Olympus SP-565UZ vs Sony NEX-5

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Olympus SP-565UZ vs Sony NEX-5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the SP-565UZ (10MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the SP-565UZ (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The SP-565UZ was released 16 months before the NEX-5 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-565UZ being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SP-565UZ scores against the NEX-5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-565UZ and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-565UZ Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-565UZ has outer measurements of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") along with a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) whilst 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).

Compare the Olympus SP-565UZ vs Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising at the time. The following is the front view size comparison of the SP-565UZ vs the NEX-5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-565UZ and NEX-5 is 72 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to picture the gap between sensor dimensions just by going over technical specs. The pic below should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-565UZ and NEX-5.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SP-565UZ because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony NEX-5 will offer more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged SP-565UZ is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.