Olympus E-P1 vs Sony NEX-5

Lets look much closer at the Olympus E-P1 vs Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively similar but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

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The E-P1 was manufactured 10 months before the NEX-5 and they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-P1 grades against the NEX-5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P1 has exterior measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P1 vs Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that moment. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-P1 versus the NEX-5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and NEX-5 is 86 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes only by going over technical specs. The picture underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P1 and NEX-5.

As you have seen, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-P1 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony NEX-5 will offer you extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.