mm x 84mm x 50mm (4.8" x 3.3" x 2.0") with a weight of 410 grams (0.90 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-M10 III and Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the E-M10 III compared to the NEX-5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-M10 III and NEX-5 is 80 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to see the gap between sensor sizes merely by checking technical specs. The image here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M10 III and NEX-5.

As you have seen, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-M10 III because of its tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Olympus E-M10 III will give you more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The newer E-M10 III is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.