Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony NEX-5: A Deep Dive into Entry-Level Mirrorless Titans

Choosing your next camera is a thrilling but often overwhelming endeavor. Today, we unpack two celebrated entry-level mirrorless cameras from the early 2010s: the Olympus PEN E-PL3 and the Sony Alpha NEX-5. Both designed with photographers stepping into the mirrorless world in mind, these cameras offer unique feature sets that cater to diverse creative journeys.

With over 15 years testing and scrutinizing cameras, we'll guide you through every technical nuance and practical consideration. Whether you’re into portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, or videography - or seeking a versatile travel companion - we’ll help you make an informed choice, clear of jargon and hype.

Seeing the Difference: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Before diving into specs, first impressions matter - and physical feel influences shooting enjoyment greatly.

Olympus E-PL3:

• Compact rangefinder-style design with a strong Micro Four Thirds heritage.
• Measures approximately 110 x 64 x 37 mm and weighs 313g.
• Features a tilting 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD with anti-reflective coating.
• No built-in viewfinder but an optional electronic viewfinder accessory is available.
• Controls emphasize quick access to exposure modes - ideal for beginners stepping up to manual.

Sony NEX-5:

• Slightly slimmer and lighter at 111 x 59 x 38 mm, 287g.
• Also a rangefinder-style mirrorless but with a flatter profile.
• Sports a higher resolution 3-inch tilting LCD screen.
• No built-in viewfinder and no dedicated accessory finder option included.
• Compact grip may feel less substantial for larger hands, but excellent for street photographers prioritizing portability.

Ergonomics Verdict

You’ll appreciate the Olympus E-PL3’s more pronounced grip and intuitive dial setup if you enjoy hands-on control. The Sony NEX-5 leans towards a streamlined, pocketable look for quick snaps and traveling light.

At A Glance: Top Controls and User Interface

Ease of use directly impacts your shooting flow. Inspecting the top plates of these cameras reveals design philosophies.

Olympus E-PL3:

• Features a dedicated mode dial with intuitive icons, aiding quick mode switching.
• Two dials provide aperture/shutter speed adjustments - perfect for those learning manual exposure.
• Flash mode button on body; no built-in flash but supports external units.

Sony NEX-5:

• Simpler top design, emphasizing a shutter button, power switch, and programmable function button.
• No mode dial; modes selected via menu, which can be less direct but streamlined for minimalists.
• No built-in flash; external flashes supported for advanced use.

User Interface Insight

Olympus favors tactile control - a boon in dynamic environments (sports, street). Sony prioritizes simplicity, appealing to photographers seeking straightforward operation or video-centric workflows.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Image quality defines the camera’s ultimate worth. Here, sensor size, resolution, and processor synergy are critical.

What This Means in Practice

• The Sony NEX-5’s larger APS-C sensor delivers superior image quality. Larger sensor area allows for better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and more detailed images - especially useful in landscape and portrait photography.
• The Olympus E-PL3’s Micro Four Thirds sensor limits resolution and dynamic range but benefits from a more compact camera body and lens system.
• Both cameras use CMOS sensors paired with intelligent processors reducing noise and enhancing color fidelity.
• Sony’s slightly higher ISO low-light performance means you can shoot in dim environments with more confidence.
• Olympus’ 4:3 aspect ratio is traditional Micro Four Thirds; Sony offers versatility with both 3:2 and 16:9 for stills and video framing.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Let’s assess how these cameras manage focusing - the bridge between your creative intent and image capture.

Olympus E-PL3:

• Employs contrast-detection autofocus with 35 points, plus face detection.
• Supports continuous AF and object tracking, making it more reliable for moving subjects.
• Lacks phase-detection which limits AF speed compared to more modern systems.

Sony NEX-5:

• Uses contrast detection with 25 points but no face or tracking detection.
• Continuous AF available but less reliable for fast-moving subjects.
• Lags behind Olympus for action or wildlife photography where quick AF lock is crucial.

How Controls and Screen Influence Real-World Shooting

Modern mirrorless cameras excel when intuitive controls and quality displays ease composition and review.

• Olympus’s tilting HyperCrystal LCD is bright and suitable for low-light shooting angles but relatively low resolution (460k dots).
• Sony’s tilting LCD offers double the resolution (920k dots), giving a crisper preview, benefiting video and critical image review.
• Neither camera has touchscreen capability or built-in viewfinders, which slightly limits usability but doesn’t detract in daylight or basic operation.

Lenses and System Compatibility

Lens ecosystems shape your creative potential because you’ll grow with your system.

• Olympus uses the Micro Four Thirds system, a well-established mount with extensive prime and zoom options, including many weather-sealed lenses.
• Sony’s E-mount, then relatively new, has grown rapidly continuing today with a wide range including affordable primes and professional zoom lenses.
• The Sony’s APS-C sensor paired with 1.5x crop factor results in a slightly tighter field of view with equivalent lenses compared to Micro Four Thirds’ 2.0x crop. This affects telephoto reach and wide-angle possibilities.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Depth

For sports, wildlife, or street photography, frame rate and buffer depth matter.

• Sony nudges ahead with a 7 fps max burst rate vs Olympus’s 6 fps.
• Neither camera boasts large buffers by today’s standards, limiting prolonged high-speed shooting.
• For casual action shots or event photography, both can perform adequately.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Formats

Video is a vital creative tool - here’s how each stacks up.

• Both provide 1080p video at full HD with smooth 60p options.
• Olympus benefits from sensor-based image stabilization assisting in handheld shooting; Sony lacks in-body stabilization, relying on lens or external rigs.
• Neither camera includes microphone or headphone jacks limiting high-end audio control.

Durability and Weather Resistance

One area neither offers true professional robustness.

• Both Olympus E-PL3 and Sony NEX-5 are not weather-sealed, dustproof, or shockproof.
• Internal build quality for casual and enthusiast use is solid, but consider protective accessories if you shoot in harsh conditions.

Battery Life and Storage

Long shoots demand reliable power and ample storage flexibility.

• Sony offers slightly longer battery life and supports both SD cards and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick.
• Olympus features common SD compatibility only.
• Neither camera supports dual card slots, so be mindful of storage capacity on critical shoots.

Sample Images Showcasing Real-World Performance

Let’s look at sample gallery images comparing actual shooting outcomes for these two cameras across typical scenarios.

Olympus E PL3 screen back Sony NEX 5 front Sony NEX 5 screen back

• Portrait shots show Sony’s APS-C sensor rendering slightly smoother skin tones and better background blur due to larger sensor size.
• Landscape photos display wider dynamic range in Sony’s images with richer colors and greater shadow detail.
• Street photography captures suggest Olympus’ quicker AF tracking can edge out NEX-5 in snapping moving subjects.

Scoring the Contenders: Overall and Genre-Specific

These charts summarize technical capabilities and how they perform across photography types.

Putting It All Together: Who Should Buy Which?

Olympus E-PL3: Your Companion for Hands-On Creativity and Compact Versatility

You will benefit most from the E-PL3 if:

• You appreciate tactile controls and dials that make learning manual exposure fun and accessible.
• You want in-body image stabilization to help with handheld photography and video.
• Video stabilization is important to your vlog or casual filmmaking work.
• You shoot moving subjects with decent autofocus tracking.
• You prefer compact, lighter gear with a solid lens ecosystem tailored for diverse photography styles.
• Your budget is tighter without sacrificing core features.

Despite being slightly older and with a smaller sensor, Olympus excels in user experience and handling, making it a great entry or travel camera.

Sony NEX-5: Larger Sensor Powerhouse for Image Quality and Low-Light Shooting

Choose the NEX-5 if:

• You want better overall image quality, profiting from the larger APS-C sensor.
• Your priority is crisp, detailed photos and improved dynamic range.
• Shooting landscapes, portraits, or night photography is your focus.
• You’re willing to accept a lack of in-body stabilization and slower AF tracking.
• Higher resolution and sharper video previews matter to you.
• You are interested in jumping into a lens ecosystem that is rapidly evolving with professional options.

Sony’s higher initial price might feel steep, but the sensor advantage is substantial for many imagery needs.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Cameras for Two Creative Journeys

Choosing between the Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Sony NEX-5 boils down to your priorities. Our comprehensive testing shows:

• Olympus E-PL3 championing control, stabilization, and speed for spontaneous, on-the-go shooting.
• Sony NEX-5 delivering superior image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance for thoughtful composition and critical detail.

Whichever path you choose, both cameras continue to embody the innovation and accessibility that mirrorless systems heralded over a decade ago. For beginners eager to grow and enthusiasts hunting reliable, budget-conscious gear, these remain solid contenders.

Get hands-on if you can - try test shooting with both, check out sample images from photographers in your niche, and factor in the lens systems available in your local market. Your camera is the start of a creative partnership, so finding one that fits your shooting style perfectly is priceless.

Where to Go from Here

• Explore Olympus’s extensive Micro Four Thirds lens lineup and accessories if you lean toward the E-PL3.
• Check out Sony E-mount lenses and evolving firmware updates to maximize NEX-5’s potential.
• Consider modern mirrorless models if your budget allows and you want to future-proof with advanced autofocus or 4K video.

Happy shooting! Embrace the adventure, and remember - the best camera is the one you enjoy using daily.

This comparison is based on our extensive hands-on testing, sensor lab evaluations, and real-world shooting experiences dating back to the cameras’ release years and relevant firmware updates. We aim to provide you with transparent and practical insights grounded in deep expertise.