Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony NEX-5R

Let's look a little more closely at the Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony NEX-5R, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and NEX-5R (16MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5R (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL3 was manufactured 11 months before the NEX-5R so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the E-PL3 grades vs the NEX-5R with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 has got outside dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5R has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony NEX-5R in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL3 and the NEX-5R.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and NEX-5R is 88 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to see the difference between sensor sizing just by reading a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will help offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and NEX-5R.

As you can see, the two cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Sony NEX-5R will offer you extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older E-PL3 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.