Olympus E-P1 vs Sony NEX-5N

Lets take a deeper look at the Olympus E-P1 vs Sony NEX-5N, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5N (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

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The E-P1 was brought out 3 years earlier than the NEX-5N which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short view of how the E-P1 matches up vs the NEX-5N in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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

If you are planning to carry around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P1 has got external measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5N has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-P1 vs Sony NEX-5N in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is the front view size comparison of the E-P1 and the NEX-5N.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P1 and NEX-5N is 86 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizes just by checking out technical specs. The image here may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P1 and NEX-5N.

As you have seen, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-P1 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sony NEX-5N will provide greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.