Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony NEX-5T

Its time to examine more in depth at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Sony NEX-5T, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and NEX-5T (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5T (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1 was brought out 4 years before the NEX-5T which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-PL1 grades vs the NEX-5T with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Sony Alpha NEX-5T. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Sony NEX-5T Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 features physical measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5T has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1 versus Sony NEX-5T in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the NEX-5T.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1 and NEX-5T is 86 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizes simply by researching specs. The image underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and NEX-5T.

All in all, both cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Sony NEX-5T will provide you with greater detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics much more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 will be behind in sensor technology.