Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony NEX-5R

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony NEX-5R, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and NEX-5R (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5R (APS-C) provide totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL1 was released 3 years prior to the NEX-5R which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-PL1 matches up against the NEX-5R in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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

When you are going to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1 has exterior dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5R has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony NEX-5R in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PL1 against the NEX-5R.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and NEX-5R is 86 and 89 respectively.

Often, its tough to visualise the difference in sensor dimensions simply by viewing specs. The image here should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1 and NEX-5R.

All in all, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Sony NEX-5R will result in more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.