Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony NEX-5T

Here, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-PM1 versus Sony NEX-5T, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and NEX-5T (16MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5T (APS-C) posses different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM1 was introduced 21 months before the NEX-5T which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a brief view of how the E-PM1 scores against the NEX-5T when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Sony Alpha NEX-5T. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Sony NEX-5T Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM1 offers exterior 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-5T has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM1 versus Sony NEX-5T in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use at that moment. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PM1 vs the NEX-5T.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and NEX-5T is 89 and 89 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizing only by checking specifications. The graphic underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and NEX-5T.

Plainly, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony NEX-5T will give you more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The older E-PM1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.