Olympus E-PL6 vs Sony NEX-5

Below, we are looking at the Olympus E-PL6 vs Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by rivals Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PL6 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is very comparable but the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL6 was unveiled 4 years later than the NEX-5 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the E-PL6 scores against the NEX-5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL6 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL6 features physical dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL6 vs Sony NEX-5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL6 compared to the NEX-5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL6 and NEX-5 is 88 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizing simply by seeing specs. The photograph underneath may give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL6 and NEX-5.

As you can plainly see, both cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL6 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Olympus E-PL6 will produce more detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The newer E-PL6 provides an edge in sensor technology.