Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony NEX-5T

Lets take a closer look at the Olympus E-PM2 and Sony NEX-5T, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the NEX-5T (16MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5T (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PM2 was released 3 months prior to the NEX-5T so they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple view of how the E-PM2 matches up vs the NEX-5T with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Sony Alpha NEX-5T. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Sony NEX-5T Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM2 provides external dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5T has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PM2 and Sony NEX-5T in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that moment. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PM2 against the NEX-5T.

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

Oftentimes, it is very tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading through specs. The visual here might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and NEX-5T.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras come with the identical MP albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-PM2 contains the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF tougher.