Olympus E-M5 vs Sony A580

Here is a in-depth assessment of the Olympus E-M5 vs Sony A580, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-M5 (16MP) and the A580 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and A580 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor measurements.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-M5 was unveiled 12 months later than the A580 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the E-M5 matches up against the A580 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-M5 Gallery and Sony A580 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-M5 provides exterior measurements of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Sony A580 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-M5 vs Sony A580 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the E-M5 and the A580.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M5 and A580 is 81 and 64 respectively.

Often, it is tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizing only by going through technical specs. The photograph underneath should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M5 and A580.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have the same MP albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-M5 features the smaller sensor which is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging. The fresher E-M5 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.