Olympus E-P1 vs Sony NEX-5R

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Olympus E-P1 vs Sony NEX-5R, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and NEX-5R (16MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5R (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-P1 was manufactured 4 years before the NEX-5R which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple overview of how the E-P1 scores vs the NEX-5R with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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

When you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P1 provides external measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5R has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

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

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at the time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the E-P1 against the NEX-5R.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and NEX-5R is 86 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to envision the gap between sensor sizes purely by looking at technical specs. The picture below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P1 and NEX-5R.

As you can tell, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-P1 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony NEX-5R will give greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.