Olympus E-PL5 vs Sony QX10

Below is a extensive assessment of the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony QX10, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Lens-style by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the QX10 (18MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and QX10 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL5 was launched 11 months before the QX10 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony QX10 being a Lens-style camera.

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise overview of how the E-PL5 grades against the QX10 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX10. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Sony QX10 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera often, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 comes with outside dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Sony QX10 has measurements of 62mm x 62mm x 33mm (2.4" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 105 grams (0.23 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony QX10 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL5 and the QX10.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and QX10 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements simply by looking at technical specs. The visual below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and QX10.

As you can tell, both of those cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL5 due to its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony QX10 will give you greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older E-PL5 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.