Olympus E-PL5 vs Sony WX70

Following is a extended analysis of the Olympus E-PL5 versus Sony WX70, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the WX70 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and WX70 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was introduced 8 months after the WX70 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony WX70 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the E-PL5 grades against the WX70 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX70. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Sony WX70 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL5 has physical dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Sony WX70 has specifications of 92mm x 52mm x 19mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.7") and a weight of 114 grams (0.25 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL5 versus Sony WX70 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PL5 against the WX70.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and WX70 is 88 and 97 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizes merely by looking at specifications. The picture below will give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and WX70.

Plainly, both of these cameras feature the identical megapixel count but not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL5 offers the larger sensor which should make achieving bokeh simpler. The more modern E-PL5 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.