Olympus E-P5 vs Sony A57

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-P5 versus Sony A57, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-P5 (16MP) and the A57 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the E-P5 (Four Thirds) and A57 (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The E-P5 was brought out 13 months later than the A57 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the E-P5 matches up against the A57 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P5 & Sony SLT-A57. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-P5 Gallery & Sony A57 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-P5 has physical dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") along with a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs) while the Sony A57 has specifications of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") and a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P5 versus Sony A57 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at the time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-P5 against the A57.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P5 and A57 is 85 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to imagine the difference in sensor measurements purely by seeing a spec sheet. The visual here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P5 and A57.

As you can see, the two cameras come with the identical megapixels albeit different sensor measurements. The E-P5 features the smaller sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF trickier. The more modern E-P5 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.