Olympus E-PL5 vs Sony W560

On this page, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PL5 versus Sony W560, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the W560 (14MP) is very comparable but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and W560 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL5 was launched 21 months after the W560 making them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony W560 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick view of how the E-PL5 grades vs the W560 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Sony W560 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL5 has external dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Sony W560 has proportions of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL5 versus Sony W560 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL5 compared to the W560.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and W560 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to see the difference in sensor sizes simply by checking out specs. The pic here might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and W560.

All in all, each of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PL5 featuring a larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PL5 will provide extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more recent E-PL5 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.