Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony NEX-5

The following is a detailed assessment of the Olympus E-PM2 versus Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5 (APS-C) provide different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PM2 was manufactured 2 years after the NEX-5 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-PM2 matches up versus the NEX-5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM2 features external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PM2 versus Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PM2 and the NEX-5.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM2 and NEX-5 is 89 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions merely by seeing technical specs. The image underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM2 and NEX-5.

As you can tell, each of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PM2 because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Olympus E-PM2 will produce extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The fresher E-PM2 provides an edge in sensor tech.