Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony NEX-5

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL2 was introduced 9 months later than the NEX-5 so they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the E-PL2 matches up versus the NEX-5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera often, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL2 provides external dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony NEX-5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL2 and the NEX-5.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and NEX-5 is 85 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizing merely by checking specs. The graphic underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL2 and NEX-5.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL2 having a tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh trickier and the Sony NEX-5 will resolve extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs more aggressively. The more modern E-PL2 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.