Olympus E-P5 vs Sony A290

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-P5 versus Sony A290, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-P5 (16MP) and the A290 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-P5 (Four Thirds) and A290 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-P5 was revealed 3 years later than the A290 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-P5 scores vs the A290 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P5 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P5 enjoys outer dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs) and the Sony A290 has measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") along with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P5 versus Sony A290 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose during that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the E-P5 versus the A290.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-P5 and A290 is 85 and 66 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizing purely by looking at specifications. The photograph below will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P5 and A290.

Plainly, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-P5 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Olympus E-P5 will give you more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more recent E-P5 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.