Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony NEX-5N

On this page, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL1 versus Sony NEX-5N, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Sony. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5N (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1 was launched 16 months before the NEX-5N which makes them a generation away from one another. Both cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-PL1 scores vs the NEX-5N with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1 offers external dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5N has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1 versus Sony NEX-5N in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the NEX-5N.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and NEX-5N is 86 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to picture the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing specs. The picture here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1 and NEX-5N.

As you can plainly see, both cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony NEX-5N will offer you extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.