Olympus E-PL5 vs Sony NEX-5

Here, we are contrasting the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is very close but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL5 was revealed 2 years later than the NEX-5 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the E-PL5 scores versus the NEX-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL5 comes with outside dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony NEX-5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select during that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PL5 and the NEX-5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and NEX-5 is 88 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizing purely by viewing specs. The visual below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and NEX-5.

All in all, each of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Olympus E-PL5 will provide you with greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The newer E-PL5 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.