Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony NEX-5

In this article, we are matching up the Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is fairly close but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor size.

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The E-PM1 was brought out 18 months after the NEX-5 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief view of how the E-PM1 scores against the NEX-5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM1 provides physical measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony NEX-5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the NEX-5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and NEX-5 is 89 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to see the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by researching technical specs. The picture underneath will give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM1 and NEX-5.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PM1 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony NEX-5 will render extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop images a little more aggressively. The more recent E-PM1 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.